NCCR Studies on Microplastic Pollution

Why in News?

Recently, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), informed that National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) monitors microplastics, mesoplastics, macroplastics, and marine litter along India’s coast, including Tuticorin and Gulf of Mannar.

Key Findings

• Synthetic filaments – Predominant type of microplastics.
• Major Sources – Riverine discharge and Abandoned, Lost or Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG).

• Clean Coast Index (CCI) – Developed by NCCR; Tuticorin coast and Gulf of Mannar classified as “moderately clean”.

• Microplastic Abundance – 28–60 particles per 50 gm sediment.

MoEFCC Actions

• Draft National Marine Litter Policy – Prepared and shared with MoEFCC for consultation.
• Ban on identified Single‑Use Plastic (SUP) items.
• Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2022 with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Guidelines.
• Mandatory targets for collection, recycling, reuse of rigid plastic packaging, and use of recycled plastic content.

Reference

PIB | NCCR