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

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.