Kerala to Develop Detailed Oil Spill Crisis Management Plan Following Defence Ministry Directive
Following two shipwrecks off its coast, Kerala is set to frame a comprehensive oil spill crisis management plan. The Union Ministry of Defence, the nodal ministry for maritime oil spills, directed the state to align its plan with the national contingency plan and a similar model used by Tamil Nadu. With a 590 km coastline and proximity to international shipping lanes and the Vizhinjam International Seaport, Kerala faces high risks. A seven-member core group has been formed to oversee the plan's preparation and implementation.
Key Points
- The Ministry of Defence is the nodal agency for handling oil and hazardous substance spills at sea.
- Kerala's plan will be modeled after the one recently prepared by Tamil Nadu to ensure regional consistency.
- The proximity to the Vizhinjam International Seaport and international shipping lanes increases the risk of marine pollution.
- A seven-member core group and local-level management groups will be established for rapid response.
Exam Facts
- Kerala has a coastline of approximately 590 km.
- The Vizhinjam International Seaport is located just 10 nautical miles from the east-west shipping lane.
- S. Sreekala is the Chairperson of the Kerala State Pollution Control Board.
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