Part of the Suchindram-Theroor-Manakkudy Wetland Complex, one of the two Ramsar sites in Kanniyakumari district, Sunchindram lake has long served as an important stopover for migratory birds at the southern tip of the Central Asian Flyway. However, the lake is gradually falling prey to negligence, apathy, and indifference on the part of both the government and the public. Photo Credit: S. Shivaraj
The Suchindram Eri (lake) Kulam, stretching for several kilometers from Edalakudi’s Kanniyakumari High Road to Parakkai’s Kasi Viswanathar Temple, serves as a vital sanctuary for numerous bird species and a diverse array of freshwater fish.
This lake forms a crucial part of the Suchindram-Theroor-Manakkudy Wetland Complex, one of Kanniyakumari district’s two designated Ramsar sites. For generations, it has been an essential stopover for migratory birds traversing the southern tip of the Central Asian Flyway, and it remains one of the primary heronries in the region.
However, this magnificent lake is progressively succumbing to neglect, apathy, and a pervasive indifference from both local authorities and the public. A combination of factors, including land encroachment, untreated sewage flowing in, uncontrolled waste dumping along its banks, the aggressive spread of weeds and water hyacinths, and illicit lotus cultivation, has tragically transformed Suchindram lake from a thriving ecosystem into a suffocating, contaminated waterbody.
Nearby waterbodies like Koonikulam, Nadu Kulam, and Parakkai Kulam are suffering a similar fate, bearing the brunt of pollution, encroachment, and waste disposal. Alarmingly, all the sewage from Parakkai panchayat now discharges directly into these kulams, progressively rendering their waters murky and unhealthy.
S. Balachandar, former deputy director of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and managing trustee of the Migratory Bird Monitoring Trust (MBMT), explains that ‘eutrophication – the process where a water body becomes excessively rich in nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen, spurring rampant plant and algal growth – has led to the explosive proliferation of water hyacinth.’ While this plant can offer some benefits to birds like water jacanas and moorhens, it drastically reduces open water spaces, particularly restricting the free movement of larger birds such as pelicans.
A Once-Thriving Ecosystem in Decline
Suchindram lake once hosted a rich variety of birdlife, including black-headed ibises, egrets, little egrets, cattle egrets, grey herons, little cormorants, night herons, painted storks, and a modest population of pelicans. These birds traditionally nested on trees dotting a mound within the lake, creating a breathtaking spectacle as branches turned white with hundreds of egrets and other waterbirds at dusk.
Birds perch on trees growing on a mound in the lake, creating a magnificent scene. Photo Credit: S. Shivaraj
Mr. Balachandar sadly recalls the observations of the late ornithologist Robert Grubh, who frequently spotted whistling ducks in the lake, a sight now impossible to witness. Grubh also noted pelicans, which initially visited merely to feed but later established nesting sites; these nests, too, have vanished.
Given Kanniyakumari’s small size and escalating land values, wetlands are under constant pressure to be converted into housing developments. The construction of four-lane roads through these delicate wetland areas and waterbodies has already significantly disrupted the fragile ecosystem. A narrow road now separates the lake from vast paddy fields in Suchindram and Kakkumur, which rely on the lake for irrigation. The historical grandeur of these interconnected tanks and paddy fields, once a captivating vista, is eloquently recounted by historian K.K. Pillai in his book, Suchindram Temple.
In his book, first published in 1952, Pillai describes the cultivated area around Suchindram as ‘the most fertile region in the whole of Nanjil Nadu, fittingly described as the granary of erstwhile Travancore.’ He attributes the high yield of local paddy crops to both the inherent richness of the soil and the abundant water supply for cultivation.
Pillai further paints a vivid picture: ‘The view of the entire landscape, seen from the top storey of the stately tower of the pagoda (Suchindram temple), is enchanting. The scenery is superb.’ These paddy fields also served as crucial feeding grounds for local wildlife. However, the conversion of agricultural lands proceeds unchecked — despite a 2021 order from the district collector prohibiting non-agricultural activities on wet agricultural lands — posing a grave danger to biodiversity. The former district collector, M. Aravind, had mandated that officials only grant permission for non-agricultural development after confirming the absence of irrigation facilities and future agricultural potential in the proposed area. This directive was intended to protect canals, channels, lakes, tanks, rivers, government lands (poramboke), temple and Waqf Board lands, trust lands, public roads, and streets.
Despite Kanniyakumari district proudly hosting two Ramsar sites, a serious lack of genuine effort to safeguard the waterbodies that sustain these vital wetlands is evident; otherwise, their current dismal state would not exist.
The Scourge of Encroachments
Vinod Sadhasivan of the Kanniyakumari Nature Foundation (KKNF) highlights that encroachments along the lake’s banks are a primary driver of pollution and have drastically reduced its area. He notes, ‘Along various points of the Pathinettampadi stretch, temporary cattle shelters and residential structures have illegally extended into the lake. Human settlements have brazenly occupied its valuable mudflats.’
The lake is affected by encroachments, waste dumping, and other issues. Photo Credit: S. Shivaraj
A narrow road now meanders between Suchindram lake and hundreds of acres of paddy fields, with a Forest Department tower overlooking it for bird monitoring. Paradoxically, waste is routinely dumped on both sides of this road, and its frequent burning exacerbates the environmental crisis.
The Problem with Lotus Cultivation
Beyond physical encroachment, the relentless spread of water hyacinths and other invasive weeds has severely suffocated much of the lake. Mr. Sadhasivan warns that ‘lotus cultivation and the proliferation of invasive plants deplete oxygen levels, negatively impacting aquatic flora and fish species,’ urging authorities to address these fundamental ecological issues rather than merely focusing on superficial beautification efforts.
Independent bird researcher Anand Shibu echoes these concerns, emphasizing that encroachments along the banks of the lake are severely disrupting the mudflats, which are crucial feeding grounds for wading birds. He also points out that widespread fishing nets and human intrusions to catch fish and collect lotus flowers disturb the bird populations.
Mr. Shibu elaborates, ‘Most migratory birds favor the mudflats of waterbodies because they are rich in small worms, molluscs, and other insects. The dumping of waste on the lake banks destroys the habitat of these tiny species, consequently harming wading birds and other avian life.’
Addressing Sewage Inflow
Another significant threat to Suchindram lake’s ecological balance is the continuous inflow of sewage through the irrigation channels of the Pazhayar river, according to N. Udhayarajan, director of the Uvakai Research Foundation. The Parakkai canal, a feeder to the lake, is particularly contaminated by sewage from Nagercoil Municipal Corporation areas.
He explains that ‘while the Corporation has established a sewage treatment plant (STP) at the Valampurivilai dumping yard, the underground drainage system (UGDS) work in the Corporation remains incomplete.’ This delay has severe consequences for the lake’s health.
Mr. Udhayarajan stresses that the inadequate planning and incomplete implementation of the UGDS have resulted in vast quantities of untreated water flowing into the Parakkai canal, known locally as Parakkin Kaal. This canal then merges with the southern section of the Suchindram-Parakkai Kulam, eventually polluting Suchindram lake. He advocates for modular STPs in towns like Nagercoil, where varied terrain would benefit from more efficient, localized sewage treatment solutions.
A. Vins Anto of the Kodhayar Irrigation Committee emphasizes the urgent need to desilt the Parakkin Kaal and implement measures to prevent sewage from entering it. Regarding lotus cultivation, Mr. Anto clarifies that ‘while the PWD (Public Works Department) previously leased out areas for this, the practice has been legally stopped after a court battle. However, illegal lotus cultivation persists in many waterbodies across the district, including Suchindram lake, as it offers a significant income source for local communities.’
He further states that ‘despite various efforts by the Water Resources Department (WRD) to curb lotus cultivation, the practice has not been entirely eradicated.’ He urges that ‘government authorities must prioritize restoring the waterbody, which is a vital habitat for numerous bird and aquatic species.’
Proposed Restoration Efforts
In response to inquiries about the lake’s condition, Nagercoil Corporation Mayor R. Mahesh stated that the civic body has initiated desilting efforts in the Parakkin Kaal from Kariyamanikkapuram, allocating ₹40 lakh for the project and requesting additional funds. He affirmed, ‘Desilting the Parakkin Kaal will effectively prevent the further flow of sewage into the channel.’
An official from the WRD confirmed that the department has submitted a ₹25 lakh proposal for desilting the Parakkin Kaal. He also noted, ‘The sewage in the channel is not fully entering the Suchindram-Parakkai Kulam because many areas are currently obstructed by silt and weeds.’ He added that continuous action is being taken against illegal lotus cultivators, and necessary steps would also be implemented to remove encroachments impacting Suchindram lake.
A. Anbu, District Forest Officer (DFO) for Kanniyakumari, informed The Hindu that Suchindram lake falls under the jurisdiction of both the Forest and Public Works departments, which are collaborating on restoration efforts. The district operates four eco-development committees, including one dedicated to the Suchindram-Parakkai Kulam, tasked with monitoring illegal lotus cultivation, waste disposal, and other threats to the lake’s ecological balance.
Mr. Anbu further stated that ‘the Forest Department has a comprehensive management plan for the Suchindram-Theroor-Manakkudy wetland conservation project, covering the period from 2023-2024 to 2032-2033, and all necessary actions will be taken in accordance with this plan.’ He reiterated that measures would be undertaken to evict encroachments and that the Kanniyakumari District Pollution Control Board would be instructed to inspect and prevent sewage discharge into Suchindram lake.