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Categorical Information Service
CHENNAI: 1000’s of fish, largely juveniles, have choked to dying previously one month at Kovalam estuary, about 30 km south of Chennai, as a result of a rise in air pollution load. Incessant pre-monsoon rains have drained pollution from upstream into the estuary, and with the bar mouth blocked by sandbar, a poisonous cesspool has been created with no escape for the fish, only a stone’s throw from the just lately Blue Flag licensed seaside.
TNIE visited the estuary on Saturday morning and noticed lifeless fish alongside the banks of the waterbody. The water stank, indicating mixing of untreated sewage and industrial effluent. As per a tough estimate by the Central Marine Fisheries Analysis Institute, that runs an experimental station at Kovalam, `10 crore price fish, inexperienced mussels, and crab shares, have perished in three months.
Hanif Mohammed, proprietor of Freshfins {and professional} angler, stated: “It’s a nice loss for fishermen. I exploit the backwaters for kayaking and different water sports activities apart from fishing. Within the final one week alone, I’ve cleaned and disposed of multiple tonne of fish.”
The famed Kovalam Blue Flag seaside lies adjoining to the bar mouth. After complaints of fish kills, the Public Works Division just lately minimize open a small portion of sandbar permitting tidal circulate between the estuary and sea. The seaside is thronged by tons of who go for a swim. With the highly-polluted estuary waters flushing into the ocean, the standard of water within the seaside is probably not match for bathing. That is additionally a browsing space. Sources stated Chief Minister MK Stalin is prone to go to the seaside on October 16.
Kovalam disaster is worrying, say researchers
Joe Okay Kizhakudan, officer-incharge on the Kovalam Area Laboratory of CMFR I, informed TNIE the basis reason behind the disaster was the choking of Kovalam bar mouth. For the final three months, it has been closed as a result of formation of sandbar. “For survival of any estuary, there must be fixed alternate of sea water.
When this stops, eutrophication occurs. What is going on at Kovalam is absolutely worrisome. As a result of anthropogenic actions, a excessive degree of vitamins is carried into the estuary, leading to (algal) bloom,” Kizhakudan stated.
In 2015, a workforce of 5 researchers revealed an article in a global science journal, Science Innovations Immediately, on how the Kovalam estuary has been constantly reporting bloom of poisonous algae. Supriya Sahu, chairman of the TNPCB, stated authorities shall be instructed to gather water samples and provoke corrective measures.
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