Inland fisheries in Ernakulam and Alappuzha districts encounter severe issues as the Vembanad lake system, a vital resource, is subject to siltation and pollution. The continuous sedimentation, inadequate water flow and pollution have closed long-serving fish landing centres with the consequence of unemployed fishermen totaling in thousands.
As per K.P. Vijayakumar, a fisherman from Kumbalam, fishing has become more difficult due to ankle- and knee-deep mud and sediment. Because of this, it has become very difficult for fishermen to bring in their catch. The reduction in fish stocks and the scarcity of shellfish resources made the situation even more desperate. The problem is closer to Kochi where the area has silted up because of unregulated projects and encroachments. Both sides of BOT bridge at Thoppumpady and Kanna Kattu bridge near Palluruthy bear evidence of this environmental degradation. The Vembanad wetland system, which supports many millions of livelihoods, is facing an existential crisis resulting from human interference, climate factors and unabated pollution.
Mr. Charles George of Matsya Thozhilali Aikya Vedi places much emphasis on making provisions for definite boundaries, halting encroachments and implementing an integrated protection program. V.J. Paul, a fisherman from Aroor, identifies the rampant reclamation and industrial encroachments in the Alappuzha district where the situation worsens. Strict measures are vital to protect the water system, with demands for statewide policies to eliminate pollution and maintain the ecosystem balance.
Research shows devastating lowering of Vembanad’s water retention capacity and depth, which indicates the necessity of conservation programs in this area. The degradation of this very important ecosystem is not only endangering the lives of local people but the region as well.
Source-THE HINDU
