Vembanad Lake

Latest News & Initiatives

1. Vembanad Lake Rejuvenation Project:

   • Model: Inspired by the Namami Gange Programme, focusing on sustainable restoration.

   • Budget: ₹188.25 crore comprehensive five-year plan submitted to Kerala’s Chief Minister (subject to revisions post-studies by CWRDM).

   • Subcommittees: Eight panels formed across sectors like agriculture, fisheries, water resources, biodiversity, and disaster management to coordinate efforts.

2. Environmental Progress:

   • Cleanup Drives: Removed 28.72 tonnes of plastic waste and invasive water hyacinth (2023 data).

   • Ecological Crisis: Lake’s surface area reduced by 27% between 1917–1990 due to land reclamation, sedimentation, and encroachment.

About Vembanad Lake

• Location: Spans Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam districts in Kerala.

• Key Stats:

  • Longest lake in India (96.5 km length) and Kerala’s largest (2,033 km² area).

  • Ramsar Site: Designated in 2002 as part of the Vembanad-Kol Wetland for its global ecological significance.

• Hydrology:

  • Fed by 6 rivers: Meenachil, Achankovil, Pamba, Manimala, Muvattupuzha, and Periyar.

  • Outlet: Connects to the Arabian Sea via the Thanneermukkom and Cochin barrage systems.

• Cultural & Ecological Highlights:

  • Tourism Hub: Core of Kerala’s backwater tourism; includes Pathiramanal Island and Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary.

  • Nehru Trophy Snake Boat Race: Annual August event in the Punnamada segment.

Environmental Challenges

1. Shrinking Ecosystem:

   • Lost 37.6 km² of wetlands (1973–2020) due to urbanization and unsustainable agriculture.

2. Pollution:

   • Nutrient runoff from farms, untreated sewage, and plastic waste threaten biodiversity.

3. Salinity Intrusion:

   • Saltwater ingress due to barrage operations impacts freshwater species and paddy fields.

Restoration Strategies

• Namami Gange-Inspired Measures:

  • Waste Management: Strengthening plastic collection and sewage treatment.

  • Sediment Control: Dredging and curbing illegal sand mining.

  • Community Involvement: Engaging local fishers and farmers in sustainable practices.

• Research: CWRDM studies to guide adaptive strategies for climate resilience.

Conclusion

Vembanad Lake’s revival is critical for Kerala’s ecological health and economic stability. The 2023 rejuvenation plan marks a pivotal step toward reversing decades of degradation, balancing conservation with community needs. Sustained political will and public participation will determine its success.

FAQs Expanded

1. Why is the rejuvenation project compared to Namami Gange?

   • Both emphasize holistic river/lake basin management, integrating ecology, livelihoods, and governance.

2. What makes Vembanad a Ramsar Site?

   • Supports 150+ bird species, including migratory birds, and unique biodiversity like the black clam fishery.

3. How does the lake impact Kerala’s economy?

   • Sustains tourism, fisheries, and agriculture (notably Kuttanad’s rice bowl).