Kumarakom, 15 August 2026: The Chamber of Vembanad Hotels & Resorts (CVHR), Kumarakom, has submitted a detailed memorandum to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri V. D. Satheesan, highlighting critical environmental, infrastructure and tourism-related issues affecting Kumarakom and the wider Vembanad region.
The memorandum was submitted on 14 August 2026 at the Hon’ble Chief Minister’s office in connection with the urgent need for coordinated government intervention to protect Vembanad Lake, strengthen tourism infrastructure and improve connectivity in the Kumarakom region.
Representing hotels and resorts in Kumarakom since 2006, CVHR also works closely with homestay and houseboat operators to promote sustainable and responsible tourism.
Eight Key Issues Highlighted
- Pollution of Vembanad Lake and Thanneermukkam Barrage Management
CVHR has raised concerns regarding the prolonged closure of the Thanneermukkam Barrage and its impact on water quality and the natural flushing of the Vembanad Lake and Kuttanad water system.
The association has called for a more scientific approach to barrage management and consideration of a longer opening period to facilitate the natural movement and purification of water.
- Silt Accumulation and Flooding in Upper Kuttanad
Large areas of silt and mud accumulation have reportedly formed at several locations, obstructing the natural flow of floodwaters.
CVHR has particularly highlighted areas between the Cheepunkal River Mouth and Vechooppally, the Cheepunkal River Mouth and MRF Training Centre, and the Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary region.
The association has requested a scientific survey and appropriate removal of major silt and mud formations that obstruct water flow.
- Ensuring Fresh Water in Vembanad Lake During Summer
CVHR has brought attention to a three-year scientific study conducted by the International Research and Training Centre for Below Sea Level Farming (IRTCBSF), Kuttanad, under the leadership of Dr. Padmakumar.
According to the memorandum, the study examined the possibility of diverting water from the Muvattupuzha River through the Ithipuzha and Kaippuzha river systems to ensure the availability of fresh water in Upper Kuttanad and Vembanad Lake during the summer months.
CVHR has requested the necessary government approval for implementation of the proposed project.
- 33 KV KSEB Substation at Kumarakom
The association has requested early approval of the revised and cost-optimized DPR for the proposed 33 KV container substation at Kumarakom.
CVHR has also sought government support for acquiring approximately 10 cents of suitable roadside land between Pallichira and Cheepungal for the project.
- Expansion of Aerial Cabling in Tourism Areas
CVHR has requested additional financial allocation to extend aerial cabling to remaining LT consumers in the tourism sector and to complete coverage for HT consumers in Aymanam and Arpookara.
The association estimates that an additional allocation of approximately ₹10 crore may be required to complete the work.
- Completion of Maniya Parambu Medical College Road
The memorandum highlights the strategic importance of completing the remaining stretch of the Maniya Parambu Medical College Road, also known as Podipara Road.
The approximately 12-kilometre route can provide an alternative, flood-free connection to Kumarakom while reducing traffic pressure on the existing Kumarakom Road and improving access from Alappuzha, Vaikom and surrounding areas to Kottayam Medical College and Kottayam town.
CVHR has requested the necessary technical sanction for completing the remaining works.
- Raising Key Bridges for Canal Tourism
CVHR has requested government intervention for raising the height of the Kaippuzha Muttu Bridge and Cheepunkal Bridge.
According to the association, improving bridge clearance would support the development of canal tourism and strengthen inland water transport connectivity in the Kumarakom region.
- High-Level Seminar on Vembanad Water Pollution
CVHR has proposed a high-level seminar in Kumarakom focusing on pollution affecting Vembanad Lake, canals and rivers in Upper Kuttanad.
The proposed seminar would bring together the Hon’ble Chief Minister, concerned Ministers, elected representatives, scientists, environmental experts and representatives from tourism, agriculture and local self-government institutions.
Kumarakom Grama Panchayat has already allocated ₹50,000 towards conducting the proposed seminar.
CVHR has requested the Hon’ble Chief Minister to suggest a suitable date for the seminar and to visit Kumarakom to address the gathering.
A Collective Appeal for Kumarakom’s Future
CVHR President Salim Das, General Secretary Manoj Kumar K. V., Vice President Jeena Jacob K. and Treasurer Abraham Mathew jointly submitted the memorandum.
The association stated that the future of Kumarakom’s tourism economy is closely linked to the health of Vembanad Lake, reliable infrastructure, improved connectivity and responsible management of the region’s natural resources.
CVHR has expressed hope that the Government will give priority attention to these issues and initiate coordinated action involving the concerned departments and agencies.
“Protecting Vembanad Lake is not only an environmental responsibility. It is also essential for the future of Kumarakom tourism, local livelihoods and the wider economy of the Vembanad region.”
Chamber of Vembanad Hotels & Resorts (CVHR)
Kumarakom
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