Kerala Sasthra Sahitya Parishad seeks sanctuary status for Vembanad Lake
- The apex court had ordered state government to report CRZ violations within six months
- The lake is classified as a critically vulnerable coastal area under CRZ Act, 2011
- It has shrunk by 33% in last five decades
FollowKerala Sasthra Sahitya Parishad (KSSP) is planning to launch a campaign seeking fish sanctuary status for Vembanad Lake, in an effort to prevent violation of Ramsar site and CRZ violations with illegal encroachments along its banks continue unabated.
"We need to protect the livelihood of hundreds of people and preserve existing fish wealth. Even a present minister is included in the list of encroachers. Strict wildlife rules can be made acceptable once it gets a sanctuary status. We are planning to file a petition to the government," KSSP Alappuzha district president P V Joseph said.
A recent study had found Vembanad lake, spread over 2033 sq km in three districts, as one of the most polluted water bodies in the world despite being classified as a critically vulnerable coastal area under CRZ Act, 2011, and Ramsar site in 2002. It was also found that the lake has shrunk by 33% in last five decades.
Also read:Vembanad lake among most polluted water bodies in the world
The apex court had ordered state government to report CRZ violations within six months. Following this, district administration issued notices to Green Lagoon Resort and Kapico Kerala Resorts to demolish illegal constructions within ten days.
Religious leaders and legislators then asked the then Chief Minister Oommen Chandy to report to the Supreme Court that it did not affect tourism development, but the KSSP resisted the move.
Vembanad Fish Court - 2016 has found that eight crustaceans, 37 species of finfishes and three molluscs, which is lesser than the variety of fishes found during 2015 survey. "Economic, industrial and agricultural developments overlooking conservation and management of resources led to this pathetic condition. KSSP must be sure as to which law they can convert it into the sanctuary, Wetland Conservation Act or Wildlife Act," Priyadarshan Dharma Rajan, a senior researcher said.
