The Kerala High Court has issued a stern ultimatum to the state government, demanding immediate action for the protection of the ecologically critical Ashtamudi wetland. The court has warned that if an official order to establish a dedicated management committee is not issued by Wednesday, the Special Secretary of the Environment Department will be summoned to court to explain the delay.
Court Slams Government Inaction
A bench comprising Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice V M Syam Kumar expressed strong disapproval of the state's failure to comply with its own directive from July 2025. In that order, the court had mandated the formation of an Ashtamudi wetland management unit within two months to ensure the conservation and effective management of the site.
The court was hearing a contempt petition filed by Kollam-based lawyer Boris Paul. During the hearing on Tuesday, the judges noted that the stipulated two-month deadline had long passed, with no tangible action from the authorities. The bench orally observed that this failure amounts to negligence.
Government's Committee Move Criticized
When the government pleader informed the court that a committee had been appointed to study the matter, the bench sharply criticized this approach. The court clarified that its order required the issuance of a notification to formally constitute the wetland management unit, not the formation of another study committee.
Consequently, the hearing was adjourned to Wednesday, specifically to receive the state government's reply regarding the issuance of the crucial notification for establishing the management body.
Background of the Conservation Battle
The legal push stems from a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) originally filed by Boris Paul. The PIL highlighted the alarming and continued depletion and deterioration of the Ashtamudi wetland, which is a designated Ramsar site of international importance. The degradation is attributed to multiple threats, including drainage pollution and encroachments.
In response to the PIL, the High Court had directed the state to set up a managing unit. The State Wetland Authority subsequently submitted a detailed proposal for a 30-member Ashtamudi wetland management unit.
The proposed structure includes:
- The Kollam District Collector as Chairperson.
- Secretaries from 12 local self-government institutions, including the Kollam Corporation.
- District-level officials from key departments like Tourism, Fisheries, Forest, Pollution Control Board, and the Kerala State Biodiversity Board as members.
- A Chief Executive Officer to serve as the Member Secretary and Convenor.
The High Court had accepted this proposal and reiterated the two-month deadline for its constitution. However, even after five months, no official order was issued, prompting the contempt of court petition that has now led to the court's firm ultimatum.
