Oxbow lake at Kanichanthura chokes again with water hyacinth and algae

Kadukutty: Life remains stagnant at the rare Oxbow Lake in Kanichanthura near Vynthala, as water hyacinth and algae overrun the water body despite cleaning efforts earlier this year.

The lake was cleaned of algae and silt in March at a cost of ₹10 lakh, but within months, water hyacinth and other aquatic plants have reclaimed the water body. At the time, local residents had raised concerns that they were neither informed about the cleaning works nor included in any monitoring process.

The Oxbow Lake, hidden within the Chalakkudy River, attracts thousands of visitors, including researchers and environmental activists. The unique formation, where the river curves in the shape of an ox’s bow, has earned fame as a rare natural phenomenon. In India, oxbow lakes have otherwise been identified only in the Himalayan regions.

An oxbow lake is formed when a river deviates from its natural course. At Vynthala, the Chalakkudy River, which generally flows west, makes a short eastward deviation, giving rise to the lake at this location. Spanning 20 acres, the lake serves as a haven for numerous microorganisms. It is rich in biodiversity and hosts an array of rare fish species, many of which are facing extinction.

Officials from the geology department explained that the oxbow lake was formed due to the river’s natural course change. Two years ago, officials from the Central Government visited the site to assess its ecological significance. There is now a growing demand for increased funding, scientific study, and ecosystem revival measures, with experts overseeing restoration efforts.