Mysterious Red Sea Water Surfaces in Puducherry, Experts Investigate
Puducherry was left bewildered yesterday as the sea water suddenly turned a deep shade of red for a distance of 500 meters. The unexpected phenomenon occurred in the area where the stream from Karuvadikuppam Airport, Laspet, Puducherry converges with the Vaidikuppam Sea.
The shocking sight startled both the public and tourists who had gathered on the beach. While the sea water appeared red, the adjacent areas remained its usual blue color. Adding to the intrigue, several dead fish were discovered along the red-stained shores in front of the Secretariat.
Taking immediate action, officials from the Environment Department, led by Member-Secretary Ramesh, inspected the Kurusukuppam and Vaidikuppam drains to investigate whether any waste had been left open. Additionally, a sample of the reddened seawater was collected from the estuary for further analysis.
“Possibly, the seaweed may be the cause of this sudden change in color,” stated officials from the Environment Department. They proceeded to collect samples of waste and seawater from the beach area to be sent to the laboratory in Chennai for thorough examination.
Public Works Minister Lakshminarayanan revealed that the Environmental Department officials had taken the red sea water for examination. “The microbial growth in the sea, coupled with the mixing of sediment due to rainfall, may be possible reasons for this occurrence,” he stated. The investigation by the officials is still ongoing, and they are leaving no stone unturned in unraveling the mystery.
Local fishermen from Kurusukuppam shared their knowledge on the situation, stating that such an event takes place two to three times a month. “We are uncertain why this happens. The Karuvadikuppam area, where the stream originates, has red soil. It is possible that when it rains, the soil dissolves and changes the color of the sea water,” they explained. They surmised that the chemicals released into the sewage canal might be mixing with the sea, resulting in the altered hue.
As residents eagerly await the findings from the ongoing investigation, the incident serves as a reminder that the natural world still holds many secrets. The Environment Department officials will continue their efforts in unraveling the truth behind the sudden transformation of Puducherry’s sea water.