Oil spills are a major marine ecosystem threat. Which Indian city faced this issue in January 2017?
Last updated Jun 24, 2026
Correct Answer:
Option D —
Chennai
On January 28, 2017, two ships—the MT Dawn Kanchipuram and the BW Maple—collided near the Ennore Port in Chennai. The collision resulted in a massive spill of "Heavy Fuel Oil," which spread along the coast, severely affecting marine life and local fishing communities.
Key Facts about the 2017 Chennai Oil Spill:
The Cause: A collision between an outbound empty merchant ship and an inbound vessel carrying petroleum lubricants.
The Cleanup: Thousands of volunteers, Coast Guard personnel, and sanitation workers had to manually scoop out the sludge because the oil was too thick for most mechanical pumps.
Environmental Impact: It caused significant damage to the Olive Ridley turtle nesting grounds and local coral reefs.
Bioremediation: This event was notable for the use of "Oil-zapping" bacteria (developed by TERI) to help decompose the oil naturally in certain areas.
Answer verified by Quintessence Classes faculty — Karan Nagar, Srinagar.
