Manakudy mangroves face risk from pollution

Manakudy estuary in Kanniyakumari district faces sewage contamination, endangering delicate mangrove ecosystem and aquatic life, urging immediate action.

The Manakudy estuary, home to the primary mangrove ecosystem of Kanniyakumari district, is at a juncture where it has been grappling with sewage contamination, while sustaining its delicate ecosystem.

Situated amid the scenic Marunthuvaazh Malai on its back side, and a broken bridge damaged by the 2004-tsunami, the place is not just a visual treat, but also a crucial habitat for local and migratory birds. However, increasing pollution and human activities are endangering its fragile ecosystem .

Sewage contamination has emerged as a major concern, affecting the region’s rich biodiversity. “We have taken many steps to reduce the pollution which primarily includes removal of plastic waste,” said Shriram, an activist from ‘Namadhu Pazhayaru’ collective. Despite these efforts, the backwater continues to face growing environmental challenges.

Due to its attraction, the place has started hosting water sports activities such as speed boat and other adventurous rides, with the aim of promoting awareness of its rich ecosystem. However, frequent human activities and pollution cause irreversible damage to mangroves and the aquatic life.

Lourde, a villager, said, “Many people are casually throwing their waste, including diapers and other non-degradable plastic materials from the bridge, disregarding the ecological importance of the place.” He added that surveillance should be deployed in the region to prevent such activities by the locals and visitors.

According to Siluvai Vaschian, founder of Heal Movement, the mangrove in the region is primarily composed of two types of species such as Avicennia marina and rhizophora species. These mangroves played a significant role in reducing the impact of the 2004-tsunami on nearby villages. “But today the vital ecosystem is under serious threat,” he said.

“The place supports a wide array of aquatic species - all of which are at risk, due to sewage and plastic pollution. Most of the river and canal water merging into the estuary carries sewage and chemical pollutants. To curb this, it is crucial to restore and regulate the check dams in the district,” he added.