Context:
A massive fire at the Minicoy Island dump yard (September 2025) exposed Lakshadweep’s nearly 4,000-tonne solid waste crisis, drawing attention to severe threats to coral reefs, marine biodiversity, public health, and fisherfolk livelihoods. The incident highlighted years of neglected waste governance and ecological vulnerability in India’s only coral atoll territory.
Key Highlights:
What is Plasticdweep?
- “Plasticdweep” is a term used to describe the growing accumulation of plastic and dry waste across the Lakshadweep islands.
- Reflects the transformation of fragile coral islands into waste sinks due to poor disposal systems.
- The Minicoy fire revealed ad-hoc dumping, open burning, and absence of scientific waste management.
Data & Trends
- Waste Accumulation:
- Nearly 4,000 tonnes of uncollected dry waste, including plastics, e-waste, appliances, and scrap, spread across islands.
- CUSAT Survey (2024):
- 32,710 litter items recorded across 28 beaches.
- 59% coral colonies smothered by debris.
- 15% coral bleaching linked to pollution stress.
- Governance Breakdown:
- Post-2021 dismantling of panchayats disrupted regular waste collection.
- Led to unregulated dumping and open burning.
- Logistical Constraints:
- Waste evacuation feasible only 4–5 months annually due to monsoon.
- Barges prioritise essential supplies (food, fuel) over waste removal.
Implications
Ecological Impact
- Coral reef degradation → collapse of fish habitats.
- Loss of marine biodiversity in one of India’s most sensitive ecosystems.
Livelihood & Economic Impact
- Threat to fisherfolk income, food security, and eco-tourism potential.
- Decline in reef health undermines sustainable fisheries.
Health & Environmental Risks
- Toxic smoke from burning plastics causing respiratory issues.
- Leachate contamination of soil and groundwater.
- Microplastics bio-accumulation entering the marine food chain.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Issue: Solid waste mismanagement in fragile island ecosystems.
- Causes:
- Single-use plastics dependence
- Weak local governance
- Logistical isolation
- Existing Frameworks:
- Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016
- CRZ Regulations
- Swachh Bharat Mission (Urban & Gramin)
- Benefits of Proper Management:
- Coral conservation
- Sustainable fisheries
- Tourism resilience
- Challenges:
- Transport constraints
- Limited land area
- Institutional vacuum
- Impact: Long-term ecological damage and socio-economic vulnerability.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Facts & Concepts:
- Lakshadweep: Coral atoll ecosystem, highly sensitive to pollution.
- Marine litter as a transboundary environmental issue.
- Governance Linkages:
- Role of local self-governments (Panchayats) in waste management.
- Impact of centralised decision-making on decentralised services.
- Static + Current Integration:
- GS-3: Environment, marine pollution, climate stress on reefs.
- GS-2: Decentralisation, service delivery, governance gaps.
- Way Forward:
- Restore and empower panchayats for waste governance.
- Establish island-specific waste-to-energy and segregation systems.
- Promote plastic-free tourism and extended producer responsibility (EPR).
- Improve scheduled waste evacuation logistics.
- Strengthen coral reef monitoring and community stewardship.
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
- GS-3: Environment, marine pollution, waste management, coral conservation
- GS-2: Governance, decentralisation, policy implementation
- Essay: Tourism vs Ecology, Plastic – From Convenience to Catastrophe