The oil spill in northern Chennai’s Ennore during Cyclone Michaung in early December adversely impacted the eco-sensitive Ennore Creek and the Kosasthalaiyar River. Mangroves, aquatic life, and migratory birds that flock to the creek in substantial numbers were covered in slick and oily sludge.

The wetlands of the Ennore-Manali region are known to host several bird species including open-billed storks, cormorants, egrets, spot-billed ducks, grebes, pelicans, common coots, black-winged stilts, red-wattled lapwings, and pond herons. However, birdlife in the creek dropped drastically in the first two weeks of December as a result of the oil spill.

The State Environment, Climate Change and Forests Department (ECCF) estimated that over 50 pelicans — spot-billed pelicans being the most affected due to their feeding style — and other birds had died, and roped in the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and the Besant Memorial Animal Dispensary (BMAD) to rescue the surviving birds. Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary to ECCF, said a rapid assessment report was carried out to take stock of the avifauna in the creek.

With several pelicans having flown to other wetlands of the city, the expert team found about two dozen in need of intervention. Although parts of the river are not ideal for rescuing birds, the team has so far managed to rescue eight pelicans. Speaking to The Hindu, NVK Ashraf, Chief Veterinary Officer and Vice President at WTI, said all eight are feeding well and the birds are gradually being moved to larger enclosures to check their movement. Around 30 more pelicans need attention and it will take another month to rescue them, he said.