NGT Imposes Penalty on Kerala Govt. for Failing to Protect Ramsar Sites

• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed a penalty of Rs 10 crore on the Kerala government for failing to protect two wetlands, Vembanad and Ashtamudi lakes, which are included in the Ramsar list of wetlands.
• The wetlands have become polluted due to the dumping of pharmaceutical waste, plastic waste, household waste, and slaughterhouse waste.

About Vembanad

• Vembanad was designated as a Ramsar site back in 2002.
• It is the longest lake in India and the largest lake in the state of Kerala.
• The lake is situated at sea level and is separated from the Laccadive Sea by a narrow barrier island.
• The lake is also known as Punnamada Lake (in Kuttanad) and Kochi Lake (in Kochi).
• The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is located on the east coast of the lake.
• According to a recent study by the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Vembanad lake’s water retention capacity has decreased by 85% in the last 120 years due to encroachment and devastation of its ecology
  

About Ashtamudi lake

• Ashtamudi lake, home to several plant and bird species, was included in the Ramsar list in August 2002.
• It covers an area of 61 sq kms and is named “Ashtamudi” because it has eight branches or channels, which flow out from the lake.
• It has a unique wetland ecosystem and is known as Gateway to Kerala Backwaters.