Poisoned stream

The high level of pollution in Kerala’s backwaters and lakes is the result of ill-planned farming practices. In Kuttanad, for instance, tons of pesticide are sprayed in the fields in the name of ‘crop protection’, without anyone realizing that the long-term damages outweigh the immediate benefits. Consequently, land, air and water have been contaminated and people forced to flee to other places. It has also been reported that pesticide pollution in Vembanad’s backwaters is higher than the bacterial pollution caused by the lack of proper sanitation in the area.

A paradigm shift is, therefore, required as far as the agricultural practices in Kerala are concerned. Perhaps switching to organic farming can improve the situation. A comprehensive action plan must be charted out to ensure that organic farming practices are strictly enforced across the state.


K.A. Solaman, The Telegraph 14Aug