Puducherry's Backwaters Choked by Plastic Tide

Puducherry's vital waterways, including the Ariyankuppam River and Thengaithittu backwaters, are being inundated by vast amounts of single-use plastic waste. This pollution stems from local drains, particularly during rainfall, and is accumulating in the slow-moving backwaters, severely impacting the mangrove ecosystem.

The ecological damage is significant, with plastic debris choking mangroves and disrupting the wetland habitat. Artisanal fishermen are severely affected, reporting that their nets are frequently filled with plastic waste rather than fish, impacting their livelihoods. Tourist boat operators also face operational challenges as plastic gets stuck in propellers.

Concerns are mounting over the environmental crime and the need for immediate action. Experts and local organizations are calling for government intervention, including waste cleanup, installation of trash barriers, and enforcement of single-use plastic bans. They emphasize the importance of data collection for effective solutions and managing waste at the source.

While Puducherry has banned single-use plastics, enforcement remains a challenge, with items like tetra packs still available and plastic entering from other states. Authorities are working to seal industries and conduct raids, but a comprehensive, source-to-sea approach is deemed necessary.