The Hindu : Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : Stir for protection of lake to be stepped up

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Feb 04, 2005

Kerala

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Stir for protection of lake to be stepped up

By Our Staff Reporter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, FEB. 3. The Vellayani Lake Protection Council has decided to intensify its stir against the move to launch paddy cultivation in the lake, one of the fresh water bodies in the State.

The real motive behind the move to extend paddy cultivation was the reclamation of the lake and there were vested interests, including real estate dealers, behind this move, alleged M. Vijayakumar, former Speaker of the Assembly, who is spearheading the campaign for its protection.

Senior officials of the Government were also party to the conspiracy to further their business interests even at the cost of destroying an ecosystem, he maintained.

Above sea level

The lake, situated around 29 metres above the mean sea level was a fresh water system with no threat of salination. It was a perennial source of water for lakhs of people living in several panchayats and certain parts of the city of Thiruvananthapuram.

Draining its water for paddy cultivation would, besides drying up a rich source of supply, eventually result in the fall of water level in the nearby wells and ponds, Mr.Vijayakumar said.

A legislature committee on environment had, in 1993, recommended that the Vellayani lake be protected as an ecosystem. However, large portions of the 400 hectares of the water body were under private possession.

The council has suggested that a comprehensive scheme be implemented to protect the lake. Sand-mining in the lake should be put an end. The Government should take possession of reclaimed land after paying adequate compensation to the present owners. Encroachers should be evacuated forthwith. Considering all these aspects, a project estimated to cost Rs. 30 crores, has been drawn up by the council to be submitted to the Government.

Convention

Highlighting the demand for the protection of the lake, a people's convention is to be held at Vellayani on February 4. Apart from leaders of political parties, scientists, teachers from the Vellayani campus of the Kerala Agricultural University and representatives of environmental groups will be taking part in the convention, Mr.Vijayakumar said.

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