Effluents polluting sea: Study

VELI: Untreated industrial effluent is causing heavy damage to marine ecosystem in the coastal Kerala, says Kerala University''s Aquatic Biology researchers. They have represented to the chief minister for corrective steps.
Recently, the southern Kerala beach had witnessed mass death of fish and sickness to coastal inhabitants. Not long ago, there had been skirmishes between fisherfolks and industrial units over "wanton dumping" of untreated effluents to beach and sea.
The maiden study on eco-condition of Vettukad-Veli beach during the first quarter of this year revealed largescale damage to sea water where the effluent flowed in to the sea.Piloted by Abdul Aziz, Professor of Ecology of the Kerala University, it pointed an accusing finger at the Travancore Titanium Products (TTP), which it said was the single-most contributor to sea pollution.
The research team comprising DR Kavitha and Sini Wilson said, the Titanium effluent had proved highly hot and acidic that killed the organic growth and health. The temperature of the effluent outlet point proved as high as 45-47 degrees Celsius while the average ambient temperature of Thiruvananthapuram coast was 29 degrees Censius.
"Since 1948 the TTP has been discharging highly acidic effluents onto the beach with utmost regard for the ecoly and biodiversity of the region", the study said and added that the industrial units must install the effluent treatment plants at the earliest.
Meanwhile, the TTP Managing Director Eappen Joseph told the Times of India that the unit was scheduled to install the plant by June 2006. This was the period the Kerala High court allowed it on public interest litigation. "It would cost the unit Rs 100 Crore. We are linking it to diversification and expansion to reduce the burden". He agreed the effluent was acidic but denied it caused mass destruction of fish and other organism.