'Astonishing': Kerala High Court Orders Removal Of Large Scale Encroachments In And Around Ashtamudi Lake In Kollam

The Division Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Mr. A.Muhamed Mustaque and Justice S Manu directed the District Police Chief to assist the Sub Collector by deploying necessary police personnel for removing the illegal encroachers.

“We also direct the Sub Collector, Kollam to initiate proceedings to remove encroachers within a period of six months after duly following the procedure under the Land Conservancy Act. The Sub Collector, Kollam is also directed to update before this Court the progress of the action taken from time to time, at least once in a month till conclusion of the entire proceedings.”

Pursuant to the directions of the Court, the Sub Collector filed a report before the Court giving a list of illegal encroachers in and near the Ashtamudi Lake. The list showing the names and details of illegal encroachers submitted by the Sub Collector is also attached and made part of the order of the Court.

The Court passed the above order in a petition filed by Advocate Boris Paul, seeking to remove illegally dumped waste from Ashtamudi Lake. The plea also sought the removal of illegal encroachments in and around the Ashtamudi Lake.

Regarding encroachments, the plea stated that illegal encroachments and constructions on the lake shores have led to the destruction of the mangrove forest causing an ecological crisis in Ashtamudi Lake. The Court noted that a large extent of land has been encroached near the lake. The Court took note of the fact that it is high time to clear encroachments to secure land for future generations and to ensure the free flow of water to the lake.

The Court directed the Secretary of the Kollam Corporation as well as the Secretaries of other local authorities to inform the Court about actions taken to prevent the flow of waste into the lake. The Court also mandated the Secretary to enforce stringent measures to prevent waste and other effluents from entering the lake.

The plea has been moved by Advocates Ajmal A Karunagappally, Dhanush C A Chittur, Priyanka Sharma M R, Ananya M G 

Case Title: Advocate Boris Paul v Union of India

Case Number: WP(C) NO. 18400 OF 2024

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