Red Coloration of Sea in Puducherry due to Plankton Crash: NGT Panel Report

Context

A panel was formed by the southern bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) to probe the cause of the sea turning red in Puducherry in October and November 2023.

Sea turning Red in Puducherry Linked to Plankton Crash

• The panel comprising Member Secretary, Central Pollution Control Board, Member Secretary, Puducherry Pollution Control Committee, an expert from the Marine Biology Department of University of Puducherry, and a scientist from Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Parangipettai
• Investigation Findings: The panel dismissed the possibility of algal bloom and contamination from a nearby paper manufacturing unit’s effluents flowing into a canal that leads to the sea. 
  • It concluded that the dates of the unit’s soaking and beating processes in October – November 2023 did not align with the occurrences of discoloration at Promenade Beach.
  • The panel has attributed the phenomenon to plankton crash.  It held that there was high iron concentration, which may have favored plankton bloom.
• Impact of Environmental Parameters: The environmental parameters such as sea surface temperature (31°C), salinity(41psu), pH (6.5), and dissolved oxygen (5.8ppm) were assessed and related to the phytoplankton proliferation. 
  • The parameters were found to be conducive to the development of  plankton bloom.
• As per a study by Annamalai University, the majority of a particular unicellular species of phytoplankton — Noctiluca scintillans — in the sea were found ruptured, leading to the release of  red pigment into the sea.
• Suggestion by Panel: It recommended strict vigilance on quality of sewage carried in the canal which confluences at Kuruchikuppam and to take long term measures on untreated sewage presently being let into the sea.

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National Green Tribunal (NGT)

• About:  It was established in 2010 under the NGT Act, 2010 for effective and expeditious disposal of environmental protection and conservation cases. 
• The Tribunal is not bound by the procedure laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, but guided by principles of natural justice.
  • Composition: The act allows for up to 40 members (20 expert members and 20 judicial members).
  • Chairman is the administrative head of the tribunal, also serves as a judicial member and is required to be a serving or retired Chief Justice of a High Court or a judge of the Supreme Court of India.
• Deals with cases under: 
  • Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974
  • Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977
  • Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980
  • Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
  • Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
  • Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991
  • Biological Diversity Act, 2002
• Benches of National Green Tribunal (NGT): 
  • Principal Bench: New Delhi
  • Regional Benches: Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai 

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