Save Lakes, Biodiversity: Kerala HC Orders Prompt Action Against Defaulters [Read Judgment]

Expressing great concern over the deteriorating status of lakes and biodiversity, the High Court of Kerala, while disposing of a batch of writ petitions, has directed the authorities concerned to take stern and prompt action against defaulters.Such action should be carried out without insisting/ waiting for any court orders/directions, the court said.Justice Devan Ramachandran was considering. Expressing great concern over the deteriorating status of lakes and biodiversity, the High Court of Kerala, while disposing of a batch of writ petitions, has directed the authorities concerned to take stern and prompt action against defaulters. Conservation includes restoring and enhancing species, populations and habitats and in the optimal sustainable yield in the use of natural resources.” The court further noted that every citizen of India had a constitutional obligation under Articles 49 and 51A to bring any act of depredation to the ecology or biodiversity to the notice of the competent public authorities who are burdened with a reciprocal obligation to take cognisance of the same and to take appropriate action as is mandated by the various laws and regulations intended for is protection. These systems are important in decimating heat and wave energy, maintaining sufficient oxygenation and to provide for fingerlings and other treasures in the water systems.” The court expressed strong displeasure on the failure/laches on the part of the authorities concerned to take prompt action to prevent damages to lakes and biodiversity.