Tar-balls Management (Draft) Rules- 2026

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Dated: 06.04.2026

Tar-balls Management (Draft) Rules- 2026

The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has released a draft notification for the Tar-balls Management Rules, 2026, aimed at addressing the environmental challenges posed by tar-balls. These rules are formulated under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and are open for public feedback for 60 days from the date of publication in the Gazette. Below is a detailed overview of the proposed rules.

What Are Tar-balls? 

Tar-balls are weathered products of oil spills caused by offshore oil exploration, tanker accidents, pipeline leaks, industrial effluents, and natural oil seepage. They undergo physical, chemical, and biological processes, resulting in semi-solid or solid lumps that often wash ashore, causing environmental damage and posing risks to human health.

Key Highlights of the Draft Rules

1. Applicability

The rules apply to all entities involved in generating, collecting, storing, transporting, treating, disposing, or handling tar-balls, including oil extraction facilities, ships, oil tankers, and authorized personnel.

2. Preventive Measures

Oil facility owners are required to:

Comply with the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, and Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Act, 1948.
Follow the National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOSDCP) by the Indian Coast Guard.
Implement preventive measures prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

3. Responsibilities of Stakeholders 

State Governments and District Administration 

Establish centralized reporting systems for tar-ball sightings.
Ensure shoreline cleanup and collection of tar-balls.
Include tar-ball management in District Disaster Management Plans.
Conduct training programs with the Indian Coast Guard and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
Declare pollution due to tar-balls as a state disaster and take action under the Disaster Management Act.

Indian Coast Guard 

Implement NOSDCP for oil spill and tar-ball management.
Conduct aerial and surface surveillance for oil spills.
Provide quarterly reports on oil leakage incidents to coastal states and pollution control boards.

Pollution Control Boards 

Maintain databases on tar-ball incidents.
Publish lists of authorized disposal facilities.
Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for tar-ball management.
Create online systems for rule implementation.

Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways 

Coordinate cleanup activities at ports, jetties, and shorelines under their jurisdiction.

Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas 

Provide quarterly reports on oil spills from offshore installations.
Take preventive steps to control oil spills.

National Remote Sensing Agency 

Conduct surveillance and detection of oil spills and tar-ball hotspots using advanced technologies like satellites and drones.

Occupiers and Operators 

Ensure safe handling and disposal of tar-balls.
Provide training and protective equipment to personnel.
Follow SOPs for collection, packaging, labeling, transportation, and disposal.

4. Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facilities 

State Governments and operators are responsible for identifying sites for treatment, storage, and disposal facilities.
Facilities must comply with CPCB guidelines and undergo regular inspections.
Operators must maintain records and submit annual returns to the State Pollution Control Board.

5. Collection, Packaging, Labeling, and Transportation 

District Administrations are tasked with collecting and transporting tar-balls from shorelines.
Personnel involved in cleanup must be trained and equipped with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Tar-balls must be packaged and labeled with details such as sender and receiver information, physical state, and emergency contact details.
Transportation must comply with Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, and require authorization from State Pollution Control Boards.

6. Authorization for Tar-ball Management 

Entities handling tar-balls must apply for authorization from State Pollution Control Boards using Form 1.
Authorization is valid for five years and requires compliance with CPCB guidelines.
Unauthorized handling of tar-balls is prohibited.

7. Utilization and Co-processing 

Tar-balls can be utilized as a resource or for co-processing in cement plants, subject to CPCB guidelines.
No trial runs are required for co-processing in cement plants, provided compliance with environmental standards is demonstrated.

8. Environmental Compensation

Oil facility owners, occupiers, transporters, and operators failing to manage tar-balls in an environmentally sound manner will be liable to pay environmental compensation.
Funds collected will be used for tar-ball management, research, and assistance to district administrations.

9. Establishment of a Steering Committee 

A Steering Committee will be constituted, comprising representatives from various ministries and stakeholders. The committee will advise coastal states and Union Territories on implementing the rules and resolving challenges.

10. Reporting and Audits 

Entities handling tar-balls must maintain records and submit annual returns to State Pollution Control Boards.
CPCB will prepare consolidated review reports on tar-ball management and submit recommendations to MoEF&CC annually.
Compliance assessments and audits will be conducted by CPCB and SPCBs.

11. Accident Reporting

In case of accidents involving tar-balls, immediate reporting to the State Pollution Control Board is mandatory, followed by a detailed report in Form 8.

12. Appeals

Entities aggrieved by decisions of State Pollution Control Boards can file appeals with the Environment Secretary of the respective State/Union Territory within 30 days.

Public Participation

The draft notification invites objections and suggestions from the public and stakeholders. Submissions can be made in writing to the Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, or via email to sahnk@cag.gov.in and amit.vashishtha@nic.in within 60 days of the notification’s publication.

Conclusion

The Tar-balls Management Rules, 2026 represent a significant step toward addressing the environmental and health hazards posed by tar-balls. By clearly defining responsibilities, establishing guidelines, and enforcing penalties, the rules aim to ensure the environmentally sound management of tar-balls. Public participation is crucial in shaping these regulations, and stakeholders are encouraged to provide their feedback within the stipulated timeframe.

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Source: Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change

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