Frequent outbreaks of bird flu in Kerala require diagnostic studies

Subject :Environment

Kerala’s wetlands, which inhabitat more than 80 % of duck population, are under threat due to outbreaks of bird flu.
Many of them are Ramsar sites with rich biodiversity.
Ramsar sites require continuous monitoring and epidemiological studies; investigations required on whether contamination occurs through soil and water, and if there is any change in salinity and pH level of water and soil over the period
A Ramsar site is a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention,which is also known as the ‘Convention on Wetlands’ — an intergovernmental environmental treaty established by UNESCO in 1971, and named after the city of Ramsar in Iran, where the convention was signed that year.
Ramsar recognition is the identification of wetlands around the world,which are of international importance, especially if they provide habitat to waterfowl (about 180 species of birds).

Ramsar Sites in Kerala

Vembanad Lake

Vembanad Lake is also known as Vembanad Kayal, Vembanad Kol, Punnamada Lake (in Kuttanad) and Kochi Lake (in Kochi).
Spanning several districts of Kerala and covering a territory of more than 2033.02 km2.
The lake has its source in four rivers, Meenachil, Achankovil, Pampa and Manimala
It is separated from the Arabian Sea by a narrow barrier island and is a popular backwater stretch in Kerala.
Vallam Kali (i.e Nehru Trophy Boat Race) is a Snake Boat Race held every year in the month of August in Vembanad Lake.
In 2002, it was included in the list of wetlands of international importance, as defined by the Ramsar Convention.
It is the second-largest Ramsar site in India only after the Sundarbans in West Bengal.
The Government of India has identified the Vembanad wetland under the National Wetlands Conservation Programme.
The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is located on the east coast of the lake.
In 2019, Willingdon Island, a seaport located in the city of Kochi, was carved out of Vembanad Lake.
One of the most outstanding features of this lake is the 1252 m long saltwater barrier, Thanneermukkom, which was built to stop saltwater intrusion into Kuttanad.

Ashtamudi Lake

Ashtamudi Lake or Ashtamudi Kayal , in the Kollam District of the Indian state of Kerala, is the most visited backwater and lake in the state.
It possesses a unique wetland ecosystem and a large palm-shaped (also described as octopus-shaped) water body, second only in size to the Vembanad estuary ecosystem of the state.
Ashtamudi means ‘eight braids’ in the local Malayalam language.
The name is indicative of the lake’s topography with its multiple branches.
The lake is also called the gateway to the backwaters of Kerala and is well known for its houseboat and backwater resorts.
Ashtamudi Wetland was included in the list of wetlands of international importance, as defined by the Ramsar Convention for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands.

Sasthamcotta Lake

Sasthamcotta Lake is the largest fresh water lake in Kerala.
The lake is named after the ancient Sastha temple (a pilgrimage centre) located on its bank.
It meets the drinking water needs of half million people of the Quilon district and also provides fishing resources.
It is a designated wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention since November 2002.