Mandarmani...... A Pollution Mosaic
Macro image pointing out of an early indication of harmful algal blooms and oil spillage from automobiles on Mandarmani Sea Beach.......
As compared to other parts of the world, the occurrence of algal bloom events is comparatively less in Bay of Bengal primarily due to large volume of freshwater input from river dischage and rainfall, warmer sea surface temperatures, monsoonal clouds and reversal of currents.
In Mandarmani, recent increase in tourism activities with sprawling hotels along the coastlines has been attributed to incrasing anthropogenic activities with excessive levels of organic nutrients - the factors that are known to contribute to the growth of diatom and cyanobacterial blooms.
The 13 km long beach of Mandarmani is argued to be the longest driveable beach in India. Hundreds of motorized vans (Vanos) and personal cars of the visiting day tourists are operating unchecked which are the main culprits for the oil spillage.
A decade ago one can easily spot Red Fiddler Crabs by the thousands on 13 km long beach. From my recent visit, I have noticed a substantial decrease in numbers of this beautiful crabs indicating an increase of environmental pollution of the area.
Mandarmani Sea Beach, Bay of Bengal
Images of Bengal, India
Mandarmani...... A Pollution Mosaic
Macro image pointing out of an early indication of harmful algal blooms and oil spillage from automobiles on Mandarmani Sea Beach.......
As compared to other parts of the world, the occurrence of algal bloom events is comparatively less in Bay of Bengal primarily due to large volume of freshwater input from river dischage and rainfall, warmer sea surface temperatures, monsoonal clouds and reversal of currents.
In Mandarmani, recent increase in tourism activities with sprawling hotels along the coastlines has been attributed to incrasing anthropogenic activities with excessive levels of organic nutrients - the factors that are known to contribute to the growth of diatom and cyanobacterial blooms.
The 13 km long beach of Mandarmani is argued to be the longest driveable beach in India. Hundreds of motorized vans (Vanos) and personal cars of the visiting day tourists are operating unchecked which are the main culprits for the oil spillage.
A decade ago one can easily spot Red Fiddler Crabs by the thousands on 13 km long beach. From my recent visit, I have noticed a substantial decrease in numbers of this beautiful crabs indicating an increase of environmental pollution of the area.
Mandarmani Sea Beach, Bay of Bengal
Images of Bengal, India