Archive · 2 Jan 2026
Kerala High Court Halts Sand Removal Endangering Turtle Nesting
The Kerala High Court has stopped the removal of sand and vegetation from the Thottappally Spillway in Alappuzha.
This area is important for sea turtles like the Olive Ridley and Hawksbill to lay their eggs.
The court said that flood control measures should not harm the environment, especially in places where turtles nest.
The government wanted to remove sand and trees to help with flooding, but environmental groups said this was hurting the turtles and the coastline.
The court agreed and said that any future sand removal must be carefully studied to make sure it doesn't harm the turtles or the environment.
They also ordered the formation of a special committee to oversee this.
Kerala High Court halted sand and vegetation removal at Thottappally Spillway to protect turtle nesting grounds.
Court emphasized that flood-control measures must not endanger ecology, especially in sensitive coastal areas.
Environmental groups argued that sand removal was causing ecological harm and threatening endangered turtle species.
Court directed the formation of a multi-departmental committee to assess ecological impact before any future sand removal.
Committee will include officials from various departments and a local NGO with environmental expertise.
- Who
- Kerala High Court, environmental groups, local residents, Kerala government
- What
- Court halts sand removal at Thottappally Spillway to protect turtle nesting grounds
- When
- During the hearing of writ petitions
- Where
- Thottappally Spillway, Alappuzha, Kerala
- Why
- To prevent ecological harm to endangered turtle species and sensitive coastal areas
- Location
- Thottappally Spillway, Alappuzha, Kerala
- Species Affected
- Olive Ridley and Hawksbill turtles
- Court Bench
- Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Syam Kumar V M
- Authorities Involved
- Kerala Coastal Zone Management Authority, Forest Department
- Committee Formation
- Multi-departmental committee to be formed within two months
- Legal Basis
- Disaster Management Act, 2005
- Environmental Impact
- Disturbed beach landscape, increased erosion, damage to nesting areas