Kerala HC Orders Kollam Corporation to Protect Ashtamudi Lake

The Kerala High Court has directed the Kollam Corporation to implement strict measures to prevent the discharge of waste and other effluents into Ashtamudi Lake, a Ramsar site described as the gateway to the state’s backwaters. The court also instructed the Sub Collector of Kollam to initiate proceedings to remove encroachers from the area surrounding the lake.

A bench comprising Acting Chief Justice A Muhamed Mustaque and Justice S Manu expressed astonishment at the extent of land around the lake that has been encroached upon.

“It is high time that we need to secure this ‘kayal poramboke’ for future generations and also ensure the free flow of water in Ashtamudi Lake,” the bench stated.

This observation and the subsequent directions from the court followed a plea by a lawyer alleging that the Kollam Corporation was allowing the discharge of effluents into the lake. The petitioner, advocate Boris Paul, sought directives for cleaning up the lake, restoring its water quality, implementing proper sewage treatment facilities, and removing encroachments from the area.

After considering the petitioner’s contentions, the bench directed the secretary of the Kollam Corporation and the secretaries of other local authorities to present details of the actions taken to prevent the discharge of waste into the lake.

“Strict action shall be taken by the secretary to prevent the passing of waste and other effluents into the lake, in light of government orders against dumping waste in public places. Necessary orders shall be issued by the secretary and submitted to this court by the next hearing,” the bench directed.

The court also instructed the Kollam Sub Collector to initiate proceedings to remove encroachers within six months, following the procedure under the Land Conservancy Act.

“The District Police Chief is directed to assist in implementing the orders under the Land Conservancy Act for the removal of encroachers by deploying necessary police personnel,” the court added, scheduling further hearings for August 6.

Ashtamudi Lake is a wetland site of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, also known as the ‘Convention of Wetlands’. Spanning approximately 1,700 sq km, the lake is surrounded by swaying coconut groves and palm trees, dotted with several small islands, and is a popular destination for tourists seeking houseboat rides.