Butcher Island

Butcher Island (Jawahar Dweep) is an island off the coast of Mumbai, India. It has an oil terminal used by the port authorities to offload it from oil tankers. The crude oil is stored in oil containers on the island. From there they are piped to Wadala, in Mumbai where they are refined. This keeps the city relatively safe from a mishap. Tenders have been invited to develop a second oil terminal. The dredging works are currently being undertaken to improve the navigable depths in and around the new terminal.

It is a restricted area and most of the island is covered with dense vegetation. A hillock rises from the centre of the island. It is located from the Gateway of India. The main advantage of the island is to protect Mumbai and surrounding populated areas of the city from the direct effects of accidents like explosions, fire and pollution usually associated with the handling of crude and other petroleum products.

History

Butcher Island was artificially created during the late 19th century through the reclamation of land in the Mumbai Harbour. The island's name is believed to be derived from the surname of a British engineer involved in its construction. Originally a barren outcrop, the island was developed to serve as a vital component of the Mumbai Port infrastructure.

Role in Maritime Trade

Butcher Island serves as a crucial storage and distribution center for petroleum products, including crude oil and refined petroleum products. The island is home to significant oil terminals and storage facilities operated by the Mumbai Port Trust. These facilities play a pivotal role in meeting the energy needs of Mumbai and its surrounding regions by facilitating the import, storage, and transportation of petroleum products.

Oil Terminal and Storage Facilities

The oil terminal on Butcher Island comprises jetties, berths, and storage tanks designed to handle large volumes of crude oil and petroleum products. The island's strategic location allows for efficient loading and unloading of tankers, ensuring the smooth flow of maritime traffic and the timely supply of essential commodities to the region.

Environmental Concerns

Despite its economic significance, Butcher Island has faced environmental challenges, particularly related to oil spills and pollution. Accidental oil spills and leakages from storage tanks have led to environmental degradation and posed risks to marine ecosystems in the Mumbai Harbour. Efforts are underway to mitigate these risks through improved safety measures, pollution control protocols, and environmental monitoring initiatives.

Due to the presence of petroleum and its products and their vapours, Butcher Island is unsafe for any tourism

References

Petroleum infrastructure in India
Islands of Mumbai
Oil terminals
Islands of India
Populated places in India

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