"Urbanization, pollution, unscientific construction works, etc. are the main threats to the wetlands in the state," said Dr C N Mohanan, scientist, Institute for Climate Change Studies, Kottayam.

He was speaking at a seminar on conservation of wetlands in Kerala, organized by Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos) with the financial support of Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment in Kochi on Wednesday.

Mohanan said that most of the development projects in Kochi have caused the destruction of wetlands and mangroves. "The projects include LNG Terminal, Kochi Metro, N H Bypass, Goshree Islands Development, Amballur Park and Smart City. The local self-government bodies should take steps to protect wetlands and other ecosystem," he added.

Other speakers mentioned that the developmental activities carried out by destroying lakes, ponds, mangroves, marshes, estuaries etc., would lead to environmental damage. The seminar also highlighted that construction works on the banks of the backwaters and mangroves have badly affected its ecosystem.

Kufos vice-chancellor Prof B Madhusoodana Kurup said, "Vembanad Lake is shrinking with every passing day resulting in disappearance of commercially important aquatic species. He also said that rules and regulations should have human face, adding that Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notification should be in such a way that it protects the interests of fisherfolk. Pro vice-chancellor Dr K Padmakumar said, "Wetlands are playing a vital role in mitigating climate change and preventing natural calamities."

"Wetlands should not be considered as wastelands," he added.

"The primary responsibility for the management of the ecologically sensitive ecosystems is in the hands of the ministry of environment and forest (MoEF),"said Dr K K Ramachandran, scientist at National Centre for Earth Science Studies.