ADV.BORIS PAUL Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This Public Interest Litigation is filed to highlight the depleting condition of Ashtamudi Lake and for its restoration measures.

(2.) Ashtamudi Wetland and estuary which flows into the Arabian Sea, a wetland of international importance, is primarily fed by the Kallada River originating in the Western Ghats. Several creeks branch out from the lake toward the coast and nearby islands, with the Munroe Island delta situated at the confluence of the river and the lake. Ashtamudi is an estuarine wetland, covering 6,140 hectares. It is the second-largest wetland in Kerala and the deepest estuary in the State, reaching up to 6.4 metres at the confluence zone. Ashtamudi Wetland is bordered by coconut groves, canals, and settlements under 12 Gram Panchayats and the Kollam Corporation.

(3.) Ashtamudi Lake was designated as a Ramsar Site on 19/8/2002. The Ramsar Convention, adopted in 1971 by various countries in a conference held at Ramsar in Iran, is an international treaty for the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands. It aims to protect wetlands for their role in biodiversity, flood control, water purification, and livelihood support. Member countries have to identify and designate suitable wetlands as "Wetlands of International Importance " (Ramsar Sites) and maintain their ecological character. The Convention promotes the sustainable use of all wetlands. India joined the Convention on 1/2/1982.