A major impact of the SSCP will be the destruction of marine mammals of the Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar. The turbid water caused by the dredging will kill the sea grasses like Halophyla ovata and Cymodocea serrulata on which the dugongs feed as the sea grass requires sunlight. Further the sea grass beds are required for prawn, post larvae, to settle and grow.  So by damaging the sea grass bed, we will destroy it irreparably. A major source of income of the fishing community  will thereby be denied.

 Fishermen have reported that there is a reduction in quantity of fish catch already.  They claim that several species of fish have begun migrating to other areas due to the severe noise pollution, even though for a short period.  Fishing nets worth crores have been destroyed by the dredging.

 The proposed dredging in the Adam’s Bridge area inside the Gulf of Mannar biosphere will split open for the first time the natural, hard and crusty formation called Adam’s Bridge.  Further ecosystem services like purification of water, sediment transport and shore protection are taken away by dredging. The clear water zone will be affected and more turbid water will enter the Palk Bay which will in turn affect the existing coral reef and reef formation.

  The rainfall pattern of the east coast is based on the existing conditions of the eco system. This may be altered once dredging is completed. Fishery production will be less because of the removal of fish habitats, coral reef formation and  nursery grounds. There is no scientific rational for the realignment of the canal. The destruction will be the same or worse.

  The NEERI report has said nothing about this colossal damage to the accumulated wealth the marine biosphere houses which can never be regenerated or restored for thousands of years.

There are reports that due to dredging in the Palk Strait – Palk Bay area, that whales and dolphins are dying.
The aquatic mammals have developed a very sensitive sound producing system for food capture, and navigation. Their sound reception system is also very sensitive. If any artificial sound interferes with their sound system they will lose their orientation and get stranded. Once they get stranded they cannot return to sea and they will die. Sound is usually magnified in water.

 Fishing has been the sole occupation of lakhs of fisherfolks living along the coast of Gulf of Mannar and in Palk Strait, and it is their livlihood that will be worst hit by the project.

(The writer is co-convener, Coastal Action Network)