What is the level of contamination in Kerala's Ashtamudi and Vembanad lakes?

Total coliform levels in affected areas range from 10,000 to 780,000,000 MPN per 100 ml, significantly exceeding the permissible limit of 2,500 MPN per 100 ml.

Which districts in Kerala are affected by lake contamination?

The contamination has been detected in monitoring stations and drains across Kollam, Kottayam, Alappuzha, and Ernakulam districts.

What are the key ecological sites in Kerala found to be contaminated?

The significant contamination was found in Ashtamudi and Vembanad lakes, both identified as Ramsar sites of ecological importance.

Home / Environment / Kerala Lakes Severely Contaminated

Kerala Lakes Severely Contaminated

13 Mar

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Summary

Kerala's key lakes show high levels of coliform bacteria.
Contamination exceeds permissible limits by millions.
Pollution detected in Ashtamudi and Vembanad Ramsar sites.

Kerala's important Ramsar sites, Ashtamudi and Vembanad lakes, have been found to be significantly contaminated. Testing of water samples from numerous monitoring stations and drains revealed alarming levels of pollution.

A report submitted to the National Green Tribunal on January 20, 2026, detailed findings from nine monitoring stations in Kollam, Kottayam, Alappuzha, and Ernakulam. Specific sites like Thoppilkadavu and KSRTC bus depot in Kollam, along with drains leading to Ashtamudi lake, showed high contamination.

Kochi lake and its surrounding canals, including Edappally and Mullasserry, also exhibited significant sewage contamination. In Alappuzha, stations in Chandiroor and Kayippuram were among those found to be heavily polluted.

Total coliform levels in affected areas ranged from 10,000 to an astonishing 780,000,000 MPN per 100 ml, drastically exceeding the Central Pollution Control Board's limit of 2,500 MPN per 100 ml for bathing water. Biological oxygen demand also surpassed ideal levels at several points.

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