JUDGMENT

Delivered by Smt. Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana, Judicial Member O.A. No. 117 of 2021

1. The Kottayam Nature Society has filed the above application alleging removal of riparian plants such as Attuvanchi, Bamboo etc., which generally act as a natural barrier for protecting flood and also preserving the retaining capacity of the water of the river Meenachil throughout the year.

2. The importance of preservation of Attuvanchi is brought to the notice of the District Coordinator, Kerala State Biodiversity Board, Kottayam by the Member Secretary, Kerala State Biodiversity Board, Kottayam on 01.03.2021 urging him to take immediate steps for preserving riparian plants like Attuvanchi and other plants on the banks of the river. It is stated that the 3^rd respondent is deepening the Meenachil River from Ettumanoor to the lower reaches of the river where it joins with the Vembanad Lake. The project is for the removal of silt and from the river bed and cutting done the riparian vegetation along the course of the river to control flood in the Kottayam District.

3. According to the applicant the removal of silt and sand from the river and also cutting down the riparian vegetation are great