Chennai oil spill: People involved in cleaning sludge may contract deadly diseases, says report

A tragic oil spill on the Chennai's Marina Beach has turned the city beach into a nightmare and even more dangerous after doctors issued warnings on health issues of those involved in cleaning the toxic sludge. On january 28 two shipping vessels had collided outside the Kamarajar Port at Ennore, resulting in rupture for one of them which led to an oil spill.

According to the reports workers who have been involved in the clean-up operations without proper protective gear may contract cancer and other health problems relating to the liver and kidney including the crew, fisherfolk and residents. 

The mishap had occurred at around 4 AM on January 28 when 'M T BW Maple', with a flag of Isle of Man, was leaving theport after emptying Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and 'M T Dawn Kanchipuram', loaded with petroleum oil lubricant (POL)was on its way to the berth at the Kamarajar Port at Ennore.

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The National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management in Tamil Nadu has been tasked with mapping the environmental impact of the oil spill following a collision between two ships last month in Chennai.

The National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management in Tamil Nadu has been tasked with mapping the environmental impact of the oil spill following a collision.

Environment Secretary A N Jha said that the enquiry on the shipping company involved in the accident is ongoing andaction will be taken based on the report.

Also Read: Chennai oil spill spreads amid massive shore clean-up efforts

"The National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management in Tamil Nadu has been assigned the task to map the impact ofthe oil spill. The Environment Ministry has taken a lot of measures," Jha said. He said soon after the accident, the Environment Ministry had issued guidelines to the Ministry of Shipping to take allurgent measures under the Environment Protection Act.

 Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) too had issued directions and guidelines under powers vested in them, hesaid. "Our regional office in Chennai and regional experts have gone and been in touch with Tamil Nadu government and coastalauthorities. They have been sending us reports on a day-to-day basis," he said.

The Environment Ministry had earlier said that it is likely to issue a showcause notice to the Kamarajar Port(Ennore port) in Chennai for "mishandling" the oil spill following a collision between the two ships.

 "That enquiry is going on and as soon as we get the report from the Ministry of Shipping, they will take action," Jhasaid when asked whether any action will be taken against the company.

(With PTI inputs)