In Brief
Kapico Kerala Resorts challenged the Kerala High Court's order prohibiting resort construction on Nediyathuruthu island in Vembanad lake on coastal regulation grounds. The Supreme Court dismissed the appeals, holding that the core issues were already decided in Vaamika Island, a similar case concerning a nearby island. The Court found backwater islands fall within protected coastal zones under CRZ Notifications, and the distinctions claimed by Kapico—relating to salinity tests, filtration ponds, and island-specific studies—were not material. The Court upheld environmental protection of Vembanad lake as a Critically Vulnerable Coastal Area, rejecting arguments based on older building permits and alternative CRZ provisions.
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