A view of the Kottooli wetlands in the heart of Kozhikode. | Photo credit: K Ragesh
Green Movement, an environmental organization based in Kozhikode, is demanding that the Kottooli wetlands, located in the heart of the city, be recognized as a Ramsar site and protected accordingly. In a memorandum submitted to the authorities, including the chief minister and director of tourism, after a seminar held on October 27, the organization stressed the need for immediate steps to remove encroachment on wetlands to preserve the ecological balance of the region.
Other demands of the organization include the establishment of a biological fence around the wetland, the demolition of unauthorized structures in the area and the restoration of the encroaching parts to their original state by removing the soil used for the landfill.
The organization also called for the immediate removal of accumulated waste in the wetland and testing of acidic and alkaline water levels along with the presence of heavy metals. She emphasized the importance of identifying how these factors affect aquatic organisms and nearby residents.
The memorandum also points to the need for swift action to curb the spread of water-borne diseases in the area, protect the mangrove forests in the wetland, and promote environmental awareness among the public.
The green movement further demanded that the proposed canal project from Sarovaram to Pachakkal be dropped as it would destroy parts of the wetland ecosystem. She also pointed out that lights on tall masts installed in the area were disrupting the birds’ natural resting patterns and should therefore be removed. The memorandum suggested that revenue and forest department bases be set up in the region to prevent further encroachment.
Published – 02 Nov 2025 20:24 IST
