A report presented to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has emphasized the critical need for immediate microplastic cleanup drives and the prohibition of high-risk plastic items to tackle the severe microplastic contamination plaguing the beaches of Puri, Odisha.
During a recent hearing concerning the alarming presence of microplastics on Puri’s beaches, the Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) responded with findings from their latest study, conducted as part of the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Programme (ICZMP). The report revealed high densities of microplastics across various popular beaches, notably Swargadwar and Golden Beach.
The OSPCB’s technical report, derived from samples collected and analyzed on November 6, highlights Swargadwar Beach as a microplastic hotspot with urgent need for mitigation. This beach, central to Hindu religious rites and heavily trafficked by tourists, shows significant microplastic accumulation, which the study attributes to synthetic textiles and fishing activities prevalent in the area.
“The highest microplastic density in seawater was found at Swargadwar Beach due to continuous tourist activities and the influx of plastics from the land,” the OSPCB explained. Similarly, Golden Beach’s proximity to heavy tourist activity and localized plastic degradation has led to a concerning level of sediment contamination.
The study categorizes the predominant microplastics as fibers, fragments, pellets, films, and foams, with fibers being the most common. These findings underscore the widespread prevalence of synthetic textile fibers and other plastic residues across Puri’s beaches.
In response, the OSPCB has proposed several prioritized actions, including immediate cleanup drives, installation of fiber filters in urban runoff channels, and regular monitoring of seawater to track pollution levels. Local bans on microbeads, straws, and disposable cutlery are also recommended to mitigate further contamination.
Additional suggestions from the report include enhancing waste management practices around beaches, particularly at Blue Flag Beach where lower microplastic concentrations suggest effective current methods. It also calls for the installation of microplastic waste bins and strict enforcement of zero-plastic discharge policies for local industries.
The report further recommends upgrading Puri’s wastewater treatment facilities to incorporate advanced microplastic filtration systems and conducting awareness programs to educate the public and tourists on the impacts of microplastics on marine environments.
