In a significant move for environmental governance, the Kerala government has officially established the Ashtamudi Wetland Management Unit (AWMU), following a directive from the state's High Court. This decision brings an end to a period of legal proceedings and marks a concrete step towards the protection of a vital Ramsar site.
Court Directive Leads to Concrete Action
The state government's order, which constitutes the new management body, was formally presented to the Kerala High Court on Thursday. The government pleader handed over a copy of the order issued by the special secretary of the environment department. This action was taken in response to a contempt of court petition filed by Kollam-based lawyer Boris Paul.
The petition highlighted the state's non-compliance with the court's earlier order from July 2025, which had mandated the creation of a dedicated management unit for the ecologically sensitive Ashtamudi wetland. The initial order was part of a public interest litigation (PIL) initiated by Paul himself.
Composition of the New Management Body
The newly formed Ashtamudi Wetland Management Unit is a robust 30-member committee designed for multi-stakeholder oversight. The Kollam District Collector will serve as the chairperson of the unit. The structure ensures representation from various key departments and bodies.
The membership includes:
- Secretaries from 12 local self-government institutions, including the Kollam Corporation.
- District-level officials from crucial departments such as Tourism, Fisheries, and Forests.
- Representatives from the Pollution Control Board and the Kerala State Biodiversity Board.
The chief executive officer of the unit will act as the member secretary and convenor, responsible for the day-to-day coordination and implementation of decisions.
Court Proceedings and Pending Tasks
A bench comprising Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice V M Syam Kumar acknowledged the state's submission regarding the formation of the AWMU while considering the contempt plea. However, the petitioner pointed out that other critical directives from the July 2025 judgment remain unfulfilled.
These pending orders include:
- Finalising an integrated management plan for the wetland within a six-month timeframe.
- Setting up an interim management plan to guide the newly formed unit's initial actions.
To examine the state's compliance on these specific aspects, the High Court bench has adjourned the hearing of the contempt petition to January 22. This keeps the pressure on the administration to follow through on the court's comprehensive vision for the wetland's conservation.
A Win for Wetland Conservation
The constitution of the Ashtamudi Wetland Management Unit is a landmark development for environmental protection in Kerala. Ashtamudi, a designated Ramsar site of international importance, has long required a coordinated, statutory approach for its preservation and sustainable management. This unit, born out of judicial intervention, aims to provide that necessary framework, bringing together local governance and technical expertise to safeguard this crucial ecosystem for future generations.
