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The Print
3 days ago
- General
- The Print
Not just oil, capsized Liberian ship poses another environmental threat. It's all over Kerala & TN coasts
According to the Kerala government, the vessel carried 643 containers, including 13 with hazardous materials and 12 containing calcium carbide—a chemical known to ignite on contact with water. The vessel also held 84.44 metric tonnes (MT) of diesel and 367.1 MT of furnace oil. On 24 May, MSC ELSA 3, en route to Kochi, began tilting soon after it left Vizhinjam port, which reports said was because of a technical issue. By the next day, the ship had completely sunk, around 4.6 nautical miles off the Thottappally spillway in Alappuzha. Thiruvananthapuram/New Delhi: Days after the Liberian-flagged shipping vessel capsized off the Kerala coast, tiny plastic pellets and other non-degradable remnants from the shipwreck have started washing up on Kerala and Tamil Nadu's coasts. Experts have raised an alarm over the impact of the spill as state government officials scramble to contain it. The initial concerns about oil spills and debris drifting along the Indian were soon realised, and the state is still struggling to mitigate the impact. Around four days later, on 28 May, tiny plastic pellets, or nurdles, began washing up on the Thiruvananthapuram coast. The pellets, which look like hailstones, have now started mixing with the sand. Apart from plastic nurdles, Sreekala S, chairperson of the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), wood, cloth, paper, glass, and tea bags, all believed to be stock aboard MSC ELSA-3, are also reaching the shores. Sreekala added that the district administrations, along with the KSPCB and the Disaster Management Authority (DMA), are now working with volunteers to collect debris from Varkala and will be expanding the operations to other coasts as and when more such instances are reported. 'We conducted a drone survey on Thursday to identify the affected areas. Once the collection process is complete, we will decide on the disposal method,' she said. Furthermore, Sreekala said that though no major oil spill from the ship had been reported, trace amounts of oil have been detected along the Alappuzha coast. Authorities in Kerala also said that 55 containers have floated ashore so far, reaching Alappuzha, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram. Containers have also been spotted as far as the coast of Tamil Nadu's Nagercoil. The pellets, which have been identified as the most hazardous items due to their non-degradable nature and potential to harm marine life, have been found predominantly along the Thiruvananthapuram coast, stretching from Varkala in the north to Thumba in the south. Robert Panipilla, founder of Friend of Marine Life, a civil society organisation that conducts underwater studies, raised concerns over the impact of the capsizing. 'The government isn't sharing information about what exactly sank with the ship. We depend on marine life, and we have the right to know.' Also Read: Global warming alarm bells ring as glacier collapse buries entire Swiss village, a first in 125 years Impact on marine life & concern about livelihood On Wednesday morning, D. Christhudas, a 52-year-old fisherman, woke up to a disturbing sight—plastic pellets and cashews had washed ashore in his locality of Adimalathura, Thiruvananthapuram. While he informed the local police station, the tehsildar only visited the village for inspections Thursday. Christhudas has not been able to work since. 'Not just here—eight nearby coastal villages are facing the same issue. And the authorities haven't taken any action since yesterday (Thursday),' Christhudas told ThePrint Friday. Now, a deeper fear looms—the loss of livelihood. Experts are also worried about the long-term implications of the incident. According to Panipilla, if the plastic remains in the sea for long, biomass will start attaching to it. Eventually, marine life will consume it. 'These pellets resemble fish eggs, which can deceive marine organisms,' he said. Balakrishnan Nair, director of the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), also echoed concerns about the plastic pellets. 'We don't have information on how many pellets were on board. But if they are deposited in the sea, it poses a serious danger.' Experts say the shipping company should be held accountable for the damage. 'People have a right to know what risks they are facing from chemical contamination to the safety of their livelihoods and how the government plans to respond,' Avinash Chanchal, deputy programme director (campaigns) at Greenpeace South Asia, said. Government action A senior official from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC), on condition of anonymity, said that the Centre is in touch with the Kerala and Tamil Nadu governments for regular updates on the cleaning exercise. 'The challenge is that these pellets are very tiny and it is difficult to contain their movement,' the official said, adding, 'In Tamil Nadu, some untampered sacks of these pellets have been collected. But most pellets have broken their packaging and are floating in the waters.' A team of scientists from the Centre will be visiting Kerala and Tamil Nadu in the coming days to assess the situation and formulate a plan to contain the damage, the official said. Kerala government's initial plan is that, apart from manually cleaning the coasts from visible pellets, they will also be installing booms—barriers to collect debris in waterbodies—near Alappuzha's Vembanad Lake and Neendakara. This will not only catch the pellets but will also prevent further mixing of oil with freshwater sources. 'The only concern is that oil might leak if the hull breaks. So far, no such issue [major oil leak] has been observed,' Sreekala said. On Monday, the Indian Coast Guard also deployed vessels—ICGS Vikram, Saksham, and Samarth—to the accident site. The ships used infrared cameras to detect oil spills and apply oil spill dispersants (OSDs) to contain the spread. A Dornier aircraft stationed in Kochi is also conducting aerial surveillance for the debris from the wreckage, according to Kochi defence PRO Atul Pillai. The shipping company responsible for the vessel is actively engaged in salvaging and removing the containers, according to officials. 'The company has informed us that they aim to salvage the sunken vessel by 3 July,' Sreekala said. (Edited by Sanya Mathur) Also Read: 4 western disturbances this month made it wettest since 1901. Delhi rains in May isn't all good news
The Hindu
4 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
KSPCB to host student competitions in Bengaluru to mark World Environment Day
BENGALURU In a bid to promote environmental awareness among the youth, the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) will organise a series of drawing and essay writing competitions for school children as part of the World Environment Day 2025 celebrations. The event will take place at the Jawahar Bal Bhavan in Cubbon Park, Bengaluru, on June 3. This year's theme is 'Ending Plastic Pollution', aligning with global efforts to tackle one of the most pressing environmental challenges. The competitions are open to students from primary, middle, and high schools. While students from all three categories can participate in the drawing competition, the essay writing contest is specifically reserved for high school students. The event is scheduled in two sessions: primary and middle school competitions will be held from 10 a.m. to 11.30 a.m., while high school students will compete from 12 noon. Winners from each category will be honoured during the World Environment Day function on June 5, which will be held at Tripura Vasini, Gate No. 2, Palace Grounds, Ballari Road. Students interested in participating can register in person at the KSPCB Regional Office, Bengaluru South, located at Nisarga Bhavan, 7th D Cross, Shivanagar, Bengaluru – 560010. Additionally, registrations are being accepted via email at bngcitysouth@
New Indian Express
6 days ago
- General
- New Indian Express
41 containers land in Kollam, six in Thiruvananthapuram; tackle debris, says CM Vijayan
T'PURAM/KOLLAM : A total of 41 containers from MSC ELSA 3, which sank off the coast of Kochi, washed ashore at various points in Kollam so far. None of them contain hazardous materials. In Thiruvananthapuram, six washed ashore around Varkala on Tuesday. Driven by winds and currents toward the southern shores, containers were spotted at Varkala, Manthara, Anchuthengu, and Ayyappanthottam. Three containers that washed ashore at Anchuthengu and Ayyappanthottam were later swept back into the sea. Most containers appeared to be severely damaged, and battered by the sea. Container parts were also found at Vettakkada, Mampally, and Muthalapozhi, according to Chandradas, SHO of Coastal Police at Anchuthengu. Meanwhile, the Kollam district administration started removing containers along the Kollam coastline. Two containers were shifted to Kollam Port. Authorities are yet to confirm the presence of any oil spill from the sunken ship along the coast. Officials from the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), Kerala State Disaster Management Authority, and Customs have visited the affected areas. KSPCB officials collected water samples to test for oil or other hazardous substances. Authorities have also cautioned the public to avoid touching any washed-up materials, as they may be hazardous. Coastal police have gathered bags containing polymer and cotton pellets that had washed ashore. In Kollam, five families in Cheriyazheekal were relocated to a safer building provided by the district administration, as their homes were too close to where containers had been found and tidal waves had also led to seawater entering their houses.
Time of India
6 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Report reveals worst water quality in 47 lakes
water quality report Karnataka State Pollution Control Board lake management goals National Water Monitoring Program National Green Tribunal The recentby the(KSPCB) has highlighted that nearly 41% of Bengaluru's lakes are highly polluted. While 115 water bodies were tested for 34 parameters, 47 were categorised under Class E, the worst water quality possible. The number of lakes with the worst water quality in January this year was 33, while in February the number rose to lake activists said that it is disappointing that none of theare being met despite the Centre's ongoing(NWMP). Bengaluru lakes are still under threat from various issues, including unabated encroachment, entry of sewage, and a lack of basic the country's Water Act mandates a comprehensive program to prevent and control pollution of water bodies, experts opined that this aspect has always been missing with the KSPCB. The board has only been monitoring the water quality of lakes without taking any action against the sad state of Bengaluru's lakes has drawn the attention of the(NGT) on multiple occasions in the past. In one of the instances, following a news report by BM last year, the tribunal had issued notices to KSPCB, Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), and Karnataka Tank Conservation and Development Authority (KTCDA) due to critically low oxygen levels (below detection level) in 12 out of 117 lakes that were checked by the number of lakes classified as Class E has risen compared to earlier this year, KSPCB data indicates a decline in the overall count of polluted lakes in the corresponding period in 2024 and 2023, nearly 50% of the lakes studied were found to be heavily polluted.'The number of lakes with Class E water quality keeps fluctuating, and there is not much difference between 52 lakes with the worst water quality last year in comparison to 47 lakes this year. The rest of the water bodies fall under class D,' said a city-based lake activist, highlighting that not even a single lake being monitored by KSPCB has Class B or Class C water quality. 'The Pollution Control Board has failed in its duties,' said the activist.
The Wire
25-05-2025
- Climate
- The Wire
Bengaluru Rains Have Returned the Garbage We Carelessly Dumped
JCB machines dredge solid waste in Bengaluru. Photo: Ranjan, Saahas Real journalism holds power accountable Since 2015, The Wire has done just that. But we can continue only with your support. Contribute Now Pre-monsoon showers shook Bengaluru overnight last week, with boats taking over waterlogged roads and garbage heaps peeping out of the Rajakaluves, the city's major stormwater drains. Bengalureans woke up to social media notifications of alarming videos of vehicles wading through submerged roads, flooded neighbourhoods, and passengers falling off their two-wheelers. This has become a recurring exhibit whenever the sky weeps over the city. It reminds Bengaluru of its flawed urban planning and crumbling infrastructure. This year, the morning scene was further enriched by JCBs dredging garbage that choked the Rajakaluves. Bengaluru has a historic waterway system that interlinks lakes and diverts excess rainwater towards tanks or lakes through channels called Rajakaluves. These massive stormwater drains were designed to regulate the water flow between the lakes during dry and wet seasons. However, recent developments have disregarded and encroached upon these channels by obstructing water flow or discharging domestic and industrial sewage. When the city expanded and the residents no longer relied on these water channels, they became neglected, obsolete gutters where the city's solid and liquid waste is indiscriminately discarded. Last week, BBMP contractors dredged heaps of solid waste from the clogged drain near the Silk Board junction. This unusual sight appalled many passengers stuck there due to the slow-moving traffic. One might wonder how this hidden waste suddenly popped out and almost immediately put the blame entirely on the BBMP/BSWML, the entities responsible for the city's waste management. However, multiple stakeholders are involved in the management and maintenance of Rajakaluves, including BBMP, BSWML, KSPCB, KSNMDC, BWSSB and the citizens of Bengaluru. The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is the civic body tasked with the construction, maintenance, and remodelling of raja kaluves, as well as preventing and monitoring encroachments. The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) handles sewage management, network expansion, and treatment plants, coordinating closely with BBMP. The Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC) is responsible for validating major drain plans, installing sensors to monitor rainfall, flooding, and choke points, and providing early warnings to the BBMP during heavy rainfall events. The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) oversees regulatory compliance concerning water, air, and environmental laws, and monitors water quality in drains and lakes. Lastly, the Bangalore Solid Waste Management Limited (BSWML) manages the city's solid waste, which includes preventing the dumping of waste and construction debris into Rajakaluves and their catchment areas. Bengaluru: Commuters wade through a waterlogged road after heavy rains, in Bengaluru, Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Photo: PTI. Of course, there has been negligence on their part regarding the proper maintenance of these stormwater drains or any drains for that matter. Nevertheless, the city's residents are also partners in crime, and we are equally responsible for this crisis. Actions have consequences, as the saying goes: You reap what you sow. When you litter or covertly dump waste in public spaces – be it on the curbside, in vacant lots, inside drains, or near unfinished flyovers – it doesn't just vanish or evaporate into thin air. It comes back to haunt you when you least expect it, so there's no point in being shocked or blaming the administration. How often have we seen people constructing or renovating homes, with concrete and debris carelessly piled up on the roads next to their sites? A significant portion of this is left behind even after the completion of construction, with most ultimately accumulating in the stormwater drains. You sowed the seeds of wrongdoing, it is time to reap the consequences. Unfortunately, it manifests in its ugliest form, affecting the entire city. The solid waste management (SWM) issue in the city presents a classic chicken-or-egg dilemma. Residents attribute the problem to the inconsistency of the waste collection system, while the system blames the residents' lack of responsibility. The simple act of source-segregation can unlock the potential for resource recovery from solid waste. When that doesn't happen, the city's waste often ends up in inconspicuous landfills located near peripheral farmlands, if not in the more visible stormwater drains. People who dump their waste in public spaces often justify their actions by citing the irregularity of the waste collection system. However, this rationale is insufficient to legitimise the pollution of natural resources. Sometimes, people lack the patience to wait for another day if they miss the collection vehicle, and hence, they hastily dispose of their waste elsewhere, in their rush to remove the waste from their homes, even if it means polluting public spaces. Vehicles stuck in a traffic jam as roads got waterlogged due to heavy rains, in Bengaluru, Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Photo: PTI. Segregated waste offers solutions even if you miss the collection vehicle or have limited access. Clean and segregated dry waste can be stored until collection because it neither stinks nor degrades. A big chunk of the sanitary waste can be reduced by switching to a sustainable alternative (cloth napkins, cloth pads, menstrual cups, reusable diapers, etc.). Meanwhile, the wet or biodegradable portion of the waste can be composted at any scale if you have the will. Even if you don't compost, segregating waste reduces the volume of the odorous fraction, allowing you to wait until the next collection day. Hence, the first step in taking responsibility for your waste is by segregating it. The operation of waste collection and transportation is financially intensive, even without considering the capital investment required for collection and processing systems. The SWM system of the city is currently grappling with a lack of accountability and insufficient infrastructure to cover the entire city. Consequently, it is unsurprising that waste collection in many areas is irregular and inadequate. However, instead of carelessly disposing of your waste, be responsible, ask questions and hold the SWM officials accountable. If the collection vehicle in your area is inconsistent or misses pickups, inform the Joint Health Inspector or supervisor responsible for monitoring the collection and urge them to take corrective action. Active citizens are essential for an accountable administration. Established protocols and authorised vendors exist for handling construction and demolition (C&D) waste. Citizens must connect the dots between their carelessly abandoned C&D waste and clogged drains. How often do we enquire the contractor hauling away our C&D waste in a tractor about the disposal location? This waste will likely be dumped in a lakebed or along the edges of a drain. Therefore, the next time you step out to dump your waste, think of the clogged stormwater drains and waterlogged roads that can complicate your life in the city during the monsoon. Archana Tripathi is the CEO of Saahas, a non-profit with 23 years of expertise in the solid waste management sector. Anjali V Raj works in the Knowledge Development and Dissemination vertical at Saahas.
