Special Wetland Authority to be formed for protection of Ashtamudi Lake in Kerala.

Citing the damage caused by encroachments and pollution, a special wetland authority will be formed to protect Ashtamudi Lake, designated as a Ramsar site in 2002. Indiscriminate discharge of sewage and solid waste from residential and commercial areas, biomedical waste, and encroachments that have caused damages to Ashtamudi Lake, mangroves and other wetlands.

Kerala High Court had issued an interim order to form the wetland authority following a case filed by Advocate Boris Paul and Help Foundation CEO Peter Pradeep, who argued for the formation of a Special Ashtamudi Authority to oversee and protect the lake. However, the Senior Government Pleader contended that such a special authority was unnecessary, as the State Wetland Authority, established under the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, was already responsible for the protection of all wetlands in the state, including Ashtamudi Lake.

As a Ramsar site, Ashtamudi Lake falls within the purview of the 2017 Wetlands Rules and the Environment Protection Act. According to the Ramsar Convention, maintaining the lake’s biodiversity and productivity necessitates a clearly defined management plan, which should be a continuous and periodically reviewed process. The convention emphasises the need for a designated authority to implement and oversee this plan in consultation with stakeholders.

The High Court stressed that a wetland as large and ecologically significant as Ashtamudi demands focused attention and a dedicated authority to develop and enforce an objective management plan. The 2017 Rules also call for Integrated Management Plans (IMPs) for each notified wetland, formulated and executed under the supervision of the State Wetland Authority.

Observing the alarming condition of the lake, the court pointed out the threats of pollution and degradation. The court also noted that in 2023, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had imposed a fine of Rs 10 crore on the state government for its failure to protect Ashtamudi and other wetlands. Considering the significance of implementing an effective management plan under the Ramsar Convention and 2017 Rules, the court suggested the formation of a special authority under the oversight of the existing State Wetland Authority, exclusively for the Ashtamudi wetland.

Ashtamudi Lake, one of the largest and most scenic lakes in Kerala, is often referred to as the gateway to the backwaters. Located in the Kollam district, this expansive water body is known for its serene beauty, lush surroundings, and unique eight-armed shape that gives it its name; ‘Ashtamudi’ meaning ‘eight braids’ in Malayalam. Ashtamudi Lake is a vital part of Kerala’s backwater ecosystem and a popular destination for tourists seeking a tranquil retreat amidst nature.

Ashtamudi Lake covers an area of around 170 square kilometres and is characterised by its distinctive shape, with numerous arms extending into the surrounding landscape. The lake is fed by several rivers, including the Kallada River, and eventually drains into the Arabian Sea. This unique geography creates a diverse and rich ecosystem, supporting a variety of flora and fauna.

Team Maverick