Kerala is a land of beautiful lakes like Vembanad and Sabarimala. Unfortunately, the state is also facing an ecological emergency due to the over-exploitation of these lakes. Can we save them?
Background of Kerala and Vembanad Lake
The lake is situated in the Western Ghats and is one of the largest man-made lakes in India. It covers an area of 216 square kilometers and has a reservoir capacity of 108,000 million cubic meters. The lake is fed by the Periyar River and has a water surface area of 507 square kilometers.
There are several tourist attractions around the lake, including Vedavathy Temple, Kunnath Temple, and Chembilicala Sree Krishna Temple. There are also several villages around the lake, which are known for their traditional crafts such as pottery and embroidery.
The main threats to the lake include over-exploitation of its resources, pollution from industrial and agricultural sources, and developmental projects in the surrounding area.
Status of Vembanad Lake
The Vembanad Lake is one of the most important lakes in Kerala. It covers an area of 174 square kilometers and has a length of about 130 kilometers. The lake is fed by the River Bharathapuzha and has a water volume of about 1,500 cubic meters per second. In recent years, the lake has been suffering from various problems.
One of the major problems is the increase in water turbidity. This is because of the increase in the amount of aquatic plants and algae that are present in the lake. The presence of these plants and algae cause the water to become turbid and difficult to see. This problem has been increasing over time, and it is now posing a serious threat to the health of the fish and other aquatic animals that live in the lake.
Another problem that is affecting the Vembanad Lake is pollution. This pollution comes from industrial areas, villages, and agricultural fields that are close to the lake. These areas release toxic chemicals into the air, which then get deposited on land near the lake. This pollution has led to an increase in harmful diseases such as cancer, which are now affecting the fish population in the lake.
Unsustainable Agricultural Practices Threaten Vembanad Lake
Can we save Kerala’s Vembanad Lake? The freshwater Vembanad Lake is located in Kerala, India. The lake is a significant water source for the region, providing drinking water and irrigation for over 800,000 people. However, the lake is threatened by unsustainable agricultural practices.
The agricultural practices that threaten the lake include overgrazing and deforestation. Overgrazing causes the degradation of soil fertility, while deforestation causes the loss of trees that help to improve air quality and reduce dust storms. Both of these practices are linked to climate change, which is making the region more susceptible to extreme weather events.
If these agricultural practices continue, the Vembanad Lake will become unusable for drinking water and irrigation. This would have a huge impact on the economy of Kerala and the surrounding area. It could also lead to increased poverty and illness in the community.
There are several ways that communities and organizations can work to protect the Vembanad Lake. They can advocate for stricter regulations on agricultural practices, fund conservation projects, and education programs about sustainable land management.
Solutions to Save Vembanad Lake
Vembanad Lake is a beautiful freshwater lake located in Kerala, South India. It is the largest lake in Kerala and the ninth-largest in India. The lake is also home to many migratory birds, including the greater flamingo.
Over the years, Vembanad Lake has beenaffected by human activities, including logging, agricultural development, and industrialization. These activities have resulted in decreased water levels and pollution.
There are many solutions to save Vembanad Lake. One solution is to reduce the amount of water that is wasted through irrigation. Another solution is to clean up the lake’s water sources. Finally, it is important to protect the lake from various forms of pollution.
Conclusion
Can we save Kerala’s Vembanad Lake? That is the question on everyone’s mind right now, as the lake has been deteriorating at an alarming rate. The cause of this decline is not immediately clear, but experts say that it likely has to do with a combination of factors like pollution and drought. If nothing is done soon, Vembanad could be gone for good. What can you do to help? There are a number of things that you can do to show your support for saving Vembanad Lake — from writing letters to your elected officials, to taking actions like signing up for Greenpeace campaigns or supporting environmental causes in other ways. Whatever you do, make sure that you are vocal about what needs to be done and work together with others to make a difference.
