Ashtamudi Wetland Conservation: Environment Secretary Tenders Unconditional Apology Before Kerala HC Over Delay In Implementing Directions

The apology is tendered in an affidavit is submitted in an ongoing contempt petition alleging delay in executing the directions in the judgment which had directed for formulation of a proper framework for the protection of Ashtamudi lake.

Pursuant to the High Court's direction, Ashtamudi Wetland Management Unit had been constituted via a notification by the Special Secretary, Environment Department. The first meeting of the Unit had also been convened on February 23, 2026.

Previously, the Court noted that only one of the directions in the judgment has been complied by the concerned authority while the rest of the directions are yet to be complied. The Court thus granted one month's time to formulate the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and comply with other directions in the judgment.

In the present affidavit, it is stated that the coordination of various departments is required to implement the remaining directives of the court. The Environment Department clarified in the affidavit that tasks such as drafting the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the unit's operations, developing a dedicated website with an audio-visual feedback system, arranging infrastructure and funding, and preparing a comprehensive Integrated Management Plan are time-consuming processes that can only be completed with the cooperation of various agencies and stakeholders.

The State has now filed an application along with the affidavit requesting an additional two months for completing the administrative framework necessary for the long-term conservation of Ashtamudi Lake.

The contempt petition will be taken up on 11 June.