River discharge and fishing waste drive microplastic pollution along Indian coast

River discharge and fishing waste drive microplastic pollution along Indian coast

Riverine discharge and abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) are the major contributors to microplastic pollution along India's coast, Union Minister Jitendra Singh told the Lok Sabha. The National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR) monitors microplastics, mesoplastics, macroplastics, and marine litter at 12 coastal stations. The minister highlighted that these sources account for the majority of plastic waste entering marine ecosystems. The government is yet to announce specific mitigation measures. The findings underscore the need for stricter waste management policies and enforcement.