eastern region oil spill disaster contingency plan - Indian Coast Guard

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2.46. Haldia is a major port, which deals with transfer of oil. A major spill could
affect several areas around the coast, in port area making it essential to
coordinate activities amongst a number of agencies. The density of merchant
traffic especially oil tankers coming to Haldia makes West Bengal coast high risk
area.
Sensitive Areas in East
2.47. The Gulf of Mannar, Palk bay support coral reef and therefore are sensitive
to changes in the maritime environment in the area. The Dugong, an
endangered species of aquatic mammal has its natural habitant in the palk bay.
The delicate system that exists in the two areas is therefore under consideration
of the Ministry of environment. The areas are likely to be declared as protected
biosphere. The area off Kalpakkam and the inland water in that area are
necessary for sustaining the center and it operations on the water is used for the
reactors. This area therefore needs to be highly protected area.
2.48. Chennai harbour and fisheries harbour are active parts with a very high
route of cargo maintenance and movement.
2.49. The delta area off Godavai river from false dever point to Yanam is used
for prawn culture and prawn seed collection. The area therefore sensitive to oil
pollution.
2.50. The beach area from Paradip to wheeler island is breeding area for the
Ridley Turtles between Jan to early Apr. The area therefore is sensitive to wild
life conservation and need pollution free water during this period. The area is
therefore semi-sensitive to marine pollution.
2.51. The delta region of the Ganges support a number of marine and
amphibian animals especially near sugar Island. These areas are also the
entrance to Kolkatta harbour and have relative strong currents / tidal
maintenance. The area around this region therefore needs protection.
High Spill Risk Area
2.52. The east coast of India is well marked with sanctuaries from north to
south and oil refineries all along the coast. The details of high spill risk areas on
the east coast are enumerated below :-
2.53. The following major resources are at risks in case of oil spill: -
(a) West Bengal.
(i) Port including ships at anchorage
(ii) Sunderbans Mangroves