Adopt a River

Clogged weeds removed; boat service & livelihoods restored

 Kodoor River is one of the smallest rivers in Kerala, which originates between the hills in between the Kottayam and Pathanamthitta districts and finally empties into the Meenachil River. The mean annual rainfall of the study area is about 3093 mm/year. Kodoor watershed has a total area is about 258. 86 km² and located between 9 0 35’ 29.1876” N and 760 31’ 19.8156” E. River is flowing through the midst of Kottayam town and the entire stretch is in the midst of human settlements. Hence, the river is heavily polluted too. This nutrient richness is primarily responsible for the heavy weed infestation with Water Hyacinth (Eichornia sp.).

The rapid proliferation of the water plant has caused the passenger boats to be cut short in the Kottayam town at Thiruvarppu, about 6 km west of the town. The move has affected hundreds of commuters including school students from the low-lying western interiors of the district. Besides the passenger services, these densely intertwined carpets have taken a toll on the tourism industry as well. The local community who eke out a living through fishing or clam collection and cattle growers who have been gone for grass cutting have almost stopped venturing into the water body due to the difficulty in navigating their canoe through the weeds. The transportation of agricultural laborers and drinking water to the isolated areas along the river banks here also remains a matter of concern in view of the explosion of water hyacinths.

A drive to weed out the water hyacinth from the river has been initiated by Meenachil Meenanthara Kodoor river rejuvenation Peoples Collective, an NGO, and TIES being the Technical Collaborator assisted the project both scientifically and financially.  The mechanized removal of the weeds enabled river flow to normal and with the recent monsoon showers, the entire river's stretch became heavy flow. Boat services restarted and the local community regained their livelihood platforms. Thanks to all supporters.   

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzSKV-ponEY

Links:

• Kodoor river restoration