Government of Tamil Nadu had constituted a Technical Committee to ascertain the cause of the ammonia leak in Ennore on 26/12/2023. Following a thorough examination and careful consideration, the Technical Committee determined that the release of ammonia occurred from the undersea pipeline belonging to Coromandel International Ltd., situated near the shoreline. The committee also noted that the substantial movement of dense granite boulders around the pipeline, induced by Cyclone Michaung, may have led to pipeline damage, consequently causing the leakage of ammonia gas. This Notification was published on 04.02.2024.
In response to safety concerns, the unit proposes comprehensive upgrades to its offshore ammonia pipeline and fertiliser plant. Recommendations include a state-of-the-art monitoring system, enhanced protection for pipeline crossings, mandatory pressure tests before ammonia transfer, and the installation of ammonia sensors for early leak detection. The unit commits to safety audits, automatic control system upgrades, and regular risk assessments. The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) is urged to enforce environmental compensation and take legal action for non-compliance. The government has endorsed the Technical Committee’s recommendations for immediate implementation.
