Oil Spill: 'Black' Pelicans & Painted Storks raise concern as migration season peaking

Context

NGT seeks biodiversity loss report, State roping-in national institutes like NCCR and NIO for intermediate and long-term remedial

Oil Spill: Case of Ennore:

The oil spill in Ennore is wreaking havoc on an already degraded environmental ecosystem, with devastating consequences for the mangrove cover and wetlands.
Of particular concern is the impact on birdlife, as sightings of oil-drenched Pelicans and Painted Storks raise fears of increased bird mortality during the peak of the annual migration season.

Bird Mortality Concerns

Local fishermen report that approximately 60 pelicans have already succumbed to the toxic effects of the oil spill in the initial days.
The survival of stronger individuals, despite contact with the toxic oil, underscores the severity of the threat to birdlife in the region.

NGT's Call for Action

The southern bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) took up the case and has requested a biodiversity loss report from the forest department. The move comes as a response to the escalating environmental crisis and the need for a comprehensive assessment of the damage.

Government's Response: Rapid biodiversity impact assessment

Additional Chief Secretary of the Environment, Climate Change, and Forests Department, expressed deep concern over the situation. The government has conducted a rapid biodiversity impact assessment and is mobilizing experts from the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) and the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) to undertake intermediate and long-term bio-remediation efforts.

Immediate Measures

NCCR will conduct sediment analysis, and a team from NIO Goa is set to arrive in Chennai to assess and potentially carry out pilot bio-remediation works.
Given the extensive presence of oil deposits in mangroves, a cautious approach is being taken, with experts advising on the best course of action for cleanup.

Impact on Turtle

While the oil spill is expected to have little impact on the upcoming Olive Ridley turtle nesting, concerns loom large over the bird population.

The Vulnerability of Pelicans

Oil in bird feathers strips them of their natural hydrophobic nature, making them susceptible to mortal danger.
The oil also induces hypothermia in birds, further exacerbating the threat.
Historical evidence from previous oil spills indicates massive bird deaths, particularly among waterbirds.

Urgent Call for Assessment

Experts emphasize the need for a comprehensive assessment of the oil spill's impact on birdlife. Ennore, a crucial roosting and foraging spot for numerous bird species, is home to nesting pelicans and near-threatened painted storks.

Way Forward:

Environmental crisis: The unfolding environmental crisis in Ennore demands swift and effective measures to mitigate the damage caused by the oil spill.
Collaborative efforts: The collaborative efforts of government authorities, environmental agencies, and experts are crucial to safeguarding the delicate balance of the region's ecosystems and preserving its diverse birdlife.