Question : CONSERVATION OF KOLLAM LAKE

(a) whether Sasthamcotta fresh water lake in Kollam is under threat from being choked by water lilies which have covered 15% of its surface area as well as from saline water seeping in as a result of the breaching of the nearby Pattakadavu bund;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the local environmental groups have made any representation to this effect to various authorities demanding the constitution of a statutory body for the protection of this lake;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the steps taken by the Government to conserve this fresh water lake?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)

(a) & (b) Though many wetlands in the country are under threat due to various anthropogenic pressures, there is no corroborative evidence of Sasthamcotta fresh water lake being under threat due to weed infestation or from seepage from Pattakadavu bund. The State Government has already taken action to repair the Pattakadavu bund which had some breach recently.

(c) & (d) Some Non-Governmental organizations have made representations to the State Government demanding the constitution of a statutory body for the protection of Sasthamcotta lake. The Kerala Government has already initiated action in this regard.

(e) Sasthamcotta has been identified as one of the wetlands under the National Wetland Conservation Programme under which financial assistance is provided for undertaking conservation activities based on the action plan submitted by the State Government. The State Government has taken up sanitation and pollution abatement activities under its Suchitra Mission.