Ashtamudi Lake

The Kerala High Court has recently directed the State Government and the State Wetland Authority Kerala (SWAK) to establish an Ashtamudi Wetland Management Unit within two months of the notification for its creation. This is part of ongoing efforts for the conservation of the Ashtamudi Lake, one of Kerala's most significant natural resources.

About Ashtamudi Lake

• Location: Situated in Kollam District of Kerala, Ashtamudi Lake is the second-largest lake in the state after Vembanad Lake.

• Size & Shape:

  • The lake spans an area of approximately 61.4 sq.km and stretches over a length of 16 kilometers.

  • The shape of the lake is often described as palm-shaped or octopus-shaped, leading to its name Ashtamudi.

  • ‘Ashta’ means eight and ‘mudi’ means cone, referring to the lake’s eight channels or arms.

• Water Source: The lake is fed by several rivers, the most significant being the Kallada River, and it drains into the Arabian Sea through the Neendakara estuary.

• Ramsar Designation: Ashtamudi Lake was recognized as a Ramsar site in 2002, highlighting its international importance as a wetland.

Historical Significance

• Ashtamudi Lake has had an important historical role, particularly during the 14th century, when the area surrounding the lake served as a major port. It connected the ancient city of Quilon (now Kollam) to global trade routes.

• Ibn Battuta, the famous Moroccan explorer, referred to Quilon as one of the major trading centers of his time, underlining the historical relevance of the lake in international trade.

Biodiversity of Ashtamudi Lake

Ashtamudi Lake supports a diverse ecosystem, with several unique species of flora and fauna.

• Birds: The wetland is home to 57 species of birds, including 6 migratory species and 51 resident species. Some of the notable birds include:

  • Kingfisher

    Egret

    Heron

    Cormorant

• Fish: The lake is also a haven for aquatic life, hosting 97 species of fish, including:

  • 42 marine species

    3 estuarine species

    9 estuarine-riverine species

    15 marine-estuarine species

• Endangered Species: Ashtamudi is vital for the survival of several endangered and endemic species like:

  • Pearl spot fish

    Mangrove crab

    Otter

    Water snake

Ashtamudi Lake's ecological importance, historical significance, and biodiversity make it an invaluable natural resource for Kerala, and the recent efforts to conserve it underline the state’s commitment to preserving its environmental heritage.