HC seeks to clarify the threat of pollution by dangerous cargo containers MSC Elsa 3

Expressing its concern over the threat to the marine environment posed by the presence of hazardous cargo such as plastic nurds, calcium carbide and other hazardous cargo in MSC Elsa 3 containers that sank off the coast of Alappuzha in May 2025, the Kerala High Court on Tuesday questioned orally why the government agencies concerned had done little in the past year to put measures in place to curb pollution.

It is not clear what environmental and safety risks the wreck of the vessel lying on the seabed poses, the court said, adding that reports submitted to the court did not match the shipping company’s claims.

Divisional Judge Raja Vijayaraghavan. V and Justice KV Jayakumar asked the Center for an action plan to deal with the threat to the marine environment arising from hazardous and other cargo contained in more than 600 containers that the ship was carrying at the time of its sinking.

On June 16, the HC directed the learned Additional Solicitor General to obtain specific directions from the Center and concerned agencies to submit a detailed status report to the court detailing the actions already taken, proposed steps, anticipated timelines for such actions and the status of compliance with the concerns raised by the court.

Action plan

Subsequently, it was submitted before the court on Tuesday that the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) was accused in the case. The respondents, including the MEFCC, the Director General of Shipping and other concerned central government agencies, are proposing to convene a meeting to discuss marine pollution issues. The Center said that a comprehensive and positive action plan in accordance with the directions issued by the court will be submitted within two weeks, after which the court will take up the matter for further hearing on July 14.

The court said protection of the coastal environment was the responsibility of the Union government and also expressed concern over the calcium carbide container lying outside the wreck and secured only by cargo straps. Strong monsoon waves could dislodge it and wash it ashore. He directed the Indian Coast Guard, Directorate General of Shipping (DGS), ship owner company – MSC and other concerned agencies to assess the condition of the containers that were on the vessel and report whether they are safe.

The court warned that plastic hairs from damaged containers could affect marine ecosystems, particularly as fish could ingest the plastic, affecting seafood exports. The center said it approached the Department of Earth Sciences for help because it is currently the only agency equipped to conduct deep-sea testing.

Published – 23 Jun 2026 21:51 IST