PIL in HC objecting to works at Pat Wetland in Sindhudurg

Kolhapur: A PIL has been filed in the Bombay high court’s Kolhapur bench claiming the natural hydrology of 'Pat Wetland' in Sindhudurg district is compromised after cement constructions at the site and reclamation done by dumping mud and boulders.

Owing to rampant tree cutting, the natural habitat and food chain and various species found in the shallow wetlands are being adversely affected, states the PIL filed by environmental activist Omkar A Keni.

Pat gram panchayat is actively engaged in felling indigenous trees and reclaiming the lake bed under the guise of beautification, claims the petitioner. A board has been installed by the Maharashtra Tourism and Development Corporation (MTDC) indicating that the beautification and development at Pat Lake is being undertaken by the Directorate of Tourism. The petitioner has objected to the beautification and development works.

The lake is situated in Kudal tehsil of Sindhudurg district and listed in the National Wetland Atlas, mapped by ISRO -wetland code-1202. The waterbody is protected as per a 2017 Supreme Court order.

The wetland is noted as an important bird habitat and a seasonal home for migratory as well as local birds. The bench of justice Ranjitsinha Raja Bhonsale in an order passed on May 26 has issued notices to state environment department and tourism department by keeping the matter for further hearing on June 1.