Suchindram Lake, also known as Suchindram Eri Kulam, stretches for several kilometers, forming a critical ecosystem that supports a rich diversity of bird species and freshwater fish. Its expanse reaches from Kanniyakumari High Road at Edalakudi to the Kasi Viswanathar Temple in Parakkai.
Designated as one of Kanniyakumari district’s two Ramsar sites, as part of the Suchindram-Theroor-Manakkudy Wetland Complex, this lake has historically been a crucial stopover for migratory birds traversing the southern reaches of the Central Asian Flyway. It also stands as a primary heronry in the region, providing essential nesting grounds.
Sadly, this vital lake is now struggling for survival, plagued by a mix of governmental neglect and public indifference. A combination of rampant encroachments, untreated sewage flowing in, uncontrolled waste disposal along its shores, an explosion of invasive weeds and water hyacinths, and illicit lotus farming has turned Suchindram Lake from a thriving natural habitat into a severely polluted and dying waterbody.
Adjacent waterbodies like Koonikulam, Nadu Kulam, and Parakkai Kulam face similar grave issues, experiencing the same cycle of pollution, encroachment, and waste accumulation. Alarmingly, all the sewage from Parakkai panchayat is now directly discharged into these interconnected kulams, progressively rendering their waters foul and opaque.
S. Balachandar, former deputy director of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and managing trustee of the Migratory Bird Monitoring Trust (MBMT), explains that the influx of sewage has led to severe eutrophication. This nutrient overload triggers explosive growth of water hyacinths. While these plants offer some benefits to certain birds like water jacanas and moorhens, they drastically reduce the open water surface, making it difficult for other species, especially pelicans, to swim and thrive.
A Once-Thriving Ecosystem
Historically, the lake has hosted an impressive array of birdlife, including black-headed ibises, various egret species (little, cattle), grey herons, little cormorants, night herons, painted storks, and even pelicans, albeit in smaller numbers. These birds typically nest on the trees that dot a central mound within the lake. Each evening, a spectacular sight unfolds as hundreds of egrets and other waterbirds flock to these trees, turning their branches white.
Image: Birds gracefully perch on trees within the lake, creating a magnificent and serene spectacle. (Photo Credit: S. Shivaraj)
Mr. Balachandar recalls the observations of the late ornithologist Robert Grubh, who frequently reported seeing whistling ducks in the lake – a sight now vanished. Grubh also noted that pelicans, initially visitors for feeding, eventually started nesting here. Regrettably, those pelican nests are no longer present either, signaling a significant loss of habitat.
In Kanniyakumari, a compact district experiencing soaring land values, wetlands are under relentless pressure to be converted into residential areas. The development of four-lane roads cutting through these sensitive wetlands and waterbodies has already severely disrupted the delicate ecosystem. Currently, a narrow road divides the lake from vast paddy fields in Suchindram and Kakkumur, which traditionally relied on the lake for irrigation. The once glorious landscape of the tank and paddy fields, described captivatingly by historian K.K. Pillai in his book ‘Suchindram Temple,’ now stands threatened.
In his 1952 publication, Pillai highlighted that ‘The cultivated area in and around Suchindram forms the most fertile region in the whole of Nanjil Nadu, fittingly described as the granary of erstwhile Travancore.’ He attributed the impressive paddy yields in the area not only to the soil’s natural fertility but also to the ample water supply crucial for cultivation.
Pillai further lauded the ‘enchanting’ and ‘superb’ panoramic view of the landscape from the Suchindram temple’s stately tower. These paddy fields also served as vital feeding grounds for local wildlife. Disturbingly, despite a 2021 order from the then-District Collector M. Aravind prohibiting non-agricultural activities on wet agricultural lands – a directive extending to various waterbodies and public lands – the conversion of these paddy fields continues unabated, imperiling the region’s biodiversity.
Despite Kanniyakumari district being home to two internationally recognized Ramsar sites, the commitment to genuinely protect the waterbodies that nourish these wetlands appears insufficient. Had proper efforts been made, these crucial ecosystems would not have deteriorated to their current lamentable condition.
The Scourge of Encroachments
According to Vinod Sadhasivan from the Kanniyakumari Nature Foundation (KKNF), rampant encroachments along the lake’s banks are a primary contributor to both its pollution and the reduction of its surface area. He highlights that along the Pathinettampadi stretch, the lake’s edges, including its critical mudflats, have been overtaken by temporary cattle shelters and permanent residential buildings.
Image: Suchindram Lake grapples with severe challenges, including extensive encroachments, uncontrolled waste dumping, and other environmental issues. (Photo Credit: S. Shivaraj)
The narrow road that divides Suchindram Lake from vast paddy fields – and runs past a Forest Department bird-monitoring tower – has become a site for unchecked waste disposal. Rubbish is routinely dumped on both sides of this road, and its frequent burning further exacerbates the environmental damage.
The Impact of Lotus Cultivation
Beyond encroachments, the unchecked proliferation of water hyacinths and other invasive weeds has suffocated large portions of the lake. Mr. Sadhasivan warns that both lotus cultivation and the spread of these invasive species severely deplete oxygen levels, threatening the native aquatic plants and fish populations. He implores authorities to tackle these fundamental environmental problems rather than prioritizing superficial beautification projects.
Independent bird researcher Anand Shibu concurs, highlighting that lakeside encroachments are directly destroying the mudflats, which are vital feeding grounds for wading birds. Furthermore, the constant presence of fishing nets and human activity – both for fishing and harvesting lotus – creates continuous disturbance for the bird population.
Mr. Shibu emphasizes that ‘Most migratory birds prefer the mudflats of the waterbody since they are rich in small worms, molluscs, and other insects.’ Consequently, the irresponsible dumping of waste along the lake banks directly harms the habitat of these crucial food sources, adversely affecting the wading birds and other avian species that depend on them.
Untreated Sewage: A Growing Problem
N. Udhayarajan, director of the Uvakai Research Foundation, points to untreated sewage entering via the Pazhayar river’s irrigation channels as another significant threat to Suchindram Lake’s ecological balance. He specifically notes that the Parakkai canal, a key feeder, is severely contaminated by sewage originating from Nagercoil Municipal Corporation areas.
Udhayarajan explains that while the Corporation has established a sewage treatment plant (STP) at the Valampurivilai dumping yard, the vital underground drainage system (UGDS) remains incomplete.
He further states that inadequate planning for the UGDS has resulted in substantial volumes of raw sewage discharging into the Parakkai canal (or Parakkin Kaal). This polluted canal ultimately feeds into the Suchindram-Parakkai Kulam and subsequently, Suchindram Lake. Udhayarajan suggests that modular STPs would be a more effective solution for towns like Nagercoil, given their varied terrain, ensuring more efficient sewage treatment.
A. Vins Anto of the Kodhayar Irrigation Committee highlights the urgent need to desilt the Parakkin Kaal and implement measures to stop sewage infiltration. Regarding lotus cultivation, Anto clarifies that while the PWD previously leased out areas for it, a legal dispute led to the complete cessation of this official practice. Nevertheless, illegal lotus cultivation persists in numerous waterbodies throughout the district, including Suchindram Lake, as it provides a significant income source for local residents.
Anto observes that despite various efforts by the Water Resources Department (WRD) to curb lotus cultivation, the practice has proven difficult to eradicate entirely. He asserts that ‘The government authorities should give priority to restoring the waterbody, which provides a habitat for various bird and aquatic species,’ underscoring the lake’s ecological importance.
Desilting Efforts and Future Plans
Nagercoil Corporation Mayor R. Mahesh, when questioned about the lake’s condition, confirmed that the civic body has initiated desilting work on the Parakkin Kaal, starting from Kariyamanikkapuram, with an initial allocation of ₹40 lakh and requests for additional funds. He stated that ‘Desilting the Parakkin Kaal will further prevent the flow of sewage into the channel,’ suggesting a direct environmental benefit.
A Water Resources Department (WRD) official noted that their department has also proposed ₹25 lakh for desilting the Parakkin Kaal. He clarified that sewage from the channel isn’t entirely reaching the Suchindram-Parakkai Kulam because many sections are already obstructed by silt and weeds. The official affirmed ongoing efforts against illegal lotus cultivators and promised action to remove encroachments impacting Suchindram Lake.
A. Anbu, Kanniyakumari District Forest Officer (DFO), informed that Suchindram Lake falls under the jurisdiction of both the Forest and PWD departments, which are collaborating on restoration efforts. The district has established four eco-development committees, one specifically for the Suchindram-Parakkai Kulam, tasked with monitoring waste disposal, illegal lotus farming, and other ecological threats.
He added, ‘The Forest Department has a management plan for the Suchindram-Theroor-Manakkudy wetland conservation project from 2023-2024 to 2032-2033, and necessary action will be taken based on the plan,’ outlining a long-term commitment.
Mr. Anbu further assured that steps would be taken to remove encroachments, and the Kanniyakumari District Pollution Control Board would be instructed to monitor and prevent sewage from entering Suchindram Lake.