Vembanad Lake
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| Vembanad Lake | |
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| Coordinates | |
| Primary inflows | Achenkovil, Manimala, Meenachil, Muvattupuzha, Pamba, Periyar |
| Primary outflows | several canals |
| Basin countries | India |
| Max. length | 96 km |
| Max. width | 14 km |
| Surface area | 1512 km² |
| Surface elevation | 0 m |
| Settlements | Alleppy, Cochin, Cherthala |
Vembanad Lake (Vembanad Kayal or Vembanad Kol) is India's longest lake, [1] and is the largest lake in the state of Kerala. It is also one of the largest lakes in India.
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[edit] Geography and Hydrography
The Vembanad wetland system covers an area of over 1512 km².[2] The lake is bordered by Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam districts. It lies at sea level, and is separated from the Arabian Sea by a narrow barrier island. Canals link the lake to other coastal lakes to the north and south. Several rivers flow into the lake, including the Achenkovil, Manimala, Meenachil, Muvattupuzha, Pamba and Periyar. The lake surrounds the islands of Pathiramanal, Perumbalam and Pallippuram. The Vembanad Lake is approximately 14 kilometres wide at its widest point.
A unique characteristic of the lake is the location of the Thannermukkom salt water barrier. The Thannermukkom salt water barrier was constructed as a part of the Kuttanad Development Scheme to prevent tidal action and intrusion of salt water into the Kuttanad low-lands. It is the largest mud regulator in India. This barrier essentially divides the lake into two parts - one with brackish water perenially and the other half with fresh water fed by the rivers draining in to the lake. This barrier has helped the farmers in Kuttanad - where farming is done below sea level. It has however also created ecological problems, primarily, the rampant propagation of the Water Hyacinth in fresh water.
[edit] Cities
The port of Kochi (Cochin) is located at the lake's outlet to the Arabian Sea. In Cochin, the stretch from Kochi Azhi to Munambam Azhi, the serene backwaters are popularly known as Veeranpuzha. It is the northern extension of Vembanad Lake. The town of Alappuzha (also known as Allepey), is sometimes called the "Venice of the East" for its large network of canals that meander through the town. The Vallam Kali (the Snake Boat Race) held every year in August is a major attraction. Over 1.6 million people live on the banks of the Vembanad lake and are directly or indirectly dependent on it for their livelihoods.[3]
[edit] Tourism
Vembanad Lake is at the heart of Kerala Backwaters tourism with hundreds of kettuvallams crisscrossing it and numerous resorts nestling on its banks. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is located on the east coast of the lake. The lake is famous for its scenic beauty and has become a major tourist attraction.
[edit] Ecological Importance
Vembanad Kol Wetland was included in the list of wetlands of international importance, as defined by the Ramsar Convention for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands.[4] It is home to more than 20,000 waterfowls in India - the third largest such population in India. It is also an ideal habitat for shrimps.[5]
[edit] Boat Tragedy
On July 27, 2002, twenty-nine people were killed when an overcrowded boat capsized in the Vembanad lake. The boat was carrying more people than twice its slated capacity. The boat was a daily ferry service which connects Muhamma village on the west coast to Kumarakom on the east. [6]
[edit] References
- ^ Ayub, Akber (ed), Kerala: Maps & More, 2006 edition 2007 reprint, p. 48, Stark World Publishing, Bangalore, ISBN 81-902505-2-3
- ^ Vembanad - Kol Wetland. World Wildlife Fund (2006-05-24).
- ^ Vembanad Wetland Conservation Program. Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment.
- ^ The List of Wetlands of International Importance. The Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar, Iran, 1971) Rue Mauverney 28, CH-1196 Gland, Switzerland. Retrieved on 2008-01-07.
- ^ Vembanad - Kol Wetland. World Wildlife Fund (2006-05-24).
- ^ Over 50 feared dead in boat tragedy. Cnn. Retrieved on 2002-07-27.
[edit] Gallery
 About 400 houseboats operate in the area, this is the water route to Kottayam |
 An arching palm tree, besides the vembanad waterways |
 Luxurious houseboats offer you 3 star comforts in terms of room and food |
 A small boat hitching a ride |
 A view of Vembanad Lake from a resort in Kumarakom |
 A resort on the banks of Vembanad Lake at Kumarakom |
 Tourists in country boat in Vembanad Lake |
 "Kallu shap" for traditional liquor |
 Sunset on Vembanad Lake |
 Vembanad Lake opens out to the sea at Kochi |
 Bethlaham Church in Vembanad lake |
 Dusk along the Vembanad waterways |
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