Toxic Foam on Chennai Coast Puts Fishermen's Livelihoods at Risk

Chennai- With the onset of the northeast monsoon in Tamil Nadu, a serious environmental issue has emerged on Chennai's beaches, which could threaten the livelihoods of fishermen.

After the Chembarambakkam Lake reached its maximum water level, excess water was released into the Cooum River. This water has carried accumulated chemical waste from the river into the sea near Pattinappakkam. As a result, a stretch of about one kilometer of coastline from Pattinappakkam to Srinivasapuram has been covered in white toxic foam.

More than 500 families live in Srinivasapuram, whose livelihoods are entirely dependent on the sea. Fishermen in this area catch fish daily to support their families. However, this toxic foam spreading in the sea has become a major threat to their health and livelihoods. The foam may appear attractive to children, but according to experts, the chemical elements present in it can cause serious health problems.

Local fishermen say that due to the foam, fewer fish are being caught, which is affecting their income. Some fishermen have reported issues like skin irritation and difficulty in breathing from the chemicals in the foam. Environmentalists say that this foam is forming due to untreated industrial and domestic wastewater, which is reaching the sea via the Cooum River.

Local residents have demanded that the administration take steps to resolve this issue. They say that strict measures should be taken for the treatment of wastewater. The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board has initiated an investigation into the matter and has promised appropriate action soon. Environmental experts have warned that if immediate attention is not paid to this problem, it could pose an even greater threat to marine life and local communities.