The West Bengal government has announced the development of a specialized Oil Spill Disaster Management Plan to combat water pollution from accidents involving oil-carrying vessels in rivers and coastal areas. The initiative, revealed after a high-level meeting on September 12, aims to establish a rapid response strategy to contain oil spills and minimize environmental damage, a senior state official confirmed.

Chief Secretary Manoj Pant led discussions at the state secretariat, involving key departments including Disaster Management, Public Health Engineering, Irrigation, Transport, Home, and Environment. The meeting, held under the directive of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, also included representatives from the Coast Guard and Port Authority. A dedicated committee, chaired by Pant, has been formed to finalize the plan, emphasizing swift containment measures to protect West Bengal’s waterways, which are critical for local ecosystems and communities.

In the same meeting, the government addressed the resurgence of illegal sand and stone mining, which poses additional environmental risks. Pant directed district administrations to enforce stringent regulations, mandating proper licensing for mining operations. He warned that illegal activities, often conducted under cover of night, would face severe penalties, including arrests and raids with police support. The state had previously curbed such practices, but recent reports indicate a revival, prompting renewed action.

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The Oil Spill Disaster Management Plan reflects West Bengal’s proactive stance on environmental protection, especially given the state’s extensive riverine and coastal regions. With the committee tasked to deliver a robust framework, the government aims to safeguard its waterways from industrial and illegal threats. District magistrates have been instructed to enhance surveillance to ensure compliance, signaling a broader commitment to environmental stewardship.

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