ENVIRONMENT

The environment is defined as the entire

LANDUSE DISTRIBUTION 47
MAP
physical and biological system
surrounding man and other organisms
along with various factors influencing
them. The abiotic factors determine the
type of habitat and living conditions of
the human population were as the
biotic factors interact with the abiotic
LEGEND
components to form the essential
ecosystems. GARDEN LAND

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

WETLAND AND
MULAVUKAD
WATER BODY
LAND DISTRIBUTION

12%
21%
66% 1%

GARDEN LAND (240 ha)

WET LAND (395 ha)
MISCELLANEOUS LAND (14 ha)
WATERBODY (1278 ha)
GARDEN LAND
Garden' is defined as "land used
principally for growing coconut trees,
arecanut trees or pepper vines or any
two or more of the same.“
SOURCE : S.2(15) OF THE KERALA LAND REFORMS
ACT SOURCE: PRIMARY SURVEY
"Garden land" means any land used principally for growing coconut trees or arecanut trees
or both.“
SOURCE: S.3(G) OF THE MALABAR TENANCY ACT
WETLAND
A wetland simply means any land that is submerged under water for at least some part of the year.
Wetlands are defined as areas of land that are either temporarily or permanently covered by water GARDEN LAND
and exhibit enormous diversity. Wetlands from other land forms or water bodies is the is distinguished
on the basis of characteristic vegetation that is adapted to its unique soil conditions.
In Mulavukad wetlands are featured with mangroves and shrimp farms.

Wetlands as “areas of marsh, fen, peatland or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or
temporary, with water that is static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt, including areas of marine water
the depth of which at low tide does not exceed six metres SOURCE: RAMSAR CONVENTION

Wetlands is in higher proportion in the panchayath, majorly found in Vallarpadam island when
compared to Mulavukad island. Wetlands absent towards the south of Mulavukad panchayath.
TRANSFORMATION OF MULAVUKAD PANCHAYATH

3 WETLAND

SUBMERGED LAND
2002 2008 2014 2019
1 - Construction of Goshree Bridge 3 – Construction of Container road
2 - Container road construction started 4 – Construction of Vallarpadam terminal
Development began in Mulavukad with the coming of Goshree bridge that enhanced connectivity
of the island with the mainland thus beginning the transformation of the panchayath.
MULAVUKAD - ENVIRONMENT RESOURCES 48
SLOPE MAP ● Physiography ● Flora and fauna
● Geology ● Ground water
● Climate ● Soil
● Backwaters
PHYSIOGRAPHY
• Mostly flat and a very gentle sloping
low land tract from North – South.
• Surrounded by Kochi kayal and
estuaries of Periyar river.
• Land elevation - 10m below MSL
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY
(Mulavukad) to 1m below MSL ( kayal SOIL
lands and paddy fields on the West of
Three soil series are present in this area:
panchayath)
SOIL OCCURANCE EXTENT
Mulavukad is mainly a wetland with
SERIES (ha)
very gentle slope of maximum 3% and is Fort Kochi Level to very gentle sloping coastal 64
linear in profile. The low lying nature of plains
the land results in easy soil moisture that (0-10 m above MSL).
provides potential for agriculture Vyttila Level to very gently sloping plains 176
though at the same time saline intrusion (0-10m above MSL)
caused by sea level rise due to Vypeen flat to concave coastal lands (1-1.5 395
proximity of backwaters can become m below MSL) found
Miscellaneo Mostly converted lands 14
an issue. Gentle slope of the land
us soil
prevents soil erosion.
SOURCE: SOIL SURVEY, KERALA
GEOLOGY
DISTRIBUTION OF SOIL SERIES
Marine alluvium - Alluvium is loose,
unconsolidated soil or sediment that has
2%
been eroded, reshaped and
10%
redeposited. When it is deposited along
ocean beds it is known as marine
alluvium.
SOURCE: SOIL SURVEY, KERALA Surrounded by backwater on all sides 27%

SOIL 61%

Vypeen soil series found in

SOIL MAP majority in the panchayath
mostly covers ward
1,2,6,13,14,15,16. Vypeen
soil series found in the
wetlands of the
Fort Kochi
panchayath. Fort Kochi
Vytilla
and Vytilla soil series
Vypeen
mostly found in Mulavukad Miscellaneous
island. Vytilla soil series is
present in wards Thus fort kochi and Vytilla soil series can support
2,6,10,11,12.. green lands and enhance agriculture.

Soil series are type present in this area:

SOIL SERIES FORT KOCHI SERIES VYTILLA SERIES VYPEEN SERIES MISCELLANEOUS
TYPE SERIES
Description Developed on Very deep well Developed from Soils of converted
marine deposits; drained coastal alluvium paddy lands
occur on coastal lacustrine under ill drained
plains deposits condition and
occur on coastal
belts
LEGEND – Thickness >150 cm 15 – 25cm 100 – 130cm
SOIL SERIES
Fort Kochi Characteristic Low water holding Strongly acid Deep, poorly No uniformity in
Vytilla s capacity; rapid soils drained acid morphological
Vypeen permeability results sulphate soils with and chemical
Miscellaneous in irrigation saline water characters
soils problems intrusion
Use and Coconut, Coconut Paddy (pokkali)
vegetation vegetables,
banana
Fertility Low in nitrogen, Low in nitrogen, High in nitrogen
phosphorous and phosphorous and phosphorous
potash and potash and low in potash
Productivity low low medium
potential
SOURCE: SOIL SURVEY, KERALA SOURCE: SOIL SURVEY, KERALA
 WATER
• The Mulavukad panchayath
49
consists of many natural water NATURAL STREAMS
bodies and some submerged
MAP
lands.
• The concentration of water bodies
or wetlands is more in Vallarpadam
island.
• A main stream of 2m wide runs
along the length of Mulavukad
island.
The water channel actually provides
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY
a natural drainage system in the
Mulavukad island which is absent in CLIMATE
the case of Vallarpadam.
• Mulavukad panchayath has
Humida
Wetlands improve water quality in tropical climate with annual temperature of
nearby rivers and streams by acting 28.1deg.C
as filters. These natural filters help trap • Average annual rainfall – 3159.28mm
pollutants. Its natural filtration process • SW monsoon (May – Aug) : >75% ; NE monsoon
remove excess nutrients in the water. (Sept – Nov)
The water leaving a wetland is often
purer than the water which enters the SOIL IRRIGABILITY
wetland.
Wetlands are able to purify water The soil irrigability can be divided into classes
effectively. Hence there is natural LEGEND
from 1-6 in general.
process for the purification of water in Water body Classes 1-4 is irrigable, class 5 in temporarily non
the panchayath. irrigable and class 6 is non irrigable.
GROUND WATER Mulavukad consists of class 3sd, 4d and 5sd.
The depth of water level in Kerala
state varies from 0-20 M bgl .In • Class 3sd – severe limitation for sustained use
Mulavukad the ground water depth under irrigation
ranges from 1-2m (summer season);
0.7m (monsoon). • Class 4sd – marginal for sustained use under
SOURCE: PRIMARY SURVEY
DECADAL AVERAGE DEPTH TO WATER LEVEL (2002-11) irrigation
Depending upon total annual • Class 5sd – temporarily classes as not suitable
recharge and net annual availability
for irrigation
of ground water, GW availability is
found safe for future development. In
As per soil irrigability criteria sustainable irrigation
the case of the panchayath, since it is
a coastal area flanked by water is difficult and hence can be attributed as the
bodies drinking water is mostly from factor for lack of agriculture productivity.
piped connections
SOURCE: GROUND WATER INFORMATION BOOKLET OF ERNAKULAM DISTRICT
SOIL IRRIGABILITY
Since agriculture practice is less there, the groundwater is not exploited much currently. But
MAP
since wetlands are ground water dischargers and changing climatic conditions can bring
about changes water management should be practiced even if not required currently.
Hence the water table level is very high in Mulavukad and it can get easily polluted if not
properly managed.
NET ANNUAL GROUND WATER AVAILABILITY

LEGEND
3
4
5

SOURCE: GROUND WATER INFORMATION BOOKLET OF ERNAKULAM DISTRICT

SOURCE: SOIL SURVEY, KERALA
FLORA AND FAUNA
The important natural fauna of the area includes fruit trees, timber trees and weeds of both
50
wetlands and dry land. Kandal plants are a peculiar feature of this panchayath. The nature of
vegetation varies with rain fall, elevation and temperature patterns. The common natural
vegetation noticed in the area are :
THE IMPORTANT KANDAL
(MANGROVES SPECIES & ASSOCIATES):
Valia kandal
The common dry
Cheria kandal land weeds are:
Vypeen kandal
Kochi kandal
Thottavady
Communist pacha
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY
Pena kandal Poochedi IMPORTANT MEDICINAL PLANT SPECIES
Chakkara kandal Thumba 18
Upputha 16 16 16
Wet land weeds: 16
Kammatti
Kulavazha 14
Othallam No of wards
African payal 12
Muthalamullu
Muthanga 10
Derris 8
Colocasia 8
Kozhiappa
SOURCE: BIO DIVERSITY REGISTER MULAVUKAD 2018 6 5
4 4 4
4 3 3 3
BACKWATERS 2 1
The scenic backwaters of Kerala
BACKWATERS MAP 0
comprise serene stretches of lakes,
canals and lagoons located parallel
to the coast of the Arabian Sea. The
backwater regions of Kerala are one
of the most popular tourist
destinations in the world. Mulavukad
panchayat is surrounded by SOURCE: BIO DIVERSITY REGISTER MULAVUKAD 2018
backwaters of Vemband kayal. IMPORTANT ANIMAL SPECIES
18
Functions of backwaters are– 16 16
• Regulation of atmospheric 16
chemical composition 14
• Regulation of global temperature, 12
10
precipitation 10
• Storage and retention of water 8
• Erosion control through retention of
6 5
soil within an ecosystem 4
• Recovery of mobile nutrients and 4
2
removal of excess of xeric nutrients 2
and compounds 0
• Sources of unique biological
materials and products
• Extractable raw materials that
boost economy.
No of wards
LEGEND
FACTORS INFLUENCING PRODUCTIVITY SOURCE: BIO DIVERSITY REGISTER MULAVUKAD 2018
Backwaters OF BACKWATERS
The panchayath is rich with flora and fauna that
• PHYSICAL CONDITIONS OF WATER
are characteristics to wetlands. The fauna of
Depth –
Mulavukad panchayath mainly focus on marine
A depth of 2 meters is considered to
ecosystem.
be congenial. Depth variation leads
to difference in physical and
chemical properties. Decrease in
depth of backwaters lead to change
SOURCE: PRIMARY SURVEY in marine species.

VARIATION OF DEPTH RANGE IN DIFFERENT LOCATIONS OF VEMBAND ESTUARY DURING THE PAST 50
YEARS

SOURCE: ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ISSUES OF BIODIVERSITY LOSS IN COCHIN BACKWATERS

 • TEMPERATURE –
The degree and annual variations in temperature of the water body have a great bearing upon its
51
metabolic and physiological activities. Cochin backwaters receive optimum sunlight as received by
any representative tropical estuary. A stable temperature pattern is seen in the study area.
DISTRIBUTION OF TEMPERATURE IN STUDY AREA

SOURCE: ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ISSUES OF BIODIVERSITY LOSS IN COCHIN BACKWATERS

• Turbidity – TURBIDITY(ppm)
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY
The turbidity of a water body is due to the
presence of suspended inorganic substances Eloor 2237 1765 2000 1768 1298
such as clay and silt or due to planktonic Kadamkudi 447.2 425 417.3 382 411 PRESENT STATUS – CONSERVATION
organisms. The distribution of turbidity in
Mulavukad 9.5 10 13.8 11 12 RAINWATER HARVESTING
Mulavukad is less due to less number of industries.
6%
• Salinity –
Salinity ranges between 0.19 ppm and 3.2 ppm. An analysis of data on the distribution of salinity in
different locations of the backwater in 1962 and 1992 reveals no significant variations.
94%

NOT PRACTISCED PRACTISCED

Majority of the population does not practise

RWH in spite of good rainfall availability.
Though there is no water scarcity reported in
SOURCE: ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ISSUES OF BIODIVERSITY LOSS IN COCHIN BACKWATERS the panchayath measures to conserve water
need to be strengthened.
• Dissolved oxygen – Solar power usage not practiced at all in the
The optimum level of dissolved oxygen in the backwaters varies between 3 ml/lit to 4ml/lt. It is panchayat except one house in ward 13.
observed that, the oxygen values are normally higher in the saline prone regions of the backwater
and decreases as salinity decreases. This shows that the dissolved oxygen content has been more or
less stable over the last three decades in the selected locations of the study areas.
DISTRIBUTION OF DISSOLVED OXYGEN

SOURCE: ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ISSUES OF

BIODIVERSITY LOSS IN COCHIN BACKWATERS

SOURCE: BIO DIVERSITY REPORT MULAVUKAD 2018

SOURCE: ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ISSUES OF BIODIVERSITY LOSS IN COCHIN BACKWATERS

SENTIVE AREAS MAP
SENSITIVE AREAS OF MULAVUKAD The analysis reveals that the Cochin backwaters
Eco-sensitive areas are those areas which still retains reasonable standards of water quality
needs to be protected , by regulating in many areas except in selected pockets where
and managing man –made activities in industries are heavily concentrated. (study area
such areas. not affected)

WETLANDS The depth variation due to alluvium deposition

A wetland is a distinct ecosystem that has resulted in decreased fishing activity due to
is flooded by water , either permanently the decrease in fish availability.
or seasonally, where oxygen-free
processes prevail. The primary factor that The scenario is likely to worsen if proper
distinguishes wetlands from other land environmental
forms or water bodies is the governance is not undertaken with people's
characteristic vegetation of aquatic participation
plants , adapted to the unique hydric soil. SENSITIVE AREAS OF MULAVUKAD
A total of 559 wetlands are identified in
the Mulavukad Panchayath.

MANGROVE FOREST
Mangroves are wetland ecosystems
formed by special types of plants and
animals associated together to live in the CULTIVATION OF MULAVUKAD
inter-tided region of low-lying tropical LEGEND
coasts, estuarities , deltas etc. Mangroves Mangroves
are adapted to life in harsh coastal
conditions. They contain a complex salt
filtration system and complex root and are
adapted to the low oxygen conditions of
waterlogged mud .
IDENTIFIED AREAS
Ward 1,2,3,4,6,7,8,13,14,15 and 16
ISSUES FACED IN WETLAND
The wetlands provided livelihood to the residents in the forms of agricultural produce, fish, fuel, fiber,
52
fodder, and a host of other day-to-day necessities. The wetlands in Mulavukad are currently subjected
to acute pressure owing to rapid developmental activities and indiscriminate utilization of land and
water. The major issues facing the wetlands are mainly related to pollution, encroachment,
reclamation, and biodiversity loss.
Type Cultivation Time Use Consu Pollution Source Level of Beneficiaries
Of Period/ mers pollution
Water Type
Body
Lake Crab - Fishery Sale Sides Of Household High Fishermen
Lake Waste ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY
Lake Chemeen One Year Fishery, Sale - - High Fishermen
Kett Pisciculture
Ooru Paddy Pokali Agriculture Own - - Low -
vellam ,Piscicultur
e
Clean Paddy Mundakan Agriculture Own Pesticides Due To The low Farmers
Water Mixed In Use Of
Water Pesticides
SOURCE: BIO DIVERSITY REPORT MULAVUKAD 2018

COASTAL REGULATION ZONE (CRZ)

Under the Environmental Protection Act 1986,
notification was issued in 1991 for regulation of
CRZ MAP activities in the coastal area by Ministry of
Environment and Forests. These notification
known as Coastal Regulation Zone Notification
defined the CRZ as coastal land up to 500m from
the High Tide Line and a range of 100m along
banks of creeks, estuaries, backwaters and rivers
subject to tidal fluctuations is CRZ.

CRZs have been classified into 4 zones for the

purpose of regulation:

CRZ-I: includes ecologically sensitive

areas, where no construction is allowed except
activities for atomic power plants, defence.

CRZ-II: includes designated urban areas that are

substantially built up. Construction activities are
allowed on the landward side only.

CRZ-III: includes relatively undisturbed

areas, mainly rural areas. No new construction of
buildings allowed in this zone except repairing of
the existing ones. However, constructions of
dwelling units in the plot area lying between 200-
500m of the high tide line is allowed.

CRZ-IV: includes the water area covered

between Low Tide Line and 12 nautical miles
seaward. Except for fishing and related activities,
all actions impugning on the sea and tidal water
will be regulated in this zone.

As per the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification,

the Vallarpadam island consists of more CRZ
IA(mangroves) and CRZ I (mangroves buffer
zone) . Thus the Mangroves in majority in the
panchayath mostly covers ward 1,13,14,15,16
from Vallarpadam island and ward 2,3,4,6,8 from
Mulavukad island.
CRZ regulations violated in ward 1,14,16.

LEGEND

Mangroves - CRZ IA
Mangrove Buffer Zone - CRZ I
CRZ II
CRZ III
Water body (River/Creek) - CRZ IV

SOURCE: KCZMA CRZ MAP

 PRESENT SCENARIO – WASTE DUMPING 53
Physical expansion , growth
WASTE DUMPING AREAS
and various man-made
activities has exerted an
adverse effect on the natural
environment. The major
environment issues in the
Mulavukad Grama LEGEND
Waste dumping on
panchayath is the depletion of
paddy lands, water logging
ground
Waste dumping on ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY
canals
and waste dumping in canal Blocked canals
and vacant lands. Air and
noise pollution is not a serious
matter in the case of
Mulavukad grama
panchayath.

IDENTIFIED AREAS
Waste dumped on ground –
3,4,5,6,7,9,13,15.
Many areas Identified to the
north of Mulavukad
Island.
Waste dumped along canals –
3,4,6,14 and 16.
Blocked canals – 9
ACTIVITIES LEADING TO ENVIRONMENTAL
The whole stretch of CONCERNS
backwaters in ward 12 is
dumped with waste. WASTE SEGREGATION

SOURCE: PRIMARY SURVEY

29%
EFFECTS OF WASTE DUMPING ON THE ENVIRONMENT
Economy – Plants and wildlife – 71%
Unwanted economy expenditure now required • animals consume waste from illegal dump sites
to clear up the wastes dumped. and can cause health complications and even
death.
Atmospheric pollution -
• The toxins from waste can leach into the
Wastes that do not rot or decay will smell badly
surrounding environment, killing plants and
and also generate methane gas which is
destroying the food source of local animals. SEGREGATED NOT SEGREGATED
explosive and generate greenhouse effect.
Runoff – Aesthetics – SOURCE: PRIMARY SURVEY
• impedes the natural runoff of water during • horrible eyesore in an otherwise beautiful
heavy rain or storms resulting in water logging place. This can reduce tourism and therefore Majority of the households do not segregate
and flash floods. reduce community revenue. waste and discharge into nearby stream or canal.
• Dumped trash when caught up in the runoff, • Water bodies are refreshing sights and waste Waste segregation is not much practised in
flows into water bodies and can cause the dumping along it restricts access as well as the wards1,5,7,13,14,15,16(Vallarpadam island )
contamination of drinking water supplies, lakes, aesthetics of the resource is lost.
and rivers

EFFECTIVE SEGREGATION OF WASTES:

Ward 15
• Less waste goes to landfill which makes it cheaper and better for people and the environment.
• In particular hazardous wastes can cause long term health problems so it is very important that they
are disposed of correctly and safely and not mixed in with the normal waste coming out of your
home or office.
• Recycle facility easier and can be used for generating economy as well.
• Segregated waste is also often cheaper to dispose of because it does not require as much manual
or mechanical sorting as mixed waste.

LACK OF TREATMENT OF DRAINAGE SYSTEM:

When the grey water comes in contact with the soil, the latter can absorb the fats and lipids the Ward 13
water contains. When it does, the soil becomes more resistant to water, preventing water from
penetrating it hence leading to water logging. Other organic matter in grey water may also have the
same effect and cause water pollution.

Ward 12
 WATER LOGGING
Waterlogging is caused by
WATER LOGGING AND 54
a combination of excess FLOOD AFFECTED AREAS
rainfall (for the site), poor
external drainage (runoff),
poor internal drainage
(water movement in the soil
profile) and the inability of
the soil to store much
water. The overall drainage
system in the Panchayath
LEGEND
has not been developed
and maintained properly.
Due to rapid increasing
Water body
Water logged
ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY
area
development these natural
Flood affected
drainage, canals and other area
water bodies are gradually
being converted into waste
dumping areas and are
blocked.
IDENTIFIED AREAS
Wards – 3,6,16,15,14
Waterlogged soils release
increased amounts of nitrous
oxide (N2O), a particularly
damaging greenhouse gas.
Drainage improvement in
many wards is the first thing
to consider in the identified
areas.
FLOOD AFFECTED WARDS
STORMWATER DRAINAGE IN PLOTS
40 37
35
30% No of houses
30
70% 25
20 18
15
10 9
7 7
5 5 4 4
PRESENT NOT PRESENT 5 3 2
1 1
SOURCE: PRIMARY SURVEY 0
SOURCE: PRIMARY SURVEY
70% of the houses does not have the facility of drainage in own
plots thus leading to health issues and pollution of water body. FLOOD AFFECTED AREAS
Lack of drainage also leads to severity water logging of the
panchayath. 11% SOURCE: PRIMARY SURVEY

FLOOD 2018 • Wetlands provide immense water storage

89% benefits while slowing release of water to
Mulavukad Panchayath was not much affected during the flood
reduce the height of floods.
2018 due to the presence of water bodies in the Panchayath. Low
• Majority of the houses in the Panchayath were
lying coastal areas of Mulavukad islands were affected. 103
not affected during the flood.
houses were flood affected in the panchayath. Ward 2 was
• Ward 2 and 6 were seen to flood in particular
affected mostly as it is located in the low lying coastal area and AFFECTED NOT AFFECTED locations.
50% of the ward covers submerged land.

STRENGTH WEAKNESS
• Mulavukad - rich in natural environmental resources due to the major • The major environmental concern is lack of awareness about the waste
distribution of wetlands in the area. disposal and CRZ regulations.
• The presence of wetlands also provides natural method of purification of • Better literacy rate among the inhabitants lead to occupational shift from
water resource. traditional pokkali farming which lead to lack of stability in economy
• Wetlands help to fight against urban flooding and other natural hazards. generation from this sector which lead to decline of pokkali farms.
• The presence of backwaters also makes it an environmentally aesthetic • Water logging is another major issue due to the poor maintenance of
place for the people natural drainage and canals.

OPPORTUNITY CHALLENGE
• Wetlands plays major role in reducing flood in the panchayath even • Waste dumping is a severe issue because :
though it is a low lying land. The individual land holdings of the people are less.
• These people can enjoy ecosystem services provided by coast lines. The housing pattern are very clustered.This indicates the lack of land
• Wetlands are rich in biodiversity availability by individuals to dispose waste. The panchayat has to take the
responsibility to effectively manage all kinds of waste.
• CRZ violations in wards 1,16 and 14 of Vallarpadam island.