NAGERCOIL:

Kanniyakumari district, which is dotted with water bodies, is now seeking help for their protection as several of them are overrun with weeds, water hyacinth and other invasive aquatic plants.

The lakes and tanks, once a vital source of water supply for irrigation and domestic use, present a disturbing picture caused by shrinkage in area due to proliferation of invasive plants that block the overflow outlets and exacerbate the situation during monsoon.

For instance, the waterbody located opposite the Government Taluk Hospital in Boothapandy has been in a neglected condition for years. Only a small patch of water is visible in the tank now.

Chenbagasekara Pillai, a farmer from Thuvarankadu, says the condition of the tank has been worsening over the years. Earlier, farmers and other villagers directly maintained the water bodies in their region including the opening of outlet shutters. “However, the Public Works Department took control of the water bodies, which started losing their sheen and purpose.”

Most water bodies in the district are interconnected, with one tank’s surplus filling another. “The invasive aquatic plants block or slow down the discharge of water and pose a threat to the tank itself and other connected water bodies,” he adds.

Similarly, Putheri lake (Putheri Kulam) also faces a major threat from the aquatic plants. Besides agriculture, the lake also serves as a transit point for migratory birds and, hence, a popular bird-watching spot. However, in recent years, it has begun to deteriorate due to negligence and apathy of the government departments concerned.

Paul Mathi of Kanniyakumari Nature Foundation contends that the tank has been serving as an active bird-watching spot, and steps must be taken to prevent further spread of the invasive plants.

Thanu Pillai, a member of Kodhayar Irrigation Project Committee, argues that decline in agriculture is a major cause for the deteriorating condition of the water bodies. “When agriculture flourished in the district, the tanks and lakes remained in good condition due to healthy inflow and outflow of water. However, when agriculture declines, the water bodies in the region become stagnant, leading to their deterioration.”

Mr. Thanu Pillai feels that no concrete measures have been taken to desilt Mukkdalal dam, the primary water source of Nagercoil Corporation, and increase its capacity. The Corporation can consider drawing water from Putheri lake for the same purpose, which may improve the condition of the lake, he says

Another example is a water body located along Putheri-Boothapandy route in Erachakulam area. Lack of periodical maintenance is a common factor noticed in the deterioration of the water bodies, which, in turn, affects groundwater recharge.

With the South-West Monsoon beginning on a positive note in the district, proper management of the waterbodies will be beneficial to farmers and help maintain ecological balance.

Speaking to The Hindu, Kanniyakumari Collector M. Prathap said that inspections would be carried out and measures taken to restore the the waterbodies. “We will explore the possibilities for desilting and bringing them back to their original condition.”