A recent study—funded by the Centre’s Science & Engineering Research Board—has found alarming levels of microplastics in the coastal waters and sediments of Digha and Puri, two of eastern India’s most popular beach destinations. It highlights serious concerns about the impact of microplastics on marine life and the health of millions of visitors. Researchers found an average of 5.3 microplastic items per litre of water on the Digha beach and 6.4 microplastic items per litre on the Puri beach. The sediments revealed even more troubling data, with Digha recording 173.4 items per kg and Puri reaching 190.4 items per kg. These numbers suggest that plastic pollution is a growing crisis in these coastal regions, potentially affecting the future of these tourist spots.

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/