Collector inspects removal of plastic pellets from Danushkodi seashore

District Collector inspects clean-up of plastic pellets washed ashore in Danushkodi, ensuring safe removal and disposal procedures.

District Collector Simranjeet Singh Kahlon here on Wednesday inspected the cleaning works being undertaken at Danushkodi coastal areas to remove the plastic pellets that were being washed ashore in the last few days. 

A container, chemical bags, plastic pellets, and other materials had been washed ashore near several villages of Kanniyakumari in the last week from the sunken Liberian vessel off the Kerala coast on May 25.  

Earlier this week, similar chemical bags and plastic pellets were found along the seashore of Danushkodi.  The clean-up activity by Coast Guard personnel and local body workers was kicked off immediately after the incident

Following the inspection, the Collector spoke to the press and said that till date about 80 bags and 300 kg of plastic pellets were removed from the area and the clean up work would go on for about a week.  

“Though plastic pellets are safe to handle with bare hands, necessary precautionary measures are being ensured. Also, studies to ascertain the damage that it would cause to the marine ecosystem and fish are being conducted by experts,” he added.  

The chemical bags and plastic pellets that were removed have been stored in a protective location, and once scientists and marine experts recommend a safe way of disposal, they would clear them off according to the procedure, he noted.