• Urges authorities to pay special attention to a possible oil leak

By Sheain Fernandopulle 

The government and its agencies like Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) and National Aquatic Resources Research, Development Agency (NARA) and other local bodies have failed in addressing the environmental damage and damage to livelihood of fishermen caused due to the inferno in the X-Press Pearl vessel recently, environmental activists claimed. 

Executive Director of the Centre for Environmental Justice, Hemantha Withanage said 70 to 75 billion plastic pellets called ‘nurdles’ dropped into the ocean following this incident and added it would take 500 to 1,000 years for plastics to perish. 

“When these plastics are consumed by fish, they get crushed into small particles which converted into microplastics. Also, when fish eat these contaminated plastic pellets, fish could perish,” he underscored. 
He said over 275 sea turtles reported to have died following this disaster and added it could be assumed that over 2,000 turtle deaths would have had occurred. 

“Also, around 45 dolphins are also reported dead with some whales. This is an alarming situation. The MEPA, NARA and other local bodies have not done justice to this issue,” Withanage charged. 
“It is apparent that there is chemical contamination resulting in a major havoc in the surrounding sea areas. It was also noticed that some fishing nets have also been damaged. However, local research bodies and academics have failed to come out with a specific reason for these deaths and damages,” he pointed out. 

He proceeded to say that the Government had not properly monitored the insurance programme and compensation to affected fishermen. 

Withanage also urged the authorities to pay special attention to a possible oil leak, which could emerge at any time.