Second phase of Vembanad Lake plastic cleaning drive on February 7

The second phase of the mega plastic cleaning drive, as part of the Vembanad Lake rejuvenation project, will be held on February 7. The drive will cover 19 local bodies in Cherthala and Kuttanad taluks.

The campaign will take place in Ezhupunna, Kadakkarappally, Kodamthuruthu, Kuthiyathode, Pattanakkad, Thuravoor, Champakulam, Nedumudi, Thalavadi, Thakazhi, Ramankary, Veliyanad, Pulinkunnu and Neelamperoor grama panchayats on February 7. However, the plastic collection drive in Aroor, Vayalar, Edathua, Kavalam and Muttar will be held after February 15 due to local body elections.

The initiative is part of the ongoing efforts by the Alappuzha district administration to rejuvenate and conserve the lake, a Ramsar site and the second-largest wetland system in India. As part of the campaign, plastic will be collected from both the lake and land. More than 3,000 volunteers, including those members of the fishing community, Haritha Keralam Mission, Kudumbashree, Haritha Karma Sena, voluntary organisations, environmentalists and students are expected to participate.

In the initial phase of the campaign, more than 12 tonnes of plastic waste was collected. The first phase covered Alappuzha and Cherthala municipalities as well as Kainakary, Aryad, Muhamma, Panavally, Mannancherry, Arookutty, Perumbalam, Chennam Pallipuram, Thycattussery and Thanneermukkom grama panchayats.

Meanwhile, a brand audit of the plastic waste collected in the initial phase has been conducted. “We aim to identify the brands of plastic waste collected. If the companies are willing to take back the plastic, we will hand it over to them. Otherwise, we will seek compensation from them for its disposal,” said an official.

In addition to the plastic cleaning drive, the administration is conducting awareness programmes for fishers, houseboat employees and owners and people living along the shores of Vembanad Lake on the importance of conserving the water body.

Other activities planned as part of the lake rejuvenation project include establishing a bio-shield, setting up Vembanad Lake Interpretation Centre, bottle booths, promoting community tourism and so on.