Sasthamkotta Lake - സസ്തംകൊട്ട ലാകെ
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The Sasthamkotta lake the largest freshwater lake in Kerala is surrounded by hills on all sides except south where a bund has been constructed separating the lake from the neighbouring rice fields A large part of the lake has been reclaimed for agriculture. The source of water is from the underground sprouts. The lake has a capacity to hold 22390 million litres of water and serves as the source of drinking water for half a million people of Kollam district. The lake has been designated as a Ramsar Site in November 2002.
It is the largest fresh water lake in Kerala, the water in the lake is special in that it does not contain common salt or other minerals and metals Supports 27 species of freshwater fish including pearl spot and cat fish and two genera of prawns. The lake abounds in 21 species of herring and sardines of the family Cupeidae.
It is the largest fresh water lake in Kerala, the water in the lake is special in that it does not contain common salt or other minerals and metals Supports 27 species of freshwater fish including pearl spot and cat fish and two genera of prawns. The lake abounds in 21 species of herring and sardines of the family Cupeidae.
Biodiversity Values
.Flora
The Insectivorous plant Drosera Sp is found on the eastern shore of the lake Vegetation is very scant, floating and rooted plants are negligible Cashewnut, paddy, tapioca and plantain are grown on and along the banks of the lake Phytoplankton is scarce and primary productivity is low.Fauna
Wetland supports 27 species of freshwater fishes and two genera of prawns. The lake abounds in 21 species of herrings and sardines of the family Cupeidae alone. The most common fish in the lake is Callichrous bimaculatus and Wallago attu. The fish is so called because most of them are provided with whisker like barbels arranged round the mouth Bonnet monkeys frequent the banks Notable migratory birds are teals.Social & Cultural Values
The lake provides drinking water to the people in its environs A large part has been reclaimed for agriculture. The lake is used for fishing. The surrounding areas are under cultivation and utilized for cattle grazing Fisheries production, water supply to Kollam municipality and suburbs are other uses. The ancient Sastha temple, which lends its name to the town is an important pilgrim centre.Threats
Filling up of parts of lake for cultivation Agricultural and domestic wastes from surrounding areas entering the lake Reclamation of the land for agriculture along the banks and adjacent areas causing soil erosion Domestic sewage disposal.Conservation Measures
Sasthamkotta Lake has been listed by the Government of India as a wetland of National Importance While no plan of action for its conservation had been made earlier, a Management Action Plan has recently been proposed to the MoEF. The forest department has planted trees to prevent soil erosion at some places along the embankments Efforts have been made to control cultivation along the banks of the lake. It is proposed to make a provision for supply of the free water and toilet facilities so that lake is not used by the residents for these purposes.