**Summary:**
In response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 4109, addressed on August 18, 2025, regarding conservation and restoration measures for Vembanad Lake, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change provides the following information:
Under the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Ecosystems (NPCA) scheme, a Management Action Plan (MAP) for the Vembanad-Kol Wetland Complex was sanctioned in the financial year 2017-18, with an allocation of Rs. 140.75 lakhs. As of the date of the response, the State Government of Kerala has reported expenditures of Rs. 114.77 lakhs for activities under the approved MAP, with the project implementation reported to be in its final stage.
Furthermore, the State Government of Kerala, in consultation with local self-governments, Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), Community-Based Organisations (CBOs), and scientific institutions, has prepared an Integrated Management Plan (IMP) for the Vembanad-Kol Wetland Complex for the next five years, adhering to NPCA guidelines. The IMP is currently pending approval by the State Wetlands Authority before being considered by the Ministry.
Key Entities Referenced
Vembanad Lake: A lake in Kerala, India, that is the subject of conservation and restoration efforts.
Kerala: A state in India receiving financial/technical assistance for Vembanad Lake conservation.
National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic EcoSystems (NPCA): A central scheme under which Vembanad Lake conservation projects are funded.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change: The Indian government ministry responsible for environmental policies and schemes like NPCA.
Vembanad Kol Wetland Complex: A wetland complex including Vembanad Lake, subject to a Management Action Plan (MAP).
Kirti Vardhan Singh: Minister of State in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Integrated Management Plan (IMP): A five-year plan prepared for the Vembanad Kol Wetland Complex as per NPCA guidelines.
State Wetlands Authority: The state authority responsible for approving the Integrated Management Plan (IMP) before it is considered by the Ministry.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4109
TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.08.2025
Conservation and Restoration Measures for Vembanad Lake
4109. ADV K. FRANCIS GEORGE:
Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to
state:
(a) whether the Government has extended any financial or technical assistance to Kerala
for conservation and restoration of Vembanad Lake under the National Plan for
Conservation of Aquatic Eco-Systems (NPCA) or any other central scheme;
(b) if so, the details of projects sanctioned, funds allocated and their current implementation
status; and
(c) whether the Government proposes to formulate a comprehensive rejuvenation action
plan for Vembanad Lake in collaboration with the State Government of Kerala, local
bodies and scientific institutions to restore its ecosystem, health, and protect the
livelihoods of dependent communities?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND
CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)
(a) & (b) Under the National Plan for Conservation of Aquatic Eco-Systems (NPCA) scheme,
a Management Action Plan (MAP) for the conservation and management of the Vembanad-
Kol Wetland Complex was sanctioned during the financial year 2017-18 for an amount of Rs.
140.75 lakhs. As per the information received from the State Government of Kerala, a total of
Rs. 114.77 lakhs has been spent till date for various activities under the approved MAP of
Vembanad-Kol and the implementation of the project is in the final stage.
(c) As per the information received from the State Government of Kerala, the Integrated
Management Plan (IMP) for the Vembanad-Kol Wetland Complex has been prepared for the
next five years as per the NPCA guidelines in consultation with local self-governments, Non-
Government Organisations (NGOs), Community Based Organisations (CBOs) & scientific
institutions. As per the procedure laid down, the IMP has to be approved by the State Wetlands
Authority first before its consideration in the Ministry.
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