Sasthamcotta Lake

Key notes

  • Sasthamcotta Lake is located in Kollam district, Kerala.
  • It is the largest freshwater lake in Kerala.
  • It is a Ramsar Site.
  • The lake is an important source of drinking water for Kollam.

  • It supports:

    • Wetland biodiversity.
    • Fish.
    • Aquatic plants.
    • Migratory and resident birds.
  • It is named after the Sastha temple located nearby.

  • Threats include:

    • Encroachment.
    • Pollution.
    • Reduced inflow.
    • Invasive species.
    • Climate variability.
  • It is different from Vembanad Lake, which is a large brackish backwater system.