NGT seeks Kerala’s response on wetlands protection Ashtamudi, Vembanad
The National Green Tribunal recently issued a directive to the Chief Secretary of Kerala in the context of a comprehensive affidavit filed before it detailing measures thus far undertaken to protect both Ramsar sites-wetlands-of the state, Ashtamudi and Vembanad which allegedly suffered gravely because of pollution and ecological destruction.
Dependence on pollution caused by discharge of domestic waste, pharmaceutical and plastic wastes, and effluents coming from slaughterhouses and drains was made on degrading health of such wetlands in the pleas submitted to NGT.
The main judicial member is Justice Sudhir Agarwal, and expert members are A Senthil Vel and Afroz Ahmad, taking care of problems where statutory and administrative authorities failed to take remedial steps for protection of such critical ecosystems.Pollution and fish kill issues.
A retired Kerala High Court judge head of a state-level monitoring committee has come out with shocking revelations. The report has documented cases of “massive fish kills” in Ashtamudi Lake, which reflects acute ecological stress.
The NGT has directed Kerala’s Chief Secretary to place on record measures taken to control pollution and prevent further degradation of these wetlands.
Questions Raised by the Tribunal
The tribunal has specifically questioned Kerala’s chief officer thus:
Prevention Disposal Steps by the Authorities on Measures undertaken not to let the houseboats, local bodies, and industries along with flat owners, and resorts give allowance for disposal of sewage into lakes
Implementation Action Plan Development Works and activities of action plan?
Restoration Development
Environmental Compensation How many utilisations has been made of penalty amount ₹ 10 crores raised from NGT since March 2023 on which basis restoration and conservation?
This penalty amount has been imposed upon the state as a punishment for “gross failure” on part of supervision and corrective measures adopted in addressing issues related to pollution in lakes. The tribunal has also issued orders that this amount is to be used for working out an overall action plan on issues of redressal of damage caused within the next six months.
Ramsar Sites in Danger
Ashtamudi and Vembanad are wetlands of international importance in accordance with the Ramsar Convention on account of their rich biodiversity and ecologically significant importance. They have cultural and economic importance for people as living sources of livelihood from them and attractions for tourism also.
But apparently, the quality of water of both lakes has been deteriorated below the standards for bathing. The situation seriously threatens the aquatic life, many species of which are the prime forms of fish for many local fishing communities.
Call for Accountability
The tribunal directed Chief Secretary to report on measures taken against the polluting industries, local authorities, and others. The tribunal also clarified that conservation is a long-term, integrated activity.
It did not establish any strict monitoring and enforcing mechanisms that would prevent further degradation of the environment. Pollution continued to happen, further threatening already fragile ecosystems.
Critical Call to Action to Rejuvenate
The notice appeals for immediate steps to be taken to prevent pollution of the wetlands in Kerala. The environmentalists recommend the following:
Waste management: Enhance the infrastructural setup that can prevent waste dumping and untreated industrial sewage.
Houseboat Management: Enforce stringent guidelines related to houseboats’ management that produce a huge amount of wastes.
Extension programme: Educate the people in the local communities and make them stakeholders on the importance of these wetlands. PROPOSAL
The Chief Secretary has been asked to submit a comprehensive report about all the measures taken and the course of action in the future that is to be undertaken for restoring and protecting Ashtamudi and Vembanad lakes.
This close vigil will help in reversing the ecological damage and bring vital wetlands to their former glory days, continue to provide biodiversity and livelihood for generations.
Source: National Green Tribunal Orders and Reports