Oil pollution: what is it? What effects does it have on the marine environment? How exactly can oil pollution hurt an Indian nation like this? (150 words)[UPSC 2023]
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Model Answer
Introduction
Oil pollution is the introduction of oil substances, primarily from human activities, into oceans and coastal waters. This pollution has severe and long-lasting effects on the marine ecosystem, affecting not only wildlife but also human communities reliant on these ecosystems.
Sources of Oil Pollution
Natural Sources
Anthropogenic Sources
Impacts on the Marine Ecosystem
Specific Impacts on India
Conclusion
To protect its rich marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of coastal communities, India must implement stringent measures against oil pollution. This includes regulatory frameworks, technological innovations, and community engagement strategies to mitigate the devastating impacts of oil spills.
Oil pollution refers to the act where petroleum products get into water affecting bodies through such things as oil spillage from ships, blow outs from wells, or burst pipelines among others. This pollution results in disastrous consequences on the marine systems present in the global system of oceans. The oil poisons organisms in the water and suffocates the body of fish, seabirds and marine mammals by binding on their bodies which affects their thermo regulating and respiratory system. Oil also impacts the ecosystems for example coral Reefs, Mangroves, Wetlands which have long-term adverse impacts on the environment. Besides this, the disturbance of the marine food chain affects the diverse livings beings and the general health of the sea.
Oil pollution is most disastrous in the context of India because of its long coastline which is about 7500 Km and diverse marine life. Tourism and fishing are the major economic activities near the coastline and oil spillage poses a great threat to these two activities in India. India is greatly expose to oil pollution due to its geographical position which is close to busy maritime channel and the high chance of oil importation increases the rate of oil spillage. That is why vulnerable ecosystems, including Sundarbans Mangrove Forests, coral reefs in the Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands, are at high risk. Based on the facts of economic reliance of the country on the marine resources and its ecological vulnerability, oil pollution can be rated as one of the most critical environmental issues for India.
Oil pollution refers to the act where petroleum products get into water affecting bodies through such things as oil spillage from ships, blow outs from wells, or burst pipelines among others. This pollution results in disastrous consequences on the marine systems present in the global system of oceans. The oil poisons organisms in the water and suffocates the body of fish, seabirds and marine mammals by binding on their bodies which affects their thermo regulating and respiratory system. Oil also impacts the ecosystems for example coral Reefs, Mangroves, Wetlands which have long-term adverse impacts on the environment. Besides this, the disturbance of the marine food chain affects the diverse livings beings and the general health of the sea.
Oil pollution is most disastrous in the context of India because of its long coastline which is about 7500 Km and diverse marine life. Tourism and fishing are the major economic activities near the coastline and oil spillage poses a great threat to these two activities in India. India is greatly expose to oil pollution due to its geographical position which is close to busy maritime channel and the high chance of oil importation increases the rate of oil spillage. That is why vulnerable ecosystems, including Sundarbans Mangrove Forests, coral reefs in the Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands, are at high risk. Based on the facts of economic reliance of the country on the marine resources and its ecological vulnerability, oil pollution can be rated as one of the most critical environmental issues for India.
Oil Pollution: Oil pollution refers to the contamination of the environment, particularly water bodies, with petroleum products, typically due to oil spills from ships, offshore drilling rigs, or accidents. This pollution can occur both in the marine and terrestrial environments.
Impacts on the Marine Ecosystem:
Harm to India:
Conclusion: Oil pollution has devastating effects on the marine ecosystem, and for a country like India, with its extensive coastline, rich biodiversity, and reliance on coastal resources, the consequences can be particularly severe.