Marine oil spills are a form of environmental disaster, with far-reaching consequences for biodiversity and coastal livelihoods; however, India's preparedness to prevent such incidents and mitigate their impact has significant gaps. Analyze.

→ Persian gulf oil spill in 2024.

Far-reaching consequences →

1. Lethal for marine organisms → blocks sunlight.
2. Creates toxic layer → ingestion and killing of marine biodiversity.
3. Prevents oxygen-CO2 exchange hampering plant life.
4. Oil sludge on coasts → toxicity.
5. Prevents fishing → hampers livelihood.
6. Bioaccumulation of oil and toxic chemicals in marine food chain.
7. Carcinogenic impacts.

Gaps in India's preparedness and mitigation

1. Overlap of agencies → Navy and Coast guard.
2. Lack of timely information dissemination system to warn fishermen.
3. Lack of oil tackling equipments → Remediation tools like Oil zapper, Bregoli etc.
4. Lack of Aerial surveillance and Aerial tackling tools → Drones to accumulate oil.
5. Poor infrastructure and lack of dedicated response team.

Steps taken →

1. Designating Coast guard as the nodal agency for oil spills.
2. GAGAN for fisherman's information and early warning based on NAVIC.
3. Surveillance by NAVIC i.e India's satellite based navigation system.
4. Research and development at Marine engineering centres for oil remediation.

Way forward →

1. Proper NDMA guidelines needed.
2. Remediation techniques.
3. White shipping information.