Comprehensive recommendations prepared by the Future Kerala Mission of Jain (Deemed to be) University, Kochi, to address the growing water hyacinth menace in Kerala’s water bodies have been submitted to both ruling and opposition leaders in the state. The report was handed over to Minister P. Rajeev, Legislative Assembly Speaker A.N. Shamseer, Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan, and AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal MP during the Summit of Future, organized by Jain University. The leaders were urged to consider incorporating the recommendations into their respective party manifestos ahead of the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections.
The recommendations were prepared based on deliberations at the International Conference on Water Hyacinth Menace (HyaCon 1.0), held from January 8 to 10 with the participation of national and international experts. Ahead of the Summit of Future, Future Kerala Mission Chairman Venu Rajamony and Chief Facilitator Dr. Tom Joseph had held discussions on the report with both ruling and opposition leaders in the state. Subsequently, the report was formally presented to LDF and UDF leaders attending the second edition of the Summit of Future in Kochi.
Venu Rajamony said that the Future Kerala Mission aims not only to identify solutions to the water hyacinth menace in Kerala but also to work closely with governments to ensure effective implementation. Chief Facilitator Dr. Tom Joseph said that the Future Kerala Mission represents the progress report of the first edition of the Summit of Future, and that its work has reached a crucial phase with the second edition.
The report recommends that Kerala formulate a dedicated state policy and action plan to address the water hyacinth menace, with the State Wetland Authority Kerala (SWAK) designated as the nodal agency. It calls for prioritizing water hyacinth removal as part of conservation projects in the Vembanad–Kol wetlands, Vellayani Lake, and the Veli–Akkulam lake system.
Highlighting the severe infestation in regions such as Kuttanad, the report stresses the need for coordinated action involving district administrations and multiple agencies. It also proposes pilot projects in Alappuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam districts, leveraging successful community-based models in collaboration with Kudumbashree, Haritha Kerala Mission and Local Self-Government Institutions. Emphasis has also been placed on value-addition projects using water hyacinth.
The report underlines that scientific and systematic management of water hyacinth is essential for protecting Kerala’s water bodies, safeguarding livelihoods and ensuring public health.
