Activists demand removal of soil dumped in Kottooli wetlands

Demanding the immediate removal of soil dumped in the Kottooli wetlands, activists of the Sarovaram Environment Protection Committee staged a protest at the site on Thursday (December 18), condemning the alleged failure of the authorities to enforce orders to protect the urban biodiversity hotspot during the Vijil murder investigation.

The organisation alleged that around 46 loads of soil were deposited in the wetlands on August 29 by the police as part of the evidence collection process. The case dates back to 2019, when V. Vijil, a resident of Elathur, went missing. It was reopened recently after police found that he had allegedly died of a drug overdose, following which his friends had reportedly buried his body in the Kottooli wetlands near Sarovaram Biopark. The recent police operation in the wetlands involved searches for skeletal remains and evidence, during which soil was dumped in the area.

The Kottooli wetlands, spread across Vengeri, Kottooli and Chevayur villages, in Kozhikode city, have recently been at the centre of several complaints that led to action by statutory authorities. In October 2025, the State Wetland Authority Kerala (SWAK) directed the District Collector and the Kozhikode Corporation to strictly enforce the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017, noting that the wetland is listed in the National Wetland Inventory and Assessment (2011).

“The 85,000 sqft Calicut Sarovaram Trade Centre that we see today is still functioning without any valid licence. Survey number 73/1 was deliberately shown as part of the building licence to save this illegal construction. There were many attempts to protect the owner, but because our organisation stood firm, those attempts failed,” said K. Ajaylal, president of committee.  

Earlier this month, the Kerala High Court also observed that complaints regarding threats to the Kottooli wetlands could not be ignored, warning that delays in protecting the area could cause permanent environmental damage. The court noted that the wetland is being considered for Ramsar site status and posted the matter for further hearing in January.

Previously, the Kozhikode city police chief had reportedly assured the committee that the soil would be removed once the evidence collection process was complete. However, the committee members pointed out, no action has been taken so far.

They further alleged that the area where the soil was dumped is now being used as a parking space for school buses, compounding to the damage to the wetland. The organisation would intensify its protests if the soil is not removed and action to prevent further damage is delayed, Mr. Ajaylal said.