AN EMPIRICAL STUDY ON OIL SPILL AND ITS EFFECTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE MERCHANT SHIPPING ACT, 1958
AUTHOR – ADULYANATHESHWARAN, STUDENT AT SAVEETHA SCHOOL OF LAW, SAVEETHA INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL AND TECHNICAL SCIENCES (SIMATS), SAVEETHA UNIVERSITY
BEST CITATION – ADULYANATHESHWARAN, AN EMPIRICAL STUDY ON OIL SPILL AND ITS EFFECTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE MERCHANT SHIPPING ACT, 1958, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (14) OF 2025, PG. 96-122, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344. DOI – https://doi.org/10.65393/DBZS6278
ABSTRACT :-
Oil spills are the accidental release of petroleum into the environment, often in oceans or other bodies of water. This study examines the causes, effects, and prevention of oil spills in India. Objectives: This empirical study aims to investigate the multifaceted environmental impacts of oil spills stemming from merchant shipping activities and to critically assess the effectiveness of regulatory frameworks, with a historical lens on the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, and its evolution into current Indian maritime law, in mitigating these impacts. Findings: The study reveals that despite significant advancements in maritime safety and environmental regulations since the initial enactment of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, oil spills continue to pose a substantial threat to marine and coastal ecosystems. Empirical data from various spill incidents demonstrate severe long-term damage to biodiversity, including marine flora and fauna, and significant disruption to fishing, tourism, and other marine-dependent livelihoods. Methodology: A total of 200 sample respondents in the age group of 18-50 years were collected. The effects of oil spills can be far-reaching, and can include the death of marine life, the destruction of coastal ecosystems, and the contamination of drinking water. The study makes a number of recommendations for improving the prevention and response to oil spills in India. Conclusion: Oil spills from merchant shipping represent a continuing environmental hazard with profound and often irreversible consequences. While the evolution of Indian maritime law, building upon the groundwork of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, and incorporating international standards, has significantly improved the regulatory landscape, there remains a critical need for enhanced vigilance, proactive enforcement, and continuous investment in oil spill prevention and response mechanisms.
KEY WORDS : – Oil spill, Hydrocarbon, Natural disaster, Ecosystems, Contamination