Kochi shipwreck: CM Stalin holds review meeting on environmental impact along T.N. coast

Kochi shipwreck: CM Stalin holds review meeting on environmental impact along T.N. coast

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin held a review meeting with officials at the State Secretariat on Friday (May 30, 2025) to discuss steps for the removal of materials that washed ashore along the coastal areas of Kanniyakumari district from the cargo ship MSC Elsa 3, which capsized nearly 38 nautical miles off the Kerala coast on May 24.

Mr. Stalin held discussions with officials from the Departments of Revenue, Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Fisheries, and the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board regarding the safe removal of plastic and other materials washing ashore in Tamil Nadu’s coastal regions. The objective was to prevent any harmful effects on the public and to assess potential impacts on marine organisms and other resources.

According to the official release, though no hazardous materials have washed ashore on the Tamil Nadu coast so far, Mr. Stalin directed officials to ensure coordination among various departments and volunteers for the safe removal of the objects, and to conduct studies on both the short-term and long-term environmental impacts on marine life.

He also urged the public to report any suspicious objects found near the coast to the district administration or the police. Additionally, he directed the State Disaster Management Authority to continuously monitor the situation and take all necessary precautionary measures to safeguard the public.

Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam; Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Supriya Sahu; Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Revenue and Disaster Management, P. Amudha, and other senior government officials participated in the meeting.