Ennore oil spill: NGT comes down heavily on government agencies
Stating that the oil spill in the Ennore-Manali region in Chennai has adversely impacted the livelihoods of the fishing community, the Tamil Nadu government’s 20-member State of Oil Spill Crisis Management Group (SOS-CMG) directed the Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL) to undertake mitigation efforts on a war footing. Meanwhile, following the blame game between CPCL and the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) over the oil spill in the Ennore-Manali region, the National Green Tribunal came down heavily on the government agencies and the oil company for the delayed response in taking action. According to the TNPCB report, the CPCL has stored huge quantities of oil than permitted and had inadequate stormwater drain facilities to drain rainwater. The report points out that there is clear evidence of the oil leak from CPCL into the Buckingham Canal which flowed into the sea via Ennore Creek. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) reported that the oil has spread across 20 sq km into the sea from the Kosasthalaiyar mouth to Kasimedu Fishing Harbour. Claiming that the TNPCB has submitted an incomplete report, CPCL told the NGT that they have already started cleaning the oil patches and will complete the process by December 20.
Sources: The Hindu | Times of India
Read more: Ennore oil spill: How to make a bad disaster worse
Central team assesses the aftermath of Cyclone Michaung in Chennai
The six-member inter-ministerial central team, headed by Kunal Satyarthi, advisor of NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority), assessed the flood damage caused by Cyclone Michaung in Chennai. Following the inspections at various points, the team stressed that a long-term flood mitigation plan is the need of the hour for Chennai as the city has been witnessing heavy rainfalls and cyclones in recent times. The team also consulted with the state government to understand their challenges in handling such situations and what kind of support can be offered by the central government. Even if the state government is not able to contain the impact of such disasters, long-term mitigation plans will help in reducing the impact.
Source: DT Next
Crematoriums in Chennai require an immediate makeover
Following the cyclone-induced heavy rainfall that caused havoc in Chennai, many burial grounds and crematoriums were also inundated. This caused a delay in performing the last rites for the deceased people. Though the water receded in many burial grounds and crematoriums, the floods brought to light the need for infrastructural improvements at the corporation-run crematoriums. For instance, the Otteri Corporation burial ground was inundated with 5 feet of water. While the record books were lost in the floods, the crematorium’s chimney also broke during the rains and is yet to be repaired. Similarly, the gasifier machines were damaged in the burial grounds at Mylapore and Krishnampet.
Source: DT Next
Read more: Earthquakes, fires or floods – How Chennaiites can lend a hand in times of disaster
Toll-free numbers of various vehicle brands announced to access repair services post-flood
According to a statement issued by the transport department, the vehicle insurance companies have informed the government that insurance claims up to Rs 20,000 will be released immediately upon submission of bill receipts of repair works and photographs of vehicles damaged during the recent floods. Meanwhile, toll-free numbers of various vehicle brands were also announced to access free repair services and the vehicle owners are advised against turning on the ignition of cars submerged in water. In a bid to move the vehicles. To tow cars and other vehicles affected by the floods to service centres, the transport department has deployed as many as 2,080 recovery vehicles in different parts of the state.
Source: The New Indian Express
Waste collection doubles in Chennai post cyclone
According to GCC Commissioner J Radhakrishnan, the waste collection has doubled in Chennai after the cyclone hit the city. While the average waste collection across the 200 wards in Chennai stood at 5,700 tonnes before the cyclone, sanitary workers have been collecting at least 10,400 tonnes of waste after Cyclone Michaung. In a period of seven days after the cyclone, the GCC collected 57,192 tonnes of waste, of which only 6,000 tonnes were garden waste.
Source: Times of India
[Compiled by Shobana Radhakrishnan]