Cyclone Michaung led to severe flooding in Chennai. The rising water level in Buckingham canal resulted in a reverse flow, carrying oil from Chennai Petroleum Corporation (CPCL) refinery and other industrial units in the Manali area into the canal as the floodwaters receded. An oil slick has formed near Ennore Creek, and CPCL, with its expertise, is taking the lead in collaboration with state authorities to address the situation. Importantly, there has been no pipeline or tank leakage at the refinery, which is operational.
CPCL has mobilised four agencies from Chennai, Mumbai, and Paradip for oil spill clean-up. Emergency containment booms, totalling around 1,430 meters, have been strategically placed in different areas of the creek and canal. Six oil skimmers are actively involved in clean-up efforts, collecting oily water in drums that are then transported to CPCL. Approximately 20,000 absorbent pads have been used to remove oil traces from the water surface.
The presence of oil in the containment zone is now minimal. A workforce of 440, operating 110 boats, is engaged in intensive oil slick removal activities. Mechanised cleaning efforts have successfully covered two out of five shore areas, with ongoing house cleaning using the necessary manpower.
Hydrojetting machines and wet and dry vacuum machines are expediting the clean-up process. All personnel involved in clean-up activities are equipped with the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE), and CPCL has distributed 600 gloves, 1,000 masks, 750 gumboots, 500 helmets, 550 boiler suits, and 500 goggles to the local workforce at the Ennore creek area.
A dedicated CPCL team is continuously monitoring the activities under the guidance of Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) and state authorities. CPCL is working expeditiously to complete the clean-up in coordination with TNPCB and State authorities, aiming to finish within the next 2-3 days. As reported by the Press Information Bureau, CPCL is making a separate contribution to overall state relief efforts by providing essential items. The relief items have been handed over to the state nodal officer.
