Action sought to halt encroachment on Kottooly wetlands

Sarovaram Mangrove Committee urges action against Kottooly wetlands encroachment, highlighting importance of conservation and errors in maps.

The Sarovaram Mangrove and Wetland Protection Committee has urged Revenue Minister K. Rajan to take immediate action against the ongoing encroachment on the Kottooly wetlands. A mass petition, signed by around 500 people living around the wetlands, was handed over to the Minister on Thursday (January 9) under the aegis of local councillor and chairman of the committee M.N. Praveen and convenor I.K. Biju.

The memorandum alleges extensive encroachments on wetlands near the Sarovaram Bio Park, particularly on the land occupied by the Calicut Trade Centre and a recently encroached strip behind the Markaz International School, as well as several private plots. “These encroachments, carried out day and night, pose a grave threat to the ecosystem and blatantly defy the legal system. Local residents and public representatives who question these actions face threats,” the memorandum stated. It also criticised the Revenue department for its alleged inaction against the encroachers.

Spread across 258 acres in the heart of Kozhikode city, the Kottooly wetlands are a proposed RAMSAR site. The committee highlighted the importance of protecting this vital ecological zone, citing various State government orders and various studies supporting its conservation. The memorandum urged the Revenue Minister to ensure that the ongoing measures are completed rather than left unfinished.

Additionally, the panel flagged errors in the Kottooly wetlands map published by the State Wetland Authority Kerala and requested immediate corrections. Kozhikode district panchayat vice president P. Gavas also requested the Minister for immediate action. Mr. Rajan responded positively to the concerns raised.