Fort Kochi is grappling with mounting waste challenges, exacerbated by an influx of tourists during the Onam season. With an increasing number of visitors from across the state flocking to Kochi, particularly to its famous beach areas, the surge in tourist activity has resulted in heaps of waste piling up on Fort Kochi beach and surrounding regions. Local authorities, criticised for their slow response, have failed to adequately address the worsening waste situation.
The crisis reached its peak during Onam, with beachgoers leaving behind significant quantities of plastic, thermocol, and other debris. “The rush continued till Tuesday, and authorities didn’t take the necessary steps to clean the beach,” lamented a local councillor. In response, organisations such as the Cochin Heritage Zone Conservation Society (CHZCS), District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), and NGO Plan@earth are collaborating to conduct a month-long intensive cleaning drive. Timed with International Coastal Cleanup Day, this initiative seeks to tackle the waste left behind by tides, which deposit pollutants onto the beaches, further degrading the environment and affecting tourism.
Beyond temporary cleanups, local activists argue that the issue demands a long-term, sustainable approach. Waste is not only generated by tourists but is also carried from faraway places through tidal currents, exacerbating the situation. “Even if regular cleaning drives are conducted, waste will continue to accumulate unless a permanent solution is implemented,” said a core committee member of the Clean Fort Kochi Association. Despite an earlier study by IIT Madras proposing comprehensive solutions for beach restoration and waste management, the recommendations remain unimplemented, leaving the issue unresolved. The ongoing accumulation of waste poses a severe threat to both the environment and the area’s attractiveness as a tourist destination.
The environmental impact of poor waste management in coastal regions like Fort Kochi cannot be understated. Plastic waste and pollutants entering the ocean disrupt marine ecosystems and threaten biodiversity. Efforts to restore the beach require more than just cosmetic cleanups; a long-term, sustainable solution that addresses both local waste generation and incoming pollutants is critical. Authorities must focus on implementing waste reduction strategies, enhancing recycling initiatives, and bolstering community participation in keeping the beaches clean. Without decisive action, Fort Kochi’s environmental health and tourism potential may face irreversible damage. The growing waste problem in Fort Kochi is a call to action for authorities, environmental groups, and the public. While immediate clean-up efforts are a step in the right direction, a holistic, sustainable approach is necessary to preserve one of Kochi’s most valuable coastal areas for future generations.
