Environment News

The discovery was made during an inspection as part a beach-cleaning initiative A carcass of a dolphin washed ashore along the coast of Alappuzha has triggered widespread concern among local residents, fishermen, and environmentalists, raising fresh questions about the health of the region’s marine ecosystem. The incident came to light early in the morning when fishermen and beachgoers noticed the lifeless marine mammal lying on the shoreline. The sight quickly drew crowds, with many expressing shock and sadness at the death of a species considered an important indicator of ocean health. According to preliminary observations, the dolphin’s body showed visible signs of decomposition, suggesting it may have died offshore several days earlier before being carried to the coast by tides and currents. Officials from the fisheries and forest departments were alerted immediately, and a team of experts visited the site to assess the situation. While the exact cause of death is yet to be confirmed, authorities have indicated that possibilities such as accidental entanglement in fishing nets, injuries caused by boat propellers, ingestion of plastic waste, or underlying illness cannot be ruled out without a detailed post-mortem examination. Local fishermen voiced growing anxiety, noting that such incidents were once rare but are now being reported more frequently along the Kerala coastline. They fear that increasing marine pollution, unregulated fishing practices, and heavy boat traffic may be taking a toll on dolphins and other marine species. Environmental activists echoed these concerns, pointing to plastic debris, chemical runoff, and declining fish stocks as serious threats to the fragile coastal ecosystem. Experts emphasize that dolphins are apex predators and play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of marine life. Any rise in dolphin mortality, they warn, could signal deeper environmental distress beneath the ocean’s surface. The incident has renewed calls for stronger marine conservation measures, stricter enforcement of fishing regulations, and greater public awareness about protecting coastal and ocean environments. Authorities have assured the public that samples will be collected for further analysis and that the carcass will be disposed of following scientific protocols to avoid health risks. Meanwhile, the tragic sight on the Alappuzha coast serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to safeguard marine biodiversity and ensure sustainable coexistence between human activity and ocean life.

Train traffic to Ernakulam from Thiruvananthapuram via Alappuzha disrupted for about two hours after tree fell reported near Mararikulam at 8.30 a.m. Relentless monsoon rain has triggered a trail of destruction across Kerala, disrupting daily life and crippling transport networks in several regions. Continuous downpours over the past 24 hours led to severe waterlogging in low-lying areas, overflowing canals and rivers, and isolated incidents of landslides in hilly terrain. Emergency services were kept on high alert as gusty winds and intense rainfall battered coastal, midland, and high-range districts, leaving residents struggling with flooded homes, damaged roads, and power outages. One of the worst-hit areas is Alappuzha, where inundated railway tracks forced authorities to halt train services as a safety precaution. Waterlogging near stations and along critical stretches of track disrupted passenger movement, leaving hundreds stranded and prompting railway officials to suspend or divert services until conditions improve. Road traffic also slowed to a crawl in many parts of the district, with buses and private vehicles navigating through knee-deep water in several localities. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for nine districts on Sunday, warning of heavy rainfall at isolated places. The alert indicates the possibility of intense spells that could aggravate flooding, trigger landslides in vulnerable zones, and cause further disruptions to transport and power supply. District administrations have been instructed to stay vigilant, activate disaster response mechanisms, and ensure that relief shelters, rescue equipment, and medical teams are on standby. Authorities have urged residents, especially those living in flood-prone areas, riverbanks, and hill slopes, to exercise extreme caution. Fisherfolk have been advised not to venture into the sea due to rough conditions, while the public has been cautioned against unnecessary travel. As the monsoon continues to assert its force, Kerala remains on edge, hoping for a brief respite from the rains while bracing for potential escalation in the coming days.