Implication of coastal refineries to the ecology of the Gulf of Kachchh

Abstract

In order to meet the projected demand of petroleum products it is essential to establish additional refining capacities to process imported crude. Two grass root refineries with a combined capacity to process 24 MMTPA are proposed on the southern bank of the Gulf of Kachchh. An assessment of probable impact of establishment of these refineries to the rich biodiversity of the Gulf and suggestions to minimise these impacts have been made in this paper.