Research conducted by the scientists at CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology reveal alarming levels of plastic pollution in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These islands, a group of nearly 572 islands located at the East Coast of India in the Bay of Bengal, are gradually getting engulfed by plastic waste, predominantly carried by ocean currents from South-East Asian countries through major shipping route, the Malacca Straits.
Foreign-origin Plastic Litter Threat to Islands
The study finds that a significant proportion of the plastic litter found on these beach islands is not of Indian origin. Around ten countries contribute to this influx of plastic waste which ends up on these serene islands. These include Malaysia (40%), Indonesia (23.9%), Thailand (16.3%), Singapore, Philippines, Vietnam, India, Myanmar, China, and Japan.
Major Contributors to Marine Debris
The accumulation of marine debris on the island can be attributed to multiple factors. It includes improper handling of solid & plastic waste from fishing/mariculture activities and heavy ship traffic. Intentional dumping of waste by some nations is another big contributor. These activities often breach the laws laid down in the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships and need stringent monitoring and enforcement.
Impact on Local Ecology
| Giant Robber Crab | Native species threatened by plastic pollution |
|---|---|
| Megapode bird | Indigenous bird species affected by plastic debris |
| Leatherback Sea Turtles | Nesting ground disrupted by plastic litters |
Geographical and Ecological Significance of the Great Nicobar Islands
The Great Nicobar group of islands are located approximately 1,300 km southeast of the Indian subcontinent, across the Bay of Bengal. They house some of the most primitive tribes – the Nicobarese and Shompens.
With diverse habitats like tropical wet evergreen forests, mountain ranges, and coastal plains, these islands boast of a rich ecosystem. The islands are home to unique species such as the giant robber crab, a megapode bird, and the crab-eating macaque. It is also a nesting ground for leatherback sea turtles.
The Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve (GNBR), encompassing the Galathea National Park and the Campbell Bay National Park, is part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. However, the thriving coral reefs of this island are at risk due to plastic debris. The island group also forms part of the Sundalands, one of India’s four biodiversity hotspots.
