WHY IN NEWS
A Liberian-flagged cargo vessel sank off the Kerala coast while carrying hazardous materials such as calcium carbide and diesel. This has raised serious environmental concerns due to the potential oil spill and chemical reactions.
HAZARDS INVOLVED
Calcium Carbide (CaC₂)
- Reacts with seawater to release acetylene gas
- Highly flammable and explosive
- Dangerous for marine ecosystems and coastal populations
WHAT ARE OIL SPILLS?
Definition
Oil spills refer to the accidental or intentional release of liquid petroleum hydrocarbons into water bodies like oceans, rivers, or coastal areas.
Common Sources
- Oil tankers
- Offshore drilling rigs
- Pipelines and storage facilities
IMPACT OF OIL SPILLS
| Sector | Impact |
|---|---|
| Marine Ecosystems | Coats feathers/fur causing hypothermia; clogs fish gills; poisons marine life; blocks sunlight, reducing oxygen and harming phytoplankton, coral reefs, mangroves, and estuaries (e.g., Sundarbans). |
| Coastal Livelihoods | Disrupts fishing, aquaculture, and tourism; increases unemployment; burdens governments with costly cleanup. |
| Human Health | Seafood contamination; health issues among local communities; decline in nutritional and economic security. |
MEASURES TO CLEAN OIL SPILLS
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Bioremediation | Uses oil-degrading bacteria (e.g., Cycloclasticus, Oleispira) to break down hydrocarbons naturally. |
| Containment Booms | Floating barriers that prevent the spread of oil on water. |
| Skimmers | Mechanical devices that collect floating oil from the water surface. |
| Sorbents | Materials that absorb or adsorb oil. Includes natural (e.g., straw, ash) and synthetic options. |
| Dispersing Agents | Surfactants that break oil into small droplets to enhance biodegradation. May be toxic to marine life. |
LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORKS
Indian Framework
| Law/Policy | Role |
|---|---|
| Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 | Incorporates MARPOL provisions; regulates ship-related pollution. |
| NOS-DCP (1993) | National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan by Indian Coast Guard. |
| National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 | Judicial redressal and compensation for marine environmental damage. |
International Framework
| Convention/Mechanism | Objective |
|---|---|
| MARPOL 73/78 (Annex I) | Prevents marine pollution from ships, both accidental and operational. |
| Bunker Oil Convention, 2001 | Provides compensation for oil pollution from ship fuel. |
| Civil Liability Convention (CLC), 1969 and IOPC Fund, 1992 | Establish liability and offer compensation for oil spills. |
PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTIONS
- Which chemical is released when calcium carbide reacts with seawater?
a) Methane
b) Acetylene
c) Carbon dioxide
d) Ethylene
Answer: b) Acetylene - Which of the following is an oil-degrading bacteria used in bioremediation?
a) Methanococcus
b) Cyanobacteria
c) Cycloclasticus
d) Lactobacillus
Answer: c) Cycloclasticus - The National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan is implemented by:
a) Indian Navy
b) Ministry of Environment
c) Ministry of Shipping
d) Indian Coast Guard
Answer: d) Indian Coast Guard
MAINS QUESTION
Q. Discuss the environmental, economic, and health impacts of oil spills along India’s coastal regions. What legal and institutional mechanisms exist to manage such disasters both in India and internationally?
