Latest news with #KSDMA
Time of India
4 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
Govt sets up panels to oversee wreckage effect
Thiruvananthapuram: Following the decision to declare MSC ELSA 3 sinking just 14.6 nautical miles off Kochi coast as state-specific disaster, a comprehensive multi-tiered institutional mechanism was set in motion to address and mitigate the wreckage consequences. The decision was made considering its potentially grave environmental, social and economic impact. Govt designated secretary, department of science and technology, as principal advisor to the environment department. Kerala state disaster management authority (KSDMA) member is working in association with special secretary of environment department to provide guidance on pollution control and eco-restoration strategies. Simultaneously, special secretary, environment department, was appointed as principal impact assessment officer, with the authority to initiate and oversee all procedures for sectorwise impact assessment, restoration and remediation in coordination with scientific institutions and experts. A multidisciplinary team chaired by special secretary, environment department, will include specialists and officials from fisheries, tourism, harbour engineering, ports, industries and commerce, agriculture, water resources and local self-govt departments. This team is tasked with conducting detailed studies and coordinating field-level interventions. To institutionalise the response further, govt established a two-tier committee structure at both state and district levels. The state level committee, chaired by secretary, science & technology department, comprises the commissioner of disaster management, special secretary and director of environment department, chairperson of the Kerala state pollution control board, representatives from Indian Coast Guard and National Centre for Earth Science Studies and member secretary of KSDMA, and director of environment department will be the convener. This committee is responsible for issuing policy directives, advisories and resource support for district-level interventions and coordinating assessment studies. The district level committee, chaired by respective district collectors, includes joint director of local self-govt department, deputy director of fisheries, port officer, district agriculture officer, and district hazard analyst will act as convener. This committee is empowered to undertake immediate actions, including removal of debris from drifting containers and contaminated cargo along the coast and implementing protective measures against water pollution caused by hazardous materials or oil spills. Meanwhile, govt initiated consultations with the shipping company MSC to negotiate a financial package that will aid the state in damage and risk assessment, management and formulation of compensation mechanisms. For this, a high-level committee was constituted with additional chief secretary of finance department as chairperson. Other members include additional chief secretary of local self-govt, principal secretaries of revenue & disaster management, industries and agriculture departments, secretary of environment department, and member secretary of KSDMA will be convener and nodal contact with MSC. This financial negotiation committee will also function as the oversight committee for the state-level committee. It will supervise the development of both rapid and long-term frameworks for assessing damage and implementing remediation measures.
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Kerala govt. forms multiple committees to handle shipwreck related issues
A day after declaring the MSC ELSA 3 shipwreck a State-specific disaster, the Kerala government has constituted multiple committees to handle associated matters, including engagement with MSC, owners of the container vessel. 'Engagement with MSC is immediately required for institutional arrangement to create the financial package for use by the State government for risk and damage assessment, management and remedial measures, including compensation,' the government noted in an order on Friday. This seven-member panel is chaired by the Additional Chief Secretary (Finance). The Member Secretary, Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA), will act as the single nodal point for contact with MSC, it said. The government has appointed the Special Secretary, Department of Environment, as the principal impact assessment officer. The officer will constitute and head a multi-disciplinary team which will look into impact assessment, restoration, and remediation across sectors. For mitigating the impact of 'potential coastal pollution,' the government has formed a two-tier institutional mechanism. The eight-member State-level panel is chaired by the Secretary, Science and Technology Department. 'The committee shall take measures to guide pollution-control activities at district level by way of policy orders, advisories, making resource available and to support the Environment department in undertaking assessment studies for restoration and remediation,' the government order said. The six-member district-level panels will be chaired by the District Collectors concerned. Further, the Secretary, Department of Science and Technology has been designated as Principal Advisor to the Environment Department. The officer, along with a KSDMA member, will advice the State Pollution Control Board and the district administrations in matters related to eco-restoration and combating environmental pollution. The government has declared the wreck of MSC ELSA-3 a State-specific disaster, 'considering the potentially serious environmental, social, and economic impact of the ship wreckage.' Meanwhile, the Directorate of Lighthouse and Lightships issued orders assigning a virtual AIS (Automatic Identification System) wreck marking for the wreck of MSC ELSA-3.
The Hindu
27-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Containers from capsized Liberian ship wash ashore on Thiruvananthapuram coast in Kerala
Several containers and cargo parcels from the capsized Liberian-flagged cargo vessel, MSC Elsa 3, washed ashore at Anchuthengu, Ayiroor, Varkala, Muthalapozhy, Mampalli and Idava beaches in Thiruvananthapuram district in Kerala early Tuesday. The local administration has deployed police personnel to ensure that nobody tampers with the containers, which may contain hazardous chemicals or inflammable material. The Customs department had notified the government that the vessel stacked 643 transhipment containers on the main deck. The cargo hold contained 13 containers transporting calcium carbide. The hazardous chemical causes an exothermic reaction, producing highly flammable calcium hydroxide and acetylene gas when it reacts with water. The flotsam from the shipwreck also included blue-coloured parcels, possibly containing chemical dyes and other raw materials used in textile manufacturing. Member Secretary, Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, KSDMA, Shekhar Kuriakose, had warned people to maintain a minimum distance of 200 m from the shipwreck detritus. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information (INCOIS) has informed the government that more containers will likely run ashore along Kerala's coastline. The government stated that more containers were bobbing dangerously in the sea, buffeted by high waves and strong winds. The wreckage posed a dire threat to passing ships and smaller vessels, including trawlers and fishing boats. Hence, the government has banned fishing activities within a 20-nautical-mile radius of the shipwreck location. The ICG and maritime authorities have issued notices to mariners, advising them to exercise caution when navigating the floating debris field. The shipping company has contracted a private firm to assist authorities in corralling the floating containers and salvaging those stowed away in the submerged vessel's cargo hold. The container ship, which had set course for Kochi from Vizhinjam, foundered after encountering heavy weather 38 km southwest of its port of call early Sunday. A perilous combination of heavy seas, possible hull leakage, mechanical failure and perhaps unbalanced cargo reportedly caused the ship to list heavily before capsizing and sinking. The Coast Guard rescued the ship's crew, comprising up to 21 individuals from various nationalities, including Russia and the Philippines.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
KSDMA, Customs warn against floating cargo
Kochi: In the wake of the sinking of the ship MSC Elsa 3 off Kochi waters, Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has issued a special warning in the coastal areas, advising them not to touch any floating objects likely from the spillage. The public was asked to call 112 in the event of any such sightings. "If you see objects on the shore that appear to be from the ship MSC Elsa 3, please do not touch or go near them. Immediately report to 112 and keep a distance of at least 200 metres. Do not obstruct authorities when they are removing the objects. Ensure you stay at a safe distance. The public is advised to be particularly cautious," said the message that was announced through the Kavacham coastal siren system at 5.45pm on Sunday. Meanwhile, the office of the chief commissioner of customs, Thiruvananthapuram zone, informed that the cargo contained hazardous and dangerous goods, including calcium carbide, a chemical that reacts violently with water to release highly flammable acetylene gas. All goods on board were non-duty paid at the time of the incident and any unauthorised removal or pilferage of such goods is illegal. The customs marine and preventive units have been deployed along the Kerala coast and surveillance is ongoing in coordination with other agencies. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo "The public is strongly advised not to approach or interact with any floating or beached containers or debris, as they may contain dangerous substances. Instead, anyone sighting such material is requested to immediately inform customs authorities at the numbers given below. Public cooperation is vital to ensuring safety and assisting ongoing recovery efforts. Custom House, Kochi Control Room: 0484-2666422 Customs (Preventive) Control Room, Kochi: 0484-4569400 Customs Preventive Unit, Alappuzha: 0477-2991132 Emergency number: 112
Time of India
25-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Liberian cargo ship sinks: Kerala declares emergency as major oil spill feared — Top developments
Liberian cargo ship sinks: Kerala declares emergency as major oil spill feared (Picture credit: X/@SpokespersonMoD) NEW DELHI: The Kerala government on Sunday declared a statewide emergency after a Liberian container ship, MSC ELSA 3, carrying 640 containers, including 13 with hazardous cargo, capsized and sank off the state's coast, triggering fears of a major ecological disaster. Statewide alert issued Following a high-level meeting chaired by chief secretary A Jayathilak, Kerala issued a statewide alert, warning coastal districts of potential environmental damage. Fishermen have been asked to stay ashore, and the public has been told not to touch or approach any drifting containers or oil slicks that may wash ashore. 'Maintain a minimum distance of 200 metres and inform the emergency number 112,' read the official note. Entire crew rescued All 24 crew members aboard were rescued, 21 by the Indian Coast Guard and 3 by Indian Navy's INS Sujata. According to Navy PRO Athul Pillai, the final three were rescued on Sunday morning after the vessel became too dangerous to remain aboard. 'If they stayed put more, it was a danger for them,' he said, adding the rescue was carried out amid high winds and floating debris. Oil spill threat As per PTI, the ship had 84.44 MT of diesel and 367.1 MT of furnace oil in its tanks. Some of this has already begun leaking into the sea. The fuel is drifting at around 3 km per hour, raising fears it may reach Kerala's sensitive coastline. The Indian Coast Guard confirmed a 'significant oil leak' and has deployed ICGS Saksham, Samarth, and a Dornier aircraft with oil dispersants to contain the spill. Hazardous cargo on board According to ANI, the vessel was carrying 12 containers of calcium carbide, a substance that reacts violently with seawater, producing highly flammable acetylene gas. This cargo poses a serious risk to marine life and coastal communities. Pollution response underway The Coast Guard, leading pollution response efforts, is operating under the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan, directly overseen by its director general. Surveillance aircraft with advanced oil spill mapping technology are conducting assessments. 'We are fully geared to respond to the emerging scenario,' the ICG said. Public urged to stay vigilant The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) warned that oil films or debris may appear along coastal areas. 'There is a possibility that the containers and the oil can reach the state's coast,' said KSDMA member secretary Sekhar Kuriakose, as quoted by TOI. Locals have been urged to report any sightings to police. Salvage efforts being explored Before the ship sank, salvage operations were being planned, but the situation deteriorated rapidly. The vessel, which had departed Vizhinjam on May 23 and was en route to Kochi, began listing dangerously on May 24 afternoon. A Defence PRO confirmed some containers had already fallen into the sea by Saturday evening. Sensitive ecosystem at risk The Kerala coast is home to rich biodiversity and is a key tourist destination. Authorities are bracing for the worst-case scenario, especially for districts like Thrissur, Kochi, and Alappuzha, which could face the brunt of the pollution. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as containment operations intensify.
