Overview The Kerala High Court has instructed the Chief Secretary to establish a high-level committee to evaluate the ecological impact of removing sand and soil from the Thottappally spillway in Alappuzha . This directive underscores the necessity of balancing flood control measures with environmental preservation. Key Developments Court Order: A Division Bench, including Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Syam Kumar V.M. , emphasized that any decision must be based on a thorough environmental assessment. Committee Formation: The committee, headed by the District Collector, Alappuzha , will include experts from various departments, such as Irrigation and Water Resources , Forest and Wildlife , and the Kerala Coastal Zone Management Authority (KCZMA) . Stakeholder Inclusion: Representatives from Purakkad and Thakazhy grama panchayats , along with a local Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) , will also be part of the committee. Timeline: The committee must be constituted within two months . Background and Concerns Petitions: The direction was issued following petitions by Green Roots Nature Conservation Forum, Thottappally , and M.R. Omanakuttan . Ecological Impact: The petitioners raised concerns about the ecological impact of sand removal, particularly on turtle nesting grounds. Species Protection: The area serves as a nesting ground for Olive Ridley and Hawksbill turtles , both protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act . UPSC Relevance This news is relevant to GS3 (Environment) , GS3 (Disaster Management) , and GS2 (Government Policies) . It highlights the importance of environmental impact assessments, coastal zone management, and the protection of endangered species. The case also demonstrates the judiciary's role in environmental governance. Important Facts Location: Thottappally spillway is located in Alappuzha, Kerala . Committee Head: The committee will be headed by the District Collector, Alappuzha . Protected Species: Olive Ridley and Hawksbill turtles are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act . Key Authority: The Kerala Coastal Zone Management Authority (KCZMA) plays a crucial role in regulating activities in the coastal zone.