Monsoon Drives Marine Pollution Crisis Along India's Coastline, Experts Warn
Monsoon flushes nearly half of marine litter into sea, Mumbai beaches among worst hit: Fishery Survey of India
Deccan Herald
Image: Deccan Herald
The southwest monsoon significantly contributes to marine pollution in India, with nearly 46% of annual litter entering the sea during this season. Mumbai's beaches, particularly Juhu and Versova, are severely affected, prompting calls for comprehensive strategies to tackle marine debris.
- 0146% of India's annual marine litter is washed into the sea during the monsoon season.
- 02Mumbai's Juhu and Versova beaches are rated as 'extremely dirty', with 86% of debris being urban consumer plastics.
- 03The Ganga river discharges approximately 1.2 lakh tonnes of plastic into marine waters annually.
- 04FSI has recovered over 23 tonnes of ghost gear from marine depths in the last three years.
- 05Proposals include establishing Marine Litter Recycling Hubs to incentivize fishermen for collecting marine litter.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The southwest monsoon is a major contributor to marine pollution in India, with experts revealing that nearly 46% of the nation's annual marine litter is washed into the sea during this season. A recent workshop organized by the Fishery Survey of India (FSI) in Mumbai highlighted the severe impact on Maharashtra's coastline, particularly at Juhu and Versova beaches, which are classified as 'extremely dirty' with 86% of debris being urban consumer plastics. The Ganga river is a significant source, discharging about 1.2 lakh tonnes of plastic into marine areas each year. Researchers emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to marine debris, advocating for the establishment of Marine Litter Recycling Hubs that would allow fishermen to earn between ₹40 and ₹50 per kilogram of collected litter. Additionally, a geo-referenced platform for monitoring marine litter hotspots was introduced. Experts called for a shift from periodic clean-ups to a 'Catchment-to-Coast' strategy, which includes installing trash barriers in rivers and implementing a national marine litter policy.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The accumulation of marine litter threatens local marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of communities dependent on fishing.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
What do you think is the best way to reduce marine litter during the monsoon?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.


