Tamil Nadu Govt announces relief for oil spill hit fishermen

Tamil Nadu Government has unveiled a relief package of Rs 8.68 crores for the Nine thousand odd fisher folk families affected by the Oil spill in Ennore creek caused by Indian Oil corporation owned refinery.

The Chennai Petroleum Corporation’s refinery which caused the oil spill and flayed by the National Green Tribunal is however yet to announce the relief package for the affected fishermen.

After assessing the situation in Ennore Creek's MugathvaaramKuppam, Thalanguppam, Kattukuppam, Sivanpadaikuppam, Nettukuppam, VOC Nagar, Ulaganathapuram, and Sathiyavani Nagar, the government said financial assistance of Rs 12,500 for 2,301 families and Rs 10,000 per boat for the repair of 787 damaged boats would be provided. 

Additionally, financial aid of Rs 7,500 each to 6,700 families residing in Greater Chennai Corporation wards 1, 4, 6, and 7 who were adversely affected by the oil spill, has also been announced.  According to the Tamil Nadu government, the funds would directly be transferred to the beneficiaries' bank accounts.

Amid floods, a large amount of oil  leaked from the state-run Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited's (CPCL) refinery in Chennai's Manali. As per the official assessment, the oil spill was spread over an area of 20 square kilometers.

.For the first few days after the cyclone hit Chennai coast causing the oil spill, the refinery authorities said they had no role in the oil spill. The Tamil Nadu pollution control board however fixed the liability on the refinery management for the spill. The tribunal directed the refinery authorities to remove the spill in a few days. According to media reports oil spill continues to haunt the people living near Ennore creek.