36 coastal villages in Kanniyakumari affected by plastic pellets was ashore; clean-up drive underway
In Kanniyakumri district, a total of 36 coastal villages have so far reported the washing ashore of plastic pellets (nurdles) from the Liberian vessel that sank off the Kochi coast on May 24.
Kanniyakumari District Collector R. Alagumeena told reporters on Monday that out of 42 coastal villages, 36 among them stretching from Neerodi to Keezha Manakudi villages had reported to be affected with nurdles and other materials such as wooden logs and cashew nuts.
The collector noted, 'The district administration had earlier conducted a meeting with representatives from around 15 fishing hamlets at Thengapattinam harbour to explain about the do's and don'ts related to the handling of debris.'
She added that the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority had provided a Standard Operating Procedure for managing the situation, which includes surveys using drones, engaging individuals above 18 years for cleaning the nurdles using gloves, spade and other safety equipment. The collected nurdles were currently being safely stored at respective block and municipality offices.
The collector further mentioned that arrangements were underway to transport the nurdles to nearby harbours located in Thengapattinam, Colachel and Chinna Muttam, depending on the proximity of the reported area.
As this is an ongoing process, she emphasised that documentation plays a crucial role. Officials from fisheries, revenue, pollution control board and other related departments are involved in the operation. The collected nurdles would be handed over to the Customs Department, said Ms. Alagumeena.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
35 minutes ago
- Time of India
Ship capsize: Plea seeks rehab package
Kochi: A PIL has been filed in HC by former MP T N Prathapan seeking a comprehensive compensation and rehabilitation package for the fishermen and other stakeholders affected by the capsize of the Liberian-flagged vessel MSC ELSA-3 off the Kerala coast. A bench of Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Basant Balaji will consider the petition on Thursday. The petitioner alleged that the incident led to an oil spill and the discharge of toxic substances, including calcium carbide and nurdles, causing severe damage to the marine ecosystem and traditional fishing communities. The petition contends that the Kerala state pollution control board has a statutory duty to prepare and implement an effective oil spill disaster contingency plan. It further seeks a directive to the central and state govts to constitute a high-level expert committee to assess the environmental damage, recommend restoration measures, and initiate legal action against the shipowner and insurer under relevant international conventions and national laws.
New Indian Express
16 hours ago
- New Indian Express
Keralite at helm, world's largest container vessel all set for Vizhinjam date
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The world's largest container ship, MSC Irina, is set to make its maiden call at the Vizhinjam port, with Captain Willy Antony, a native of Thrissur, at the helm. The vessel has reached the outer anchorage, drawing excitement from the public as it is the first time the ship is calling at a port in South India. Captain Willy, 47, hailing from Puranattukara, is thrilled to bring the mammoth vessel equivalent in length to four football fields and capable of carrying cargo stacked as high as a 22-storey building — to his home state. 'It's a proud moment for me to command a ship of this scale,' said Captain Willy. 'This vessel and Vizhinjam are both dear to me. Bringing the ship to my own land doubles the joy,' he said. However, the vessel which has a capacity of 24,346 TEUs (Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units) will have to wait for its turn to berth at the busy port as there are seven vessels already lined up for docking. Originally scheduled to dock on June 5, berthing may be delayed to June 7 or 8, said port sources. Given its enormous size, the vessel owned by Mediterranean Shipping Company and flying the Liberian flag will require four tugs to assist in mooring, compared to the usual two. An estimated 4,000 containers will be handled during its stay at Vizhinjam. A seasoned mariner with 29 years of experience and visits to 120 countries under his belt, Captain Willy Antony has been commanding MSC Irina since its commissioning in March 2023. The vessel's voyage included stops in Singapore, China, and South Korea before returning to Singapore. His wife, Hilda, and son, Benhail, accompanied him on the initial leg of the journey and disembarked in Singapore. 'Berthing is going to be challenging considering the monsoon condition. But the port has experienced people, including two of my former colleagues, to handle it,' he said. 'Vizhinjam has a georgaphical advantage for its natural depth,' Willy said. Despite the excitement of nearing home, Captain Willy expressed disappointment that he and his crew will not be able to step ashore.
India Gazette
a day ago
- India Gazette
Indian parliamentary delegation led by Shrikant Shinde concludes four-nation tour, departs Liberia for India
Monrovia [Liberia], June 3 (ANI): After concluding their four-nation diplomatic tour, the Indian parliamentary delegation led by Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde departed from Monrovia, Liberia, for India. As part of the visit, the delegation travelled to the UAE, Liberia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sierra Leone, engaging in high-level meetings to strengthen bilateral relations and promote India's global outreach. In a notable diplomatic milestone, Shrikant Shinde became the only Indian Member of Parliament to address the national parliaments of both Liberia and Sierra Leone. A statement from his office highlighted this historic outreach, calling it a step forward in deepening India's parliamentary and diplomatic ties with West Africa. Delivering a powerful speech in Liberia's Parliament, he emphasised the need for global unity against terrorism, highlighting India's long-standing struggle with the menace. 'Terrorism is no longer a regional threat; it is a global menace. As representatives from across India's political spectrum, we are here to expose this hidden war. India urges all nations to adopt a policy of zero tolerance toward terrorism,' said Shinde. Shinde stressed that terrorism knows no borders and urged all nations to adopt a zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism 'Terrorism knows no borders. The time has come for all countries to unite and support India's global campaign against terrorism,' said Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde, as per the statement. The Indian delegation received a warm welcome from the Speaker of the Liberian Parliament, Richard Nagbe Koon, and Deputy Speaker Thomas P Fallah. In a meeting with Senate President Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, Shinde demanded that Pakistan be reinstated on the FATF grey list due to its ongoing support for terrorist groups. 'Pakistan has long been a hub for terror organizations. Despite its earlier placement on the FATF grey list, its support for terrorism continues unchecked. India strongly urges the international community to reinstate Pakistan on the FATF grey list,' the statement quoted Shinde as saying. Liberia assured its full support for India's anti-terrorism campaign, with the Liberian Senate observing a two-minute silence in memory of the victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack. On Monday, Shinde and the Indian delegation met with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and Foreign Affairs Minister Sarah Beslow Nyanti. Liberia assured its full support for India's anti-terrorism campaign. Speaker Koon also underscored the importance of regional unity among West African nations in the fight against terrorism. As a mark of solidarity, the Liberian Senate, on the direction of Senate President Karnga-Lawrence, observed a two-minute silence in memory of the victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack in India, as per the statement. Reaffirming the enduring friendship between India and Liberia, Shinde noted the two nations' strong bilateral ties and India's support during Liberia's times of crisis. He expressed confidence that Liberia -- currently a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council -- would back India's anti-terrorism initiatives. As part of an African tour initiated under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an all-party parliamentary delegation led by Shinde arrived in Monrovia on Sunday. Shinde's visit strengthened bilateral ties between India and Liberia, with the Indian delegation receiving a warm welcome and ceremonial honors. The delegation also interacted with the Indian diaspora and visited the Gurudwara in Monrovia. As per the statement, Shinde expressed heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Modi for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading this significant diplomatic mission. (ANI)
