Harbour works killing seaweeds at Kovalam

Thiruvananthapuram: In yet another revelation on the adverse impact on marine ecosystem due to the construction activities at Vizhinjam International Seaport, seaweeds were found being destroyed due to the dredging works carried out as part of the project. The matter was brought to light during the studies conducted by noted NGO Friends of Marine Life along the southern side of Kovalam coast. “The coastline towards southern Kovalam is lined by rocks. Seaweeds used to be abundant there. But lately they have been disappearing due to the accumulation of sediments brought forth by the dredging works at Vizhinjam," says Robert Panipillai, chief coordinator, Friends of Marine Life.

It is estimated that seaweeds produce around 80 per cent of the oxygen in the planet. Destruction of seaweeds harms the marine ecosystem as  much as destruction of  forests harms the ecosystem in land and is considered a serious offence against the environment. “When you cut down a tree here in the city, we have got activists, even politicians, rallying against it under the cause of environmental protection. But hardly anyone cares for the damage that's being caused to the seas due to these developmental activities,” Mr Panipillai said.

“Destruction of seaweeds in our shores should be viewed with as much, if not more, seriousness as felling of trees. They are the actual providers of the oxygen you breathe,” he says. The Vizhinjam Harbour works were inaugurated on December 5, 2015 against widespread fear on it's adverse impact on marine ecosystem, especially Kovalam. Phase I works on the harbour is scheduled to be completed by December 2019.