People walking along the coastline at Foreshore estate were in for a shock when the sea water began to froth.
When The Quint spoke to environmentalists, they confirmed that this is a yearly phenomenon but should certainly serve as a wake-up call.
Activists said that following heavy rains since Thursday, 28 November night, a lot of organic substrate and toxic effluents flowed into the ocean, causing the foam.
There were reports of foam on the city's coast from Ennore to Tiruvanmiyur last year as well.
Arul Krishnamurthy of Environmentalist Foundation of India (EFI) said this is a clear indication that we need to keep a check on untreated sewage and other waste that is being dumped in the ocean.
He also added that this phenomenon has been noticed only in parts of the beach area where there is increased activity.
The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) is assessing water samples.
The TNPCB has alleged that agricultural activity is responsible for the pollution.
"This is happening at the mouth of Adyar river and we see it every year at this time, due to increase in agricultural activities. All the excess fertilisers and pesticides used on the fields is getting washed into the stormwater drains and making its way to the sea finally. We are currently here at the spot to study the situation. An immediate solution would be to switch to organic fertilisers," said M Malayandi, Joint Chief Environmental Engineer, reported The News Minute.
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