Kerala Oil Spill Incident
Context
A Liberian-flagged cargo vessel, MSC ELSA 3, sank off the coast of Kochi, Kerala, carrying hazardous materials and large volumes of fuel, sparking fears of a major oil spill and its ecological and economic consequences.
What is an Oil Spill?
An accidental release of petroleum products into marine environments, forming a slick on the water surface. It:
- Blocks sunlight, disrupting photosynthesis.
- Reduces oxygen levels, harming marine organisms.
- Persists for years, especially in enclosed coastal ecosystems.
Impact of Oil Spills
1. Marine Life Destruction
- Oil coats birds, turtles, and mammals, impairing movement and heat regulation.
- Toxic hydrocarbons impact fish health, reproduction, and food safety.
2. Ecosystem Disruption
- Kills phytoplankton, corals, mangroves, and disrupts marine food chains.
- Long-lasting damage to estuaries and coastal habitats.
3. Economic Losses
- Impacts fisheries, tourism, and shipping sectors.
- High cleanup costs, compensation issues, and loss of livelihoods.
Legal and Policy Framework
International Conventions
| Convention | Objective |
| MARPOL (1973/78) | Prevent marine pollution from ships; India is a signatory. |
| OPRC Convention (1990) | Encourages cooperation in oil spill preparedness and response. |
Indian Legal Provisions
- Merchant Shipping Act, 1958: Regulates pollution from vessels in Indian waters.
- National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOS-DCP):
- Indian Coast Guard is the nodal authority.
- Coordinates emergency response, containment, and public safety.
Oil Spill Management Techniques
| Technique | Function |
| Skimmers | Physically remove oil from the surface. |
| Dispersants | Break oil into droplets to enhance microbial degradation. |
| Oil Booms | Contain the spread of oil slicks. |
| In-situ Burning | Controlled surface burning of oil patches. |
| Bioremediation | Use of microbes (e.g., TERI’s Oil Zapper) to degrade oil. |
