Wed Apr 30 20:27:21 UTC 2025: ## Kerala’s Vembanad Lake: A ₹188 Crore Rescue Mission
**Alappuzha, Kerala – May 1, 2025** – India’s longest lake, Vembanad, is facing an ecological crisis. Decades of land reclamation, pollution, and unsustainable practices have shrunk its surface area by 27% since 1917, significantly impacting its vital ecosystem services and the livelihoods of local communities.
A recent expert committee report, part of the Vembanad Lake Rejuvenation Project, highlights the alarming decline. The report attributes the shrinkage primarily to land encroachment and points to dangerously high levels of pollution from plastic waste, agricultural runoff, and the proliferation of water hyacinths. Consequently, fish catches have plummeted by 66% in the last three decades.
The Alappuzha district administration, led by Collector Alex Varghese, has launched an ambitious five-year, ₹188.25 crore plan to restore the lake, drawing inspiration from the Namami Gange Programme. The plan includes short-term goals such as plastic waste removal, bio-shield construction, and weed eradication, as well as long-term targets like dredging, promoting organic farming, and establishing sewage treatment plants.
However, the rejuvenation effort faces significant hurdles. Houseboats, a major source of pollution, and continued land encroachment pose major challenges. The report emphasizes the need for stronger political will to reclaim encroached land and stricter regulations on houseboat operations. The project also acknowledges the need for coordinated efforts among various stakeholders, including local communities, the state government, and the central government, to ensure the success of the Vembanad Lake’s revival. Initial cleanup drives have already removed 28.72 tonnes of plastic waste and a significant amount of water hyacinths, showcasing a commitment to the ambitious plan. The ultimate success of the project hinges on overcoming these challenges and securing the necessary resources and political support.
First Piper 