No steps taken to keep ocean clean
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While marine biologists and ecologists observe World Ocean Day on Friday, some 100 million litres of untreated sewage water will be added to Marina Beach via the Napier Bridge causeway and Adyar river.
“The Chennai coast is the most polluted next to Mumbai and we are doing nothing to protect the marine biodiversity,” complained oceanography expert and former vice-chancellor of Madras University, Prof. S. Ramachandran.
“It is sad that the Union government and environment ministry are not taking steps to protect coastal waters. The serious impact of marine pollution has already led to adverse climate change effects as the sea’s surface temperature continues to rise,” he added.
Despite the fishing ban during the breeding season, the amount of fish caught in season has reduced owing to chemical pollution. Also, the seafood available will certainly be contaminated if remedial steps are not taken, added the marine expert.
“Oceans are the lungs of our planet, providing 70 per cent of the oxygen we breathe. The oceans are also major sources of food and medicines and a critical part of the biosphere,” said marine biologist Ms Supraja Dharini, chairperson, Tree Foundation.
We often fail to understand that 10 lakh people in the state are directly dependent on the protein source of our ocean.
There is an immediate need for reduction in marine pollution and efforts should be taken to conserve the marine organisms, she added.
According to Chennai Metro Water sources, the city produces above 500 million litres per day of sewage water and most of this is treated and drained into the sea through inland waterways.
Meanwhile, the United Nations has urged the youth to focus on marine pollution. “Youth — the Next Wave for Change” is the UN message for this year’s World Ocean Day.
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