The Heart of Kerala’s Backwater Ecosystem
Flowing through the cultural and ecological landscape of Kollam, Ashtamudi Lake has for centuries been more than just a waterbody — it has been Kerala’s second-largest lake, a gateway to the famed backwaters, and a hub for traditional livelihoods.
However, this unique wetland ecosystem has suffered under the weight of pollution, tourism pressure, and urban development. Today, the story of Ashtamudi mirrors the deeper crisis of Kerala’s urban-lake interface.
The lake’s name, “Ashtamudi,” meaning “eight braids” in Malayalam, aptly describes its palm-shaped topography with multiple branches. Recognized for its ecological significance, Ashtamudi was designated as a Ramsar site in 2002, highlighting its importance as a wetland of international importance.
Historically, Ashtamudi has been integral to the local economy, supporting industries such as fishing and coir production. The lake’s rich biodiversity and resources have been a lifeline for the communities around it.
Understanding the true state of Ashtamudi Lake is not just about saving a waterbody — it is about safeguarding the future of the city it nurtures.
Key Problems Facing Ashtamudi Lake
Sewage and Wastewater Pollution
Ashtamudi Lake, a designated Ramsar Wetland in Kerala, faces serious wastewater issues due to untreated sewage inflows from Kollam city.
Studies highlight that domestic sewage and agricultural runoff have significantly increased the BOD levels, reducing the water’s ability to support aquatic life. The lake is now showing signs of ecological stress, evident from declining oxygen levels.
Solid Waste Dumping
Daily dumping of municipal solid waste, including plastic and food waste, has severely degraded the lake’s edges. Areas like Kureepuzha have turned into unofficial dumping grounds, leading to blocked water channels and loss of navigability. The Kerala High Court even had to intervene in illegal waste disposal activities.
Water Quality Degradation
Tests show increasing levels of heavy metals like cadmium and lead, making the water unsafe for human use and fish breeding. Another emerging threat is the presence of microplastics, primarily from tourism and local fishing practices.
Loss of Biodiversity
This image provides detailed information about Ashtamudi Lake in Kerala, describing its location, size, unique palm-shaped body, and ecological significance as a Ramsar Wetland. It also mentions its depth, the river that feeds it, and its nickname as the “Gateway to Kerala’s Backwaters.
Once a thriving ecosystem, Ashtamudi Lake now sees a disturbing decline in native fish populations. According to a Mathrubhumi investigative report, freshwater species are being replaced by marine ones due to salinity shifts and pollution. A recent biodiversity assessment lists several native fish as critically endangered.
Riverbank Encroachment
Unregulated construction and riverbank encroachments have narrowed the natural width of the lake. Vertical concrete walls are replacing mangrove buffers, weakening the ecosystem’s natural resilience against floods and tidal surges.
Groundwater Contamination
Pollution from surface waters is now seeping into the groundwater table. A detailed environmental study revealed elevated nitrate levels in nearby wells, making the water unsafe for domestic use. This is a growing public health concern for low-income communities dependent on well water.
Consequences of River Neglect
Public Health Risks
The degradation of Ashtamudi Lake has had a direct impact on the health of surrounding communities. Residents depending on lake-adjacent wells have reported an increase in waterborne diseases such as diarrhea, hepatitis, and typhoid, especially after the monsoon season when surface contaminants mix with groundwater.
This image displays a map of India, highlighting many of its major lakes across various states and regions. It also points out some significant facts about certain lakes, such as the largest freshwater lake in India and the largest lagoon lake.
A study published in the Journal of Environmental Health Science and Engineering found that improper sanitation and untreated waste near the lake are responsible for microbial contamination levels far exceeding WHO safe limits.
Moreover, frequent algal blooms release toxins that affect not just drinking water but also the fish population consumed locally, adding to long-term chronic illnesses in fishermen communities.
Increased Urban Flooding
Encroachments, solid waste blockages, and shrinking mangrove buffers have diminished the lake’s natural ability to absorb excess rainwater. As a result, the Kollam region has seen a rise in urban flooding incidents during intense rain spells.
A report by the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM) warns that altered drainage patterns and illegal landfills are contributing to flood severity and frequency.
The 2018 Kerala floods highlighted how even Ramsar-listed wetlands like Ashtamudi are no longer effective natural buffers, as they are choked by construction waste and plastic.
Economic Losses
The economic cost of a neglected waterbody like Ashtamudi is staggering. Once a major hub of clam fishing and eco-tourism, the lake now sees declining footfalls and reduced fish catch.
According to the Kerala State Planning Board, this has led to livelihood disruptions for over 3,000 families. The decline in water quality and aesthetics has affected real estate prices and deterred sustainable investment in the region.
Additionally, healthcare costs have risen, with local hospitals reporting a 20–25% spike in gastrointestinal diseases in lakefront communities over the past decade.
Social Inequality
The worst-hit by the lake’s decline are economically vulnerable groups — particularly the fishing communities, waste-pickers, and women responsible for household water collection.
A socio-environmental audit conducted by Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) found that slum settlements along the lake receive inadequate waste services and have higher exposure to pollutants.
Access to clean water is further skewed along class lines — while upscale hotels purify water for tourists, local families often rely on polluted lake water for daily needs, reinforcing existing inequalities. Women and children, traditionally tasked with water collection and household hygiene, face disproportionate health and time burdens.
Why Past Efforts Have Failed
Despite multiple efforts to rejuvenate Ashtamudi Lake, real, lasting impact has remained elusive. These failures stem not from a lack of intent but from deeply rooted structural and systemic gaps in planning, implementation, and community engagement.
Fragmented Responsibilities Between Government Bodies
One of the most critical challenges has been the overlapping jurisdictions and lack of coordination among municipal bodies, tourism departments, fisheries authorities, and environmental agencies.
As detailed by the Kerala State Pollution Control Board, multiple departments operate independently with minimal data sharing or cohesive action plans. This bureaucratic fragmentation has often led to duplication of efforts or, worse, abandonment of promising initiatives.
A Centre for Science and Environment report highlights how institutional silos have slowed wetland protection in Kerala, especially in ecologically sensitive areas like Ashtamudi.
Focus on Beautification Over Ecological Restoration
Many clean-up projects around Ashtamudi Lake have leaned heavily on superficial beautification—installing pathways, lights, and viewing decks—while neglecting deeper ecological restoration.
A Down To Earth article criticizes the state’s tendency to prioritize tourist-friendly aesthetics over solutions like wetland restoration and decentralized wastewater treatment.
Even government schemes under the National Wetlands Conservation Programme have lacked measurable impact on the lake’s health because they often fund short-term, visible upgrades without tackling root causes like sewage and solid waste inflow.
No Real-Time Public Monitoring Systems
Without transparent, publicly accessible data on pollution levels, biodiversity changes, or encroachments, there’s no way to assess whether clean-up missions are succeeding. The absence of such monitoring mechanisms has contributed to what experts at TERI describe as the “invisibility” of wetland degradation.
A report by the Indian Institute for Human Settlements emphasizes the importance of digital dashboards and IoT-based water quality monitoring to ensure accountability and policy responsiveness.
Lack of Continuous Citizen Engagement and Ownership
As shown by a UN-Habitat case study on community-led water bodies, sustained local involvement is the backbone of successful lake rejuvenation. In the case of Ashtamudi, however, many such initiatives have been sporadic and underfunded.
There has also been limited effort to train local youth, women’s groups, or fisherfolk in wetland preservation through structured programs. The lack of environmental education and on-the-ground empowerment has stifled the emergence of strong community ownership models.
According to a study published in the Indian Journal of Environmental Protection, a failure to localize and democratize water stewardship remains one of the main reasons why lake clean-up projects falter in India.
Pathways to Restoration
Despite the challenges facing Ashtamudi Lake, several promising initiatives and strategies offer hope for its rejuvenation. These efforts emphasize community involvement, sustainable practices, and innovative solutions to restore the lake’s ecological balance.
Community-Led Conservation Initiatives
Local communities have played a crucial role in conserving Ashtamudi Lake, with the panchayats of Chavara, Neendakara, Sakthikulangara, and Kavanad officially recognized as Community Conserved Areas (CCAs).
Educational institutions such as Sree Narayana College in Kollam have also contributed by organizing workshops to raise awareness and involve students in conservation activities.
Sustainable Tourism and Eco-Friendly Practices
Sustainable tourism development is a key strategy to both boost local economies and protect the environment, exemplified by the Ashtamudi Backwater Tourism Complex project, which focuses on eco-friendly infrastructure like water walkways and cultural centers.
Furthermore, the lake’s clam fishery has gained global recognition as India’s first Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified fishery, underscoring sustainable fishing efforts in the region.
Environmental Education and Public Awareness
Programs aimed at educating local communities about wetland ecosystems have been vital, with initiatives designed to improve knowledge about the ecological importance and climate change impacts on wetlands.
For instance, Kalpavriksh has developed children’s books and outreach materials tailored to foster environmental awareness among youth. Similarly, Sree Narayana College’s environmental courses provide vital education to strengthen conservation ethics.
Technological Innovations and Data-Driven Approaches
Innovative data-driven approaches are enhancing restoration efforts. A recent scientific study employed a novel water body index to analyze the lake’s conditions and recommend restoration strategies.
Additionally, citizen participation is growing through the use of social media as environmental sensors, empowering locals to report and address ecological issues promptly.
Earth5R BlueCities: The Proven, Scalable Solution
Earth5R’s BlueCities initiative offers a comprehensive and scalable model to address the challenges faced by water bodies like Ashtamudi Lake. Combining scientific research, community engagement, and technology, this initiative has proven effective in driving large-scale river and lake restoration.
Data-Driven River and Lake Health Diagnosis
Earth5R employs advanced data analytics and monitoring tools to assess water quality, pollution levels, and biodiversity health. Their use of real-time sensors and IoT technology ensures continuous monitoring, enabling timely interventions.
For instance, in their Mumbai River Cleanup project, Earth5R demonstrated how data-driven solutions can lead to measurable improvements in river health.
Community-First Mobilization and Training
A hallmark of Earth5R’s approach is deep community involvement. Through targeted workshops, training programs, and certification courses, they empower local residents and stakeholders to take ownership of restoration efforts.
This emphasis on employee engagement and citizen participation fosters sustainable change by building a network of dedicated riverkeepers and environmental champions.
Ecological Restoration Based on Science
Earth5R’s restoration efforts are grounded in ecological science, including wetland regeneration, reforestation with native plant species, and biodiversity corridors to support aquatic and terrestrial life.
Their projects have successfully demonstrated how ecological restoration can reverse decades of environmental degradation while enhancing natural resilience against climate change.
Waste-to-Recycling Circular Economy Integration
Integrating circular economy principles, Earth5R’s initiatives focus on transforming solid waste management practices around water bodies. By promoting local recycling and decentralized waste management facilities, they address plastic pollution and promote sustainable livelihoods.
The plastic waste management programs linked to river cleanup campaigns illustrate how economic incentives can be aligned with environmental goals.
Corporate, CSR, and Government Partnership Models
Earth5R successfully bridges gaps between corporate social responsibility (CSR), government agencies, and environmental NGOs to pool resources and expertise.
Their partnerships have mobilized substantial funding and technical support, as seen in collaborations with major corporations in the Smart Cities Mission framework, ensuring the sustainability and scalability of river and lake cleanup projects.
The Urgent Choice Before Us
The current condition of Ashtamudi Lake presents a critical crossroads: we must either allow continued degradation or embrace a bold, integrated restoration approach. The degradation of the lake is not merely an environmental issue but a direct threat to public health, local livelihoods, and the overall urban sustainability of the Kollam region.
Studies show that polluted water bodies increase the risk of waterborne diseases and worsen urban flooding, which disproportionately affects vulnerable communities.
Restoring Ashtamudi Lake is far more than a beautification project; it is essential for safeguarding the economic vitality and climate resilience of the region. The potential for ecological restoration offers hope for reviving biodiversity, improving water quality, and creating a green corridor that supports both wildlife and people.
By adopting circular economy models and improving waste management, the lake’s revival can foster sustainable development that benefits current and future generations.
In closing, the call to action is clear: restoration is urgent, integrated, and achievable. Together, with determination and the right strategies, we can revive Ashtamudi Lake into a thriving ecosystem that supports life, livelihoods, and the legacy of Kollam for generations to come.
Data Snapshot Box: Key Indicators of Ashtamudi Lake’s Health
To better understand the current status and challenges facing Ashtamudi Lake, it is important to look at key environmental and socio-economic data points. These indicators highlight the urgency of intervention and guide effective restoration strategies.
| Indicator | Current Status | Source |
| Sewage Treated | Approximately 40% of sewage is treated before entering the lake | According to the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) Report |
| BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) Level | BOD levels range between 6 to 10 mg/L, indicating moderate to severe pollution | Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) |
| Fecal Coliform Count | High fecal coliform presence due to untreated sewage discharge | National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) |
| Solid Waste Dumped | Estimated 50 tonnes of solid waste enter the lake monthly, including plastics and construction debris | Report from Local Municipal Waste Management |
| Dissolved Oxygen (DO) Level | DO levels often fall below 4 mg/L, harmful to aquatic life | Kerala State Biodiversity Board |
| Heavy Metal Contamination | Presence of lead and mercury detected near industrial discharge points | Study by Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) |
| Biodiversity Loss | Approximately 30% decline in native aquatic species over the last two decades | Findings published by Kerala University Department of Ecology |
| Riverbank Encroachment | Nearly 25% of riverbanks encroached by illegal constructions and slums | Survey by Kollam Urban Planning Department |
| Groundwater Contamination | Elevated nitrate levels detected in nearby wells, linked to lake pollution | Groundwater Resource Report, Kerala |
This snapshot underlines the multifaceted challenges faced by Ashtamudi Lake, ranging from sewage pollution and solid waste dumping to loss of biodiversity and riverbank encroachment.
Effective restoration efforts must rely on such comprehensive, data-driven insights to design targeted interventions.
For more in-depth information, readers can explore detailed reports from Kerala State Pollution Control Board, Central Pollution Control Board, and research conducted by Cochin University of Science and Technology.
Urban Sustainability Opportunities for Kollam
Restoring Ashtamudi Lake presents a unique opportunity to transform Kollam into a model of urban sustainability by integrating ecological restoration with holistic city-wide improvements. This broader vision aligns with India’s Smart Cities Mission and global goals for sustainable development.
Waste Management and Circular Economy
Kollam generates significant municipal solid waste, with a large portion still ending up in landfills or water bodies like Ashtamudi Lake. Expanding decentralized material recovery facilities (MRFs) and promoting recycling initiatives can drastically reduce this burden.
Local programs focusing on plastic waste management and composting can turn waste into valuable resources, supporting a thriving circular economy. Earth5R’s community-driven waste management projects in Mumbai demonstrate how citizen engagement can drive sustainable change.
(Source: Solid Waste Management Rules – Ministry of Environment)
Sustainable Mobility and Transport
Kollam faces increasing traffic congestion and vehicle emissions, which contribute to urban air pollution and carbon footprint.
Promoting green transport options like electric vehicles, improving public transport infrastructure, and creating pedestrian-friendly zones will help reduce these environmental pressures. Incorporating sustainable mobility aligns with India’s commitment to climate action and low-carbon urban futures.
(Source: India’s National Electric Mobility Mission)
Urban Green Spaces and Biodiversity
Restoring and expanding urban green spaces such as parks, green belts, and urban forests around Ashtamudi Lake can improve biodiversity, provide recreational areas, and mitigate urban heat island effects. Initiatives to protect native plant species and establish biodiversity corridors complement lake restoration efforts and foster ecological balance.
(Source: Urban Forestry Initiatives – Ministry of Environment)
Water Conservation and Management
Implementing rainwater harvesting systems and promoting greywater recycling in Kollam can alleviate pressure on freshwater resources and reduce pollution entering Ashtamudi Lake.
These water conservation measures are essential components of sustainable urban water management and help combat urban flooding. Municipal incentives and training workshops for residents and industries will increase adoption rates.
(Source: National Water Policy – Government of India)
Carbon Footprint Reduction and Climate Action
Kollam can further its sustainability goals by adopting urban carbon neutrality programs and encouraging corporate carbon audits through its industrial and service sectors. Incorporating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria in city planning and business operations fosters climate resilience. Earth5R’s expertise in linking climate action with livelihood programs offers a scalable model for Kollam’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
(Source: UNFCCC Climate Action Plans)
Citizen Sustainability Engagement
Engaging citizens through public green awards, eco-citizen mobile applications, and sustainability education programs creates a culture of environmental stewardship.
Encouraging citizen participation in monitoring and maintaining Ashtamudi Lake, coupled with environmental awareness workshops and certification courses, builds community ownership and long-term sustainability. Earth5R’s successful community mobilization in urban centers like Mumbai showcases the power of grassroots involvement.
(Source: Civic Participation in Environmental Governance)
– Authored by Mridu Mishra
