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Kerala High Court Shields Kottooli Wetlands: No New Builds Until Ramsar Nod
In a pivotal interim order, the has slammed the brakes on new constructions in the fragile Kottooli wetlands of Kozhikode. A led by Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V.M. issued directives to the and , ensuring no fresh development encroaches on prohibited zones under the . This comes as the state races to designate the area a Ramsar Site—a prestigious international tag under the for wetlands of global importance.
The ruling stems from Writ Petition (Civil) No. 9445 of 2025, filed by environmental group and its office-bearers against a slew of government bodies and private developers, including and .
Wetlands Under Siege: The Spark of the Legal Fight
Kottooli wetlands, a vital ecological hub supporting biodiversity and flood mitigation in Kozhikode, face existential threats from rampant construction, reclamation, and events. Petitioners highlighted ongoing activities by private respondents near Sarovaram Bio Park, arguing these violate wetland protection laws and undermine pending Ramsar efforts.
The saga unfolded with the petition seeking an immediate stay on such activities. Earlier court nudges, including a direction, prompted the state to file a status report. It revealed advanced steps: an updated Ramsar Information Sheet (RIS) approved by the on , now headed to the . Yet, petitioners' reply affidavit warned that interim encroachments could doom the process.
Petitioners' Plea vs Developers' Defense
Conservationists, represented by advocates like , contended that allowing builds now would cause irreversible harm, rendering Ramsar declaration " ." They invoked the 2017 Rules' prohibitions on activities in notified wetland zones, stressing ecological imperatives for climate resilience.
Respondents, including builders like Green Metro Developers (via Praveen Hariharan et al.) and government standing counsel, pointed to procedural progress but faced court scrutiny over lax enforcement. The state affirmed Ramsar momentum but couldn't assure no-damage interim measures. Developers urged consideration of existing structures' legality, a point the court deferred.
Decoding the Court's Logic: Ecology Trumps Haste
The Bench zeroed in on a core tension: development versus preservation. No precedents were cited, but the reasoning rooted deeply in statutory intent. Noting the state's report, the court observed that procedural delays must not invite sabotage. It drew a clear line—new works defeat the "ultimate objective" of the 2017 Rules and Ramsar framework, which emphasize conservation and sustainable use.
Existing buildings? Their fate hinges on final adjudication, averting immediate chaos while prioritizing future-proofing.
Key Observations
"New constructions, if undertaken while the process is underway, would defeat the ultimate objective, as envisaged under theas well as the ‘Ramsar site Convention’."
"We hereby direct theas well as the Kozhikode Corporation to ensure that no new constructions are carried out within the prohibited area falling under the."
"We expect that the Ministry will take a decision at the earliest to safeguard and preserve these wetlands, which are imminently required for the sustenance and well-being of the ecology and for maintaining ecological balance."
"Hence, we direct that the concerned authorities to expedite the process in this regard and complete the same within a period of three months."
A Three-Month Countdown: What's Next for Kottooli?
The court's order packs punch: No new constructions in prohibited areas; publicity via the Corporation to alert all; and a three-month deadline for Ramsar finalization, with Union coordination urged. Posting for , it balances urgency without overreach.
Practically, this halts builder ambitions, bolsters eco-activists, and pressures bureaucrats. For future cases, it sets a template: pending international protections demand proactive halts on threats. As Kozhikode eyes Ramsar glory, Kottooli's waters may yet breathe easy.
