Plastic Pollution in Great Nicobar Island

News: A survey of five beaches in the Great Nicobar islands have recorded the presence of plastics. The study was published in the journal Current Science.

Facts:               

Key findings of the Survey

• About 10 countries including India contributed to the plastic litter in the island. They were Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Vietnam, India, Myanmar, China and Japan.
• Major portion of the litter (40.5%) was of Malaysian origin. It was followed by Indonesia (23.9%) and Thailand (16.3%). The litter of Indian origin only amounted to 2.2%.
• The contribution from Indonesia and Thailand was likely due to its proximity to the island. The plastic is likely to have made its way to the island because of water currents via the Malacca Strait, which is a major shipping route.

Additional Information:

Great Nicobar Islands

• Great Nicobar is the southernmost and largest of the Nicobar Islands of India. The island of Sumatra is located 180 km to the south of Great Nicobar. It has an area of about 1044 sq. km.
• According to the 2011 census, has a population of about 8,069. The island is home to one of the most primitive tribes of India — the Shompens.
• The island includes the Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve (GNBR) comprising of the Galathea National Park and the Campbell Bay National Park.
• Indira point in the Great Nicobar Island is the southernmost point of India’s territory.