The oil spill in Chennai that originated from the Chennai Petroleum Corporation (CPCL) refinery has now crossed at least 20 sq km into the sea, said the coast guard yesterday.
A week after the oil started spilling, the damage to Chennai’s eco-sensitive Ennore creek is getting worse. Oil is floating all over the Kosasthalaiyar river.
Tar balls and thick layers of oil can be seen in several pockets along the city’s coastline. A trail of oil deposits can also be seen on the shore and fishing boats.
The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board cited inadequate stormwater management at CPCL as the cause of the oil overflow – amid last week’s floods triggered by cyclone Michaung.
Fisherman Suresh said: “There’s no fish now; they’re all dead. Our livelihood is lost.”
