Tar balls dot Juhu beach, experts blame oil firms

In what could be an alarming situation for marine life, Mumbai's beaches have witnessed tar balls being washed ashore in huge quantities. For the past one week, Juhu beach has been covered in tar balls, which has irked beach goers while marine experts blame oil companies for ruining marine life. Moreover, due to high tide, tar balls have been seen on the shores of Palghar and Vasai.

"I visit Juhu beach every evening but for the past one week, tar balls have piled up on the beach, which have been washed ashore during high tides. Moreover, the stench of petroleum is unbearable and has dirtied the beach," said Reagan Creado, a Juhu resident, adding that, "The government authorities should clean up the mess and make sure that the beaches are cleaned on a regular basis."

Blaming petroleum companies for affecting marine life, Pradip Patade, marine conservationist, said, "The onus is on the government to crack its whip against oil and petroleum companies for destroying marine life. The turtles are affected the most due to oil spills and tar balls, which affects the marine life as they cannot breathe. Living in contaminated sea water decreases their life span," said Patade.

"The manufacturing companies should ensure that they are waste is not discharged in sea water and competent authorities should keep a check on such polluting companies", said Patade.

TOXIC WATERS

• Four injured Olive Ridley turtles were rescued by marine experts while a dead Green sea turtle had washed ashore in June. Similarly, six such incidents of marine animals being washed ashore were also reported in July.