Kochi – The Kerala High Court has proposed the establishment of a dedicated Ashtamudi Local Wetland Authority to address the rising concerns over the environmental degradation and pollution threatening the Ashtamudi Lake, one of Kerala’s most ecologically significant wetlands.
While hearing a public interest litigation, the Court observed that the current condition of the Ashtamudi wetland is alarming, and urgent steps are needed to prevent further damage. “The condition of Ashtamudi land is admittedly a matter of concern. This wetland is under threat from pollution and degradation,” the Court remarked, highlighting the lack of effective local oversight and enforcement.
The High Court stressed the need for a specialized local authority with clear jurisdiction and responsibility to monitor, conserve, and restore the wetland ecosystem. It directed the Kerala State Wetland Authority and other relevant government bodies to explore the legal and administrative feasibility of creating such a dedicated entity for Ashtamudi.
Ashtamudi Lake, a Ramsar site, is known for its rich biodiversity and is vital to the livelihoods of thousands of local fishermen and communities. However, increasing urbanization, unregulated tourism, plastic waste, and illegal constructions have severely impacted its ecological balance.
The Court emphasized that the formation of a local wetland authority would allow for more targeted action, better community participation, and continuous monitoring of conservation efforts.
The state government is expected to file a response with concrete suggestions and a roadmap for the proposed authority in the coming weeks. Environmentalists and civil society organizations have welcomed the Court’s proposal, calling it a crucial step in saving one of Kerala’s most threatened natural resources.
