The Kerala High Court has issued a landmark directive to tackle the escalating pollution crisis in Vembanad Lake, a vital waterbody in the state. Expressing deep concern over the environmental degradation caused by houseboats, the court has mandated the Kerala Maritime Board to conduct rigorous inspections of all houseboats operating on the lake within a strict one-month timeframe.
Immediate Action Required for Pollution Control
In a decisive move, the court ordered that houseboats lacking a valid certificate of compliance for pollution prevention and containment will be prohibited from plying on Vembanad Lake after a three-month grace period. This measure aims to ensure that only environmentally responsible vessels continue operations, thereby safeguarding the lake's fragile ecosystem.
Inspection and Certification Process
The Kerala Maritime Board has been tasked with carrying out thorough inspections of all houseboats. Owners and operators are required to present their boats for assessment within the stipulated one-month period. Upon successful inspection and payment of the prescribed fee, the board will issue certificates to houseboats equipped with the necessary pollution control systems, fittings, and arrangements.
Exemption for Shikara Boats
Importantly, the court clarified that these stringent directives do not apply to shikara boats, the traditional smaller vessels commonly used in the region. The board retains the authority to grant registration to shikara boats in accordance with the provisions of the Inland Vessels Act and relevant rules, ensuring that local heritage and livelihoods are not unduly impacted.
Background of the Case
The court was hearing petitions filed by the All Kerala House Boat Owners Association and other stakeholders, which raised questions about whether houseboats registered at Kodungallur Port should be permitted to operate in the Alappuzha and Kumarakom areas. During the proceedings, the bench took note of alarming data regarding the scale of operations on the lake.
Rising Numbers and Environmental Concerns
Referring to a 2015 report by the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management, the court highlighted that 567 registered houseboats and numerous unregistered ones were already plying on Vembanad Lake at that time. Since then, the number of houseboats has seen a significant increase, exacerbating pollution levels and threatening the lake's biodiversity.
The bench emphasized that ensuring all houseboats are pollution-compliant is a critical first step toward restoring the lake's health. Consequently, it issued an order mandating immediate and comprehensive inspections to curb further environmental damage and promote sustainable tourism practices in the region.
