Not only the landmass but also the water bodies of the Earth have been polluted due to human intervention. About 95 per cent of the water area and 91 per cent of marine life have not yet been properly surveyed. But rise in discharge of solid waste and other pollution-creating substances into sea, shipping, digging at coasts for developmental activities and increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere have led to creation of acidic water and rise in sea level.
As the maritime ecosystem is being decayed day by day due to pollution and global warming, the living beings have suffered from various diseases and died often. Due to rise in sea level, fishes, trees and birds have lost their shelters too.
About 13 million tonnes of plastic waste are being discharged into sea every year. At this juncture, the human society should take moral responsibility to protect the marine life and maritime ecosystem as a whole.
Experts viewed all these at a programme held jointly by the Orissa Environment Society (OES) and the Save Elephant Foundation Trust on the occasion of the Wildlife Week.
Lokayukta Member and former PCCF Dr Debabrata Swain presided over the meeting. Additional Wildlife PCCF and Nandankanan Zoological Park Director Shashi Pal graced as guest. He highlighted how the maritime ecosystem is getting eroded at all levels from State to national and international levels.OES Secretary Dr Jayakrushna Panigrahi said 80 per cent of damages occurring in the sea are being caused by wastes released from the landmass. So, all should be committed to stop damages occurring in the maritime ecosystem.
Dr Swain informed about steps being taken by the Government for protection of wildlife. At the outset, vice-president Dr Lala AK Singh had delivered the welcome address and introduced guests. On the occasion, Jagatsinghpur district’s Baba Balunkeswhar Gramya Vikash Parishad founder Er Amaresh Naresh Samant and Astaranga-based Paryabaran Sarnkshan Abhiyan’s Soumya Ranjan Biswal were awarded for their contribution in protection of environment and wildlife.
The programme came to an end with a vote of thanks by OES joint secretary Dr Prakash Chandra Jena.