Clean-up drive to be launched in Ashtamudi lake

It has been discovered that Ashtamudi lake is going through a huge degradation because of a variety of facts, jointly with air pollution. Although it has been found that several parts of the water body have been encroached, extensive waste depositing is another concern.

“We will be launching a project to clear the encroachment violations in coordination with the Revenue Department. Steps will be taken for setting up proper lavatory facilities in the same parts since we have found many families are diverting seepage waste into the lake. Enforcement measures will be intensified,” said Deputy Mayor Kollam Madhu here on Wednesday 22nd Sep 2021. Protecting the water ecosystem is another goal and surveillance will be increased to identify illegal fishing practices.

The Kollam Corporation has decided to spend 5 million rupees for cleaning the lake while an equal amount will be used for the renovation of Link Road. A floating garden and music fountain has been planned in the area. The clean-up drive is expected to take off by early October 2021 and measures will be taken to stop drainage water reaching the lake. Apart from rejuvenating the waterbodies, the Corporation is planning to conduct plastic ban campaigns in all 55 divisions and panchayat boundaries.

Kollam Corporation and 12 panchayats share the shoreline of Ashtamudi and all the local bodies had scoured various parts of the waterbody to assess its current condition.

Based on the reports, a series of programs will be implemented to clean the lake and conserve its biodiversity. To conserve the Ramsar site, the Kollam Corporation is planning to launch a comprehensive strategy and a special committee will be handling the issues related to pollution and encroachment. The local body has conducted a technical workshop as part of preparing an action plan to rejuvenate the lake. “The lake cleaning will start on October 2, 2021 and a string of long and short-term programs will follow,” said the official. The authorities are also exploring the possibilities to promote backwater tourism while sticking to scientific and environment-friendly practices.