Kerala High Court Orders Restoration and Protection of Mangrove Forests in Kunhimangalam
Strict Measures Mandated Against Illegal Destruction; Three-Member Monitoring Team Constituted for Oversight
In a pivotal judgment delivered on October 13, 2025, the Kerala High Court has directed stringent actions to safeguard the mangrove forests in Kunhimangalam Village, Kannur District. The Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Basant Balaji, emphasized the critical ecological role of mangroves and mandated adherence to Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notifications and the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
The case arose from a Public Interest Litigation filed by P.P. Rajan, who highlighted the rampant destruction of mangroves and illegal road construction in the protected CRZ IA and IB areas by private individuals. Despite repeated complaints, authorities failed to prevent the environmental degradation, prompting judicial intervention.
The Court's order mandates the removal of debris and restoration of the mangrove area through replantation. The responsibility for compliance has been placed on the Conservator of Forests, Social Forestry, Northern Region, Kozhikode, with support from other government agencies. A three-member interim monitoring team, under the supervision of the District Collector, Kannur, will oversee the restoration process and ensure adherence to environmental laws.
The judgment underscores the necessity for a permanent monitoring mechanism to safeguard the mangroves. The Court has directed the State Government to formulate a plan of action for regular monitoring, prevention of illegal destruction, and immediate restorative actions. Until then, the interim team will conduct periodic site inspections and report any violations.
The judgment serves as a landmark decision reinforcing the importance of protecting ecologically sensitive areas and holding authorities accountable for environmental conservation.
Bottom Line:
Strict adherence to Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notifications and Environment Protection Act is mandated to prevent illegal destruction of mangroves. Authorities must take timely and effective measures for prevention, restoration, and monitoring. Responsibility assigned to Conservator of Forests and other government agencies for compliance.
Statutory provision(s): Environment Protection Act, 1986, Coastal Regulation Zone Notifications, 2011 and 2019, Kerala Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act, 2008, Kerala Panchayat Building Rules, 2019, Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016.
P. P. Rajan v. State of Kerala, (Kerala)(DB) : Law Finder Doc Id # 2793529
