Thiruvananthapuram: The state government is considering the setting up of a statutory authority for the protection of Vellayani lake, the second largest fresh water lake in the state. A final decision would be taken on the basis of the recommendations of a committee headed by the chief secretary, which is studying the report of Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM) on Vellayani lake.
The CWRDM study had estimated that nearly 210 acres of land with title deeds jut into the fresh water lake. “Even during the UDF tenure it was decided to give the farmers who possess titled deeds adequate compensation and retain the areas within the lake,” a scientist in the State Biodiversity Board said.
Former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, too, had announced the formation of an authority. The Survey Department had 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 Vellayani lake and its catchment of 490 hectares constitute a unique freshwater ecosystem, providing habitat for several species of birds and fishes.
As many as 33 encroachments had been identified along the sides of the lake that spread over Kalliyoor and Venganoor villages. The Revenue Department has already issued hearing notices to encroachers under the Land Conservancy Act. A Kerala State Biodiversity Board report submitted recently had stressed the need to conserve and enhance the fish, prawn, amphibian and reptile diversity of the lake; control exotic species; develop a green belt; and keep pollution under control.
It has also proposed freshwater fisheries, and development of microenterprises such as screwpine mats, kora mats and lotus flowers as sustainable livelihood options for local communities. The conservation of the lake has acquired a sudden urgency after it has been identified as the prime source of fresh water for the Vizhinjam International Port. Various studies have revealed that without concerted conservation efforts the lake had constricted to nearly half its size.
