The shipping company responsible for the cargo of the sunken vessel MSC Elsa 3 has initiated cleanup operations to remove plastic pellets that have been washing ashore at Kovalam beach. The pellets, part of a consignment lost when the ship sank a year ago, began appearing on the shore after rough seas associated with the monsoon season.
Inefficient Cleanup Efforts
Local fishermen have expressed dissatisfaction with the cleanup efforts, stating that the process is inefficient and must be repeated every time new pellets appear. Despite the company deploying staff along the beach to collect plastic pellets and other debris, the work was halted soon after the waste was cleared and stacked at a designated location.
Recurring Problem
The plastic pellets have started to wash ashore again in recent days, raising concerns among environmentalists. Robert Panipilla of Friends of Marine Life acknowledged the positive step of initiating cleanup but warned of the recurring nature of the issue. “The waste has started to spread on a large expanse of sands. The rough sea during the monsoon is bringing the waste to the shore and it may continue every year,” he said.
The company had previously cleared plastic waste and other debris, including empty containers, that washed ashore after the ship sank. However, the cleanup was discontinued after the initial collection, leading to the current situation where pellets are once again accumulating on the beach.
- Cleanup operations have resumed at Kovalam beach to remove plastic pellets from the sunken MSC Elsa 3.
- Fishermen report that the cleanup is insufficient and needs to be repeated frequently.
- Environmentalists warn that monsoon conditions will continue to bring waste ashore annually.
