THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The water hyacinth infestation and reduced inflow into Vellayani lake from canals has hit the health of the second largest fresh water lake. The seepage of waste, including septic waste has been fuelling the growth of hyacinths at areas close to land and shallower parts of the lake. Apart from this is the thick growth of lotus plants. There are around 67 streams that feed Vellayani Lake but the larger ones, such as Pallichal canal accelerate the pollution of the water body.
During summers, when the level at canals comes down, the water flows backward into the canals. For instance, it flows back into Pallichal canal and gets channelised to Kannukali canal. The minor irrigation department had prepared a detailed project report (DPR) in 2016 to put up shutters on the mouth of Pallichal canal to control the flow of water. This was to keep the water levels high in the lake during summers by preventing it from draining off.
“A bund had been constructed on Shivodayam side to prevent water overflow. So we just needed to put a shutter. However, the higher authorities do not want anything artificial on the already existing natural drainage system. While we intervene in certain ways to damage Vellayani lake, we also should intervene to better its health,” an irrigation official said.
Land acquisition gets no boost from govt
Around two years have passed since land owners of Vellayani have been part of constant representations to get their land acquired for lake conservation. However, the state was yet to come up with a comprehensive relief package to acquire the presently submerged land. As per the detailed survey carried out by the revenue department, around 625 farmers owned 87.19 hectares of land in Vellayani. Environmentalists under the banner of lake protection council was lobbying for urgent lake conservation.
“Unlike a road acquisition, these projects get stepmotherly treatment from the government as it seems not give any visible results. Lake conservation is important to secure future water needs of the Southern part of the city,” said Rajesh Kumar, an environmental activist. As per estimates, the lake which was 756 hectares in 1926 has been reduced to 400 acres hectares by 2016.
Around 33 encroachments totalling around 1.9 acre were also detected during a recent study. The lake was also being threatened by sewage pollution. The government had in 1957, 1967 and 1977 given away over 200 acres of land with title deeds in order to promote paddy cultivation in the district. Later, paddy cultivation was stopped and most of the land was submerged.
