Ashtamudi Wetland Conservation has become an urgent priority following recent intervention by the Kerala High Court. The court’s decisive action came in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that highlighted the alarming ecological degradation, pollution, and encroachments plaguing the iconic Ashtamudi wetland. The court’s directive mandates the formation of a specialised management unit and a time-bound, integrated conservation plan to restore and safeguard this internationally recognised Ramsar site.
Ecological Importance of Ashtamudi Wetland
Ashtamudi Lake, located in the Kollam district of Kerala, is the state’s second-largest wetland ecosystem and one of the most vital estuarine systems in South India. Recognised as a Ramsar site in 2002, the lake spans a network of canals, creeks, backwaters, and mangrove forests, supporting a rich biodiversity. The lake serves as a natural breeding ground for various species of fish, crustaceans, and birds, and is crucial for the livelihoods of thousands of local fisherfolk.
Despite its ecological significance, the Ashtamudi Wetland Conservation efforts have long been neglected, resulting in critical habitat loss, reduced water quality, and declining biodiversity.
Kerala High Court’s Directive on Ashtamudi Wetland Conservation
The Kerala High Court, while hearing the PIL, expressed serious concern over the deterioration of the Ashtamudi ecosystem. The court has directed the State Wetland Authority Kerala (SWAK) and the Kerala state government to establish an Ashtamudi Wetland Management Unit within two months from the date of notification. This unit will comprise environmental experts, local stakeholders, scientists, and administrative officials to ensure a coordinated and science-driven approach to conservation.
The High Court has also insisted that a scientific, site-specific management plan be prepared within six months. This move is in accordance with the Ramsar Convention guidelines, which promote the wise use of wetlands through national action and international cooperation.
Major Environmental Threats to Ashtamudi Wetland
The court’s intervention comes in the wake of multiple reports that reveal the extent of ecological damage:
- Pollution and Sewage Discharge: A sanitation survey conducted between 2020 and 2022 highlighted rampant open defecation, dumping of untreated sewage, and contamination from hospitals and commercial establishments.
- Plastic and Tourism Waste: Tourism activities around the lake have contributed to severe pollution. Garbage, particularly plastic waste, is being dumped indiscriminately, impacting aquatic life.
- Encroachments and Land Use Changes: Unregulated urban development and illegal encroachments have reduced the wetland area from 61.40 sq. km to just 34 sq. km.
- Sand Mining and Siltation: Excessive sand mining has led to siltation, drastically reducing the water depth in several areas to less than half a metre, which affects navigation, fish breeding, and water storage.
- Loss of Mangroves and Biodiversity: The lake’s mangrove forests have seen a steep decline, leading to the disappearance of several species that depend on this ecosystem for survival.
- Pesticide Runoff: Agricultural runoff, especially pesticides and fertilizers, is polluting the wetland and disrupting the aquatic food chain.
Structure and Responsibilities of the Wetland Management Unit
The newly proposed Ashtamudi Wetland Management Unit will play a crucial role in streamlining conservation efforts:
- Scientific Management Plan: The unit must create a detailed, evidence-based plan tailored to Ashtamudi’s ecological characteristics and threats.
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): These will outline the roles, responsibilities, meeting schedules, and communication protocols among various departments and stakeholders.
- Digital Transparency and Public Engagement: A dedicated digital platform or webpage will be created to ensure transparency. The public will be able to submit audio-visual evidence, complaints, and suggestions. This citizen feedback mechanism is vital for community-led conservation.
- Monitoring and Reporting: The unit will be responsible for periodic assessments of ecological health indicators such as water quality, biodiversity status, and land-use changes. Findings will be published publicly to ensure accountability.
Past Government Failures and Legal Repercussions
In 2023, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) imposed a ₹10 crore fine on the Kerala government for its failure to protect the Ashtamudi wetland. The Kerala Legislative Assembly’s Committee on Environment had earlier warned of the drastic shrinkage of the wetland area and highlighted a loss of fish-breeding grounds. Despite repeated alerts, there had been no concrete action until the court’s recent directive.
Conclusion: A Call to Action for Sustainable Conservation
Ashtamudi Wetland Conservation is not just an environmental issue but also a socio-economic and cultural one. The wetland supports fisheries, tourism, agriculture, and provides flood control. Its destruction would have far-reaching consequences on local communities and biodiversity. The Kerala High Court’s intervention offers a crucial opportunity to reverse decades of neglect.
Timely implementation of the court’s orders, strong political will, scientific planning, and active public participation will be key to ensuring the long-term survival of this irreplaceable ecosystem. Ashtamudi can still be saved — but only if action replaces apathy.
