Change in wind current moves oil remains closer to Ennore estuary

The beach at Thazankuppam was smeared with black, oily tar-like substance a few days ago, alarming the fishermen. This was not the only area that was affected. “Surrounding areas like Indira Gandhi Kuppam, Ernavoor Kuppam, Chinna Kuppam, Periya Kuppam, Thazankuppam and Nettukuppam were some of the other affected areas. We could even see the oily sheen up to two kilometres in the sea. We can’t go fishing because the oil sticks to our nets. The spill beached in our area four days ago,” said Muthu E, Head of Ernavoor Kuppam. 

The clean-up operations have been going on. “Six drums of the sludge have been collected so far. But the oil keep resurfacing after a few days,” added Muthu. The spill had affected the surrounding villages like the Mugathwarakuppam. Venkatesh A, a fisherman from the village, said, “The oil spill is nearing the estuary, due to the change in the direction of the wind. The estuary is an important ecological feature, especially during the breeding season.”

Pooja Kumar, coordinator from The Coastal Resource Centre, who visited the location, pointed out that there is no information on the amount of crude oil remains in the ocean. “The oil has reached Thazankuppam, which is close to the Ennore estuary. If the oil reaches the estuary, the mangroves will be affected as they are sensitive. Due to the tidal action, the water circulates in and out of the estuary. In this case, the oil spill can move inland. Moreover, the estuary is also the breeding spot for fish,” said the environmental researcher. 

Srinivas R, a fisherman from Kattukuppam, who was visiting the affected areas, said this will add to the troubles of the fishing community in Ennore.