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The Hindu
3 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Greenpeace, civil society groups demand urgent action for making MSC pay for environment damage, livelihood loss
Greenpeace India along with civil society groups representing coastal and fishing communities on Monday (July 28, 2025) demanded urgent action to make the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) pay for the environmental damage and livelihood loss caused by the sinking of its Liberian-flagged vessel, the MSC Elsa 3, off the Kerala coast in May. A White Paper released here outlined the potential ecological and socio-economic impacts of the shipwreck that occurred 14.6 nautical miles off the coast of Kochi on May 25 and its far-reaching consequences, which has since, the organisations said, spiralled into a 'multi-dimensional environmental and human crisis.' The White Paper, covering the period from May 25 to June 25, sought to highlight the different dimensions of the damage including widespread nurdle (plastic pellet) contamination along the coasts of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. 'This is not just an accident. This is corporate negligence,' the document said. It demanded full transparency on the cargo manifest of the sunken ship and called on MSC to support rapid clean-up response and an independent impact assessment. It also wanted the company to engage in a 'comprehensive, up-to-scale compensation plan for the loss of livelihoods and biodiversity resulting from the shipwreck.' The document noted that oil spill, hydrocarbon contamination and hazardous chemical leaks pose immediate and significant threats to marine life, food chains and fisheries. The microplastic pollution caused by the spillage of nurdles (plastic pellets) poses another significant threat, the document said. Large amounts of microplastic pellets (nurdles) less than 5 mm in size have washed ashore along the Kerala coast and drifted to ecologically sensitive areas like the Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve and roughly 80 km to 600 km along the coastline of Sri Lanka, it said. The White Paper observed that incidents such as the MSC Elsa 3 shipwreck pose significant long-term environmental consequences and present formidable recovery challenges. Damaged ecosystems, such as coral reefs, mangrove forests and seagrass beds take a very long time to recover, if at all, it said. Nurdles and other plastic debris are non-biodegradable and can persist in the environment for hundreds of years. Economic hardships 'The long-term impact on the fishing and tourism industries can be devastating, leading to prolonged economic hardship for coastal communities. Legal battles for compensation, as seen with the X-Press Pearl disaster (off Sri Lanka in 2021), can be lengthy and complex, often resulting in insufficient redress for the affected parties,' the document noted. Further, the document underscored the 'critical need' for more stringent regulations, better enforcement, improved monitoring, and enhanced international cooperation and training for emergency responders. ' These incidents expose shortcomings in national and international regulations and emergency response protocols, it said. Vicar General of Latin Archdiocese of Thiruvananthapuram Eugene Pereira, Greenpeace India programme director Divya Raghunandan, Kerala Swatantra Matsya Thozhilali Federation president Jackson Pollayil, Coastal Students Cultural Forum president Rethin Antony and Mercy Alexander of Coastal Watch were present.
The Hindu
3 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
MSC Elsa 3 shipwreck: Greenpeace India, civil society groups seek action to make shipping firm pay relief for environmental damage, livelihood loss
Greenpeace India, along with civil society groups representing coastal and fishing communities, on Monday (July 28, 2025) demanded urgent action to make the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) pay for the environmental damage and livelihood loss caused by the sinking of its Liberian-flagged vessel, the MSC Elsa 3, off the Kerala coast in May 2025. A White Paper released in Thiruvananthapuram outlined the potential ecological and socio-economic impacts of the shipwreck that occurred 14.6 nautical miles off the coast of Kochi on May 25 and its consequences, observing that these have since spiralled into a 'multi-dimensional environmental and human crisis.' The White Paper, covering the period from May 25 to June 25, sought to highlight the different dimensions of the damage, including widespread nurdle (plastic pellet) contamination along the coasts of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and even Sri Lanka. The document also outlined the severe livelihood disruptions for fisherfolk and growing concerns for marine biodiversity in the region. 'Corporate negligence' 'This is not just an accident. This is corporate negligence,' the document said. It demanded full transparency on the cargo manifest of the sunken ship and called on MSC to support rapid clean-up response and an independent impact assessment. It also wanted the company to engage in a 'comprehensive, up-to-scale compensation plan for the loss of livelihoods and biodiversity resulting from the shipwreck.' The document noted that oil spill, hydrocarbon contamination and hazardous chemical leaks pose immediate and significant threats to marine life, food chains and fisheries. 'Oil slicks can smother sensitive coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, estuaries and mudflats which are crucial breeding and feeding grounds for numerous marine and avian species,' it noted. The microplastic pollution caused by the spillage of nurdles (plastic pellets) poses another significant threat, the document said. 'Large amounts of microplastic pellets less than 5 mm in size have washed ashore along the Kerala coast (e.g., Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha) and drifted to ecologically sensitive areas suchh as the Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve and roughly 80 km to 600 km along the coastline of Sri Lanka. Nurdles are primary microplastics that can absorb toxic chemicals from seawater and are frequently mistaken as food by marine animals (fish, seabirds, sea turtles), leading to internal injuries, starvation, and exposure to absorbed toxins,' it said. The White Paper observed that incidents such as the MSC ELSA 3 shipwreck pose significant long-term environmental consequences and present formidable recovery challenges. Damaged ecosystems, such as coral reefs, mangrove forests and seagrass beds, take a very long time to recover, if at all, it said. Nurdles and other plastic debris are non-biodegradable and can persist in the environment for hundreds of years. They break down into microplastics and nanoplastics, entering the food web and potentially impacting human health through seafood consumption. Long-term impact 'The long-term impact on the fishing and tourism industries can be devastating, leading to prolonged economic hardship for coastal communities. Legal battles for compensation, as seen with the X-Press Pearl disaster (off Sri Lanka in 2021), can be lengthy and complex, often resulting in insufficient redress for the affected parties,' the document noted. Further, the White Paper underscored the 'critical need' for more stringent regulations, better enforcement, improved monitoring, and enhanced international cooperation and training for emergency responders. These incidents expose shortcomings in national and international regulations, emergency response protocols, and the capacity to handle large-scale maritime environmental disasters,' it said. Vicar General of Latin Archdiocese of Thiruvananthapuram Eugene Pereira, Greenpeace India programme director Divya Raghunandan, Kerala Swatantra Matsya Thozhilali Federation president Jackson Pollayil, Coastal Students Cultural Forum president Rethin Antony and Mercy Alexander of Coastal Watch were among those present.
Indian Express
13-07-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Amid Delhi summer, new study shows public parks are failing to offer relief
A recent audit of 50 public parks across Delhi has revealed alarming disparities in how the city's green spaces function during periods of extreme heat. While thermal images showed that shaded areas in parks were up to 20 degrees Celsius cooler than those in the open, the survey also documented shortcomings in accessibility, infrastructure, and biodiversity support — raising questions about the Capital's preparedness in dealing with intensifying climate conditions. The study, launched on Saturday by Greenpeace India in collaboration with COHAS and Youth for Climate Justice South Asia, recorded a peak surface temperature of 53.3 degrees Celsius in exposed concrete areas in parks. In contrast, tree-covered areas in the same parks measured a highest surface temperature of around 35 degrees Celsius. On average, the temperature difference between these shaded and unshaded zones was found to be 10 degrees Celsius. The study was carried out in the midst of Delhi's 2025 summer, one of the city's hottest in recorded history. The audit evaluated parks not only on the basis of temperature but also on the availability of basic amenities and ecological infrastructure. It found that a majority of the parks were not equipped to serve as reliable zones where people can come to beat the heat. More than three-quarters of the surveyed parks lacked drinking water points for the public. Also, none had officially installed shelters for urban birdlife. While 73% of the parks featured water bowls for animals and birds, nearly all had been set up by residents or informal caretakers rather than municipal authorities. Only 28% of the parks had any form of water body, and several of these were found to be either drying up or poorly maintained. Access restrictions were another concern – 74% of the parks were closed during some part of the day, and 64% were shut at night, even in densely populated and heat-prone areas. 'In many low-income neighbourhoods, the heat lingers late into the night, yet most parks are locked then. It made us realise that parks aren't luxuries, they are life-saving infrastructure,' said Priyanka, a member of the audit team from COHAS. While Delhi is recorded as having 25% green cover according to a 2023 State of Forest report, this audit found that the majority of functional parks – those with tree canopy, soil-based ground, and walkable space – are concentrated in South, South East, New Delhi, East, and West Delhi districts. The report also draws attention to the increasing concretisation of public green spaces. In many parks, tree roots were found encased in cement, and previously permeable soil surfaces had been replaced with tiled or paved walkways. These changes not only reduce the land's natural cooling ability but also threaten the health of the trees themselves, the report claimed. 'We had a closed group discussion for the launch, inviting people who work with forests, parks, and heatwave research. Many of them are involved in park restoration, composting, and using their local parks for social and cultural activities. We discussed what can be done. Largely, our solution is to make civic audits like this one, and reimagine the park as an accessible place for social functions,' said Aakiz Farooq, climate and energy campaigner at Greenpeace India, who led the audit. 'We plan to submit copies of the report to the Delhi government, the DDA, and the NDMC,' he said. Farooq pointed to 'remaining' forested zones – including those in Dwarka, the Aravalli range, and Sanjay Van – which continue to face pressure from infrastructure development and urban expansion. The 'Delhi Rising' campaign, under which this audit was conducted, has recommended a series of policy measures. These included ensuring 24/7 access to at least one green space within every residential zone, installing public drinking water facilities and shaded seating in all major parks, and banning further concretisation around trees. The report also called for legally protecting urban forest patches and introducing biodiversity-friendly infrastructure, such as birdhouses, native tree species, and functional water bodies. As heatwaves become more frequent and more intense, the question of who gets to access relief — and who is left behind — has become a critical focus for policymakers. 'Parks were selected using purposive sampling methodology covering historical, biodiversity, and locality parks while also ensuring geographical diversity (covering parks in each zone). Using closed-ended survey methodology, an audit team of 4-5 people surveyed the selected parks… 40 parks were assessed to understand the variance in surface temperatures,' the audit stated. There are more than 18,000 parks and gardens in the National Capital Territory of Delhi. The website of the Delhi Parks and Society, accessed by The Indian Express on July 12, stated, 'At present, these areas are managed by various agencies like MCD, DDA, NDMC, PWD, CPWD, etc. A few of them are very well managed, while many are not in good shape. Some resident associations are very active in managing these parks, while many others are less active, resulting in their poor management.'
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
City Parks Cooler, Lack Facilities: Study
New Delhi: An audit of 50 parks across Delhi found that the shaded green areas were up to 20 degrees Celsius cooler in some parks than nearby unshaded concrete spaces outside. However, the report also highlighted issues such as limited access to the parks and the lack of basic amenities in many of them. The audit by green and social organisations found that the average temperature difference between shaded areas of parks and unshaded concrete right across their boundaries was 10 degrees Celsius. In one instance, even the concrete zones peaked at 53.3 degrees Celsius while tree-covered spots within the same park remained at 35 degrees, underscoring the critical cooling power of urban forests. However, despite this natural relief, eight out of 10 parks lacked drinking water facilities and none had official provisions for nests or birdhouses to protect urban birdlife from soaring temperatures. The report also stressed that parks are a necessity and not a luxury, advocating for their round-the-clock access to the public, especially in the densely packed residential areas with high heat stress. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi The audit, held by Greenpeace India in collaboration with COHAS and Youth For Climate Justice, South Asia, aimed to show how the city's green spaces serve as vital buffers against extreme heat and meet the needs of residents and fauna during peak summer months. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo The report found that while Delhi is said to have green cover across 25% of its geographical area, most parks are concentrated in just five districts, leaving large swathes of the city, particularly low-income, congested areas, with minimal access to green relief. This inequity, combined with the concretisation of urban forests, further enhances heat vulnerability in the capital. It stated that the nests or birdhouses installed were by local public and authorities. According to the report, the average surface temperature was 39.2 degrees Celsius in unshaded concrete spaces and 28.9 degrees under tree cover. About 78% of the parks lacked public drinking water, 73% lacked provisions for wildlife like water bowls, and only 28% had waterbodies, many of which were dirty or drying up. Additionally, 74% were closed at some time of the day, with 64% shut during night hours, limiting respite for residents in heat-stressed areas. "In many low-income neighbourhoods, the heat lingers late into the night, yet most parks are locked. It made us realise that parks aren't luxuries; they're life-saving infrastructure. Parks should be open 24/7, with water facilities and shade, as these are basic, life-saving necessities," said Priyanka, a member of the audit team from COHAS. "We also noticed how tree roots were choked with concrete, green patches were disappearing under paving and drinking water was missing," she added. "This audit clearly shows that green cover lowers temperatures dramatically, yet our policies prioritise concrete over canopies. The forest cover in Delhi is still under threat of being converted into big infrastructural projects," said Aakiz Farooq, climate & energy campaigner at Greenpeace India.
Indian Express
15-06-2025
- Climate
- Indian Express
IMD to help informal workers, vendors cope with extreme weather — one WhatsApp alert at a time
As sizzling temperatures of over 40 degrees Celsius in New Delhi this week prompted the national weather body to issue a heat wave red-alert, winds of change were blowing inside the Mausam Bhawan auditorium too. Standing before a packed gathering of gig workers, street vendors, waste pickers and domestic workers in the auditorium on June 12, India Meteorological Department (IMD) director-general Mrutyunjay Mohapatra officially unveiled a collaboration with these workers for sharing of direct, simple and daily weather forecasts, especially heatwave warnings, one WhatsApp alert at a time. The 'special' occasion also saw the IMD director-general unveil colour-coded placards — one of which showed a distressed-looking emoji and used the colour red to amplify the heat-wave warning — to disseminate simplified weather information. Nearly a month ago, non-government organisation Greenpeace India and a collective of Delhi-based workers' unions had approached the IMD with a proposal for direct sharing of weather information over WhatsApp. Soon enough, all the stakeholders concerned rolled out a pilot programme, starting with a WhatsApp group. Currently, the 35-member WhatsApp group, named 'Daily Bulletin – IMD/Citizens', receives direct forecasts from the weather body in the form of text messages, voice notes in Hindi and even simple infographics (information in chart form). Union representatives, who are members of this WhatsApp group, act as 'climate messengers', which includes disseminating heat alerts and other weather warnings in markets and waste collection points via colour-coded placards, handwritten forecast notices, and in their own WhatsApp groups. Commending the unions and the NGO 'for giving the IMD an opportunity to connect directly with the people', Mohapatra emphasised that vendors, domestic workers and other gig workers should take more precautions since 'they are more vulnerable to the impacts of the rising heat'. 'Loo-like conditions, their frequency and intensity are rising. The frequency of warmer nights is also rising. When our body temperature crosses 40 degrees Celsius, it starts impacting how we cool down. It impacts our health adversely. If we are unable to cool down, it can cause a heat stroke,' he informed the audience. Additionally, under what the unions termed as 'vendor social responsibility (VSR)', vendors have installed hydration points and displayed early-warning notice boards on carts in markets across north Delhi's Guru Teg Bahadur (GTB) Nagar and Mukherjee Nagar, and Old Delhi's Meena Bazaar (correct). The unions are also planning to build canopies that will serve as resting spaces in these markets. One such vendor, Anupam Kumar Chaurasia, has displayed notice boards at his tea and samosa stall outside GTB Nagar metro station. Chaurasia, who has also set up a hydration point, says not only has the rising heat caused his skin to blister, it has also shrunk his income 'in half' since fewer people are out and about during the day. 'I have started keeping free drinking water in my stall. Other vendors in the area split the cost of water refills with me. Customers who read these weather notices appreciate the initiative,' he says with a beaming smile. To cope with a heat stroke-like emergency, Chaurasia says he has started keeping glucose powder on his person at all times. 'The audio forecasts are straightforward. They are easier to comprehend than the weather information available on the Internet,' he says. Sheikh Akbar Ali of the Basti Suraksha Manch, which works for the rights of waste pickers and informal workers, and their housing rights, says early warnings are extremely important for his union since waste collection points and landfills are hotter than other places. 'Besides sharing audio forecasts, leaders of our waste picker groups advise us on what to wear and to carry water at all times. They also tell us to avoid prolonged heat exposure during peak afternoon hours,' says Ali. Stating that the initiative empowers workers to be at the 'forefront' of climate action, Sandeep Verma of the National Hawkers' Federation says, 'Vendors, workers and waste pickers contribute near-zero carbon emissions since they don't have the resources to pollute. However, they bear the worst impacts of climate change, in the form of extreme heat, cold and rain. The workers can now take the lead in ensuring that early warnings and forecasts reach their communities, which can act on them.' Amruta, a Greenpeace India representative, says this collaboration is not just about sharing information. 'This collaboration is about building local resilience and enabling communities to act on that information. It is a call to recognise extreme heat as a national disaster demanding urgent, systemic response.' Stating that the pilot programme may be expanded to other cities, IMD's Mohapatra says the ultimate objective of the initiative was to 'take science to the people and to empower them with scientific information'. An award-winning journalist with 14 years of experience, Nikhil Ghanekar is an Assistant Editor with the National Bureau [Government] of The Indian Express in New Delhi. He primarily covers environmental policy matters which involve tracking key decisions and inner workings of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. He also covers the functioning of the National Green Tribunal and writes on the impact of environmental policies on wildlife conservation, forestry issues and climate change. Nikhil joined The Indian Express in 2024. Originally from Mumbai, he has worked in publications such as Tehelka, Hindustan Times, DNA Newspaper, News18 and Indiaspend. In the past 14 years, he has written on a range of subjects such as sports, current affairs, civic issues, city centric environment news, central government policies and politics. ... Read More
