Latest news with #MuraliThummarukudy
Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Ship capsize: Panel set up to guide clean-up operations
Thiruvananthapuram : Following the chemical spill and plastic pellet wash-up caused by the maritime mishap involving cargo ship MSC ELSA 3, state govt convened a high-level expert panel with international participation and deployed trained volunteers to lead coastal clean-up efforts. Acting on chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan's directives, a multidisciplinary expert consultation, involving internationally renowned marine and environmental specialists, was held. Among those present were Murali Thummarukudy, an authority in disaster management and environmental response, Olof Linden, former professor at World Maritime University, petroleum chemical analysis expert Babu Pillai, environmental economist Shanthakumar and coastal clean-up expert Mike Coving. Senior state officials, including chief secretary, principal secretaries of disaster management and environment, chairman of Kerala state pollution control board and district collectors from affected areas, participated. Govt had been closely monitoring the situation since the vessel capsized. After initial emergency actions, the expert meeting marked a strategic shift toward long-term damage mitigation and community protection. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Nuevo Audi A6 Sportback e-tron AUDI Ver oferta Undo As a key public safety measure, fishing activity has been banned in a 20-nautical-mile radius from the site of the sunken ship. Local self-govts and coastal fishing communities were issued specific advisories on what to do if they encountered debris such as damaged containers or unidentified materials onshore. Simultaneously, pollution control board mobilised rapid response teams to deal with possible oil spills. Equipment, including oil booms, was pre-positioned at river mouths and estuaries to contain any contamination. With the presence of plastic pellets—also known as nurdles—posing significant ecological risks, state deployed volunteer squads to systematically clear beaches. Guided by drone surveys, volunteers were stationed every 100m along the affected coastlines. Their efforts were closely coordinated by police, fire and rescue services and pollution control board. Strict instructions were issued to supervisors to ensure that volunteers followed all safety guidelines and avoided hazardous contact. "This is not just a clean-up drive. It is a coordinated, scientifically informed emergency response prioritising public safety, environmental protection and the welfare of the fisheries sector," said a senior official. State's current response is aimed at averting long-term ecological fallout, protecting livelihoods and establishing a blueprint for managing such complex maritime disasters in future.
India Today
3 days ago
- General
- India Today
Kerala looks at fresh plan over coastal safety after Liberian cargo ship sinking
Following a Liberian cargo ship capsizing off the Kerala coast, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan directed a high-level meeting of experts and officials to assess the situation and draw up an emergency response ship, which was carrying over 640 containers, including some with hazardous chemicals, has triggered concerns about environmental damage and coastal a statement, the Chief Minister's Office said the government's top priorities are public safety, environmental protection, and safeguarding the fishing Dr. Murali Thummarukudy, a globally reputed disaster and chemical risk expert, led the discussions alongside senior officials from the State Disaster Management Authority, Pollution Control Board, and experts from departments that deal with maritime meeting also saw participation from global specialists such as Dr Olof Leiden (former professor, World Maritime University), Shanthakumar (environmental impact economics expert), and Dr Babu Pillai (petroleum chemical analysis expert).Containers from the sunken Liberian vessel started washing up along the Kerala coast, particularly in Alappuzha and Kollam, on May 26. At least 29 containers had surfaced, many of them empty, but some reportedly containing plastic granules and others marked as hazardous. One such substance, calcium carbide, can release highly flammable acetylene gas when in contact with have imposed a strict fishing ban in a 20-nautical-mile radius around the wreck site. Coastal local bodies and fishermen have been issued advisories on handling unusual materials or containers that may wash ashore. Rapid response teams led by the Pollution Control Board are on standby, and oil booms are being deployed near estuaries in anticipation of a tackle the surge of plastic particles washing up along the coast, volunteers are being stationed every 100 meters for cleanup drives, backed by drone surveillance. Fire and police personnel are coordinating operations, with clear safety guidelines in place for InMust Watch IN THIS STORY#Kerala
