Marine debris hit unprotected coastal areas in Kozhikode

Authorities in Kozhikode district fail to address mounting marine debris issue, posing pollution threat to coastal residents.

The removal of marine debris washed up along the unprotected coastal areas of Kozhikode district within a few days after the onset of the monsoon is yet to begin, reportedly due to the failure of the authorities to devise an action plan. Several coastal residents are going through a harrowing time with the piling up of waste, mostly containing plastic trash and other decayed materials.

“Around 20 families here are in a difficult situation with the huge pile of waste remaining along the shore at Purankara near Vadakara. There is no move yet for the treatment of these stinking materials even after the visit of a few local administrators,” said M. Ayisha, a resident. She added the stink of the waste materials was making it difficult to cook food.

The complaints related to the washed up debris are on the increase from coastal areas where the seawall construction works have been pending for several years. Though funds have been sanctioned recently for covering some of the most vulnerable stretches, the adverse weather conditions and the sea erosion threat are likely to delay the works.

“There are even medical wastes, broken fishing nets, plastic toys, discarded napkins, and huge bundles of plastic carry bags in the washed-up marine debris. If there is no proper action plan, it will emerge as a big pollution threat for residents,” said an elderly fisherman from Vadakara. He added the residents would not be able to address the crisis without the support of local administrators.

Some of the unprotected coastal areas in Kozhikode city also have witnessed the dangerous pollution threat from marine debris. At Thoppayil beach, the authorities are yet to take stock of the situation. Decomposed degradable waste also has been washed ashore in several locations.

Meanwhile, a Suchitwa Mission official said the matter would be brought to the attention of the district administration for a massive action with the support of various local administrators, governmental and non-governmental organisations. The possibility of undertaking a coastal clean-up drive in the affected areas would also be considered, he added.