THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Center has released a special fund for the conservation of Sasthamkotta Lake, Kerala’s largest freshwater lake. The Center stated that it has disbursed Rs 88.85 lakh to the state for the lake’s protection, as announced by the Union Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Ashwini Kumar Choubey.
Additionally, the Center has sanctioned 30 lakhs under the Global Environment Facility (GEF) wetland project, bringing the total expenditure for the lake’s maintenance to more than one crore.
The revamped conservation plan for the lake includes catchment area management, water resource management, biodiversity management, and sustainable livelihood projects.
Several reports from the state confirm that the size of the lake has not shrunk, nor has the water storage area been reduced. Only some parts of the lake’s banks have experienced erosion, and the State Wetland Authority Kerala (SWAK), a statutory authority, has taken preventive measures to address this. The SWAK conducts frequent testing of water quality from 21 different stations around the lake.
Sasthamkotta Lake has been identified for conservation and management under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, and in recognition of its international importance, it was declared a Ramsar conservation site by UNESCO in 2002.
The exceptional purity of the lake stems from the presence of ‘Cavaborus’ larvae, which effectively eliminate unwanted bacteria and viruses in the water. Moreover, the lake does not contain common salt and other minerals. It boasts a rich biodiversity, including about 27 different species of freshwater fish, as well as shrubs, medicinal plants, and trees in the surrounding region. The banks provides habitat for various types of grass, butterflies, dragonflies, and wetland birds.
While the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change is focused on conserving the lake’s biodiversity, there have been allegations of encroachments, and some individuals are using the region as a dumping site for garbage. Local residents are demanding collaboration among different departments, including local bodies and the Pollution Control Board, to work together in conserving the lake.
The significance of Sasthamkotta Lake as a freshwater source cannot be ignored, as about half a million people in Kollam district rely on its water for their drinking needs. Therefore, it is crucial for the state government to prioritize its conservation efforts.
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