News: Kerala HC directs State government and SWAK to constitute Ashtamudi Wetland Management Unit for its conservation.
About Ashtamudi Lake
- It is a unique large palm-shaped (also described as octopus-shaped) brackish-water estuarine lake.
- Location: It is located in the Kollam District of Kerala.
- It is often referred to as the gateway to the backwaters of Kerala.
- It is second only in size to the Vembanad estuary ecosystem of the state.
- Naming: Ashtamudi means ‘eight hills or peaks’ (Ashta : ‘eight’; mudi : ‘peaks’) in the local Malayalam language.
- The name is indicative of the lake’s topography with its multiple branches.
- Recognition: It was included in the list of wetlands of international importance, as defined by the Ramsar Convention, in 2002.
- Drainage: The lake is fed by several rivers, including the Kallada River, and eventually drains into the Arabian Sea via Neendakara estuary.
- Activities: One of the most popular activities on Ashtamudi Lake is embarking on a houseboat cruise.
- These traditional Kerala houseboats are known as ‘kettuvallams’.
- Biodiversity: The lake’s ecosystem supports numerous species of fish, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates.
- The surrounding wetlands and mangroves provide habitat for a variety of bird species, including kingfishers, herons, egrets, and cormorants.
- The Kallada River, which flows into Ashtamudi Lake, is a vital breeding ground for many species of fish, including the popular pearl spot fish (karimeen).
- Historical and cultural significance
- The lake and its surrounding areas have been important centers of trade and commerce for centuries, with Kollam (formerly Quilon) serving as a prominent port town.
- The Ashtamudi region is also known for its traditional coir industry.
