3-June-2025 Daily Answer Writing
Q1) Critically examine the environmental implications of the Kochi coast vessel sinking incident and the response of Indian regulatory mechanisms.
(GS3- Environment, 10 Marks, 150 words)
Answer:
Introduction:
The recent sinking of MSC Elsa-3, a Liberia-flagged vessel carrying hazardous cargo off the Kochi coast, raises major environmental and regulatory concerns.
Environmental Implications:
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Hazardous material leakage: Cargo included calcium carbide and oils that may contaminate water and soil.
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Marine biodiversity threat: Spillage affects plankton, fish, coral reefs and migratory species.
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Drift risks: Containers may reach Lakshadweep, Kollam, and Alappuzha coasts, spreading impact.
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Long-term pollution: Persistent organic pollutants could enter the food chain and damage livelihoods.
Regulatory Gaps:
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Cargo ambiguity: Shipping firms not mandated to disclose full hazardous content.
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Weak monitoring: No real-time tracking or inspection of foreign vessels in Indian EEZ.
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Delayed response: NGT acted suo motu only after media reports.
Institutional Response:
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NGT Action: Invoked Environment Protection Act, Water Act, and Biodiversity Act.
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INCOIS Alert: Predicted container drift within 48 hours, enabling precautionary alerts.
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Need for protocol: India lacks a comprehensive marine pollution protocol like MARPOL compliance.
Conclusion:
The incident is a wake-up call for strengthening coastal regulatory frameworks, ensuring transparent maritime disclosures, and enhancing India’s marine disaster response capability.
Read More – 02 June 2025 : Daily Answer Writing
