Houseboats on Vembanad Lake in Alappuzha (file) | Photograph Credit score: SURESH ALLEPPEY
The Left Democratic Entrance (LDF) authorities has introduced a survey to find out the vessel-carrying capability of the scenic and environmentally delicate Vembanad Lake, given the glut of registered and Unregistered houseboats, speedboats, and different vacationer vessels working in Kerala’s main backwater tourism vacation spot in Kuttanad in Alappuzha district.
Responding to a calling consideration movement by Thomas Ok. Thomas, LDF’s legislator from Kuttanad within the Meeting on Thursday, Well being Minister Veena George mentioned the Central Water Assets division had flagged that the Industrial vessels, together with pace boats and pleasure cruise boats, in Vembanad have been a lot above the lake’s carrying capability.
Ms. George was talking on behalf of Tourism Minister PA Mohamed Riyas, who’s in Delhi.
Ms. George mentioned the excess of business vessels severely strained the expansive lake’s fragile marine ecology, elevating questions in regards to the environmental sustainability of backwater tourism and the livelihood. of fishermen and farmers within the Kuttanad area.
HC permission searched for survey
Ms. George mentioned the federal government has sought the Excessive Courtroom’s permission to conduct the survey, given the variety of litigations in regards to the problem pending.
She additionally promised to put in extra sewage remedy crops alongside Vembanad Lake to stop uncooked sewage from households, resorts, and houseboats from seeping into the lake, thereby endangering marine life and threatening its ecosystem.
Air pollution management norms ‘disregarded’
Mr. Thomas advised the Meeting that, by a conservative estimate, a minimum of 900 houseboats operated within the lake with out official registration.
He mentioned the lawbreakers within the commerce disregarded air pollution management norms, together with the ban on utilizing plastic onboard vessels. He famous that houseboats discharged uncooked sewage and pantry waste into the lake surreptitiously when anchored for the night time with vacationers onboard.
Moreover, he demanded correct audit and safety clearance for boat crew, together with their proficiency in dealing with cruise boats when Vembanad’s waters turn into uneven in inclement climate.
Mr. Thomas additionally demanded a daily audit of the structural security of houseboats, together with verification of adherence to passenger and fireplace security norms, in addition to the supply of life jackets and directions on protected practices onboard tourism vessels.
Mentioning that Vembanad Lake was silting up quick, the MLA demanded common dredging to reclaim the lake’s depth. He requested forming a delivery channel by the center of the lake to facilitate the passage of freight and vacationers to Kochi, making it simpler and extra environmentally pleasant.
Mr. Thomas additionally sought authorities help for advertising and marketing Kuttanad’s specialties, together with native produce corresponding to pearl spot fish, freshwater clams, toddy, and poultry, together with duck eggs and meat. He mentioned plastic litter and uncontrolled development of water weeds, together with hyacinths, have been a bane for Vembanad.
Printed – October 09, 2025 12:51 pm IST