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Court: Flood control can't harm turtles
2 Jan
Summary
- Court cites danger to Olive Ridley and Hawksbill turtle nesting grounds.
- Sand removal at Thottappally Spillway challenged in Kerala High Court.
- Multi-departmental committee to assess ecological impact before sand removal.
The Kerala High Court has halted sand removal from the Thottappally Spillway, asserting that flood control measures must not endanger delicate ecosystems. Environmentalists raised concerns about the activity's impact on recognized nesting grounds for Olive Ridley and Hawksbill turtles, prompting the court's intervention. The court noted that flood mitigation efforts posed a 'clear and present danger' to these protected species.
The case originated from an order allowing sand and vegetation removal to ensure free flow of river water into the Arabian Sea, aimed at preventing recurring floods in the Kuttanad region. However, petitioners argued that the annual activity, presented as flood control, amounted to systematic sand mining, causing significant ecological harm within a sensitive coastal regulation zone.
To balance flood mitigation with environmental protection, the court has directed the formation of a multi-departmental committee. This committee, headed by the Alappuzha district collector, will assess ecological impacts. Future sand removal will only proceed with the committee's input and approval, ensuring sustainable practices and safeguarding fragile coastal ecosystems.
