ASHTAMUDI LAKE: UPSC Important Topic: 3 December 2022

ASHTAMUDI LAKE:

◇ Ashtamudi Lake or Ashtamudi Kayal , is in the Kollam District of Kerala.

◇ It possesses a unique wetland ecosystem and a large palm-shaped water body.

◇ Ashtamudi means ‘eight braids’ in the local Malayalam language.

◇ The name is indicative of the lake’s topography with its multiple branches.

◇ The lake is also called the gateway to the backwaters of Kerala and is well known for its houseboat and backwater resorts.

◇ Ashtamudi Wetland was included in the list of wetlands of international importance, as defined by the Ramsar Convention for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands.