Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding pollution of Ashtamudi lake, Kollam district, Kerala, 07/01/2025
Order of the National Green Tribunal the matter of Krishna Das KV Vs State of Kerala dated 07/01/2025.
The matter is related to pollution in in Ashtamudi lake, Kollam district, Kerala.
The NGT received a report from Justice A V Ramakrishna Pillai, Chairman, State Level Monitoring Committee, Kerala reporting massive killing of fishes in Ashtamudi lake. The report depicts a very serious and pathetic condition of the Ashtamudi lake, which is a Ramsar site, noted the court.
The tribujal directed the Chief Secretary, Kerala to file its response as to what steps have been taken for protection of important Ramsar site - Ashtamudi Lake and Vembanad wetland from its deterioration and damage in the manner it has been reported. Reply has to be filed by the Chief Secretary within three weeks. Chief Secretary was also directed to submit particulars and details of action taken with respect of industries or local bodies which are discharging effluent and other polluting matter in the lakes as also water quality of Ashtamudi lake.
Tribunal had earlier found that water quality of both water bodies is in Class ‘D’ of primary water quality criteria thereby not complying with ‘bathing’ standards.
The Chief Secretary, Kerala was also directed to inform the status of utilization of Rs 10 crores as compensation and extent of environmental compensation utilization for restoration? Further, what concrete actions have been taken to prevent sewage disposed in two water bodies through house boats, panchayats, corporations, industries, flat owners, resorts and others, the court asked. Also, what are the achievements as per the action plan with time bound activities to be completed? The next hearing of the case would be held on February 12, 2025.