The Tamil Nadu government has finalised a contingency plan to mitigate such disasters.
Four coastal districts are being identified as ‘very high’ risk for oil spills.
This plan outlines the necessary steps and procedures for restoring an oil-contaminated habitat or shoreline to its original state without causing any adverse impacts on natural resources and the environment.
It is intended for responding to marine oil spills of any type that occur within 12 nautical miles (24 km) off the State’s coastline.
It also includes riverine systems extending 40 km inland or to the point where tidal effects are noticeable, whichever distance is greater.
As per the plan, coastal ecosystems including the Gulf of Mannar, Ennore, and Pichavaram Mangroves are prioritized.