Thiruvananthapuram: In the aftermath of a recent shipwreck off the Kerala coast, vast quantities of plastic waste have begun washing up along parts of the shoreline in Thiruvananthapuram district, triggering environmental concerns and prompting swift governmental action. The Chief Minister of Kerala has directed Chief Secretary Dr. V. Venu to immediately mobilize Civil Defense units to carry out a focused cleanup operation in affected coastal zones.

Responding to the urgent directive, the Chief Secretary convened an emergency meeting on Tuesday involving the District Collectors of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, and Alappuzha. The objective of the high-level meeting is to coordinate a multi-district response plan, assess the extent of the environmental impact, and implement a phased but rapid cleanup strategy to prevent long-term ecological damage.

Initial reports from local officials indicate that heaps of plastic debris—believed to be cargo from the wrecked vessel—have begun accumulating on beaches and near fishing hamlets, posing not only environmental hazards but also potential disruptions to fishing activities and coastal tourism. The sudden surge in marine litter has alarmed local communities, many of whom rely on the sea for their livelihood.

Reassuring the public, the Chief Minister stated that there is no cause for panic. “The situation is under control, and with timely action, we can remove the waste and restore the environment to its earlier state,” he said. He emphasized the importance of acting swiftly and responsibly, noting that the Civil Defense forces, trained for disaster and emergency responses, are fully equipped to manage this task efficiently.

Environmental experts warn that if not addressed immediately, the plastic buildup could damage fragile marine ecosystems, threaten biodiversity, and increase microplastic pollution. They have welcomed the state’s quick intervention but also urge a long-term strategy to handle similar incidents, which are becoming more frequent due to increased maritime activity.

Meanwhile, local bodies and residents have been urged to stay away from the affected areas until the cleanup is complete. Additional instructions are expected to be issued after the emergency meeting, including possible advisories for temporary fishing restrictions in the most impacted zones.

Sources suggest that the government is also exploring legal avenues to seek compensation from the ship’s operators for the environmental fallout, a move that could set a precedent for accountability in future maritime mishaps.

The Chief Minister reiterated his commitment to environmental stewardship, stressing that Kerala’s coastline—rich in biodiversity and central to the state's identity—must be protected at all costs. He also praised the swift cooperation between departments and assured the public that restoration efforts would proceed without delay.