Researchers offer tips to save Kerala’s sinking island – Munroe Thuruthu Island

Subject: Geography

Section: Climate

A study conducted by the National Centre for Earth Science Studies (NCESS) has revealed anthropogenic interventions as the main reason for the plight of Munroe Thuruthu residents, Kerala’s first set of climate refugees.

Munroe Thuruthu Island

Munroe Thuruthu (13.4 sq. km.) is a string of eight islets at the confluence of the Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River.
It is located in the Kollam district of Kerala.
It was named after Colonel John Munroe, the British Resident of erstwhile Travancore State.

Ashtamudi Lake

Ashtamudi Lake or Ashtamudi Kayal, is in the Kollam district of Kerala.
It possesses a unique wetland ecosystem and a large palm-shaped water body.
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 houseboats 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.

Kallada River

Kallada River is the longest river in Kollam District, Kerala, India.
The river originates in Kulathupuzha, a part of Western Ghats and flows west reaching Arabian Sea after travelling a distance of 120km.