Vembanad Lake is India’s longest lake, and there are many key facts about the lake that are frequently asked in almost all competitive exams. In this article, we provide complete notes on Vembanad Lake covering all the key points you need to ace those questions. Ready to boost your knowledge?
Vembanad Lake, located in Kerala, is renowned for its ecological significance and vast size, stretching across multiple districts. This article covers its geography, importance in tourism, role in local ecosystems, and key facts often asked in competitive exams. You’ll also get a clear understanding of how it influences the economy and culture of the region.
But this is just a glimpse of what you’ll learn! From biodiversity to its unique backwaters, Vembanad Lake has much to offer in terms of exam-relevant information. So, without further delay, let’s dive into the complete guide that will help you master this topic.
Quick Overview
- Vembanad Lake is the longest lake in India and the largest in Kerala.
- The lake covers an area of 230 square kilometers and has a length of 96.5 km.
- Vembanad Lake spans across three districts in Kerala and is known by different names in different regions:
- Vembanad Lake in Kottayam, Vaikom, and Changanassery.
- Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha, Punnappra, and Kuttanadu.
- Kochi Lake in Kochi.
- Many small islands, such as Vypin, Mulavukad, Maradu, Udayamperoor, Vallarpadam, and Willingdon Island, are located in the Kochi Lake section.
- Kochi Port is built around Willingdon Island and Vallarpadam Island.
- Kuttanad (The Lowest Point in India), called the Rice Bowl of Kerala, has the lowest altitude in India and is one of the few places in the world where farming happens below sea level.
- The Nehru Trophy Boat Race takes place in a part of Vembanad Lake.
- Some areas of the lake have been found to have high pollution levels.
- The Government of India has recognized Vembanad as a wetland under the National Wetlands Conservation Programme.
Lakes of India:VEMBANAD LAKE: Also known as Punnamada, is the longest lake in India.The Nehru Trophy Boat Race is conducted in this lake. It is at the heart of Kerala Backwaters tourism.Canoes and houseboats are best recommended to transverse the length and breadth of the #Lake pic.twitter.com/7ctfPhO6PV
— ICCR in Netherlands, Indian Culture Centre (@thegandhicentre) November 29, 2021
Geography and hydrography
- Vembanad Lake is 96.5 km long, making it the longest lake in India.
- The lake’s area decreased from 230 km² in 1968 to 179.25 km² in 1983.
- It is bordered by Alappuzha, Kottayam, and Ernakulam districts.
- The lake is located at sea level and is separated from the Laccadive Sea by a narrow barrier island.
- Canals connect Vembanad Lake to other coastal lakes to the north and south.
- The lake surrounds the islands of Pathiramanal, Perumbalam, and Pallippuram.
- Vembanad Lake is about 14 kilometers wide at its widest point.
- It is part of the Vembanad-Kol wetland system, which stretches from Alappuzha in the south to Azheekkode in the north.
- The lake is fed by 10 rivers, including six major rivers of central Kerala: Achenkovil, Manimala, Meenachil, Muvattupuzha, Pamba, and Periyar.
- The total area drained by the lake is 15,770 km², which is 40% of Kerala’s area.
🔘 Also Explore: Tectonic Lakes: Types, Formation, Key Facts
- It has an annual surface runoff of 21,900 Mm, accounting for 30% of the state’s total surface water resource.
- The Kumarakom Tourist Village is a popular spot on the east coast of the lake.
- The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is located on the northern edge of Kumarakom village.
- In 2002, the Vembanad Wetland system was recognized as a wetland of international importance by the Ramsar Convention.
- Vembanad Lake is the largest of the three Ramsar Sites in Kerala.
- Over the past century, the lake has been heavily reclaimed, with its area shrinking from 290.85 km² in 1917 to 213.28 km² in 1990.
- This land reclamation reduced the lake’s area to 37% of its original size.
- A notable feature is the 1,252 meters (4,108 ft) long Thanneermukkom saltwater barrier, part of the Kuttanad Development Scheme.
- The barrier prevents tidal action and saltwater from entering the Kuttanad lowlands, benefiting farmers by reducing salinity.
- The Thanneermukkom barrier splits the lake into two parts: one with brackish water and the other with fresh water from rivers.
- During July, only two-thirds of the barrier’s gates are opened to manage floodwaters, and they remain closed until mid-November.
- However, the barrier has caused ecological problems, including restricting fish and prawn migration and increasing weed growth in the upstream areas.
- The water hyacinth has proliferated in freshwater due to the Thanneermukkom bund, leading to pollution issues.
🔘 Read Also: Sambhar Lake: Key Facts About India’s Largest Inland Saltwater Lake
Follow our Facebook or Instagram page for more infographics like this one about Vembanad Lake.
Tourism
- Vembanad Lake has become a major tourist attraction in Kerala.
- It is generally a safe destination, with only one incident of tourist harassment reported in 2004 by The Times of India.
- The lake is central to Kerala Backwaters tourism, featuring hundreds of houseboats known as kettuvallams.
- There are numerous resorts located along the banks of the lake.
- The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is situated on the east coast of Vembanad Lake, making it a popular spot for birdwatching.
- Boat races occur during August and September, transforming the rivers in and near Kottayam into lively attraction centers.
- Snake boat races are a traditional water sport during Onam, where about a hundred oarsmen row together in one boat, creating a spectacular sight.
- The lake has a small island called Pathiramanal, accessible only by boat.
- Another major attraction is the island of Kakkathuruth.
Inland transport
- The Vembanad Wetland system includes a complex network of estuaries, lagoons, and canals.
- It stretches over 196 km from north to south and 29 km from east to west.
- Almost all villages in the wetland area can be reached using water transport.
- Major rivers such as Muvattupuzha, Meenachil, Pamba, and Achencovil are navigable up to about 30 km upstream in the tidal areas.
- The Kottappuram–Kollam segment of the west coast canal system runs through Vembanad Lake, covering a total distance of 209 km.
- This segment has been declared a National Waterway.
Ecological importance
- Vembanad Kol Wetland is recognized as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
- This recognition is for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands.
- The wetland is home to over 20,000 waterfowls, making it the third-largest population of waterfowl in India.
- It provides an ideal habitat for shrimp and other aquatic life.
