The Vembanad Lake

- February 2, 2020

Illustration: Rajib Das

On February 2nd in 1971, a group of environmentalists signed an international agreement of ‘Convention of Wetlands’ at the Ramsar Convention, Iran. The day is celebrated to raise awareness about the lives that thrive in wetlands.

Can you name a wetland system in India? The largest is of course, the Sunderbans in the state of Bengal. The second largest is the Vembanad Kayal wetlands, which also happens to be the longest lake in India and the largest in Kerala. It spans over 2000 square kilometres, covering several districts in the state of Kerala. Home to over 20,000 waterfowl and 100 native species of birds, the ecosystem sustains over 1.6 million people that live around it, directly or indirectly. A hot spot for shrimp as well, the region sees a lot of economic activity in terms of agriculture, fishing, tourism, inland navigation, coir and so on. 

Unfortunately, the wetland has been deteriorating over time and has been included under the National Wetlands Conservation Programme. 

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