A study on the vulnerability assessment carried out in Oussudu Lake, Puducherry, has raised significant concerns regarding the escalating plastic pollution in water bodies. The research emphasized that canals are turning into disposal areas for utilized plastic bags and different materials, like thermocols, cups, plates, pipes, and bottles.
The Detrimental Impact of Plastic Pollution
The rampant dumping of plastic disrupts the free flow of monsoon run-off. Approximately two-thirds of all plastic forms pile up and degrade slowly, gradually leaching into land and water. Plastic pollution poses a severe environmental threat, impacting the fundamental life support systems, including soil, water, and air.
Plastic pollution is also linked to health issues such as eye irritation, vision failure, breathing difficulties, liver dysfunction, and even cancer.
Strategies and Recommendations before Implementing Plastic Ban
Before implementing a plastic ban, it is crucial to adopt the daily usage of alternative packing items. It’s necessary to encourage people to identify and manufacture alternative packing materials. Hotel owners should be urged to switch to more eco-friendly options, such as banana leaf, teak leaf, vanathula leaf, and mantharai leaf, for serving and packing food.
Upskilling in the creation of alternative packing materials should be promoted. Enforcing rules and regulations related to the production and use of plastic is another crucial step towards decreasing plastic pollution.
| Type of Plastics | Estimated Time to Degrade |
|---|---|
| Plastic Bags | Around 500 years |
| Plastic Bottles | Approximately 450 years |
| Plastic Straws | About 200 years |
Introduction to Oussudu Lake and Its Importance
The Ousteri Lake, also known as Oussudu Lake, is an artificial lake located about 10 km away from Puducherry. It is recognized by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) as a significant wetland of Asia.
The lake boasts a complex structure comprising water, wetland, and mudflats. Serving as the single largest fresh water catchment in Puducherry, the lake’s vegetation, which ranges from small herbs to trees, supports migratory avifauna along with native birds during summer and winter.
Conservation Efforts at the Oussudu Lake
In line with the government’s renovation strategy, the region near the lake aims to be made litter-free to create a conducive environment for migratory birds. The lake region will soon be declared as a no horn and plastic free zone to further its preservation and maintenance.
