Microplastic Pollution Found in Edayar Stretch of Periyar River

Quick Summary

• A joint committee by teh Kerala State Pollution Control Board found microplastic contamination in the upstream waters of the Periyar River near Edayar industrial area, Kerala.
• Samples taken from both an upstream point and an opposite bank showed microplastic presence, suggesting multiple pollutant sources.
• The examination followed concerns about waste-dumping practices by the defunct Sree sakthi Paper Mills, which had previously levelled dumped plastic waste into a parking area.
• The National Green Tribunal had earlier flagged unscientific dumping at the site and directed further analysis to assess environmental impact.
• The committee recommended constructing a concrete or equivalent embankment at the riverbank near the contaminated site to limit water run-off risks but noted ownership disputes as a barrier to immediate action.

Indian Opinion Analysis

Microplastic contamination in critical water bodies like the Periyar River raises significant environmental alarms for India, given its dependency on such resources for drinking, irrigation, and ecosystems’ health. While pollution appears multifaceted rather than solely linked to one source (Sree Sakthi Paper Mills), this incident underscores industrial responsibility gaps that contribute to long-term ecological damage.

The suggestion for embankments reflects practical mitigation steps but highlights bureaucratic challenges regarding land ownership-a recurring issue across environmental response efforts in India’s governance framework. As microplastics pose risks not just locally but globally through downstream ecosystems and human consumption pathways, addressing such pollution comprehensively-and urgently-may necessitate tighter regulations on industrial waste management alongside improved enforcement mechanisms.

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