Penalty on Kerala government for failure to protect Ramsar sites

The Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed a penalty of ?10 crore on the Kerala government for its failure to check the indiscriminate pollution of the listed Ramsar sites.

Key-highlights of the Order:

• The order by NGT was made in lines with a petition alleging failure of statutory and administrative authorities in taking remedial action for protection of the Vembanad and Ashtamudi lakes hit by illegal waste dumping.

• The penalty was imposed on the basis of the ‘polluter pays principle’ which had to be deposited in a ring-fenced account to be operated under the authority of the Chief Secretary.
• The penalty of ?10 crore has been imposed which had to be made within a month.
• The penalty will be utilised for conservation/restoration measures by preparing an action plan to be preferably executed within six months.

About Ramsar Sites:

• These are wetlands deemed to be of "international importance" under the Ramsar Convention.
• It is named after the city of Ramsar in Iran, where the convention was signed in
• Ramsar sites are trans-boundary in which case more than one Contracting Party is responsible for their conservation and management.
• The inclusion in the list is for-
  • the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands,
  • recognizing the fundamental ecological functions of wetlands and their
  • Economic value
  • Cultural value
  • Scientific value
  • Recreational value
• It is also known as the Convention on Wetlands.

Vembanad Lake:

• This is the largest lake in Kerala and the longest Lake in India.
• The lake has its source in four rivers, Meenachil, Achankovil, Pampa and Manimala
• In 2002, it was included in the list of wetlands of international importance, as defined by the Ramsar Convention.
• It is the second-largest Ramsar site in India only after the Sundarbans in West Bengal.
• The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is located on the east coast of the lake.
• In 2019, Willingdon Island, a seaport located in the city of Kochi, was carved out of Vembanad Lake.

 Ashtamudi Lake:

• Ashtamudi Lake is a large freshwater lake located in the Kollam district of Kerala, India.
• It is known for its unique ecosystem and biodiversity, and is an important tourist destination in the region.
• Ashtamudi Lake is significant because it has been recognized as a Ramsar site, which is a wetland site, designated of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
• The lake also plays an important role in supporting the livelihoods of local communities through fishing and tourism.