Blog

The Council was created by HELP Foundation is based on its extensive study conducted and published as a paper on 27-October 2011. Further to it based on the research paper, a resolution was obtained by HELP Foundation from Mayyanad Gramapanchayat Committee endorsing the remedial steps proposed and the go ahead to implement them dated 15-November 2011. The objects are as depicted below.

1. Evolving a management plan for sustainable management of the estuary and for the full ecosystem development (restoration) of Paravoor Lake and Ithikkara River.
2. Nurture and facilitate the shores of the lake and the banks of Ithikkara River to bring back the important species of rare birds, animals & aquatic wealth.
3. Ensure that the natural estuary at Lakshmipuram Thoppu, Mayyanad and its sustainable management is dictated purely by nature.
4. Ensure that the natural systems which are resilient in nature are allowed to recover, so that the water bodies can perform vital ecological functions, whatever the modifications or truncations and support a substantial amount of biodiversity.
5. Ensure Native vegetation thrives so as to binds the soil together and prevents erosion.
6. Ensure Restoration of the modified flow system which will help tremendously in providing habitat for the native species.
7. Assist in reviving habitats for the endangered mammals which once thrived in the region.
8. Ensure Biological diversity which upholds the very survival of humans on earth, and is the basis for development and peace.
9. Prevent further exploitation of natural resources and biodiversity of Paravur Lake ecosystem and Ithikkara River.
10. Assist on an urgent basis to restore Paravoor Lake and its environs to former glory.
11. Protect the Ithikkara River from banks and its unique ecosystem and assist in recovering its lost glory.
12. Opening of the natural estuary at its original location where the mouth of Itthikkara River meets the Mukkam coast at Lakshmipuram Thoppu, Mayyanad
13. Removal of clogged sand at the mouth of the spillway
14. Partial or complete closure of the spillway
15. Dredging of vast stretches of sand islands in the middle of the lake
16. Encourage Non mechanized Sand Mining at village level, away from the banks of the lake for removing sand deposit from the lake and the sea and completely stop the mechanized illicit sand mining process
17. Assist in address the declining fish stock production through concerted efforts to conserve the fish stock in a sustainable manner and with indigenous community participation
18. Promote ecotourism with better facilities of inland navigation and services in the form of indigenous boats without affecting or polluting the water bodies in anyway.
19.  Developing of marine bio-reserve or fish habitat cum sanctuary and entrust ownership of the same to the indigenous fishing community to bring back the lost species and nurture the lakes health back to normal.
20. Improved shore protection through mangrove Afforestation for ecosystem development on the banks of the estuary
21. Revive mangrove forests all along the banks of the Paravoor Lake and Ithikkara river
22. Identify and phase out the pollution sources at Ithikkara River.
23. Start actions to revive and sustain the otter population.
24. Represent the cause of Paravur Lake & Itthikkara River with the elected bodies and the authorities.
25. Urge on the authorities to Built a bridge over the estuary at the natural spot where originally was so that the coastal highway can be restored once for all
26. Obtain authority from appropriate Government or other bodies to act as a nodal agency for the development and up keep of the river, lake spill ways and it’s banks
27. To undertake research and development projects in Environment & Ecosystem protection for Paravur Lake and Ithikkara River.
28. To indicate areas in which earth science and water bodies’ research is to be promoted and adopt special measures for development of research in neglected or new areas.
29. To form the necessary chapters, workgroups, subject associations, research Councils and Chairs for the functioning and expansion of the Council.
30. To co-ordinate research activities and encourage programmes for interdisciplinary research.
31. To organize, sponsor and finance seminars, workshops, conferences, symposiums and study groups.
32. To undertake publication and assist publication of journals, compilations and books related to Paravur Lake and Ithikkara River.
33. To undertake extension activities in social science and environment for sustainable development.
34. To associate with State, National, International agencies (both government and non government) for the accomplishment of common goals.
35. To undertake research and development projects sponsored by industries/establishments in the public/private sector and others and in consonance with social causes.
36. To conduct research and development directed towards continuous improvement of indigenous technology and adaptation and development of imported technology.
37. To conduct research and development of new technologies relevant to the areas social, economic and industrial needs in keeping with the objective of self-sustenance.
38. To support and promote the purposes, principles and programmes of the Human Empowerment & Livelihood Promotion Foundation.
39. To engage in research on social science, economic and entrepreneurial activities aimed at improving the conditions and general welfare of the people along the water bodies, fishermen, farmers and other dwelling people without respect of race, community, caste or creed.
40. To maintain an extensive library for standard reference material and technical advisory services like information, extension, consultancy and testing with respect to Paravur Lake and Ithikkara River.
41. To establish and award research fellowship and financing of specific research programmes with respect to Paravur Lake and Ithikkara River.
42. To utilize the results of the researches conducted under the auspices of the Council towards the socio-economic & environmental development of vulnerable communities along Paravur Lake and Ithikkara River.
43. To promote the collection and dissemination of information in regard of Paravur Lake and Ithikkara River not only related to research and development but also of general nature.
44. To purchase, take on lease, accept as a gift or otherwise acquire, any land or building wherever situated in India which may be necessary or convenient for the Council.
45. To construct or alter any building which may be necessary for the Council.
46. To appoint, or employ, temporarily or permanently, any person and persons and to pay them, or other persons, for services rendered to the Council such salaries, wages, gratuities, provident funds and pensions, and to introduce and implement welfare schemes, including, but not limited to, superannuation or housing schemes, for the benefit of such persons, as the Council may in this behalf determine.
47. To do all other such things as the Council may consider necessary incidental or conducive to the attainment of the above subjects.
48. To engage and to remove directors, managers, project managers, specialists, assistants, clerks, secretaries, accountants, workmen, servants and others and to pay them salaries, wages & other related expenses.
49. To have perpetual succession by its corporate name.
50. To take or to receive any gift, whether money or property, movable or immovable, or donations in the form of debentures, stocks, shares or securities in any company or society, whether incorporated or not, or whether by gifts of a person living or by legacy, bequest, will or foundation and whether subject to any special trust or not for any one or more of the  subjects of the Council or for works connected therewith; and to accept the office of and to act as managers or administrators, whether solely or jointly with others or another for or in respect of any property, whether vested in the Administrative Committees of the Council or otherwise and whether subject to any trust and not withstanding that the carrying out of such trusts management and administration would involve the exercise by the Council of powers not specifically mentioned in these presents; and moreover, to take such steps for the securing of such contributions to the funds of the Council as may from time to time be deemed expedient.
51. To lay aside deposit in banks or otherwise deal with the money or funds of the Council not immediately required for the objects of the Council and to subscribe for, purchase, acquire, hold, sell, endorse, negotiate in every way, debentures, stocks, shares and securities of every descriptions on the money market.
52. To negotiate with and to enter into arrangements with any Government or authority whether supreme, State, District, Municipal, University or other public or private body as may seem conducive to the promotion or accomplishment of the objects of the Council or any of them; and to apply for obtain, collect, receive or recover from any such Government authority or body such grants, allowances, rights, concessions and privileges as may seem from time to time desirable and to carry out exercise, comply with and utilize the same.
53. To do any or all such acts or things as shall be conducive to the social, economic, cultural, moral, ethical, civil, patriotic or physical welfare of the people of India: provided such things or acts be not contrary to, nor inconsistent with the spirit and principles of the laws under which this Council has been organized and registered.

Paravur Lake and Ithikkara River Council Report

• Started to work with HELP Foundation since the beginning of the 2013
• 19th-Apr-2013 : Paravur Lake and Ithikkara River Protection Council formed and registered .
• Monthly research and discussion oriented meetings at HELP Foundation premises has been the hallmark of the working approach.
• Facilitated the visit of Major Irrigation Department, Kollam, along with Mayyanad Panchayat and HELP Foundation.
• Worked with HELP Foundation and Major Irrigation Department, Kollam to document a solution for the estuary issue to be documented.
• Decided to rope in NGO, s and Civil Society to drive the Campaign of protection and conservation of the two water bodies.
• Membership campaign strategy has been finalized.
• Launched the Membership Drive to help sustain the peoples campaign needed to achieve the goals of the society.
• Working to seek support from the Panchayat/NGO,s and Civil Society in protecting the water bodies.