Vembanad Lake in Kerala

Kerala government action on houseboats after the Kerala High Court’s order has renewed concern over pollution in the Vembanad ecosystem. Vembanad Lake is wetland conservation, Ramsar protection, and backwater pollution control.

Vembanad Lake:

Dimension	Key Details
Location	Vembanad Lake is located in Kerala.
Size Status	It is the largest lake in Kerala and the longest lake in India.
Area	The lake is spread over 2,033 sq. km.
Wetland Status	It is the largest tropical wetland ecosystem on the southwest coast of India.
Other Names	It is also known as Vembanad Kayal, Vembanad Kol, Punnamada Lake, and Kochi Lake.
Source Rivers	The lake receives water from Meenachil, Achankovil, Pampa, and Manimala rivers.
Sea Separation	It is separated from the Arabian Sea by a narrow barrier island.
Water Type	Most of the lake is freshwater, while the portion near the Arabian Sea becomes salty.
Landscape	The lake has canals and backwaters flanked by coconut palms and below-sea-level paddy fields.
Boat Race	Vallam Kali or Nehru Trophy Boat Race is held every August in Vembanad Lake.
Ramsar Status	Vembanad Lake was designated as a Ramsar site in 2002.
Conservation Programme	The lake is identified under the National Wetlands Conservation Programme.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary	Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is located on the east coast of the lake.
Birdlife	The sanctuary hosts migratory and resident birds such as Little Cormorant, Indian Darter, White Ibis, kingfishers, waterfowl, cuckoo, owl, Siberian cranes, parrots, teal, larks, and flycatchers.