How has the plastic nurdle spill from the sunken MSC ELSA 3 impacted TN's Dhanushkodi sanctuary?
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Synopsis
A devastating plastic nurdle spill from the MSC ELSA 3 has reached the Dhanushkodi Greater Flamingo Sanctuary, endangering India's fragile coastal ecosystem. This alarming event raises serious environmental concerns and calls for urgent action.
Key Takeaways
- Plastic nurdles from the MSC ELSA 3 spill threaten the Dhanushkodi sanctuary.
- These tiny pellets can be lethal to marine life.
- Cleanup operations face challenges due to nurdles' buoyancy.
- Environmentalists demand urgent action to protect ecosystems.
- Fishermen express concerns over potential impacts on their livelihoods.
Chennai, June 10 (NationPress) A significant spill of plastic nurdles from the wrecked cargo vessel MSC ELSA 3 has infiltrated the newly designated Dhanushkodi Greater Flamingo Sanctuary in the Ramanathapuram district, jeopardizing one of India's most delicate coastal ecosystems.
The MSC ELSA 3, registered under the Liberian flag, sank off the coast of Kochi several weeks ago while transporting 640 containers, which included 13 containing hazardous substances, 12 containing calcium carbide, as well as 367 tonnes of furnace oil and 84 tonnes of diesel.
The ship's cargo manifest has not been made public, raising concerns about the complete environmental impact.
The Dhanushkodi Sanctuary, situated within the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, is a habitat for 128 bird species, including the Greater and Lesser Flamingos, and is also home to sea turtles, crustaceans, molluscs, and various fish. Its dunes, marshes, and seagrass beds are critical components of the Central Asian Flyway for migratory birds.
Nurdles, which are small plastic pellets utilized in industrial production, resemble fish eggs and can be lethal to marine creatures. Ingestion of these pellets can lead to internal blockages, starvation, and often death. They also absorb toxic substances, infiltrating the food chain and posing long-term health risks.
Reports indicate that around 80 bags, each weighing 25 kilograms, have been found along a 12-km coastal stretch. Affected locations include the old church of Dhanushkodi, Irattaithalai, Mugandharayan Chathiram, Gothanda Ramar temple, and Patchappatti village.
Driven by ocean currents from the Thiruvananthapuram-Kanniyakumari coast, this spill now poses a threat to the adjacent Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, which is home to essential coral reefs and seagrass beds.
Experts warn that these habitats could be overwhelmed by plastic debris, which would obstruct sunlight and interfere with photosynthesis.
The Ramanathapuram District Collector, Simranjeet Singh Kahlon, stated, "We’ve located between 15 and 30 nurdle bags along the coastline. A specialized team has been organized for cleanup, while additional teams are keeping watch for further debris."
He urged the community not to panic, assuring that rapid measures were in progress.
This incident recalls the 2021 X-Press Pearl disaster in Sri Lanka, where 1,680 tonnes of nurdles caused widespread marine fatalities and devastated fisheries.
Research indicated severe consequences for plankton and larval life forms, threatening entire food chains.
Cleanup operations in Ramanathapuram are complicated due to the buoyancy and small size of the nurdles, exacerbated by monsoon waves that break them down into microplastics.
As the 61-day annual fishing ban approaches its conclusion, fishermen are concerned that diminishing fish populations and consumer reluctance could jeopardize their livelihoods if the spill escalates.
Environmental advocates are demanding immediate intervention, transparency regarding the cargo, and sustainable containment strategies to avert irreversible damage to one of India’s most vital marine ecosystems.
Point of View
I believe this incident is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in our coastal ecosystems. The implications of such spills extend beyond immediate environmental damage, affecting local economies and biodiversity. It is crucial for authorities to act swiftly and transparently to mitigate the fallout and protect these vital habitats.
NationPress
11/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are nurdles and why are they harmful?
Nurdles are small plastic pellets used in manufacturing. They are harmful because they can be ingested by marine life, causing internal blockages and often leading to death.
How did the MSC ELSA 3 sink?
The MSC ELSA 3 sank off the Kochi coast while carrying a diverse cargo, including hazardous materials, which raises concerns about potential environmental impact.
What is being done to address the nurdle spill?
Authorities have deployed special cleanup teams to manage the nurdle spill along the affected coastline and are monitoring for additional debris.
How does the spill impact local fisheries?
Fishermen fear that the spill could reduce fish populations and consumer confidence, which would negatively impact their livelihoods, especially as the fishing ban nears its end.
What long-term measures are needed to prevent such incidents?
Experts are calling for improved transparency regarding cargo, urgent interventions, and long-term containment strategies to protect marine ecosystems.
