Vembanad Lake: A Shrinking Lifeline of Kerala
- vidyarthee2021
- May 11
- 2 min read
Vembanad Lake, the longest lake in India and the largest in Kerala, is facing alarming ecological degradation. A recent expert committee report on the Vembanad Lake Rejuvenation Project has brought forth a troubling revelation — the lake’s surface area has reduced by 27% between 1917 and 1990, highlighting a significant environmental concern for Kerala and the larger Western Ghats region.
Key Facts about Vembanad Lake
Geographical Location: Stretches across several districts in Kerala including Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam.
Ecological Importance:
Largest brackish water, humid tropical wetland ecosystem on India’s southwest coast.
Part of the Vembanad-Kol Wetland System, which is designated as a Ramsar Site (wetland of international importance).
Contributes nearly 30% of Kerala’s surface water resources.
Biodiversity Hotspot:
Supports the third-largest population of waterfowl in India during winters.
Critical habitat for migratory birds and endemic species.
Tourism and Cultural Significance:
Home to Pathiramanal Island, also known as Midnight Sands, a biodiversity-rich and scenic spot.
The lake is vital to Kerala’s backwater tourism economy, particularly in Alappuzha.
Threats and Concerns
Shrinking Surface Area: Rapid urbanization, land reclamation, siltation, and pollution are key drivers behind the lake’s reduction in area.
Biodiversity Loss: Encroachments and eutrophication are threatening fish species and migratory birds.
Water Quality Degradation: Increased agricultural runoff and untreated sewage discharge have worsened water quality.
Climate Vulnerability: Acts as a natural buffer for floods and climate events; its degradation compromises Kerala's disaster resilience.
Relevance to UPSC
Environment and Ecology: Ramsar Sites, wetland management, water resource policies.
Geography: Physical geography of coastal and wetland ecosystems.
Current Affairs: Linkages to climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development.
UPSC Prelims Question
Consider the following statements about Vembanad Lake:
It is India’s largest freshwater lake and contributes to nearly 50% of Kerala’s surface water.
It is part of a Ramsar site and supports a large population of migratory birds.
Pathiramanal Island, situated in the lake, is known for its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 2 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect: Vembanad is a brackish water lake, not freshwater, and contributes 30% of Kerala’s surface water, not 50%.
Statement 2 is correct: It is part of the Vembanad-Kol Ramsar site and supports large waterfowl populations.
Statement 3 is correct: Pathiramanal Island is located in the lake and is ecologically significant.
UPSC Mains Question
"The degradation of wetlands such as Vembanad Lake poses a serious threat to biodiversity, local livelihoods, and climate resilience. Examine the causes of wetland shrinkage in India and suggest a multi-pronged strategy for their conservation." (GS Paper III)
Comments