Chennai: The stretch of beach at the southern tip of Srinivasapuram in Foreshore Estate is rapidly deteriorating due to rampant garbage dumping, sparking concerns among residents and marine researchers.This coastal stretch, which borders the estuarine region of the Adyar River, has become a garbage collection point for civic authorities, residents said. They claim that waste from nearby localities is first brought here before being transported to dumping yards.With no cover provided to the collected garbage, strong winds often displace the waste, scattering it across the area. During high tides, this debris is washed into the sea, significantly polluting the marine ecosystem.This pollution has severe implications for aquatic life. The estuary, known for its biodiversity, supports commercially valuable species such as mackerel, sardines, crabs, and prawns.Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India have already found microplastics in fish caught from the region, pointing to the alarming level of contamination.According to experts, the ingestion of such plastics by marine organisms not only threatens their survival but also poses grave health risks to humans who consume seafood from these waters. They stress that estuarine zones are ecologically fragile and require urgent protective measures to preserve their delicate balance.The current waste management practices, residents say, are lacking and short-sighted. Instead of leaving garbage on the beach, civic authorities should ensure direct transportation of waste from Srinivasapuram to designated dumping yards.Leaving trash on the shoreline not only affects marine biodiversity but also ruins the scenic beauty of the coast, a shared public space that deserves better care.Residents now want the authorities to act swiftly and decisively to halt the dumping. They urge for a sustainable waste disposal system that does not compromise health of marine ecosystem. Without immediate intervention, the damage could become irreversible, they added.