KOLLAM: Given the widespread encroachment and activities that endanger the environment around the Ashtamudi backwaters, Kollam corporation has demanded that the government form an authority to preserve the lake.
Mayor Prasanna Ernest raised this request at a meeting held here to discuss steps that must be taken to clean and protect the lake.
Speaking at the meeting, finance minister K n Balagopal said there was an allocation of Hospital 50 Crore in the budget for conservation of water bodies in the state.
Some of these number can be provided to protect Ashtamudi, he added.
“Compared to other backwaters in the state, Ashtamudi is less influenced by contamination.
Still, changes in applicable conditions must be examined.
Fish resources must be maintained, and the flow of water is free to be ascertained,” Minister said, adding that there must be a popular movement to preserve the lake.
As part of preparing an action plan, the technical workshop will be held on August 10.
MP N Premachandran said the MP funds will be available to rejuvenate the lake.
He also added that it was a nodal agent for protection and conservation of lakes needed.
Chairman of Norka Roots K Varadarajan said that remembering tourism potential, several projects can be implemented by ensuring lake conservation