In a sharp rebuke to bureaucratic apathy and piecemeal eco-protection, the Kerala High Court has delivered a wake-up call to the State over its wilting wetland — Ashtamudi Lake. The Court has mandated the immediate formation of a dedicated Ashtamudi Wetland Management Unit, bringing together officials, domain experts, and the people themselves to halt the ongoing ecological collapse.
The bench, comprising Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Basant Balaji, wasn’t mincing words. Hearing a public interest petition highlighting unchecked sewage dumping, mangrove destruction, and illegal construction in and around the Ramsar-notified lake, the Court called out the government’s fragmented, ineffective response. Agencies had been operating in silos, the Court observed — all effort, no coordination, and zero results.
To course-correct, the Court ordered the State to issue a formal notification within two months establishing the Management Unit — a full-fledged authority anchored by the District Collector of Kollam and staffed with officials from 12 grama panchayats, multiple departments (forestry, tourism, fisheries, irrigation, biodiversity, etc.), and technical experts. A full-time CEO will head the charge, doubling as the unit’s convenor and member-secretary.
But this wasn’t just an internal reshuffle. The Court wants eyes everywhere. A dedicated digital platform will now be created — either a standalone website or at least a special page on the Wetlands Authority site — equipped with a feedback tool. Citizens can upload photos, videos, and reports of violations, turning every local into a potential watchdog.
“Two things are not negotiable,” the Court said bluntly. “One, a proper governing authority. Two, a site-specific, scientific, legally compliant management plan. Without these, Ashtamudi will continue to decline.”
While the State mentioned it had partnered with Wetlands International South Asia to draft a new conservation plan, the judges reminded them that noble intentions and draft proposals are no substitute for ground-level action. The final Integrated Management Plan must be ready within six months. Until then, an interim framework is to be implemented to steer immediate efforts.
The Court made it clear — this isn’t just another committee. It’s a rescue squad. Should government departments fail to cooperate or resource flows be cut off, the unit’s secretary has been granted liberty to return to the Court for further directions.
What emerges from this ruling is a rare judicial blueprint for saving an endangered ecosystem — with timelines, personnel, community participation, and accountability built in. Ashtamudi, gasping beneath layers of neglect, may finally have its lifeline.
