Following the recent oil leak in Chennai’s Ennore neighborhood, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) raised dissatisfaction with the Chennai Petroleum Corporation Ltd (CPCL)’s mitigation efforts and issued an extreme warning. The NGT questioned why more oil suckers and machines were not immediately sent to deal with the spill, highlighting the critical nature of the situation.

The CPCL, the source of the oil spill, responded by promising to remove 95% of the spilled oil by Sunday. Concerns remain, however, because the spill has already spread over 20 square kilometers into the sea, damaging the environmentally weak Ennore stream. The NGT has warned of future delays in reduction, implying as tough steps may be taken.

The Tamil Nadu government claimed that 7,260 litres of oil and 20 tons of contaminated soil had been successfully removed from the site. Despite these precautions, the oil spill has left noticeable traces along the shores of one of Chennai’s major rivers, the Kosasthalaiyar. Fishermen, whose livelihoods are at risk, have raised concern about vast fish loss as a result of the oil contamination.

The disaster occurred while Chennai was still dealing with the effects of Cyclone Michaung. The spill, that got worse by poor storm water management at CPCL during last week’s floods, forced the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board to step in. The Board has directed the CPCL to identify oil spill sites and implement preventive measures. To ensure minimum leakage, strict instructions have been given, with the danger of operational suspension approaching if errors happen.

The spill’s effect on the environment extends beyond property destruction, with claims of breathing difficulties, skin rashes, and infections from tainted floodwaters. Authorities are working to address these health risks as well as compensation those who suffered property damages as a result of the spill.

Spill control devices such as oil boomers, skimmers, and gully suckers have been deployed, but the extent of the spill has forced officials to request further resources. The coordinated attempts aim to reduce environmental effect while also protecting local community livelihoods.

As Chennai attempts to recover from this environmental disaster, the main focus is on the rapid and effective deployment of precautions to protect both the environment and the well-being of the impacted citizens.