The Kerala High Court today issued notice to the State of Kerala in a petition praying that construction of a new flyover across the Ashtamudi lake be stalled..A Bench of Chief Justice Hrishikesh Roy and AK Jayasankaran Nambiar heard a petition filed by a lawyer, advocate Rahul VI before seeking the response of the State..Advocate Raghul Sudheesh and Lakshmi J appeared for the petitioner..Ashtamudi Wetland is an extensive estuarine system, the second largest in Kerala State. The petition highlights the importance of the same stating the following:.“Ashtamudi Wetland is an extensive estuarine system, the second largest in Kerala State, which is of extraordinary importance for its hydrological functions, its biodiversity, and its support for fish. The site supports nearly 100 species of fish, a number of mangrove species as well as over 40 associated plant species, and 57 species of birds have been observed, including several migratory birds.”.It is also a wetland site protected by the Ramsar Convention on wetlands..“The Convention was adopted in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971 and came into force in 1975. The convention entered into force in India on 1st February, 1982. India currently has 26 sites designated as Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Sites), with a surface area of 689,131 hectares. Out of the 26, three wetland sites are located in Kerala, namely, Vembanad-Kol Wetland, Ashtamudi Wetland and Sasthamkotta Lake.”.The petitioner has taken objection to the construction of a flyover by the State of Kerala across the Ashtamudi lake. The construction of the disputed flyover is part of the larger project called Ashramam Link Road Project..The construction of Phase II of the Ashramam Link Road project from Ashramam junction to KSRTC Bus Terminal was done by filling up a vast portion of the Ashtamudi lake and destroying mangroves. The disputed flyover will run from KSRTC Bus Terminal to Thoppilkadavu via Olayil Kadavu..The flyover which is stated to have the objective of easing traffic congestion in certain parts of Kollam town will be built entirely through the Ashtamudi lake, the petition states..The construction work has already begun and pillars have been erected as part of phase III of the project. Around 8 acres of the lake has been encroached and filled for the said project, the petitioner submits..The petitioner has argued that the construction of the flyover is a short-sighted ploy as there is already a four-lane thirteen-kilometer bypass nearing completion to ease the city traffic..It is the argument of the petitioner that if the flyover is allowed to be constructed upon the lake, it will severely affect the already disturbed and damaged ecosystem of the Ashtamudi wetland, owing to the construction activities which involves heavy mining, piling, and allied activities. Further, it will also severely affect the community living around the lake..He has, therefore, prayed that the construction of the flyover be stalled with immediate effect and the pillars which have been erected across the lake be demolished..Read the order below.
