eastern region oil spill disaster contingency plan - Indian Coast Guard

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Coastal Sensitivity Mapping
2.30. Maps showing possible sources of oil spill is placed at Annexure – 4 and
environmentally sensitivity areas are placed at Annexure – 4A and 4B,
East Coast Profile and Economic Activity
2.31. The East Coast of India generally shelved with beaches, lagoons deltas
and marshes. It is also relatively low lying with extensive alluvial plains and
deltas.
Gulf of Mannar
2.32. The Gulf of Mannar from Kanyakumari to Dhanush Kodi is a stretch of
sandy beach supporting the sensitive and delicate coral beds. The area is close
to the international shipping route and is therefore very high risk areas so for as
pollution is concerned. Apart from fishing on a regular basis the areas is also
used for pearl culture. The area also attracts tourist especially at Kanyakumari
where the three seas surrounding the India Peninsula meet. The Government of
India has been considering the proposal to declare this area as a protected
biosphere. There are a number of islands south of Mandapam and Pamban pass.
2.33. Tuticorin. Tuticorin is major industrial town and is being developed as
major port in this area. The number of ships moving to and from Tuticorin is
therefore on the increase. Though presently only cargo ships in this area
possibility of tanker movement in future cannot be ruled out.
2.34. Palkbay. The Northern side of Dhanush Kodi to point Calimere forms a
Bay. The coast line is mostly sandy with almost calm waters. Rameswaram is
major religious center and therefore attracts a number of tourist both foreign
and Indian. The beach area between Rameswaram and Dhanush Kodi is
generally deserted and is not being utilized for social or economic purpose at
present. There are delicate coral reefs in the bay.
2.35. The area within the bay is utilized for fishing only. There is almost no
movement of ships in this area . However, all mechanized boars are abundant all
along the coast. ‘There is no major harbour in this area. The bay does support
protected species of marine life specially the Dugong. The government is
considering proposal to declare this as a protected area.
Point Calimere to Pondicherry
2.36. The Coastline from PT Calimere to Pondicherry is mostly low and frigned
with groups and casuarinas trees. Nagapattinam and Cuddalore are low principal
port in this stretch of coastline. The Nagapattinam shoal lies 4 NM offshore and