THIRUVANANTHAPURAM; The Kadinamkulam lake, which has become a dumpyard, can be saved with quick interventions. Unlike the freshwater bodies like Vellayani lake, there is a total absence of protection councils for the threatened lake, say experts. The 3.25 sq-km Kadinamkulam lake is shallow with an average of around 1.5-metre depth at many places. It has become the dumping zone for chicken waste and sewage, say fishermen who report that catches have halved in two decades.
“It is one of the lakes with the least mangrove cover in the state and is becoming more saline. As a result, inland fishes like pearl spot (Karimeen) and Aattukonchu were becoming a rarity. Sea fishes such as sardines and mackerel were being caught here,” said V.K. Madhusoodhanan who had done research studies on the lake. Though several mangrove saplings were planted on the banks of the lake, the plantation did not thrive due to dry spells. Local residents say that there are several revenue lands on the banks of Kadinamkulam that can be used for the purpose.
“Kadinamkulam has massive tourism potential as it is a good getaway from the city. The district administration can plug most of the problematic sewage outlets into the lake in one week. It is a water body that can be saved now,” Mr Madhusoodhanan who is associated with Kerala Sasthra Sahitya Parishad, said. As per city corporation officials, the waste loads from fringe wards around Kazhakoottam and Pallithura land up here. Parvati Puthanar is connected to the lake which is linked to the sea through the Muthalapozhi estuary.
