Open drainage on the beach acts as threat to Olive Ridley turtles

The outlet of city drainage into the sea on R.K beach is a big issue which is being overlooked since many years. The toxic water from the city drainage not only gives the beach an ugly look and spoils it but it also poses a great threat to the Olive Ridley turtles. A senior civic official said, “Sewage water generally contains high quantity of toxins due to the presence of solid waste including faeces, plastic and other waste discarded by the residents. All this waste flushes into the sea causing pollution”.

Plastic and other pollutants are constantly jeopardising the fragile marine ecosystem. This is affecting various species of fish and the endangered Olive Ridley turtles who comes to lay eggs on the Andhra Pradesh coast line. Almost all festivals and political programmes are held at RK Beach which leaves the beach surroundings more dirty and contaminated than ever. Animal right activist Pradeep Nath from Visakha Society for Protection and Care of Animals (VSPCA) said, “A professional approach from all stakeholders is needed to address this beach and water pollution issue. It’s high time we declare the beaches as plastic and litter-free zones. and impose severe spot fines.”

The scenario of open drain outlet on the city beach needs to be changed and strict measures are required to avoid any harm to the marine eco system. Even though many articles came regarding this issue in different newspapers, no strong step has been taken against it.

imagecourtsey:TimesOfIndia