Kerala High Court queries inaction on pollution from sunken ship MSC Elsa 3
The Kerala High Court has orally questioned why government agencies have not taken adequate measures to contain pollution from the cargo ship MSC Elsa 3, which sank off the Alappuzha coast in May 2025. The court expressed concern over the marine environment threat posed by hazardous materials, including plastic nurdles and calcium carbide, still present in the vessel's containers.
A Division Bench comprising Justice Raja Vijayaraghavan V and Justice K.V. Jayakumar noted a lack of clarity regarding the environmental and safety risks of the wreck lying on the seabed. The court observed that reports submitted did not align with the shipping company's claims.
The court sought an action plan from the central government to address the threat from over 600 containers of hazardous cargo. On June 16, the court had directed the Additional Solicitor General to obtain specific instructions from the Centre and concerned agencies, and to submit a detailed status report on measures taken, proposed steps, timelines, and compliance with court concerns.
During Tuesday's hearing, it was submitted that the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has been impleaded in the case. The respondents, including MoEFCC, the Director General of Shipping, and other central agencies, plan to convene a meeting on marine pollution issues. The Centre stated that a comprehensive action plan would be submitted within two weeks, after which the court adjourned the matter to July 14.
The court also expressed concern about a container carrying calcium carbide lying outside the wreck, secured only by cargo straps, warning that monsoon waves could dislodge it. It directed the Indian Coast Guard, the Directorate General of Shipping, and the shipowner MSC to assess the status of all containers and report on their security.
The court warned that plastic nurdles from damaged containers could affect marine ecosystems, potentially harming fish and seafood exports. The Centre informed the court that the Department of Earth Sciences, the only agency equipped for deep-sea examinations, has been approached for assistance.
