Chemical effluents destroying Gulf of Mannar

THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS

S Raja
First Published : 05 Jul 2010 03:24:46 AM IST
Last Updated : 05 Jul 2010 06:59:54 AM IST

RAMANATHAPURAM: Chemical effluents from small units and sewage from residential areas and hotels are all finding their way into the Gulf of Mannar thereby polluting the water which is home to variety of marine species and rich coral reefs. As the pollution goes on unchecked, this protected marine biosphere which comprises 21 islets, has become a major cause of concern for environmentalists.

Researchers who find this a haven to conduct various research, are now worried seeing the sudden increase in an alkaline sea weed which damages marine organism silently.

The sudden spurt in the growth of this particular weed is linked to pollution of the sea water.

According to sources, various small units have cropped up near the sea shore and they utilise the sea water for manufacturing bleaching powder and other substances. The waste from these units that are laden with chemicals are drained off in the sea.

According to GOMNP sources at some places near Rameswaram, Devipattinam and Thoothukudi the sea water has turned muddy and dark. Experts and environmentalists have now asked the government to collect a sum of money from industries, hotels and other units located near the sea shore so that this amount is utilised to keep the area clean and also used to provide alternate arrangement to dispose off their waste.

The fund can also be utilised to erect gryones to protect the area from sea erosion. It is said that two islands out the 21 Islands - Poovarasanpatti and Vilankusalli - are already under water due to rise in water level.

Experts say that the 21 islands protected the mainland from tsunami and played a vital role as a natural barrier to protect the people and the land.

An official from the Forest Department said that it was the callousness of the people that is spoiling the rich marine wealth. The government should take action and make them contribute a sum for the development of the sea shore, he added.

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