The Beta Vembanad Forum has presented nine projects aimed at the ecological restoration of Vembanad Lake, the largest wetland in the State. The projects were presented by experts at the Beta Vembanad Forum organised by the Alappuzha district administration on Saturday. The proposed initiatives include developing value-added products from water hyacinth, implementing on-site sanitation systems, student–citizen water quality monitoring through school laboratories, enhancing fisheries using nursery pen technology, bio-bund construction, sluice gate technology, nature-based filters to remove pesticides, and a centralised cleaning and sanitation infrastructure project to reduce plastic usage in the houseboat sector.
The seminar, which saw participation from national and international experts, was organised with the objectives of presenting the potential and opportunities of the Vembanad restoration initiative — being implemented under the aegis of the district administration for the past one and a half years — to experts and financial institutions at the national and international levels, and of mobilising Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds for the rejuvenation of the lake.
The forum was inaugurated online by Archana Varma, additional secretary, Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, and director, National Water Mission. District Collector Alex Varghese delivered the introductory address. Rohith Joseph, director of TAGS Forum, explained the project details.
The organisers said the forum has emerged as a crucial step towards mobilising the funds required for the comprehensive restoration of the Vembanad wetland, and that the next phase of activities would be planned and implemented shortly.
Published – December 21, 2025 08:05 pm IST
