Delay in notification threatens Vellayani lake conservation project

During the 1950s and 1960s, the then governments had issued title deeds to various private parties to do farming in the Vellayani lake area that was dotted by (puncha) paddy fields.

Over the years, the overall area of Vellayani lake has shrunk by half to 400 acres. However, these private agricultural land have been submerged.

The survey department identified 209 acres which are to be compensated and around 10 acres could not be found and are suspected to have been leveled off.

The environmentalists who fight for the cause of lake conservation are upset as government has not compensated 209 acres and acquired the land.

The district administration claims that the bio fencing for the lake has been progressing to avoid further damage to the lake eco-system.

The natural replenishing of the lake is also is in trouble due to polluted water seeping from Pallichal canal.

Apart from these are illegal encroachments and construction around the second largest fresh water lake in the state.

“The notification has to be published quickly as some of the owners clearly harbour the dream of reclaiming their submerged land to build resorts. The Government needs to ensure the lakes' health as that is going to be the prime source of drinking water for settlements around proposed Vizhinjam port,’” said activist and former District Panchayat Vice President Rufus Daniel.