Ecostat

GOVERNMENT OF KERALA	 	 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 	
CCC	OOO	MMM	PPP	EEE	NNN	DDD	III	UUU	MMM	   OOO	FFF	      	
EEE	NNN	VVV	III	RRR	OOO	NNN	MMM	EEE	NNN	TTT	   SSS	TTT	AAA	TTT	III	SSS	TTT	III	CCC	SSS	   	
 	
KERALA 201	5	-1	6	 	
 
 
 	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 	
DEPARTMENT OF ECONOM	ICS & STATISTICS	 	
GOVERNMENT OF KERALA 	– 695033

PP	  RR	  EE	  FF	  AA	  CC	  EE	 	
Environment  statistics  aggregate,  synthesize  and  structure  env	ironmental  and  other 	
data according to statistical methods, standards and procedures. It is the role of environment 
statistics to process environmental data into meaningful statistics that describe the state and 
trends of the environment and the main proce	sses affecting them. Not all environmental data 	
are used in the production of environment statistics. The Framework for the Development of 
Environment Statistics (FDES) provides a framework that marks out environmental data that 
fall  within  its  scope  and  t	hen  structures,  synthesizes  and  aggregates  them  into  meaningful 	
statistics.	 Environment  statistics  support  evidence  based  policy  making  by  enabling  the 	
identification of environmental policy issues and the objective quantification of measures and 
impacts  o	f  policy  initiatives.  They  strengthen  assessments  through  quantitative  metrics, 	
making analyses more robust through the use of timely and comparable data. 	 	
 
Objective  of  Environment  S	tatistics  is  to  provide  information  about  the  environment, 	
its most impor	tant changes over 	the 	time and across 	the 	locations, and the main factors that 	
influence  them.  Ultimately,  environment  statistics  aim  at  providing  high  quality  statistical 
information to improve knowledge of the environment, to support evidence	-based polic	y and 	
decision  making,  and  to  provide  information  for  the  general  public,  as  well  as  for  specific 
user  groups.  Environment  statistics  are  multidisciplinary  and  cross	-cutting,  involving 	
numerous sources and stakeholders 	 	
  	As  an  endeavor  to  know  our  environ	ment,  the  Department  of  Economics  and 	
Statistics, Government of Kerala, has been bringing out the publication. This publication has 
been categorized into different chapters so as to make it easy for reference.	 The Department 	
would  like  to  express  gratitude	 to  all  concerned  for  their  co	-operation  and  assistance  in 	
providing the required data.	 	
 	
This  publication  is  an  effort	 of  I  &  ES  Wing  in  the  Publication  Division 	under  the 	
leadership  of  Sri.  P.	V.  Babu, 	Addl.  Director 	(General)	 comments  and  suggestions  towa	rds 	
improving future reports would be greatly appreciated.	 	
 	
Suggestions,  if  any,  to  improve  the  quality,  contents  and  presentation  of  this 	
publication are most welcome.	 	
 	
 	
Thiruvananthapuram,	  	 	 	 	 	 	    	V. RAMACHANDRAN	 	
11/12/2019	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	                    	  DIRECTOR

CC	  OO	  NN	  TT	  EE	  NN	  TT	  SS	  	
 
 	
Unit 
No.	 	Unit	 	Page	 	
II  	EENN	VVIIRROO	NN	MM	EENN	TT  &&	  EENN	VVIIRROO	NN	MM	EENN	TT  DDEEGG	RRAADDAATTIIOO	NN	  	1 	
IIII  	DDEEVVEELLOO	PPMM	EENN	TT  OO	FF  EENN	VVIIRROO	NN	MM	EENN	TT  SSTTAATTIISSTTIICCSS  	
IINN	  KK	EERRAALLAA  	9 	
IIIIII  	BBIIOO	--DDIIVVEERRSSIITTYY  OO	FF  KK	EERRAALLAA    	20	 	
IIVV  	AATTMM	OO	SSPPHH	EERREE  	56	 	
VV  	LLAANN	DD  AANN	DD  SSOO	IILL  	90	 	
VVII  	WW	AATTEERR  	11	6 	
VVIIII  	HH	UU	MM	AANN	  SSEETTTTLLEEMM	EENN	TTSS  	14	6

C O N T E N TS	 	 	
TABLE 
NO.	 	DESCRIPTIVE I	TEM	S 	PAGE 
NO	 	
CHAPTER I 	- ENVIRONMENT AND ENVI	RONMENT DEGRADATION	 	1 	
1.1	 	Some Impacts of Development Activities o	n Environment	 	4 	
1.2	 	Local, Regional and Global Effects of Pollution	 	5 	
1.3	 	Some Major Pollutants and their Sources	 	5 	
1.4	 	Air Pollution Sources	 	6 	
1.5	 	Water Born Disease and their Causative Factors	 	7 	
1.6	 	Pollutants and their related Health Hazards	 	8 	
CHA	PTER II 	- DEVELOPMENT OF ENVIR	ONMENT STATISTICS IN	 KERALA	 	9 	
CHAPTER III 	– BIO	-DIVERSITY OF KERALA	 	20	 	
3.1 	Flora Statistics : Kerala 	 	21 	
3.2	 	Endemic Species	 	22 	
3.3 	Protected Areas	 	23 	
3.4 	Species in major group of plants 	– India & Kerala	 	26 	
3.5	 	Faunal w	ealth of Kerala	 	27 	
3.6	 	Fauna Endemic to Western Ghat’s found in Kerala	 	28 	
3.7 	 Vertebrate	 Diversity 	of Kerala	 	28	 	
3.8 	Endangered Forest Species in Kerala	 	38	 	
3.9 	District wise Forest Area 201	5-16 	41	 	
3.10	 	Di	vision wise Forest Area of forest 	215	-16	 	43 	
3.11 	Cl	assification of Forest Types 2015	-16	 	45 	
3.1	2 	Classification of forest area according to utilization 	2015	-16	 	45 	
3.1	3 	District wise Ecologically Fragile Land Area	 	45 	
3.1	4 	District wise Forest Cover in Kerala 	2015	-16	 	46

3.1	5 	Division wise area	 of Pla	ntation 	( species wise ) 	2015	-16	 	47	 	
3.1	6 	Species	 wise 	distribution of Plantation area	 	48	 	
3.1	7 	Out turn of Major Forest Produce 2015	-16	 	49	 	
3.1	8 	Procurement of Minor Forest Produce 	 	50	 	
3.19	 	Biosphere reserves in Kerala	 	52 	
3.20	 	List of Wildlife Sanctuari	es,National Parks, Community Reserves	 	53 	
3.21	 	District Wise Mangrove Area cover in Sqkm	 	55 	
3.22	 	District wise fish production in Kerala 2015	-16	 	55 	
CHAPTER I	V – ATMOSPHERE	 	56	 	
4.1	 	Air Pollution Monito65ring Cities in Kerala 2015	-16	 	57	 	
4.2	 	Rainfall Distr	ibution of Kerala for the year 2015	-16	 	61	 	
4.3	 	District wise Anuual Average Rainfall 2015	-16	 	62	 	
4.4	 	Air Quality in Important Cities in Kerala	 	66 	
4.5	 	Ambient Air Quality Data 2015	-16 Annual Average	 	66	 	
4.6	 	Ambient Air Quality Standards in Respect of Noise	 	68	 	
4.7	 	Effects of Noise Pollution in Human Health	 	69	 	
4.8	 	Major Indicators showing operational efficiency of KSRTC	 	69	 	
4.9	 	Newly registered Motor Vehicles in Kerala 2015	-16	 	70 	
4.10	 	Valid registered Motor vehicles during 2015	-16	 	71 	
4.11	 	Details of regis	tered Transport 	vehicles in Kerala  2015	-16	 	72 	
4.12	 	Complying Status of grossly popputing industries	 	73 	
4.13	 	Cumulative achievement of Bio Gas Plant in Kerala 	 	81	 	
4.14	 	Energy source 	 2011	-12 to 2015	-16 	 	81 	
4.15	 	Total  Installed Capacity (MW )	82 	
4.16	 	Transmission Infrastructures 2015	-16	 	82 	
4.17	 	Details of Power availability (MU) 2015	-16	 	83 	
4.18	 	Pattern of Power consumption and revenue collected duting 2015	-16	 	84 	
4.19	 	Generating Capacity, Maximum Demand and Load Factor	 	85 	
4.20	 	Details of Indian stand	ards for maximum permissible limits for industrial effluent  	
charges	 	86

4.21	 	Average gaseous composition of dry air in the Troposphere	 	87 	
4.22	 	Summary of Health Effects of Basic Air Pollutant	 	88	 	
CHAPTER V 	- LAND AND SOIL	 	90	 	
5.1	 	State Level estimate of 	Gross cropped Area, Net Cropped Area and Cropping 	
Intensity 2001	-02 to 2015	-16	 	90	 	
5.2	 	Classification of Area on the Basis of Land Utilization 2015	-16	 	91 	
5.3 	Net Area Irrigated Source wise 2015	-16	 	93 	
5.4 	Gross Area under Irrigation (Crop wise ) 2015	-16	 	94 	
5.5 	Area under Dry Land Paddy 2015	-16	 	95 	
5.6 	Area and production of Important Crops in Kerala 2015	-16	 	96 	
5.7 	Area, Production, Productivity  of Plantation Crops 2013	-14 to 2015	-16	 	97	 	
5.8 	Consumption of Fertilizers /Ha. of Gross Cropped Area  2002	-03 	to 2015	-16	 	98	 	
5.9 	Soil Types in Kerala 	- District wise	 	99	 	
5.10	 	Production and Royalty of Minerals 	– 2015	-16	 	102	 	
5.1	1 	Heavy Mineral Deposits in Kerala               	 	10	4 	
5.12	 	Graphite deposits in Kerala  2015	-16	 	107	 	
CHAPTER VI 	- WATER	 	116	 	
6.1	 	Primary 	Water Quality Criteria for bathing water	 	118	 	
6.2	 	Water Quality Criteria 	2015	-16	 	119	 	
6.3	 	Storage levels in Reservoirs	 	120	 	
6.4	 	Name of Reservoirs	 2015	-16	 	12	0 	
6.5	 	Biological Water Quality Criteria 	2015	-16	 	12	3 	
6.6	 	Navigable Waterways in Kerala 	2015	-16	 	124	 	
6.7 	District wise Brackish Water Area in Kerala 	2015	-16	 	125	 	
6.8 	Fresh Water Lakes in Kerala 	2015	-16	 	126	 	
6.9	 	Backwaters in Kerala	 	126	 	
6.10	 	District wise Population covered by Water Supply Schemes of KWA 2015	-16	 	129	 	
6.11	 	District wise Category wise num	ber of Water Supply Schemes 2015	-16	 	130	 	
6.12	 	District wise number Water Supply connections and street taps 2015	-16	 	13	1

6.1	3 	Minimum and Maximum observed values of Water Quality Parameters at PW D 
sites and River Stations	 	133	 	
6.14	 	District wise Distributi	on of Coast Line of Kerala	 	139	 	
6.15	 	District wise Distribution of Fishermen Population in Kerala 2015	-16 	
(Estimated)	 	140	 	
6.16	 	District wise details of Fish Production (in tones)	 	14	1 	
6.17	 	Physical Achievements under Ground Water Development Schemes	 	14	3 	
6.18	 	Ground Water Resources of Kerala (as on 2011)	14	4 	
6.19	 	Ground Water Monitoring Wells in Kerala 2015	-16	 	14	5 	
CHAPTER VII 	- HUMAN SETTLEMENTS	 	146	 	
7.1	 	Population of Kerala	 	15	0 	
7.2	 	District wise Sex	-ratio from 1901	-2011	 	15	1 	
7.3	 	Density of Population b	y residence 2001	-2011	 	15	2 	
7.4	 	Population Rural and Urban break	-up 	– 2011 Census	 	15	3 	
7.5	 	District	-wise Population in 5 yrs age group	 	15	4 	
7.6	 	District	-wise Population in 5 yrs age group	 	155	 	
7.7	 	District	-wise Population in 5 yrs age group	 	156	 	
7.8	 	Distric	t-wise Population in 5 yrs age group	 	157	 	
7.9	 	District	-wise Population in 5 yrs age group	 	158	 	
7.10	 	Age wise, Sex wise Population 2011 nad Mid year 2014	 	159	 	
7.11	 	Age Wise, Sex Wise Population  2011&Mid Year  2016	 	16	0

Environment	  Statistics	 	
 
 
 	
 
 
nv	ironment 	Statistics  describe  the  qualitative  and  quantitative  aspects  of  the 	
state of the environment and it’s Interaction with human activities and natural events 
by  integrating  data  from  a  multitude  of  different  subject  areas  and  sources. 
Environment  sta	tistics  is  an  emerging  statistical  field  in  official  statisti	cs  in  most 	
countries and it is i	ndispensable for evidence based policies and decision making to 	
support sustainable development. 	 	
 
The  Environmental  Impact  Assessment  (EIA)  experience  in  India  in	dicates 	
that  the	 lack  of  timely  availability  of  reliable  and  authentic  environmental  data  has 	
been  a  major  bottle  neck  in  achieving  the  full  benefits  of  EIA.  The  environments 
being a multi	-disciplinary subject, a multitude of agencies are involved in colle	ction of 	
environmental  data.  However,  no  single  organization  in  India  tracks  available  data 
from  these  agencies  and  makes  it  available  in  one  place  in  a  form  required  by 
environmental  impact  assessment  practitioners.  Further,  environmental  data  is  not 
avai	lable in enhanced forms that improve the quality of the EIA. This makes it harder 	
and  more  time	-consuming  to  generate  environmental  impact  assessments  and 	
receive  timely  environmental  clearances  from  regulators.  With  this  background,  the 
Environmental Info	rmation Centre (EIC) has been set up to serve as a professionally 	
managed  clearing  house  of  environmental  information  that  can  be  used  by  MoEF, 
project  proponents,  consultants,  NGOs  and  other  stakeholders  involved  in  the 
process  of  environmental  impact  ass	essment  in  India.  EIC  caters  to  the  need  of 	
creating  and  disseminating  of  organized  environmental  data  for  various 
developmental initiatives all over the country	.

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	1 	
 	
Chapter	 - I 	
Environment and Environment Degradation	 	
 
Introduction	 	
The  scope  of  Environment  Statistics  covers  e	nvironment  and  the  organism  are  two 	
dynamic  and  complex  component  of  nature	.  It	 also  support  to  produce  quality  statistical 	
information to  improve awareness of the environment issues give data support to planners 
and decision makers in this field	 and to provide information for the general public. Statistical 	
information  collected  and	 compiled  in  this  publication  is  based  on  the  statistical  methods, 	
standards  and  procedures  developed  by  UNSD’s  Frame  work  for  the  Development  of 
Environment Statistics (FDES). 	Environment statistics are environmental data that have been 	
structured,  synthe	sized  and  aggregated  according  to  statistical  methods,  standards  and 	
procedures. 	Environment  Statistics  Kerala  is  aimed  to  provide  statistical  information  about 	
the  environment  and  environmental  changes  over  time  in  different  locations  of  the  State. 
The  ro	le  of  environment  statistics  is  to  process  environmental  and  other  data  into 	
meaningful  statistics 	that  bring  light  on  the  status  and  trends  of  the  environment  and  its 	
impact. 	Environment	 regulates  the  life  of  the  organisms  including  human  beings  that 	
inte	racting  systems  of  physical,  biological  and  cultural  elements  which  are  interlinked  both 	
individually and collectively. 	 	
Environment  can  be  defined  as  the  physical  surrounding  of  human  being  of  whom 	
there is a part on which he/she is depended for their act	ivities like physiological functioning, 	
production  and  consumption.  The  physical  environment  stretches  from  air,  water  and  land 
to  natural  resources  like  energy  carriers,  soil  and  plants,  animals  and  ecosystems.  Human 
well	-being  depends  upon  the  living  and	 non	-living  elements  of  the  environment  and  the 	
goods  and  services  they  provide.  Human  need  the  environment  in  order  to  survive  and  for 
various  social,  cultural  and  economic  purposes.  The  human  sub	-system  uses  the 	
environment  for  habitat,  to  obtain  importa	nt  physical  resources  and  as  a 	recipient	 or  sink 	
for various residuals. Human societies and their production and consumption patterns affect 
the  environment  that  supports  them  and  other  life  forms  in  general.  The  deterioration  of 
the  environment  through  de	pletion  of  resources  such  as  air,  water  and  soil  the  destruction

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	2 	
 
of ecosystems and its impact. It is defined as any change or disturbance to the environment 
perceived to be undesirable.	 	
Environment Degradation	 	
It is a process through which the natural envi	ronment is compromised  in some way, 	
reducing biological diversity and the general health of the environment. This process can be 
entirely  natural  in  origin,  or  it  can  be  accelerated  or  caused  by  human  interventions.  When 
natural  habitats  are  disturbed  or  n	atural  resources  depleted,  the  environment  will  be 	
degraded.  Efforts  to  counteract  this  problem  including  environmental  protection  and 
environmental resource management 	air, water,  and soil  resources which are vulnerable to 	
depletion  through  overuse,  scarc	ity  of  natural  resources,  slow  down  the  sustainable 	
production activity and over consumption which directly affect the economic development. 	 	
Social factors:	 	
	 Population 	- Population impacts in the environment is basically due to the excessive use 	
of natura	l resources and unscientific disposal of large quantity of solid and liquid wastes 	
which resulted harmful environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity.	 	
	 Poverty 	- 	Environment  degradation  linked  with  poverty  mainly  due  to  pressure 	
extended  to  surroundi	ng  environment  for  daily  livelihood.  Continuous  exploitation  of 	
natural  resources  to  satisfy  the  livelihood  of  the  community  degraded  the  environment 
to  an  extend  which  no  longer  sustainable  and  lead  to  more  poverty  and  environmental 
related  problems  such 	as  deforestation,  poor  sanitation,  air  and  water  pollution, 	
drought	, famine	, etc.	  	
	 Urbanization 	- Deterioration of air and water quality, generation of waste, rural to urban 	
migration,  shortage  of  proper  sanitation  and  housing  facilities  together 	contribute  to 	
urban  poverty  and  environmental  degradation.	 Direct  loss  in  vegetation,  biomass  from 	
areas  with  high  probability  of  urban  expansion  contributes  about  5%  of  total  emission 
from tropical deforestation and land use change.	  	
	 Chemical  E	ffluents 	– Toxic  effluents  pose  threat  to  the  environment.  Petroleum 	
industries and chemical manufacturing industries create major waste products which are 
released  directly  into  nearby  streams  without  treatment,  creating  river  pollution  and

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	3 	
 	
causing  harm  not  only  aqu	atic  life  but  also  man  and  animals  who  use  the  water  for 	
drinking and bathing.	 	
Factors affecting Environment degradation:	 	
1. Destruction of natural  resources 	- Land salinization, Soil erosion and the loss of nutrients 	
are  the  major  result  of  agriculture 	development  and  farming  activities.  Unscientific 	
agricultural  practices,  over  exploitation  of  water  resources,  increased  rate  of  usage  of 
fertilizers  and  pesticides  and  expansion  of  non  agricultural  use  of  land  resulting  land 
degradation and depleting reso	urces.	 	
2. Water  pollution 	– Over  use  of  pesticides  and  fertilizers  and  unscientific  waste  disposals 	
are the major source of contamination of water bodies.	 	
3. Deforestation 	- 	Expansion  of  agriculture  land,  unplanned  expansion  of  cities, 	
industrialization, tourism	, etc contribute a lot for the shrinkage of forest area. 	 	
4. Air pollution	 	- Air  Pollution  creates  problems  of  acidification,  urban  air  quality 	
deterioration  and  chronic  health  problems.  Urban  air  quality  deterioration  is  one  of  the 
major concerns of present 	day urban life.

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	4 	
 	
Table:	 1.1 Some Impacts of Development Activities on Environment	 	
Development Activities	 	Major Impacts on Environment	 	
Forest clearing and land 
resettlements	 	
Climate change and resultant outcome of extinction 
of rare species of flora and 	fauna, creation of 	
condition for mosquito breeding leading to infectious 
diseases such as malaria, dengue etc.	 	
Shifting cultivation in upland 
agriculture	 	
Soil erosion in upland areas, soil fertility declines due 
to shorter cultivation cycle. 	 	
Agro industries 	 	
Environmental pollution through discharge of organic 
or hazardous waste to water bodies emission of 
gasses that affect air quality and produce toxic 
substances.	 	
Introduction of new varieties of 
cereals	 	
Reduction of genetic diversity of 	traditional 	
monoculture resulting in instability, danger of 
mutilation of local strains of fungus, bacteria or virus 
on new variety	 	
Use of pesticides	 	
Organism develops resistance and new control 
methods are needed (e.g. in malaria, widespread use 
of 	dieldrin as a prophylactic agent against pests of oil 	
palms made the problem worse), creation of complex 
and widespread environment problems. The 
pesticides used in agriculture sometimes go into food 
chain or in water bodies which may result in harmful 
hea	lth hazards.	 	
Timber extraction	 	Degrades land, erosion of surface soil, reduces 
production potential of future forests.	 	
Urbanisation and industrialization	 	
Concentration of population in urban centers makes 
huge demands on production in rural areas and put	 	
pressures on land, air and water pollution.	 	
Water resource projects, e.g. Dam, 
extensive irrigation	 	
Human settlement & resettlement, spread of 
waterborne diseases, reduction of fisheries, siltation, 
physical changes e.g. temperature, humidity.

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	5 	
 	
Table: 	1.2 Local, Regional and Global effects of Pollution	 	
Local Effects	 	Regional	 	Over Marine Water 	
and Continents	 	
Changes the climate 	
due to ozone 	
depletion and the 
greenhouse effect.	 	
 Heavy metals in 
air, soil, water 
and plants, eg. 
from industrial 
emissions	 	
  Discharges	 	
  Noise	 	
 Smell	 	
 Air pollutions	 	
 Urbanization	 	
 Eutrophication	 	
 
 Contaminants in 
the soil & water	 	
 	
 Landscape 
changes due to 
mining and 
agriculture	 	
 Eutrophication	 	
 	
  Acidification	 	
 	
 Environment 
Contamination 
due to 
Radioactivity	 	
 Climate Change	 	
 
 Ozone Depletion 	 	
Table: 1.3	 Some Major Pollutants and their Sources	 	
Pollutant	 	Source	 	
Carbon monoxide	 	Incomplete fuel combustion (e.g. two/four stroke engines)	
Sulphur dioxide	 	Emissions  by  vehicles  and  burning  of  sulph	ur  containing 	
fuel like coal in 	power plants	 	
Suspended particulate matter	 	Smoke from domestic, industrial and vehicular sources.	 	
Oxides of nitrogen	 	Fuel  combustion  of  motor  vehicles,  emission  from  power 
stations and industrial furnaces	 	
Volatile hydrocarbons	 	Partial  combustion  of 	carbonaceous  fuels  (two  stroke 	
engines, industrial processes, disposal of solid wastes).	 	
Oxidants and ozone	 	Emissions from motor vehicles, photochemical reactions of 
nitrogen oxides and reactive hydrocarbons	 	
Lead	 	Emissions from motor vehicles, Battery 	industries	 	
 
Pollutant is a substance that pollutes something, especially water or the atmosphere. It can 	
enter the 	environment	 naturally, such as from volcanic eruptions, or through human activities, such

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	6 	
 
as  burning  coal  and  gasoline.  Here,  we  are  giving  the list  of  Major  Pollutant,  their  sources  and  their 
effects on 	humans and 	environment for general awareness.	 	
 	
Table: 1.4 Air Pollution Sources	 	
 	
 
 
 
 	 	
   	
AAAIIIRRR   PPPOOO	LLLLLLUUUTTTIIIOOO	NNN   SSSOOO	UUURRRCCCEEESSS   	
Major	 Sources	 	
 	
Mobile 
Sources	 	
Natural	 	
Sources	 	
Chemical Plant	 	
Refineries	 	
Power Plants	 	
Paper Mills	 	
Metallurgical 	
Industry	 	
Cement Plants	 	
Stone Crushers	 	
Construction 
Activities	 	
Automobiles	 	
Railways	 	
Airways	 	
Natural	 Dust 	
Storm	 	
Volcanoes	 	
Sea Salt 
Dispersion

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	7 	
 
 	
Table : 1.5	 Water Born Disease and their Causative Factors	 	
Name of the Disease	 	Causative Organism	 	
1. Water	-borne diseases Bacterial	 	 	
  Typhoid	 	Salmonella typhi	 	
  Gastroenteritis	 	Vibrio 	cholerae	 	
  Paratyphoid	 	Slmondlla parayphi	 	
  Cholera	 	Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli	 	
  Bacterial dysentery	 	Variety of Escherichia coli	 	
 
Viral	 	 	
  Infectious hepatitis	 	Hepatitis	-A-virus	 	
  Pliomycetis	 	Polio	-virus	 	
  Diarrhea Diseases	 	Rota	-virus, Norwalk 	agent,	 	
  Other symptoms of enteric	  	
 Diseases	 	
 	
Other virus Echono	-virus, 	
Coxsackie 	– virus	 	
Protozoan	 	 	  Amoebic dysentery	 	Entamoebahystolitica	 	
 	 	2. Water	-washed diseases	 	 	  Scabies	 	Various skin fungus species	 	
  Trachoma	 	Trachoma infecting eyes	 	
  Bacillary dysentery	 	E. coli	 	
3. Water	-based diseases	 	 	  Schistosomiasis	 	Schistosoma sp.	 	
  Guinea worm	 	Guinea worm	 	
4.  Infection  through  water  related	  	
 insect vectors	 	 	
  Sleeping sickness	 	Trapanosoma through tsetse fly	 	
  Malaria	 	Plasmodium through 	Anaphelis	 	
5.  Infection  primarily  due  to  defective 	 	
 sanitation	 	 	
  Hookworm	 	Hook worm, Ascaris

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Table: 1.6 Pollutants and their related Health hazards	 	
 	
Pollutants	 	
 	
Health Effects	 	
 
Carbon  Monoxide  (from  gasoline 
cars, 2	-wheelers, 3	-wheelers)	
 Fatal in 	large doses	 	
 Aggravates heart disorders	 	
 Affects central nervous systems	 	
 Impairs oxygen carrying capacity of blood	 	
Nitrogen  Oxides  (from  diesel 
vehicles)	
 Irritation	 of respiratory tract	 	
 
Ozone	 	
 Eye, nose and throat irritation	 	
 Risk  asthmatics,  children  and 	those	  	
 involved heavy exercise	 	
 
Lead (from petrol vehicles)	
 Extremely toxic	 	
 Affects nervous system and blood	 	
 Can impairmental development of children	 	
 Cause hypertension	 	
Hydrocarbons  (Mainly  from  2	-	
wheelers and 3	-wheelers)	
 Drowsiness, eye irritation, 	coughing	 	
Benzene	 	 Carcinogenic	 	
 
Aldehydes	 	
 Irritation  of  eyes,  nose  and  throat, 	 	
sneezing,  coughing,  nausea,  breathing 	 	
difficulties	 	
 Carcinogenic in animals	 	
Polycyclic  Aromatic  Hydro  Carbons 
PAH (from diesel vehicles)	
 Carcinogenic

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Department of Economics & Statistics	 	9 	
 	
Chapter 	- II 	
Development of Environment	al	 Statistics in Kerala	 	
 
Introduction	 	
The  Development  of  Environment	al Statistics  is  a  flexible,  multi	-purpose  conceptual  and 	
statistical  framework  that  is  comprehensive  and  integrative  in  nature.  It  point	s out  the  scope  of 	
Environment 	Statistics  and  provides  an  organizing  structure  to  guide  the  collection  and  compilation 	
of 	environment	 statistics at the national level. It brings data from the various relevant subject areas 	
and  sources.  It  is  broad  and  holistic  in  nature,  cove	ring  the  issues  and  aspects  of  the  environment 	
that  are  relevant  for  policy 	formulation 	analysis  and  decision  making  by  applying  it  to  cross	-cutting 	
issues such as climate change. 	 	
Kerala  State  is 	having 	a  total  Area  of  38,863  Km	2,  population  of  more  than 	33  million	 and  a	 	
long  coast	al of  580  Km  with  a	n intricate  system  of  backwaters  along  the  coast.	 The  tropical  moist 	
forest is Western Ghat is 	highly	 undulating terrain and the tropical monsoon climate make the state 	
a  unique  geographical  and  environmental  e	ntity.	 The  people  have  a  high  level  of  literacy  and  are 	
generally conscious of healthcare practices, nutritional requirements and hygienic practices resulting 
in  high  l	ife	 expectancy,  low  population  growth  and  low  infant  mortality  rate.	 The  undesirable 	
con	sequences  of  the  development  measures  carried  out  without  proper  environmental 	
considerations have left their indubitable impacts on the environment in Kerala.	 	
Infrastructure and Environment Statistics Division	 	
 According  to  the  recommendation  of  the  19	th Conference  of  Central	 and	 State  Statistcical 	
Organisation  (COCSSO)  meeting	 it 	was	 decided  to  constitute  an  Infrastructure  and  Environment 	
Statistics  Division  in  this  Office.  Hence  I  &  ES  Division  came  to  effect  on  the  lines  of  Environment  
Statistics  guidel	ine  brought  out  by  Central  Statistical  Office,  Ministry  of  Statistics  and  Programme 	
Implementation,  Govt.  of  India.  So  far  5  reports  have  been  released  from  this  division  and 
Environment Statistics 2015	-16 is the Sixth publication from this division. The d	ata presented in this 	
report  are  collected  from  various  Agencies  and  Departments  working  for  the  protection  of 
environment or monitor the level of impart on environment. 	 	
Compendium  of 	Environment  Statistics	 Kerala	 is  an  annual  publication  of  this  division 	
covering  the  areas  of  Biodiversity,  Atmosphere,  Land  and  Soil,  Water  and  Human  Settlement  and 
related 	topics 	on the environment.

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Kerala State Pollution Control Board	 	
Kerala State Pollution Control Board has been c	onstituted on 12.9.1974  by the 	govt. 	
of  Kerala  for  prevention  and 	control  of 	water 	pollution.  It  was  the  first  State  Board 	
constituted  in  the  country  under  the  Water  Act  in  1984.  The  Kerala  State  Pollution  Control 
Board 	is 	entrusted  with  the  implementation	 of  the  Air  Act  also.	 Administrative  control  over 	
the  Board  is  vested  with  the  Environmental  Department  of  the  Government  of  Kerala  and 
the  Ministry  of  Environment  and  Forest,  Government  of  India.  The  activities  of  the  State 
Boards are co ordinate by Centr	al Pollution Control Board.	 	
1. The Water Act (Prevention & Control of Pollution) 	 	
 	Advise  the  State  Government  on  any  matter  concerning  the  prevention,  control  or 
abatement of water pollution;	 	
 	Plan a comprehensive program for the prevention, control or abateme	nt of pollution 	
of streams and wells in the State	 and to secure the execution thereof;	 	
 	Collect  and  disseminate  information  relating  to  water  pollution  and  the  prevention, 
control or abatement thereof;	 	
 	Encourage,  conduct  and  participate  in  investigations  an	d  research  relating  to 	
problems  of  water  pollution  and  prevention,  control  or  abatement  of  water 
pollution;	 	
to  collaborate  with  the  Central  Board  in  organising  the  training  of  persons  engaged 
or to  be engaged  in programs relating to  prevention, control  or 	abatement  of water 	
pollution and to organise mass education programs;	 	
Inspect sewage or trade effluents, works and plants for the treatment of sewage and 	
trade effluents and to review plans, specifications or other data relating to plants set up for 
the  tr	eatment  of  water,  works  for  the  purification  there  of  and  the  system  for  the  disposal 	
of  sewage  or  trade  effluents  or  in  connection  with  the  grant  of  any  consent  as  required  by 
this Act lay down, modify or annul effluent standards for the sewage and trade 	effluents and 	
for  the  quality  of  receiving  waters  (not  being  water  in  an  interstate  stream)  resulting  from 
the discharge of effluents and to classify waters of the State.

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Department of Economics & Statistics	 	11	 	
 
2.  The Water Cess Act (Prevention & Control of Pollution) 	 	
 	Receive water consumption 	returns from persons liable to pay cess;	 	
 	Assess the cess payable by the concerned person carrying on any special  industry or 
local authority;	 	
 	Allow  rebate  on  the  cess  payable  by  any  person  carrying  on  any  industry  or  local 
authority who install requisite p	lant for treatment of sewage or trade effluent;	 	
 	Collect cess from the assessees.	 	
3.  The Air Act (Prevention & Control of Pollution) 	 	
 	Plan  a  comprehensive  programme  for  prevention,  control  and  abatement  of  air 
pollution and to secure the execution thereof;	 	
 	Ad	vise  the  State  Government  on  any  matter  concerning  prevention,  control  or 	
abatement of air pollution.;	 	
 	Collect and disseminate information relating to air pollution;	 	
 	Collaborate  with  the  Central  Board  in  organising  the  training  of  persons  engaged  or 
to  be 	engaged  in  programmes  relating  to  prevention,  control  or  abatement  of  air 	
pollution and to organise mass education programmes relating thereto;	 	
 	Inspect,  at  all  reasonable  times,  any  control  equipment,  industrial  plant  or 
manufacturing process and to give, 	by order, such directions to such persons as may 	
be  considered  necessary  to  take  steps  for  prevention,  control  or  abatement  of  air 
pollution;	 	
 	Inspect  air  pollution  control  areas  at  such  intervals  as  it  may  think  necessary,  assess 
the quality  of air therein	 and take steps for the prevention, control or abatement  of 	
air pollution in such areas	 	
 	Lay  down,  in  consultation  with  the  Central  Board  and  having  regarding  to  the 
standards  for  the  quality  of  air  laid  down  by  the  Central  Board,  standards  for 
emission  of 	air  pollutants  into  the  atmosphere  from  industrial  plants  and 	
automobiles or for the discharge of any air pollutant into atmosphere from any other 
source  what	 ever  not  being  a  ship  or  an  aircraft,  provided  that  different  standards 	
for emission may be laid 	down under this clause for different industrial plants having

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Department of Economics & Statistics	 	12	 	
 	
regard  to  the  quantity  and  composition  of  emission  of  air  pollutant  into  the 
atmosphere from such industrial plants.	 	
4.  The Environment (Protection) Act	 	
 	Implement  measures  for  the  protection  and  i	mprovement  of  environment  and  the 	
prevention of hazards to human beings, other living creatures, plants and property;	 	
 	Remedial  measures  to  prevent  or  mitigate  environmental  pollution  in  case  of 
accidents;	 	
 	 Inspections to check compliance and to collect or 	seize evidence thereof;	 	
 	Collect samples of air, water, soil or other substances;	 	
 	Service as Environmental Laboratory;	 	
 	Standardised  methods  for  sampling  and  analysis  of  various  types  of  environmental 
pollutants;	 	
 	Analyse samples sent by empowered officers;	 	
 	Carry out investigations to lay down standards, to monitor and to enforce standards;	 	
 	Carry out any other entrusted function;	 	
 	Take cognisance of offences.	 	
Hazardous Wastes Rules 	 	
 	Process  applications  for  and  to  issue/refuse/renew  authorisation  for 	collection, 	
reception, treatment, storage and disposal of hazardous wastes;	 	
 	Monitor compliance with the provisions and conditions of authorisation;	 	
 	Process  and  forward  to  the  Ministry  of  Environment  &  Forests  applications  for 
imports;	 	
 	Review matters pertai	ning to	 identification and notification of disposal sites.	 	
The  Manufacture,  Storage  and  Import  of  Hazardous  Chemical  Rules, 
particularly	 	
 	Enforce  directions  and  procedures  in  respect  of  isolated  storage  of  hazardous 
chemicals, regarding;

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 	Co	-operate in prepa	ration of on	-site emergency plans;	 	
 	Enforce directions and procedures on import of hazardous chemicals on information 
regarding import;	 	
 	Issue  direction  to  importer  to  take  appropriate  safety  measures,  including  stoppage 
of import, if necessary;	 	
 	Informing co	ncerned port authority on safety measures;	 	
 	Serve improvement notice on persons contravening the Rules.	 	
Rules  for  the  Manufacture,  Use,  Import,  Export  and  Storage  of  Hazardous 
Micro	-organisms, Genetically Engineered Organisms or Cells	 	
 	Inspect, investigate a	nd take punitive action on behalf of the State Biotechnology Co	-	
ordination Committee in case of violations;	 	
 	Supervise,  on  behalf  of  the  Genetic  Engineering  Approval  Committee, 
implementation of the terms and conditions of approvals granted by the Committee	. 	
The  Chemical  Accidents  Rules  (Emergency  Planning,  Preparedness  and 
Response) 	 	
 	To serve in the State Crisis Group;	 	
 	To  serve  in  the  District  Crisis  Groups  which  are  the  apex  bodies  in  the  respective 
areas  to  deal  with  major  chemical  accidents  and  to  provid	e  expert  guidance  for 	
handling chemical accidents.	 	
The Biomedical Waste Rules (Management and Handling)	
 	Receive  from  institutions  generating,  collecting,  receiving,  storing,  transporting, 
treating, disposing and/or handling biomedical wastes applications f	or authorisation, 	
to process the same and issue/ refuse/ renew/ cancel/ suspend authorisation;	 	
 	Compile  and  furnish  to  the  Central  Pollution  Control  Board  annual  reports  from 
occupiers / operators;	 	
 	Inspect and verify facilities and records;	 	
 	Receive and act 	upon reports of accidents.

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The Plastics Manufacture, Sales and Usage Rules 	 	
 	Receive  and  process  applications  for  registration  for  manufacture  of  virgin/recycled 
or  both  plastic  carry  bags  and  containers  and  to  issue/refuse/renew/cancel 
registration.	 	
The 	Municipal Solid Wastes Rules (Management and Handling)
 	Monitor  compliance  with  standards  on  ground  water,  ambient  air,  leachate  quality, 
compost quality and incineration;	 	
 	Receive  and  process  application  for  authorisation  for  setting  up  waste  processing 
and	 disposal facility and to issue / refuse / renew / cancel authorisation;	 	
 	Furnish annual reports to the Central Pollution Control Board.	 	
The Noise Pollution Rules (Regulation and Control)	
 	Regulate and control noise of industrial origin;	 	
 	Monitor ambient soun	d levels;	 	
 	Advise the State Government on pollution	 control.	 	
The Batteries Rules (Management and Handling)	
 	Receive  and  verify  half  yearly  returns  on  sale  of  new  batteries  and  collection  of  old 
batteries;	 	
 	Receive and verify half yearly returns on sale and co	llection of batteries by dealers;	 	
 	Receive and verify annual returns from recyclers of used batteries;	 	
 	Receive and verify half yearly returns form bulk consumers of batteries;	 	
 	Receive and verify half yearly returns by auctioneers of used batteries;	 	
 	Ensure c	ompliance with the Rules;	 	
 	File annual compliance status report to the Central Pollution Control Board.	 	
The EIA notification	 	
 	Receive request for environment public hearing;	 	
 	Notify the details of public hearing;	 	
 	Assist  District  Collector  for  public  hearing 	and  to  furnish  report  thereof  to  the 	
Ministry of Environmental and Forests.

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Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991	 	
 	Make  application  to  court  to  restrain  owner  under  section  13(1)  from  handling 
hazardous  substances,	 to  implement  the  order  of  the  Court  under  s	ection  13(3)(b) 	
and to recover	 cost thereof	 under section 13(4).	 	
 	Receive  and  act  upon  notice  under  section  18(b)  of  intention  to  make  complaint  to 
Court	 	
Western Ghats Development Programme	 	
 	The Western Ghat region  of Kerala (Sahyadri) stretches over 450 km 	(28.12%) out  of 	
the  total  length  of  1600  km  and  is  spread  over  80  Block  Panchayats  and  537  Grama 
Panchayats, 31 Taluks in the State with a total geographical area of 28008 sq.km and 
around  50%  of  the  State’s  population  is  in  the  Western  Ghat  region.  Wester	n  Ghats 	
plays  an  important  role  acting  as  barrier  to  southeast  monsoons  causing  substantial 
rainfall over the hills (more than 3000 mm annually) and the “Sahyadri” gives birth to 
all  the  44  rivers  flowing  through  the  State  and  sustains  rich  natural  forests	 and 	
minerals. This region is a treasure of plants and animals and is declared as one of the 
bio diversity hot spots in the world.	 	
 	The  Western  Ghats  in  Kerala  have  two  major  segments,  southern  segment  south  of 
Palakkad  Gap  and  northern  segment  beyond  the  g	ap  extending  up  to  the  Kodugu 	
boundary.  There  are  three  sections  of  the  eastern  slopes  of  Western  Ghats  falling 
within  Kerala  viz.  the  Pambar	- Chinnar  basin,  the  Attappady  Plateau  drained  by 	
Bhavani,  and  the  Wayanad  section  drained  by  Kabani.  The  Western  G	hats  that  rise 	
from low altitude of about 70 m MSL extend up to 2000m MSL on an average on the 
eastern  boundary.  Anamudy  is  the  highest  peak  with  an  altitude  of  2690m  MSL	( 	
Mean Sea Level ).	 	
 	Western  Ghats  that  supports  a  wide  range  of  forest  types  ranging  f	rom  tropical  wet 	
evergreen  forests  to  grasslands,  some  4000  species  of  flowering  plants  with  high 
degree of endemism and rich fauna with endemism ranging from 11% to 78% among 
different  groups.  Consequently,  Western  Ghats  constitutes  not  only  one  of  the 
ho	tspots  of  biodiversity  in  the  world,  but  also  one  among  world’s  eight  hottest 	
hotspots.

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Department of Economics & Statistics	 	16	 	
 	
 	The  life  supporting  and  biodiversity  rich  ecosystems  of  Western  Ghats  are 
threatened today due to habitat pressures.	 	
Western  Ghats  Development  Programme,  a  centrally  sp	onsored  scheme  funded  by 	
Government  of  India  under  the  Hill  and  Rainfall  area  development  scheme  to  protect  the 
rich  biodiversity  in  this  region  through  generation  of  the  forest  cover  with  People’s 
Participation,  Eco	-Preservation,  Natural  Resource  Manageme	nt  and	 	Watershed 	
Development programme.	 	
National Centre for Earth Science Studies	 	
National Centre for Earth Science Studies (NCESS) is the leading centres of excellence 	
in  the  field  of  Earth  System  Science  in  the  country,  and  is  functional  for  the  past  36 	years. 	
The  CESS,  as  a  scientific  establishment  carried  out  extensive  research  and  development 
work in major components of Geosphere, Hydrosphere, and Atmosphere. The approach and 
accomplishments of CESS, in understanding and addressing the geological evolu	tion of south 	
India,  complexities  of  the  coastal  processes  and  natural  hazards,  natural  resources 
management  have  all  along  been  consistent  with  the  national  R&D  priorities  in  Earth 
Sciences  and  thrust  areas  of  the  Ministry  of  Earth  Sciences  (MoES).  CESS  h	as  made 	
important  contributions  towards  understanding  the  complexities  of  coastal  processes 
including the mud banks which are unique for the south	-west coast of India. 	 	
Data generated under this programme found useful for various planning purposes at 	
the  S	tate  level  and  also  to  pursue  systematic  studies  under  various  geo	-environmental 	
conditions. Data base has been generated under the broad resource categories of land, land 
use, water, forest, infrastructure, and population and allied activities. Water qual	ity analysis 	
also  taken  up  for  selected  rivers  and  back  waters  for  pollution  monitoring  and  data  base 
development.  Land  system  and  drainage  pattern  analyses  are  based  on  maps,  images  and 
direct  field measurements. Earthquake monitoring and study  of  neo	-tec	tonics are in hazard 	
studies.  Physical  and  social  vulnerability  analys	is  are  taken  up  for  hot  spots  in  the  Western 	
Ghats  and  selected  coastal  stretch  to  develop  management  plans.  Data  on  climatic 
parameters  and  greenhouse  gases  (GHG)  will  be  acquired  by  in	stalling  field  stations,  one 	
along coast and another at Munnar  in  Western Ghats region. Application  of  remote sensing 
will cover geological studies, corals and agricultural operations.

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Department of Economics & Statistics	 	17	 	
 
Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGR	I)	
Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (JNTBGRI) 	formerly 	
known as Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute (TBGRI) was founded in 1979 with 
the  objective  of  establishing  a  Conservatory  Botanic  Garden  of  tropical  plant  res	ources.  It 	
also  undertakes  research  programmes  for  the  suitable  utilisation  of  these  resources.	 	
Conservation  and  sustainable  utilisation  of  the  plant  biodiversity  advance  knowledge, 
enjoyment  and  conservation  of  plants  through  excellence  in  biodiversity  re	search 	
management,  horticulture  displays  and  educational.  JNTBGRI  is  reckoned  as  the  biggest 
conservatory  garden  in  Asia  with  over  50,000  accessions  belonging  to  4000  species.  Highly 
coordinated  multidisciplinary  research  is  undertaken  in  the  areas  of  Plan	t  Taxonamy, 	
Conservation Biology, Ethno	-botany and Bio	-prospecting (Biotechnological, Pharmacological 	
and Photochemical).	 	
National Institute of Oceanography	 	
The  National  Institute  of  Oceanography	, Kochi  Regional  Centre  is  one  of  the  37 	
Constituent  Laborato	ries  of  the  Council  of  Scientific  and  Industrial  Research  Centres  (CSIR) 	
New  Delhi.	 CSIR	-NIO  was  established  on  1966  following  the  international  Indian  Ocean 	
Expedition in the 1960s.	 In addition of basic research of observing and understanding special 	
ocea	nographic  characteristics  of  Indian  Ocean,  the  institute  also  carries  out  Oceanographic 	
data  collection,  environmental  impact  assessment,  and  modeling  to  predict  environmental 
impact.	 The  Institute  also  provide  consultancy  on  a  number  of  issues  including  m	arine 	
environmental protection and coastal zone regulations. With the  largest collection of  ocean 
scientists  in  the  country,  and  equipped  with  suitable  ocean  research  infrastructure,  CSIR	-	
NIO  serves  as  an  advanced  centre  of  education  in  ocean  sciences.  It 	has  a  School  of 	
Oceanography under the Academy of Scientific & Innovative Research (AcSIR). In addition, it 
is a recognized centre for doctoral research by a large number of universities.	 	
Marine biodiversity 	–  	
The Indian Ocean is a  region  of very high biological diversity has been analyzing and 	
documenting  diversity  of  all  forms  of  life 	– microbes,  plants  and  animals 	- from  various 	
marine  ecosystems.  National  Institute  of  Oceanography  has  carried  out  investigati	ons  to 	
unravel  interactions  between  the  environment  and  organisms  and  the  key  area  of  its 
research  is  the  impact  of  natural  and  human	-induced  stresses  such  as  deoxygenating,

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Department of Economics & Statistics	 	18	 	
 
eutrophication  and  acidification  on  biogeochemistry  and  ecosystems  in  fresh  water 	and 	
marine environments. National Institute of Oceanography  is actively engaged in monitoring 
the health of Indian coastal environs.	 	
Kerala State Biodiversity Board 	 	
Kerala  State  Biodiversity  Board  has  function  as  a  centre  for  applied  research  for 	
conservation  of  Kerala’s  biological  diversity.  The  centre  is  being  established  for  collection, 
collation,  management,  analysis,  and  dissemination  of  data  on  biological  diversity.  The 
research  centre  will  provide  scientific  support  to  Kerala  State  Biodivers	ity  Board  in  decision 	
making  on  matters  related  to  biodiversity,  so  as  to  enable  the  Board  to  advise  the  State 
Government  on  salient  environmental  and  conservation  issues.  The  centre  will  also  enable 
the Board  for translating the knowledge generated for su	stainable  development and access 	
to  diverse  species  enables  diversification  of  livelihood  through,  planting  multiple  crops  and 
thus  enabling  food  production  throughout  the  year,  or  engaging  in  alternative  income	-	
generating  activities.  The  availability  of  d	iverse  resources  also  allows  different  genders, 	
cultural or age groups to engage in and benefit from the resources.	 	
Department of Environment 	 	
Department of Environment Statistics is responsible for the coordination of activities 	
of  different  departments, 	authorities,  and  local  bodies  in  the  State  relating  to  environment 	
and  implementation  of  the  Environment  Policy  of  the  State.  The  department  will  focus  on 
promotional  aspects  for  the  protection  and  conservation  of  the  environment  with  the  help 
of  the  conce	rned  government  departments,  research  institutes,  regulatory  bodies,  local 	
bodies and reputed non	-governmental organizations, researchers and academicians. 	 	
Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS)
  	Kerala  University  of 	Fisheries  and  Ocean	 Studies  (KUFOS)  is  an  autonomous 	
institution  established  on  20	th November  2010.  KUFOS  is  the  first  fisheries  university  in  the 	
country.	 It  provides  high  quality  instructional  programmes  in  fisheries,  Ocean  Sciences  and 	
allied subjects	.  	
Cochin University 	School of Environmental Studies	 	
The  School  of  Environmental  Studies,  a  Centre  for  higher  learning  dedicated  to 	
environmental  protection  and  sustainable  development  conceptualized  in  1980  was

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Department of Economics & Statistics	 	19	 	
 
established  in  1983  to  serve  the  cause  of  well	-being  of  the  socie	ty  by  imparting  knowledge 	
and by  providing trained manpower and appropriate environmental technology. To achieve 
these  objectives,  the 	school  offers  a  carefully  designed  regularly  updated  curriculum, 	
competence	-based  consultancy  and  reaches  out  to  the  comm	unity  with  socially  relevant 	
extension  programmes.  Doctoral  programme  is  offered  in  various  facets  of  Environmental 
Science  and  Technology  including  Environmental  Biology,  Chemistry,  Microbiology, 
Meteorology  and  Toxicology.  The  School  has  state	-of-the	-art	 laboratories  in  Environmental 	
Chemistry,  Environmental  Biology,  Environmental  Toxicology,  Environmental  Virology, 
Environmental  Biotechnology,  Environmental  Microbiology,  and  Remote  Sensing 
Environmental  Resource  and  Disaster  Management.  The  School  of  Env	ironmental  Studies 	
give  equal  importance  to  Research,  Teaching  and  Extension  in  Environmental  Science  and 
Technology  with  the  motto  of  Environmental  protection  for  a  sustainable  development 
aiming at a better tomorrow.

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Chapter	 - III	 	
Biodiversity of Keral	a 	
 	
Biodiversity 	is  the  variety  of  life  on  earth.  It  includes  the  variability  of  species  in 	
terrestrial, aerial and aquatic habitats, the diversity of ecosystems and the diversity of genes 
they harbor. It is an essential component of the nature and it ensur	es the survival of human 	
species  by  providing  food,  fuel,  shelter,  medicines  and  other  resources  to  mankind. 
Indirectly,  biodiversity  serves  the  humans  by  providing  the  basic  life  supporting  systems 
such  as  clean  air,  water  and  fertile  soil	. Biodiversity  i	s  part  of  our  daily  lives  and  livelihood, 	
and  constitutes  resources  depends  upon  which  families,  communities,  nations  and  future 
generations. 	Biodiversity reflects the number, variety and variability of living organisms and 	
how  these  are  changed  from  one  l	ocation  to  another  and  over  time.  Its  role  goes  beyond 	
ensuring  the  availability  of  raw  materials  to  include  security,  resiliency,  social  relations, 
health and freedom for choices. 	 	
Loss of biodiversity has serious economic and social costs. The experience	 of the past 	
few  decades  has  shown  that  as  industrialization  and  economic  development  in  the  classical 
sense  takes  place,  patterns  of  consumption,  production  and  needs,  change,  straining, 
altering and even destroying ecosystems. 	 	
The different types of bio	diversity include:	 	
1. Genetic diversity;	  	
2. Species diversity; 	 	
3. Ecosystem or ecological diversity; 	 	
4. Functional diversity	 	
In the atmosphere, gases such as water vapour, carbon  dioxide,  ozone and methane 	
act like the glass roof of a greenhouse by trapping heat and warming the planet. These gases 
are  called  greenhouse  gases.  The  natural  levels  of  these  gases  are  being  supplemen	ted  by 	
emissions  resulting  from  human  activities,  such  as  the  burning  of  fossil  fuels,  farming 
activities  and  land	-use  changes.  As  a  result,  the  Earth’s  surface  and  lower  atmosphere  are 	
warming, and this rise in temperature is accompanied by many other cha	nges.

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Climate  change  affects  biodiversity.  According  to  the  Millennium  Ecosystem  Assessment, 
climate change is likely to become  one  of the most significant  drivers  of  biodiversity loss by 
the  end  of  the  century.  Climate  change  is  already  forcing  biodivers	ity  to  adapt  either 	
through shifting habitat, changing life cycles, or the development of new physical traits. 	 	
Plant and animal biodiversity as a national and global  resource  is extremely valuable 	
and  inadequately 	documented	.  The  preservation  of  biodivers	ity  is  both  a  matter  of 	
investment  and  insurance  to  sustain  and  improve  agricultural,  forestry  and  fisheries 
productions  also  act  as  a  buffer  against  harmful  environmental  changes,  provide  raw 
materials  for  scientific  and  industrial  innovations,  and  safe  g	uard  transferring  biological 	
richness to future generations.	 	
Plant Diversity in Kerala	 	
Plant diversity is the biological basis for hotspot designation. To qualify as a hotspot, 	
a  region  must  support  1,500  endemic  plant  species,  0.5  percent  of  the  global  to	tal.  Existing 	
primary  vegetation  is  the  basis  for  assessing  human  impact  in  a  region;  to  qualify  as  a 
hotspot,  a  region  must  have  lost  more  than  70  percent  of  its  original  habitat.  Identification 
of hotspot would help pinpointing priority areas for conserv	ation.	 	
 According to the classification of Norman Myres' there are 25  hotspots scattered  in 	
different  parts  of  the  world.  Even  though  the  25  biodiversity  hotspots  together  represent 
1.4  percent  of  the  earth's  land  area,  they  contain  44  percent  of  all  plant	 species  and  35 	
percent  of  all  terrestrial  vertebrate  species  in  the  world.  Each  of  these  hotspots  is  under 
severe pressure due to anthropogenic interventions and has already lost at least 70 percent 
of its original natural	 vegetation.	 	
The  Western  Ghats  re	gion  is  one  of  the  25  biodiversity  hotspots  in  the  world.  The 	
Western Ghats Region is a treasure of more than  4,500 species of  flowering plants of which 
above  1,500  taxa  are  endemic  in  nature.  There  is  also  equally  rich  fauna  belt  in  the  state. 
The diversi	ty of lower plants and animal groups, and the marine flora and fauna in particular 	
even  though  not  fully  known,  is  remarkably  rich  in  the  state.  An  earlier  rough  estimate  had 
shown  that  there  are  about  10,735  plant  species  indigenous  to  the  state.  The  late	st 	
available total floral wealth of the State is:	 given in the table 3.1

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Table: 3.1 Flora Statistics	 in Kerala	 	
Endemic 	Species:	 	
There  are  about  1272  species  of  endemic  angiosperms  out  of  3800  which  is  about 	
33.5%  of  its  flora.  The  endemic  flora  in  the  State  is  mainly  palaeotropic  in  composition, 
which  is  a  part  of  the  peninsular  Indian  endemic  flora  of  Gondwanaland	 origin.  There  are 	
about  189  endemic  plant  species  identified  from  Agasthyamala  and  they  seen  in  small 
populations  over  narrow  ranges.  The  recent  surveys  have  discovered  35  new  species  of 
plants from this small stretch of forests.	 	
Table: 3.2 Endemic Specie	s  	
Sl.No.	 	Species	 	
1 	Begonia aliciae	 	
2 	Didymocarpus macrostachya	 	
3 	Habenaria flabelliformis	 	
4 	Impatiens anaimudica	 	
5 	Ixora johnsonii	 	
6 	Impatiens 	macrocarpa	 	
7 	 Impatiens 	platyadena	 	
8 	 Impatiens 	verecunda	 	
9 	Ophiorrhiza barnesii	 	
10	 	 Ophiorrhiza 	caudata	 	
11	 	Ophiorrhiza	 munnarensis	 	
12	 	Sonerila nemakadensis	 	
 
SlNo.	 	Category	 	No.	 	
1 	Flowering Plants	 	4500	 	
2 	Gymnosperms	 	4 	
3 	Pteridophytes	 	236	 	
4 	Bryophytes	 	350	 	
5 	Lichens	 	520	 	
6 	Algae	 	325	 	
7 	Fungi	 	4800

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Invasive alien species and biodiversity 	 	
 The threat to biodiversity due to invasive alien species is considered second only to 	
that  of  habitat  destruction.  Invasive  species  cause  loss  of  biodiversity  including  species 
extinctions,  and  changes  in  hydrology  and  ecosystem  function.  Differences  betw	een  native 	
and  exotic  plant  species  in  their  requirements  and  mode  of  resource  acquisition  and 
consumption  may  cause  a  change  in  soil  structure,  its  profile,  decomposition,  nutrient 
content of soil, moisture availability, etc. Growth of human population an	d human activities 	
related  to  trade  and  tourism,  the  present  time  is  witnessing  increased  risks  associated  with 
aIien  species  introductions.  Alien  species  are  non	-native  or  exotic  organisms  that  occur 	
outside  their  natural  adapted  ranges  and  dispersal  pote	ntial.  Alien  species  cause  major 	
environment  and  economic  problems  worldwide.	 Many  alien  species  support  our  farming 	
and  forestry  systems,  some  of  the  alien  species  become  invasive  when  they  are  introduced 
deliberately  or  unintentionally  outside  their  natu	ral  habitats  into  new  areas  where  they 	
express the capability to establish, invade and out compete native species. Plants, mammals 
and  insects  comprise  most  common  types  of  invasive  alien  species  in  terrestrial 
environments.	  	
Protected area of Kerala:	  	
The	 Protected  area  include  a  wide  range  of  biomes,  extending  east  from  the  coral 	
reefs,  estuaries,  salt  marshes,  mangroves  and  beaches  of  the  Arabian  Sea  through  the 
tropical  moist  broadleaf  forests  of  the  Malabar  Coast  moist  forests  to  the  moist  deciduous 
forests of  Western Ghats. Protected area is a geographical space recognized, dedicated and 
managed  through  legal  or  other  effective  means  to  achieve  the  long  term  conservation  of 
nature with associated ecosystem. District wise protected area along with its a	rea is given in 	
Table: 3.3	 	
Table: 3.3 protected areas	 	
Sl No.	 	Protected Areas	 	Area 
(sqKm)	 	District	 	
1 	Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR)	777	 	Idukki	 	
2 	Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary	 	128	 	Thiruvananthapuram	 	
3 	Peechi	-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary	 	125	 	Thrissur	 	
4 	Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary	 	285	 	Palakkad

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Sl No.	 	Protected Areas	 	Area 
(sqKm)	 	District	 	
5 	Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary	 	344.44	 	Wayanad	 	
6 	Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary	 	70	 	Idukki	 	
7 	Eravikulam National Park	 	97	 	Idukki	 	
8 	Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary	 	53	 	Thiruvananthapuram	 	
9 	Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary	 	25	 	Ernakulam	 	
10	 	Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary	 	171	 	Kollam	 	
11	 	Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary	 	90.44	 	Idukki	 	
12	 	Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary	 	85	 	Thrissur	 	
13	 	SilentValley National Park	 	89.52	 	Palakkad	 	
14	 	Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary	 	55	 	Kannur	 	
15	 	Pampadum Shola National	 Park	 	1.318	 	Idukki	 	
16	 	Mathikettan Shola National Park	 	12.817	 	Idukki	 	
17	 	Anamudi Shola National Park	 	7.5	 	Idukki	 	
18	 	Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary	 	0.027	 	Ernakulam	 	
19	 	Kurinjimala Sanctuary	 	32	 	Idukki	 	
20	 	Choolannur Pea Fowl Sanctuary	 	3.42	 	Palakkad	 	
21	 	Kadalundi	-Vallikunnu Community Reserve	 	1.5	 	Kozhikkode & 
Malappuram	 	
22	 	Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary	 	74.215	 	Kozhikkode	 	
Source: Kerala Biodiversity Board	 	
 
Biological Values	 	
Western  Ghats  region  in  the  State  has 	wettest,  most  tropical  and  most  biologically 	
diverse  forests.  Of  the  seven  evergreen  forest  types  recognised  in  the  region  are:  Cullenia	-	
Mesua;  Persea 	- 	Dipterocarpus;  Dipercarpus	-Mesua;  and  montane  shola.  Major 	
biogeographic  barriers  separate  the  Wayanad	-Nilgiri  areas  from  Anamalai	-Periyar  and  that 	
form the southern Agastyamalai hills. Extreme levels of localised endemism are borne out of 
the  fact  that  the  Kerala  area  of  Agastyamalai  has  some  109  totally  endemic  plants,  Nilgiri 
another  95  and  Anamalai  39.  T	he  area's  biological  diversity  is  equally  true  of  animal  life. 	
More  than  half  of  the  country's  amphibians  are  restricted  to  the  Western  Ghats.  These  are

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endemic  reptiles  like  the  Travancore  tortoise,  birds  like  the  Grey  Malabar  Hornbill  and 
mammals  like  th	e  Malabar  civet.  The  forests  in  Kerala  have  significant  populations  of  tiger, 	
leopard,  elephant,  gaur  and  many  lesser  ungulates.  The  Nilgiri  Tahr  is  characteristic  of 
higher mountain grasslands. There are two primates endemic to the area: the  Nilgiri Langu	r 	
and  the  Lion 	- tailed  macaque.  The  Silent  Valley  National  Park  with  its  diverse  flora  and 	
fauna is an example of evergreen forest of immense biological values.	 	
Western Ghats	 	
The Western Ghats Region of Kerala covers 450 Kms (28.12%) out of the total leng	th of 1600 	
Kms. The Kerala region (Sahyadri) of Western Ghats comprises of 72% of the total geographical area 
of  the  State  and  around  50%  of  the  State’s  population.  Western  Ghats  play  an  important  role  in 
deciding  the  weather  report  of  the  State.  The  ‘Sahy	adri’	is  the  birth  place  of  the  State  river  system. 	
The  rich  natural  forests  of  this  region  are  a  treasure  house  of  plants,  animals  and  minerals.  The 
influence  of  Western  Ghats  has  been  remarkable  in  the  preservation  of  ecology  of  the  State.  High 
rainfalls	 on  the  Ghats  have  blessed  the  state  with  tremendous  biological  values  of  great  variety, 	
Kerala  has  considerable  ecological  diversity.  The  peculiar  topography  of  the  state  created  spatial 
variation  in  climate  and  soil  parameters.  The  high  levels  of  local  e	ndemism  can  be  attributed  to 	
biogeographic barriers provided by the large valleys. 	 	
Wayanad Evergreen Forests	 	
Spread  across  Kerala  and  Karnataka,  this  region  is  the  transition  zone  between  the 	
southern  Cullenia  dominated  forest  and  the  drier  Dipterocarpus 	of  the  north.  Floristically 	
very rich, the tract has two small Sanctuaries: while Aralam WLS with an extent of 55 sq km 
is in Kerala, the Brahmagiri WLS is in Karnataka. Located on the western slopes of the Ghats, 
Aralam  is  rich  in  wildlife.  Elephant,  deer	,  bison  are  common.  The  plant  life  is  typical  of 	
evergreen and semi	-evergreen forests of the Ghats. The altitude varies from  50m to  1145m 	
from 	Mean Sea Level	. Temperature varies at the  foothills  from 21°c to  40°c whereas on the 	
higher  reaches  it  is  between	 8°c  and  25°c.  The  average  rainfall  is  about  300  mm.  June  to 	
August  are  the  wettest  months.  It  is  also  an  integral  part  of  the  Nilgiri  Biosphere  Reserve 
which was established for the conservation of the biological diversity of the region. 	 	
The Upper Nilgir	i of Kerala	 	
The  Nilgiri  plateau  and  western  slopes  contain  some  of  the  finest  forest  Wildlife 	
habitat  in  India.  Two  small  partially  adjacent 	protected 	areas  are  located  here.  One  is  the

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Silent Valley National Park of Kerala and the other is the Nilgiri Tah	r WLS in Tamil Nadu. Only 	
89  sq  km  in  extent,  the  Silent  Valley  National  Park  is  the  Core  of  the  Nilgiri  Biosphere 
Reserve  and  claims  a  long  unbroken  ecological  history.  The  forests  belong  to  the 
biogeographical  class  of  the  Malabar  Rain  Forests,  and  relic	 of  the  ancient  India	- Malayan 	
continuum and harbour a thousand species of plants. The Valley has a fair representation of 
all peninsular mammals. There are also several species of birds, butterflies and moths.	 	
The Anamalai Hills of Kerala	 	
The Anamalai Hil	ls face the Nilgiri plateau across the Palghat Gap. The topography is 	
complex  and  causes  a  great  diversity  of  climate  and  vegetation  type.  Anamudi  (2700m)  is 
the  highest  peak  in  the  entire  Western  Ghats.  The  Palghat  Gap  has  isolated  the  Anamalai 
Hills  resu	lting  in  extensive  speciation  in  several  plant  and  animal  groups.  Elevation  ranges 	
between 150 m and 2500m.	 	
Flora	 
Western Ghats region is blessed with 7,402 species of flowering plants, 5,588 species 	
are native or  indigenous and  376 are exotics naturalised	 and 1,438 species are cultivated or 	
planted  as  ornamentals.  Among  the  indigenous  species,  2,253  species  are  endemic  to  India 
and  of  them,  1,273  species  are  exclusively  confined  to  the  Western  Ghats.  Apart  from  593 
confirmed  subspecies  and  varieties;  66  sp	ecies,  5  subspecies  and  14  varieties  of  doubtful 	
occurrence  are  also  reported  and  therefore  amounting  8,080  taxa  of  flowering  plants.	 An 	
exotic  product  of  Western  Ghats  is  carried 	to  outside  India  through  the  Silk  Route  and 	
Arabian Sea from ancient time onwards.	  	
Table: 3.4 	Species in major group of plants 	- India & Kerala	 	
SlNo.	 	Plant Groups	 	World	 	India	 	Kerala	 	% in India	 	
1 	Bryophytes	 	14,500	 	2504	 	465	 	18.57	 	
2 	Pteridophytes	 	12,000	 	1267	 	337	 	26.59	 	
3 	Gymnosperms	 	650	 	74	 	5 	6.75	 	
4 	Angiosperms	 	250,000	 	17,926	 	4606	 	25.69

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Fauna	 
The  Western  Ghat's  encompassing  the  forests  of 	Kerala	 is  one  of  the  34  Biodiversity  hot 	
spots  in  the  World  and  Kerala  has  close  to  90  %  of  its  vertebrate  fauna.Very  high  levels  of  species 
diversity and endemism provide importance to the faunal wealth of Kerala.	 	
 Table: 3.5 	Faunal Wealth	 of Kerala	 	
 Sl.No	 	 Group	 	No.of.Species	 	
 1 	 Mammals	 	 145	 	
 2 	 Birds	 	 486	 	
 3 	 Reptiles	 	 164	 	
 4 	 Amphibians	 	 85	 	
 5 	 Freshwater Fishes	 	 196	 	
 6 	 Insects	 	 4027	 	
 Total	 	 5103	 	
Source: Kerala Forest Department	  	
According to one estimate, 285 species of  Vertebrate are reported 	to be endemic to 	
Western  Ghats,  which  include  12  mammals,  16  birds,  89  reptiles,  87  amphibians,  and  84 
fresh  water  fishes.  Among  large  mammals,  no  species  is  endemic  to  Kerala.  However,  birds 
such as White breasted laughing thrush, Wayanad laughing thrush,	 White bellied shortwing, 	
Southern  treepie,  Rufous  babbler  are  possible  endemic  birds  which  may  slightly  overlap 
state boundaries in the southern Western Ghats. High diversity area like West Malaysia has 
only about 10 endemic snakes, whereas the South West	 India has about 55. Among reptiles, 	
Cochin  forest  cane  turtle  and  Travancore  tortoise  are  endemic  to  evergreen  forests  of 
southern  Western  Ghats.  Arboreal  agamid  genera  Otocryptis  and  Salea  and  the  rare 
endemic  genus  of  burrowing  snake,  Xylophus  and  other	s  of  the  family  Uropeltidae  have 	
been accorded high conservation value.	 	
The  monotypic  agamid  genus  Dravidogecko  is  reported  from  Anamalais  only.  Thirty 	
species  of  lizards  are  reported  endemic  to  Western  Ghats  which  include  Calotes  rouxi, 
Cnemaspis  sisparen	sis,  C.wynadensis  and  Chalcides  pentadactylus.  Out  of  57  endemic 	
snakes  in  the  Western  Ghats  four  species  viz.,  Boiga  dightsni,  Melanophidum  bilineatum, 
Plectrurus aurenus and Rhinophis fergusonianus are endemic to Kerala and adjacent forests.	 	
 The  souther	n  Western  Ghats  have  probably  40  species  of  endemic  tree  frogs. 	
Among  Amphibia,  Bufonidae  has  five,  Microhylidae  one,  Ranidae  14,  Rhacophoridae  four

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and  Gymnophiona,  the  caecilian,  five.	 Of  the  endemic  amphibian  genera  of  the  Western 	
Ghats  i.e.,  Nannobatra	chus,  Nyctibatrachus,  Melahobatrachus  and  Uraeotyphlus,  the 	
notable  species  endemic  to  Kerala  are  Melanobatrachus  indicus,  Nannobatrachus 
anamallaiensis,  Nyctibatrachus,  Nyctibatrachus  major,  N.  phygameus,  Uraeotyphlus 
malabaricus  and  U.  menoni.  Among  fish	 fauna,  species  like  Lepidopygopsus  typus, 	
Hysilobarbus  kurali,  have  been  reported  to  be  endemic  to  southern  Western  Ghats.  In  a 
recent  survey  of  the  stream  fishes  in  the  Kerala  segment  of  Nilgiri  Biosphere  Reserve  58 
species  with  25  species  endemic  to  Wes	tern  Ghats  were  reported  from  the  streams  in 	
Wayanad.	 	
 Table: 3.6 	Fauna Endemic to Western Ghat's	-Found in Kerala	 	
Sl.No.	 	 Group	 	 Nos	 	
1 	Amphibians	 	 61	 	
2 	 Reptiles	 	57	 	
3 	Birds	 	16	 	
Total	 	73	 	
Source: Kerala Forest Department	  	
 	
Vertebrate Diversity of Kerala	 	
Vertebrate  Diversity  of  Kerala  is  represented  by  1,847species  in  330  families  and  81  orders. 	
Fishes  are  the  most  diverse  group  of  vertebrates  with  905 	species	 followed  by  birds  with  500 	
species, reptiles with 173 species, ambhibians with 151 species and m	ammals with 118 species. 	 	
Table: 3.7 Vertebrate Diversity of Kerala	 	
Sl No. 	Taxonomic Group	 	Orders	 	Families	 	Species	 	
1 	Fishes	 	41	 	172	 	905	 	
2 	Birds	 	22	 	88	 	500	 	
3 	Reptiles	 	3 	24	 	173	 	
4 	Amphibians	 	2 	11	 	151	 	
5 	Mamm	als 	13	 	35	 	118	 	
 	All Vertebrates	 	81	 	330	 	1847

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Birds	  
There  are  at  least  500	 bird  species  and  at  least  16  species  of  birds  endemic  to  the  Western 	
Ghats including the endangered	 rufous	-breasted	 laughingthrush	, the vulnerable 	Nilgiri wood	-pigeon	, 	
white	-bellied  sho	rtwing	 	and 	broad	-tailed  grassbird	,  the 	near  threatened	 	grey	-breasted 	
laughingthrush	, black	-and	-rufous	 flycatcher	, Nilgiri flycatcher	, and 	Nilgiri pipit	, and the 	least concern	 	
Malabar  (blue	-winged)  parakeet	, Mala	bar  grey  hornbill	, white	-bellied  treepie	, grey	-headed  bulbul	, 	
rufous  babbler	, Waynaad  laughingthrush	, white	-bellied  blue	-flycatcher	 and  the 	crimson	-backed 	
sunbird	.  	
 Fishes	 
As of 2004, 288 freshwater 	fish species are listed for the Western Ghats, including 35 	
known  from 	brackish	 or  marine  water.	 There  is  higher  fish 	richness	 in  the  southern  part  of 	
the  Western  Ghats  than  in  the  northern,  and  the  highest  is  in  the 	Chalakudy  River	,  which 	
alone  holds  98  species.  Other  rivers  with	 high  species  numbers  include  the 	Periyar	, 	
Bharatapuzha	, Pamba	 and 	Chaliyar	,  as  well  as  upstream  tributaries  of  the 	Kaveri	, Pambar	, 	
Bhavani	 and 	Krishna	 rivers.  The  most  species  rich  families  are  the 	Cyprinids	 (72  species), 	
hillstream  loaches	 (34  species; 	including 	stone  loaches	,  now  regarded  a  separate  family), 	
Bagrid catfishes	 (19 species) and 	Sisorid catfishes	 (12 species).	 The region is home to several 	
brilliantly  colored  ornamental  fishes  like 	Denison's  (or  red  lin	e  torpedo)  barb	,  several 	
species  of 	Dawkinsia	 barbs, 	zebra  loach	,  Horabagrus  catfish, 	dwarf  pufferfish	 and 	dwarf 	
Malabar  pufferfish	. The  rivers are also home to 	Osteobrama bakeri	, and  larger species such 	
as the 	Malabar snakehead	 and 	Malabar mahseer	. According to the 	IUCN	, 97 freshwater fish 	
species from the  Western Ghats were considered 	threatened	 in 2011, including 12 critically 	
endangered, 54 endangered and 31 vulnerable.	 An additional 26 species from the region are 	
considered 	data  deficie	nt	 (their  status  is  unclear  at  present).  The  primary  threats  are  from 	
habitat loss	, but also from 	overexploitation	 and 	introduced species	.  	
Reptiles	 
The major population of snake family 	Uropelti	dae	 of the 	reptile	 class  is restricted to 	
the region.  The  region has significant  population  of vulnerable 	Mu	gger crocodiles	. The total 	
species  of  reptiles	 repo	rted  in  India  is  440  of  which  173	 seen  in  Kerala.  About  130  of  these 	
are  restricted  to  the  rain  forests.  They  included  turtles,  snakes,  lizards  like  geckos,  skinks 
and  the  agamids.Non  Marine  reptile  specie	s  reported  from  Kerala  is  169  of  which  59  are 	
endemic.

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Amphibians	 	
The 	amphibians	 of  the  Western  Ghats  are  diverse  and  unique,  with  more  than  80% 	
of  the  1	51 	amphibian  species  being  endemic	 to  the 	rainforests	 of  the  mountains.  The 	
endangered 	purple frog	 was discovered  in  2003.	 Four 	new species	 of frogs belonging to the 	
genera 	Rhacophorus	, Polypedates	, Philautus	 and 	Bufo	 were  described  from  the  Western 	
Ghats in 2005	. The region is also home to many 	caecilian species	. 	
Mammals	 	
There  are  at  least  118 	mamm	al species.  Of  the  16  endemic  mamm	als,  13  are 	
threatened and among the 32 threatened species include the 	critically endangered	 Malabar 	
large	-spotted civet	, the 	endangered	 lion	-tailed macaque	, Nilgiri tahr	, Bengal tiger	 and 	Indian 	
elephants	, the 	vulnerable	 Indian leopard	, Nilgiri langur	 and 	gaur	. 	
Marine and Coastal Biodiversity	 	
Tropical marine ecosyste	ms of Kerala coasts include lagoons, mangrove swamps, sandy and 	
rocky  shores  and  open  sea  front.  Apart  from 	fishes	 Kerala  coast  has  a  rich  array  of  Crustaceans, 	
corals, echinoderms, mollusks, turtles etc.	 	
Major threats to marine and coastal ecosystems incl	ude:	 	
 • Land	-based pollution	 	
 • Overfishing, destructive fishing, and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing	 	
 • Invasions of exotic species	 	
 • Global climate change	 	
Threats to the Biodiversity of Kerala	 	
1.  Encroachments	: The direct impact of 	encroachment is habitat loss, besides the existence 	
of  constant  threat  on  the  forests  by  the  fringe  people.  In  addition  to  their  involvement 
directly  in  the  illegal  activities	, they  provide  shelter  for  the  unscrupulous  offenders  of  the 	
plains who are engag	ed in all kinds of illegal activities. 	 	
2.  Cattle  grazing	: Grazing  by  cattle  in  forest,  although  not  rampant  as  else  where  in  the 	
country,  is  identified  as  a  threat  to  biodiversity  in  Kerala.	 The  grazing  not  only  removes  the 	
biomass  and  competes  with  wild  herbivores,  but  also  spread  contagious  diseases  to  wild 
animals.  The  trampling  leads  to  soil  erosion  and  changes  the  physical  properties  of  soil.

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Intensive  grazing  will  lead  to  domination  of  a	 single  or  a  few  species,  changing  the  species 	
composition of natural vegetation. Cattle grazing speeds up the invasion of weeds.	 	
3.  Collection of Fire wood:	 Firewood collection directly poses threat in the form of  removal 	
of  biomass,  which  affects  microha	bitat  of  flora  and  fauna,  and  indirectly  leads  to  extensive 	
fire and other illegal activities. The proximity of settlements to the forests is the main factor 
which  determines  the  intensity  of  firewood  collection.  The  firewood  collection  leads  to 
degradatio	n  of  habitats  which  subsequently  alters  the  species  composition  and  vegetation 	
types. 	 	
4.  Man	-Animal  Conflict:	 A  major  problem  associated  with  the  conservation  of  wild  animals 	
especially  the  herbivores  like  elephants  is  that  of  crop  depredation  and  man	-sla	ughter. 	
Animals  such  as  elephants,  gaur,  sambar,  wild  boar  and  birds  like  peacock,  cause  extensive 
damage  to  the  crops.  This  phenomenon  has  registered  significant  increase  in  recent  years 
due  to  habitat  fragmentation  and  degradation  of  natural  forests  and 	corridors.  Almost  all 	
the 	protected 	areas  and 	non	-protected 	areas  of  Kerala  contain  a  large  number  of 	
settlements  either  inside  or  on  the  periphery.  This  leads  to  degradation  of  surrounding 
habitats. 	 	
5.  Poaching:	 The  abundance  of  wild  animals  and  high  dem	and  for  their  products  in  the 	
clandestine  market  pose  threat  to  wild  animals.  Herbivores  like  gaur,  sambar,  chital  etc  are 
being  poached  for  their  meat.  A  lot  of  other  not  so  spectacular  species  of  animals  ranging 
from  reptiles to birds as well as plants a	nd medicinal herbs are all part of the  illegal wildlife 	
trade.  The  major  impact  of  poaching  is  species  loss  and  change  in  their  demography  apart 
from extensive fire and other illicit activities.	 	
6. Illegal and unsustainable/unscientific collection of Non	-Timber Forest Produce:	 	
Non	-Timber  Forest  Produce  collection  is  one  of  the  major  livelihoods  of  the  local 	
people.  It  consists  of  a  variety  of  products,  which  are  sources  of  food,  fibre,  manure, 
construction materials, cosmetics and cultural products. The for	ests in Kerala are very rich in 	
edible  products,  medicinal  plants,  toiletries,  tans,  dyes,  gums,  resins,  rattan,  bamboo, 
grasses  and  animal  products.  Although  500  species  of  NTFP  are  available  in  the  forests  of 
Kerala,  about  120  items  are  listed  as  commerc	ially  important  by  the  Kerala  Forest 	
Department.  But  as  per  record  more  than  200  species  are  being  collected.  Considering  its

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widespread  nature  and  higher  prioritization,  the  threat  needs  to  be  tackled  immediately  to 
conserve biodiversity.	 	
7.  Mining  :	 Even	 though  mining  is  not  a  severe  threat  to  the  biodiversity  of  Kerala,  Sand 	
mining  is  prevalent  in  the  central  and  southern  parts  of  Kerala.  It  is  a  threat  to  the  stability 
of  a  landscape,  which  results  in  land  sliding  and  lowering  of  water  table.  The  remova	l  of 	
habitat  will  endanger  the  survival  of  riparian  species  since  most  of  them  occupied  a  very 
narrow  habitat  niche.  At  the  same  time  regulated  sand  mining  would  help  in  keeping  the 
health  of  the  streams  and  reservoirs.  Indiscriminate  sand  mining  in  some  r	iver  systems  in 	
the state is posing severe threat to the stability of bridges and banks. 	 	
8.  Mass  Tourism  and  Pilgrimage:	 Mass Tourism and Pilgrimage are considered to be  one of 	
the  major  and  increasing  threats  to  biodiversity  conservation.  Approximately  1	3  million 	
people  visit  forest  areas  annually  either  as  pilgrims  or  visitors.  Among  all  the 	protected 	
areas in India, Periyar Tiger Reserve receives a maximum number of tourists. The large influx 
of people into the forests in short duration makes severe changes to habitat. 	 	
9. Forest Fires:	 Fire is one of the major threats facing the forests of Kerala.	 The 	effect of fire 	
depends  on  the  type  of  vegetation,  frequency  and  intensity  of  fire  and  season  of  burning. 
Fire  causes  extensive  damage  in  deciduous  forests  and  grasslands  due  to  heavy  fuel  load. 
Only some weeds manage to establish a strong foothold even aft	er severe fire with the help 	
of  fire  resistant  adaptations.  The  direct  impacts  of  fire  are  change  in  vegetation	, 	
composition and physical properties of soil, soil erosion and loss of habitat.	 	
10.  Illicit  Felling:	 Tree felling is  one  of the severe threats t	o biodiversity conservation in the 	
state. The primary effect of tree felling on bio diversity is the removal of biomass and loss of 
habitat for many epiphytic and arboreal species. Tree felling leads to soil erosion and change 
of the soil properties. In so	me cases people involved in tree falling set fire to the forests. The 	
opening  up  of  canopy  due  to  felling  changes  the  microclimate  and  invite  weeds  to  colonize 
and  in  turn  changes  the  structure  of  vegetation.  Apart  from  the  direct  impact  of  loss  in 
terms  o	f  money  to  the  state,  the  indirect  impact  of  felling  is  the  constant  conflict  between 	
the administrative staff and the people involved in this illegal activity.	 	
11.  Invasive  species:	 These  are  non  indigen	ious  or  non	-native  plants  and  animals  that 	
adversely	 affect the habitats and bio regions they invade economically, environmentally and

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ecologically.  The  weed  prevents  sunlight  and  oxygen  from  reaching  the  water  column  and 
submerged  plants.  By  crowding  out  native  aquatic  plants,  it  dramatically  reduces  biolo	gical 	
diversity  in  aquatic  ecosystems.  Listed  as  one  of  the  100  most  dangerous  invasive  alien 
species  of  the  world,  this  aquatic  weed  native  to  South  America  was  introduced  to  the 
country as an ornamental plant for cultivation in ponds because of its beaut	iful, large purple 	
and violet  flowers.  Today, it invades more than 50 countries in five continents. Examples of 
animal  invasion  in  the  State  include  like  Tilapia  fish 	(Oreochromis  mossambica)	,  Sucker 	
catfish 	(Plecostomus multiradiatus)	 and the African Gian	t Snail 	(Achatina fulica)	. 	
 Threatended taxa of Kerala	 	
 	
Scientific  name:	 Gonoproktopterusperiyarensis	 Raj, 	
1941. The local people call  it Kariyan  due to the slate colour 
of the body. Periyar barb (English) Kariyan (Malayalam). This 
species  is  known  from  K	allar  river,  tributary  of  Pambiyar 	
river  to  south  of  Pachakanam  estate  adjoining  to  Periyar 
lake.	 	
 	
Scientific  name:	 Garrahughi  Silas	,  1955.  Commonly  known 	
as  the  Cardamonagarra  due  to  its	 discover  from  the  High 	
ranges. It is adapted to the fast flowing regime of the stream 
with  low  water  temperature.  Heavy  soil  erosion,  pollution 
and  increased  pesticide  level  in  the  habitat  resulted  in  the 
decline of the population.	 	
 	
Scientific  name:	 Tor	 khudree	 Sykes	.  It  is  known  as  Deccan 	
mahseer  (English)  Kuyil  or  Katti  (Malayalam).  Its  ranges 
extends  the  entire  Peninsular  India.  Habitat  alteration, 
pollution,  sand  mining,  over  exploitation,  fish  poisoning, 
alien  invasive  fish  species,  dynamiting  and  e	lectrocution  are 	
the  major  threats  identified.  According  to  IUCN,  its  status  is 
endangered.

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Scientific	 name:	 Vijayachelyssilvatica	 (Henderson, 1912)	 	
Common Name: Cochin Forest Cane turtle (English); 
Chooralama, Kavalama	 (Malayalam). In Chalakudy, Kerala	, 	
South India. This is a poorly known species, endemic to the 
Western Ghats of Southern India. Pet trade, very low range 
of distribution, Habitat destruction are the major threat to 
the species. According to IUCN, its status is Endangered.	 	
 	
Scientific na	me:	 Cheloniamydas	 (Linnaeus, 1758). 	
Commonly called as Green turtle in English and Kadalama in 
Malayalam. Flesh and Egg is edible. The green turtle is a 
circumglobalspecies with foraging and nesting occurring 
throughout the tropics. Cheloniamydas is found 	throughout 	
the Indian River Lagoon. As per IUCN, its status is 
endangered. 	 	
 	
Scientific  name:	 VaranusbengalensisDaudin	,  1802.  Known 	
as  Bengal  Monitor  lizard  in  English  and  Udumbu  in 
Malayalam.  The  flesh  is  said  to  have  medicinal  value.  The 
greatest 	threat  to  this  species  is  hunting  as  it  is  hunted 	
commercially  for  its  skin,  and  its  meat  is  commonly  eaten. 
The  fat  is  also  used  in  traditional  medicine.  However,  IUCN 
included it in Least Concern category.	 	
 	
Scientific name:	 RhacophoruslateralisBoulenge	r, 1883. This 	
species is restricted to two small areas of the southern 
Western Ghats of India in Kerala (Wayanad Wildlife 
Sanctuary and its surroundings) and Karnataka (Coorg and 
its surroundings) at an elevation of approximately 800m asl. 
It might occur a	 little more widely than current records 	
suggest. IUCN has listed in the endangered category.	 	
 	
Scientific name:	 Bosgaurus C.H. Smith, 1827. Known as Guar 	
or  Indian  Bison  in  English  and  Kattupothu  in  Malayalam. 
Poaching,  loss  and  alteration  of  the  habitat	,  competition 	
with the domestic cattle, diseases, etc. IUCN has listed in the 
Vulnerable category.

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Scientific  name:	 Platacanthomyslasiurus  Blyth	 1859.  It  is 	
known  as  Malabar  Spiny  Dormouse,  Malabar  Spiny  Tree 
Mouse,  Spiny	 Tree  Mouse.  This  species  is  endemic  to 	
Western Ghats of India ranging from Shivamogge, Karnataka 
in  the  north  to  Peppara  Wildlife  Sanctuary  in 
Thiruvananthapuram  district.  Habitat  loss,  changes  in  land 
use  are  major  threats  to  the  species.  It  is  very  sens	itive  to 	
change  in  quality  of  habitat  and  to  human  interference.  In 
some  areas  of  its  occurrence  it  is  threatened  due  to  harvest 
for medicinal purpose.	 	
 	
Scientific  name:	 Pachliopta  hector	 (Linnaeus,  1758).  Its 	
common  name  in  English  is  Crimson  Rose.  It  i	s  stated  to  be 	
endemic  to  Sri  Lanka  and  southern  India,  but  its  range  may 
extend  along  the  east  coast  of  Orissa,  south  Bihar,  West 
Bengal and into Sikkim and parts of northeast India. 	 	
 	
Scientific name:	 Hypolimnasmisippuz	 (Linnaeus). Commonly 	
known as Da	naidEggfly. Loss and alteration of the habitiat, 	
pollution, pesticide, fungicide and weedicide application, 
industrial pollution, etc. are the threats to the species. It is 
Included in the Wildlife Protection Act (1972) Schedule 1.	 	
 	
Scientific  name:	 Lissemyspunctata	 (Lacépède,  1788).  It  is 	
commonly  known  as  Indian  Flap	-shelled  Turtle,  Indian 	
Flapshell  Turtle.  It  is  exploited  for  flesh,  carapace  and 
plastron.  Over  exploitation,  Loss  and  alteration  of  the 
habitiat,  pollution,  pesticide,  fungicide  and  we	edicide 	
application, industrial pollution are the threats.	 It is included 	
in  the  Wildlife  Protection  Act  (1972)  Schedule  1  and  the 
IUCN listed in the lower Risk category.	 	
 	
GlyptopetalumgrandiflorumBedd.	 	
Family	 : Celastraceae	 	
Habit	 : Small tree	 	
Habitat: 	Evergreen forests	 	
Distribution	 : So far known only from the windward 	
evergreen forests in the Wayanad and Kannur region of 
Southern Western Ghats	 	
IUCN status	 : Endangered

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HumboldtiaunijugaBedd.	 Family: Caesalpiniaceae	 	
Habit: Small tree	 	
Habitat: Evergree	n forest	 	
Distribution: So far known only from the middle elevation 
evergreen forests in the Agasthyamalaiphytogeographical 
region of southern Western Ghats	 	
IUCN status: Endangered	 	
 	
Polyalthiashendurunii	 Basha&Sasidh.	 	
Family: Annonaceae	 	
Habit: Tall tree	 	
Habitat: Evergreen forests	 	
World distribution: So far known only from the evergreen 
forests of Agasthyamalaiphytogeographical region of 
southern Western Ghats	 	
IUCN status: Endangered	 	
 	
Scientific name:	 Ceropegiadecaisneana Wight	 	
Common name: Palaancheera 	(Malayalam)	 	
Description: Herbaceous tuberous twiners in low altitude 
rocky grassland areas	 	
Economic value: Leaves edible, others not known	 	
Distribution: Western Ghats	 	
Endemism: Endemic to southern Western Ghats	 	
Threat to the species: Habitat disturbances	 	
 	
Scientific name:	 Goniothalamuswynaadensis	 (Bed	d.) 	 	
Description: Third storey undergrowth in evergreen forests	 	
Distribution: Southern Western Ghats	 	
Endemism: Endemic to windward region of 
Nilgiriphytogeographical region of Southern Western Ghats	 	
Threat to	 the species: Habitat disturbances	 	
 	
Scientific name	 : Ixoralawsonii Gamble	 	
Description: Sub	-shrub in shola forests	 	
Economic value	 : Not known	 	
Distribution: Southern Western Ghats	 	
Endemism: Endemic to windward region of Nilgiri	 	
phytogeographical region of	 Southern Western	 Ghats	 	
Threat to the species: Habitat disturbances

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Scientific name	 : MiliusanilagiricaBedd.	  	
Description: Shrubs in evergreen forests at higher altitutdes	 	
Economic value	 : Not known	 	
Distribution: Southern Western Ghats	 	
Endemism: Endemic	 to Windward region of 	
Nilgiriphytogeographical region of Southern Western Ghats	 	
Threat to the species: Habitat disturbances	 	
 	
Scientific name	 : TriasstocksiiBenth	.  	
Description: Epiphyte in evergreen and semi	-evergreen 	
forests	 	
Distribution: Southern 	Western Ghats	 	
Endemism: Endemic to Southern Western Ghats	 	
Threat to the species: Habitat disturbances	 	
 	
 
Elephasmaximus	 Linnaeus, 1758 Asian Eelphant	 	
(Endangered)	 	
 	
 
Ophiophagushannah (Cantor, 1836) Hamadryad, King Cobra 
(Vulnerable)	 	
 	
 
Bucerosbicornis	 Linnaeus, 1758	 Great Hornbill (Near 	
Threatened)

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Table:	 3.8	 Endangered Forest Species in Kerala	 	
 Sl No.	 	Species	 	Family	 	Habit	 	
1 	Acampe congesta	 	Orchidaceae	 	Herbs	 	
2 	Bulbophyllum aureum	 	Orchidaceae	 	Herbs	 	
3 	Ipsea malabarica	 	Orchidaceae	 	Herbs	 	
4 	Paphiopedilum druryi	 	Orchidaceae	 	Herbs	 	
5 	Taeniophyllum scaberulum	 	Orchidaceae	 	Herbs	 	
6 	Vanilla wightiana	 	Orchidaceae	 	Herbs	 	
7 	Arisaema attenuatum	 	Araceae	 	Herbs	 	
8 	Arisaema auriculata	 	Araceae	 	Herbs	 	
9 	Arisaema peltatum	 	Araceae	 	Herbs	 	
10	 	Calamus 	travancoricus	 	Arecaceae	 	Shrubs	 	
11	 	Cynometra beddomei	 	Fabaceae	 	Trees	 	
12	 	Cynometra travancorica	 	Fabaceae	 	Trees	 	
13	 	Dalbergia beddomei	 	Fabaceae	 	Lianas	 	
14	 	Dialium travancoricum	 	Fabaceae	 	Trees	 	
15	 	Inga cynometroides	 	Fabaceae	 	Tree	 	
16	 	Smithia venkobarowii	 	Fabaceae	 	Shrubs	 	
17	 	Tephrosia wynaadensis	 	Fabaceae	 	Herbs	 	
18	 	Buchanania barberi	 	Anacardiaceae	 	Trees	 	
19	 	Buchanania lanceolata	 	Anacardiaceae	 	Trees	 	
20	 	Dysoxylum beddomei	 	Meliaceae	 	Trees	 	
21	 	Dysoxylum ficiforme	 	Meliaceae	 	Trees	 	
22	 	Eugenia argentea	 	Myrtaceae	 	Trees	 	
23	 	Eugenia discifera	 	Myrtaceae	 	Trees	 	
24	 	Hedyotis beddomei	 	Rubiaceae	 	Herbs	 	
25	 	Hedyotis bourdillonii	 	Rubiaceae	 	Herbs	 	
26	 	Hedyotis wynaadensis	 	Rubiaceae	 	Herbs	 	
27	 	Adenosma malabaricum	 	Scrophulariaceae	 	Herbs	 	
28	 	Anaphalis barnesii	 	Compositae	 	Herbs	 	
29	 	Hydnocarepus macrocarpa	 	Flacourtiaceae	 	Trees	 	
30	 	Atuna travancorica	 	Rosaceae	 	Trees	 	
31	 	Bombax scopulorum	 	Bombacaceae	 	Trees	 	
32	 	Syzygium bourdillonii	 	Myrtaceae	 	Trees	 	
33	 	Syzygium palghatense	 	Myrtaceae	 	Trees

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34	 	Syzygium travancorcum	 	Myrtaceae	 	Trees	 	
35	 	Impatiens aliciae	 	Balsaminaceae	 	Herbs	 	
36	 	Impatiens anaimudica	 	Balsaminaceae	 	Herbs	 	
37	 	Impatiens cochinica	 	Balsaminaceae	 	Herbs	 	
38	 	Impatiens coelotropis	 	Balsaminaceae	 	Herbs	 	
39	 	Impatiens concinna	 	Balsaminaceae	 	Herbs	 	
40	 	Impatiens johnii	 	Balsaminaceae	 	Herbs	 	
41	 	Impatiens leptura	 	Balsaminaceae	 	Herbs	 	
42	 	Impatiens macrocarpa	 	Balsaminaceae	 	Herbs	 	
43	 	Impatiens munnarensis	 	Balsaminaceae	 	Herbs	 	
44	 	Impatiens pandata	 	Balsaminaceae	 	Herbs	 	
45	 	Impatiens platyadena	 	Balsaminaceae	 	Herbs	 	
46	 	Impatiens pallidiflora	 	Balsaminaceae	 	Herbs	 	
47	 	Impatiens rivulicola	 	Balsaminaceae	 	Herbs	 	
48	 	Impatiens verecunda	 	Balsaminaceae	 	Herbs	 	
49	 	Nilgirianthus asper	 	Acanthaceae	 	Shrubs	 	
50	 	Nilgirianthus barbatus	 	Acanthaceae	 	Shrubs	 	
51	 	Nilgirianthus beddomei	 	Acanthaceae	 	Shrubs	 	
52	 	Nilgirianthus ciliatus	 	Acanthaceae	 	Shrubs	 	
53	 	Nilgirianthus decurrens	 	Acanthaceae	 	Herbs	 	
54	 	Nilgirianthus foliosus	 	Acanthaceae	 	Herbs	 	
55	 	Nilgirianthus lupulinus	 	Acanthaceae	 	Herbs	 	
56	 	Nilgirianthus neilgherrensis	 	Acanthaceae	 	Herbs	 	
57	 	Nilgirianthus 	perrottetianus	 	Acanthaceae	 	Herbs	 	
58	 	Nilgirianthus punctatus	 	Acanthaceae	 	Herbs	 	
59	 	Nilgirianthus urceolaris	 	Acanthaceae	 	Herbs	 	
60	 	Ophiorrhiza barnesii	 	Rubiaceae	 	Herbs	 	
61	 	Ophiorrhiza candata	 	Rubiaceae	 	Herbs	 	
62	 	Ophiorrhiza incarnata	 	Rubiaceae	 	Herbs	 	
63	 	Ophiorrhiza munnarensis	 	Rubiaceae	 	Herbs	 	
64	 	Plectronia pergracilis	 	Rubiaceae	 	Shrubs	 	
65	 	Isachne fischeri	 	Gramineae	 	Herbs	 	
66	 	Isachne setosa	 	Gramineae	 	Herbs	 	
67	 	Ixora johnsonii	 	Rubiaceae	 	Herbs	 	
68	 	Jambosa bourdillonii	 	Myrtaceae	 	Trees

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Department of Economics & Statistics	 	40	 	
 	
69	 	Meteoromyrtus 	wynaadensis	 	Myrtaceae	 	Trees	 	
70	 	Janakia arayalpathra	 	Periplocaceae	 	Herbs	 	
71	 	Limnopoa meeboldii	 	Gramineae	 	Herbs	 	
72	 	Litsea travancorica	 	Lauraceae	 	Trees	 	
73	 	Loesnerinella bourdilonii	 	Celastraceae	 	Climber	 	
74	 	Madhuca bourdillonii	 	Sapotaceae	 	Trees	 	
75	 	Morinda	 reticulata	 	Rubiaceae	 	Climber	 	
76	 	Ceropegia beddomei	 	Asclepiadaceae	 	Climbers	 	
77	 	Cirrhopetalum avreum	 	Orchidaceae	 	Herbs	 	
78	 	Clematis bourdillonni	 	Ranunculaceae	 	Climbers	 	
79	 	Colubrinma travancorica	 	Rhamnaceae	 	Shrubs	 	
80	 	Cyclea fissicalyx	 	Menispermaceae	 	Climbers	 	
81	 	Didymocarpus macrostachya	 	Gesneriaceae	 	Herbs	 	
82	 	Garcinia imberti	 	Guttiferae	 	Trees	 	
83	 	Haplothismia exannulata	 	Burmanniaceae	 	Herbs	 	
84	 	Hyalisma janthina	 	Triuridaceae	 	Herbs	 	
85	 	Hydrobryum johnsonii	 	Podostemaceae	 	Herbs	 	
86	 	Cinnamomum 	travancoricum	 	Lauraceae	 	Trees	 	
87	 	Orophea uniflora	 	Annonaceae	 	Shrub	 	
88	 	Phaenanthus malabaricus	 	Annonaceae	 	Trees	 	
89	 	Polyalthia rufescens	 	Annonaceae	 	Trees	 	
90	 	Sageraea grandiflora	 	Annonaceae	 	Trees	 	
91	 	Vernonia anaimudica	 	Compositae	 	Herbs	 	
92	 	Vernonia 	heynei	 	Compositae	 	Herbs	 	
93	 	Vernonia multibracteata	 	Compositae	 	Herbs	 	
94	 	Ochlandra beddomei	 	Bambusaceae	 	Trees	 	
95	 	Ochreinauclea missionis	 	Rubiaceae	 	Trees	 	
96	 	Oianthus beddomei	 	Asclepiadaceae	 	Twiners	 	
97	 	Otonephelium stipulaceum	 	Sapindaceae	 	Trees	 	
98	 	Palaquium bourdillonii	 	Sapotaceae	 	Trees	 	
99	 	Phlebophyllum lawsonii	 	Acanthaceae	 	Shrubs	 	
100	 	Pogostemon travancoricus	 	Labiatae	 	Herbs	 	
101	 	Pterospermum reticulatum	 	Sterculiaceae	 	Trees	 	
102	 	Schefflera bourdillonii	 	Araliaceae	 	Climbers	 	
103	 	Silentvalleya nairii	 	Gramineae	 	Herbs

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Department of Economics & Statistics	 	41	 	
 
104	 	Sonerila nemakadensis	 	Melastomataceae	 	Herbs	 	
105	 	Strobilanthes dupenii	 	Acanthaceae	 	Herbs	 	
106	 	Toxocarpus palghatensis	 	Asclepiadaceae	 	Herbs	 	
107	 	Poeciloneuron indicum	 	Bonnetiaceae	 	Trees	 	
108	 	Poeciloneuron pauciflorum	 	Bonnetiaceae	 	Trees	 	
Source: Kerala Forest Department	  	
 	
Table:	 3.9 District	 Wise Forest Area	 (Area in 	sq	Km)	
Sl 
No.	 	District	 	Geographic 	
Area	 	
Reserved 
Forest Area	 	
Protected 
Forest	 	
Total Forest 	
Area 	 	
1 	Thiruvananthapuram	 	2192	 	460.1831	 	3.651	 	463.8341	 	
2 	Kollam	 	2491	 	827.875	 	12.6922	 	840.5672	 	
3 	Pathanamthitta	 	2642	 	1532.2257	 	1.568	 	1533.7937	 	
4 	Alappuzha	 	NIL	 	
5 	Kottayam	 	2203	 	100.8450	 	0 	100.8450	 	
6 	Idukki	 	5019	 	2679.072	 	34.6506	 	2713.7226	 	
7 	Ernakulam	 	2407	 	823.8302	 	0 	823.8302	 	
8 	Thrissur	 	3032	 	1018.438	 	4.3137	 	1022.7517	 	
9 	Palakkadu	 	4480	 	860.2	 	667.1564	 	1527.3564	 	
10	 	Malappuram	 	3550	 	325.3261	 	398.592	 	723.9181	 	
11	  	Kozhikode	 	2344	 	47.3658	 	243.0856	 	290.4514	 	
12	 	Wayanadu	 	2131	 	566.511	 	340.5337	 	907.0447	 	
13	 	Kannur	 	2966	 	143.7275	 	97.8442	 	241.5716	 	
14 	Kasargod	 	1992	 	86.0221	 	33.7083	 	119.7304	 	
TOTAL	 	38863	 	9471.6215	 	1837.7956	 	11309.4171 *	 	
Source : Forest Statistics 2016	 	
 
*  Difference  due  to  an  area  of  0.0583Km	2 because  of  the  forest  lands  available  in 	
Nenjangud, Mysore and Pollachi which are outside the territorial boundaries of Kerala.

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	42

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	43	 	
 	
Table:	 3.10 	Division wise area of Forest 2015	-16	 	
Area in 	sq	Km	 	
Sl 
No.	 	Division	 	Reserve 
Forest	 	
Proposed 
Reserve	 	
Vested	 	
Forest	 + 	
EFL	 	
Total	 	% of 
Total	 	
Southern Circle, Kollam	 	
1 	Thiruvananthapuram	 	359.1240	 	5.8253	 	3.6510	 	368.6003	 	3.26	 	
2 	Thenmala	 	123.4320	 	- 	7.7350	 	131.1670	 	1.16	 	
3 	Achencovil	 	284.3298	 	- 	0.2082	 	284.5380	 	2.52	 	
4 	Ranni	 	1050.3360	 	7.1600	 	1.5680	 	1059.0640	 	9.36	 	
5 	Punalur	 	280.0510	 	- 	0.1690	 	280.2200	 	2.48	 	
6 	Ranni	 	320.6430	 	11.0210	 	- 	331.6640	 	2.93	 	
 	Total	 	2417.9158	 	24.0063	 	13.3312	 	2455.2533	 	21.71	 	
High 	Range Circle, Kottayam	 	
7 	Kothamangalam	 	316.8451	 	- 	0.1576	 	317.0027	 	2.80	 	
8 	Munnar	 	440.4900	 	175.2750	 	2.4500	 	618.2150	 	5.47	 	
9 	Marayoor	 	13.9720	 	47.2600	 	0.0760	 	61.3080	 	0.54	 	
10	 	Mankulam	 	90.0600	 	- 	- 	90.0600	 	0.80	 	
11	 	Kottayam	 	627.2870	 	- 	31.9670	 	659.2540	 	5.83	 	
 	Total	 	1488.6541	 	222.5350	 	34.6506	 	1745.8397	 	15.44	 	
Central Circle, Thrissur	 	
12	 	Vazhachal	 	413.9440	 	- 	- 	413.9440	 	3.66	 	
13	 	Chalakudy	 	279.7098	 	- 	- 	279.7098	 	2.47	 	
14	 	Malayattoor	 	617.2411	 	0.5248	 	- 	617.7659	 	5.46	 	
15	 	Thrissur	 	293.7430	 	- 	4.3137	 	298.0567	 	2.64	 	
 Total	 	1604.6379	 	0.5248	 	4.3137	 	1609.4764	 	14.23	 	
Eastern Circle, Palakkad	 	
16	 	Mannarkkad	 	150.7322	 	- 	271.7213	 	422.4535	 	3.74	 	
17	 	Nilambur North	 	57.9196	 	0.0171	 	340.7032	 	398.6399	 	3.52	 	
18	 	Nilambur South	 	267.3894	 	- 	57.8888	 	325.2782	 	2.88	 	
19	 	Palakkad	 	73.4100	 	- 	162.0847	 	235.4947	 	2.08	 	
20	 	Nenmara	 	205.5170	 	- 	150.2104	 	355.7274	 	3.15	 	
 Total	 	754.9682	 	0.0171	 	982.6084	 	1737.5937	  15.37	 	
North Circle, Kannur	 	
21	 	Kozhikode	 	24.3998	 	22.9660	 	243.0856	 	290.4514	 	2.57	 	
22	 	Wayanad North	 	134.0240	 	15.0640	 	65.8527	 	214.9407	 	1.90

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Department of Economics & Statistics	 	44	 	
 
23	 	Wayanad South	 	66.1381	 	6.8449	 	274.6810	 	347.6640	 	3.07	 	
24	 	Kannur	 	121.3702	 	0 	65.2014	 	186.5716	 	1.65	 	
25	 	Kasaragode	 	86.0221	 	0 	33.7083	 	119.7304	 	1.06	 	
 Total	 	431.9542	 	44.8749	 	682.5290	 	1159.3581	 	10.25	 	
Agastyavanam Biological Park	 	
26	 	Thiruvananthapuram	 	212.0000	 	- 	- 	212.0000	 	1.87	 	
27	 	Shenthuruni	 	166.4200	 	- 	4.5800	 	171.0000	 	1.51	 	
 Total	 	378.4200	 	- 	4.5800	 	383.0000	 	3.38	 	
Field Director (Project Tiger), Kottayam	 	
28	 	Periyar East	 	618.0000	 	- 	- 	618.0000	 	5.46	 	
29	 	Periyar West	 	157.0000	 	- 	- 	157.0000	 	1.39	 	
30	 	Munnar	 	276.8450	 	- 	- 	276.8450	 	2.45	 	
31	 	Idukki	 	130.5240	 	- 	- 	130.5240	 	1.15	 	
 Total	 	1182.3690	 	- 	- 	1182.3690	 	10.45	 	
Wildlife Circle, Palakkad	 	
32	 	Parambikulam	 	274.1408	 	- 	- 	274.1408	 	2.42	 	
33	 	Wayanadu (WL)	 	344.4400	 	- 	- 	344.4400	 	3.05	 	
34	 	Silent Valley	 	154.3800	 	- 	83.1400	 	237.5200	 	2.10	 	
35	 	Peechi	 	122.0644	 	3.4200	 	- 	125.4844	 	1.11	 	
36	 	Aralam	 	22.3572	 	- 	32.6428	 	55.0000	 	0.49	 	
 	Total	 	917.3824	 	3.4200	 	115.7828	 	1036.5852	 	9.17	 	
 	Grand Total	 	9176.3016	 	295.3781	 	1837.7957	 11309.4754	 	 	
Source: Forest 	Statistics	 2016	 	
Note:	  Reconciliation  process 	on  forest  area  is  being  done.  The  figures	 furnished  above  are 	
subject to 	minor variations in this process.	 	
Classification of Forest Areas	 	
Classification  of  forest  areas  are  mainly  in  7  types 	- Tropical  Wet  Evergreen  and  Semi 	
Evergreen,  Tropical  Moist 	Deciduous,  Tropical  Dry  Deciduous,  Montane  Sub	-tropical  Temperate 	
shoals, Plantations, Grass lands and others. The area  of Tropical Wet Evergreen and Semi Evergreen 
forest is 3877.4413 Km	2, Tropical Moist Deciduous forest is 3615.9840 Km	2, Tropical Dry Dec	iduous is 	
391.3636  Km	2,  Montane  Sub	-tropical  Temperate  shoals  is  386.4210  Km	2,  Plantations  are  1549.5033 	
Km	2,  Grass  lands  covers  501.0865  and  others  are  987.6757  Km	2..  The  classification  of  Total  Forest 	
Area is given in the chart.

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Department of Economics & Statistics	 	45	 	
 	
 	
Table:	 3.11 	Classificati	ons	 of Forest 	Types 2015	-16	 	
Sl 	No. 	Type of Forest	 	Area (	Km)	% to Total	 	
1 	Tropical Wet Evergreen and Semi Evergreen	 	3877.4413	 	34.28	 	
2 	Tropical Moist Deciduous	 	3615.9840	 	31.97	 	
3 	Tropical Dry Deciduous	 	391.3636	 	3.46	 	
4 	Montane Sub	-tropical Temperate 	shoals	 	386.4210	 	3.42	 	
5 	Plantations	 	1549.5033	 	13.70	 	
6 	Grass Lands	 	501.0865	 	4.43	 	
7 	Others	 	987.6757	 	8.73	 	
 	Total	 	11309.4754	 	100	 	
Source:	 Forest Statistics 2016	 	
 
 	
Table:	 3.12 	Classification of Forest Area according to utilisation 	 	
SlNo.	 	Mode of Utilisation	 	2015	 	2016	 	
Area (Km	2) 	
1 	Dense Forest /	 Degraded Forest	 	8754.2168	 	8852.8761	 	
2 	Plantations	 	1567.4374	 	1549.5033	 	
3 	Area under Lease	 	604.4537	 	523.7198	 	
4 	Forest Land diverted under FCA	 	383.3675	 	383.3762	 	
 	Total	 	11309.4754	 	11309.4754	 	
Source:	 Forest Statistics 	 	
 
Table:	 3.13 District	 wise Ecologically Fragile Land (EFL) Area	 	
Sl. No.	 	District	 	2015	 	2016	 	
Area (ha)	
1 	Thiruvananthapuram	 	885.26	 	723.5817	 	
2 	Kollam	 	273.72	 	273.7233	 	
3 	Idukki	 	1411.82	 	1398.0533	 	
4 	Thrissur	 	80.04	 	76.4046	 	
5 	Palakkad	 	5270.69	 	4874.3636	 	
6 	Malappuram	 	1285.09	 	1153.2027	 	
7 	Kozhikode	 	1544.99	 	1544.0400	 	
8 	Wayanad	 	3004.86	 	2957.8486	 	
9 	Kannur	 	491.26	 	488.1291	 	
10	 	Kasaragode	 	662.90	 	663.1677	 	
 	TOTAL	 	14910.63	 	14152.5146	 	
 Source: Forest 	Statistics

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	46	 	
 	
 Table:	 3.14	 District wise Forest cover 2015	-16 	(area	 in 	SqKm)	
SlNo	 	District	 	
Geographic Area
 	201	5 Assessment	 	
Percent to GA
 	
Very Dense
 	
Moderate 	Dense
 	
Open Forest
 	
Total
 	
1 	Thiruvananthapuram	 	2193	 	60	 	718	 	539	 	1317	 	60.05	 	
2 	Kollam	 	2491	 	99	 	671	 	632	 	1402	 	56.28	 	
3 	Pathanamthitta	 	2641	 	158	 	1202	 	382	 	1742	 	65.96	 	
4 	Alappuzha	 	1414	 	0 	45	 	67	 	112	 	7.92	 	
5 	Kottayam	 	2203	 	12	 	530	 	341	 	883	 	40.08	 	
6 	Idukki	 	5019	 	349	 	2081	 	1340	 	3770	 	75.11	 	
7 	Ernakulam	 	2407	 	12	 	282	 	412	 	706	 	29.33	 	
8 	Thrissur	 	3033	 	181	 	454	 	490	 	1125	 	37.09	 	
9 	Palakkadu	 	4480	 	317	 	677	 	767	 	1761	 	39.31	 	
10	 	Malappuram	 	3549	 	142	 	417	 	916	 	1475	 	41.56	 	
11	 	Kozhikode	 	2344	 	30	 	316	 	706	 	1052	 	44.88	 	
12	 	Wayanadu	 	2131	 	142	 	1256	 	301	 	1699	 	79.73	 	
13	 	Kannur	 	2966	 	21	 	346	 	971	 	1338	 	45.11	 	
14	 	Kasaragode	 	1992	 	0 	306	 	551	 	857	 	43.02	 	
TOTAL	 	38863	 	1523	 	9301	 	8415	 	19239	 	49.50	 	
 	
Source: Forest Statistics 2016

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Department of Economics & Statistics	 	47	 	
 	
Table:	 3.15 Division	 wise Area of Plantation 	(species wise) 2015	-16	 	
Sl 	
No.	 	Division	 	Hardwood	 Softwood	 	Others	 	
Bamboo, 	
Cane 
and 
Reeds	 	
Mangroves	 	Total	 	
1 	Thiruvananthapuram	 	4347.712	 	367.676	 2114.567	 	0 	0.000	 	6829.955	 	
2 	Thenmala	 	1804.910	 	971.946	 3213.090	 	9.740	 	0.000	 	5999.686	 	
3 	Punalur	 	3223.710	 	394.680	 1039.380	 	129.220	 	0.000	 	4786.990	 	
4 	Achenkovil	 	2943.730	 	0 1278.847	 	0 	0.000	 	4222.577	 	
5 	Ranni	 	3966.450	 	0 2354.470	 	541.470	 	0.000	 	6862.390	 	
6 	Konni	 	8509.634	 	32.480	 1181.716	 	912.900	 	0.000	 	10636.730	 	
7 	Kottayam	 	4185.401	 	252.940	 1304.867	 	371.381	 	0.000	 	6114.589	 	
8 	Munnar	 	790.524	 3563.410	 1305.580	 	587.860	 	0.000	 	6247.374	 	
9 	Kothamangalam	 	4761.715	 	304.040	 1233.897	 	266.860	 	0.000	 	6566.512	 	
10	 	Marayoor	 	0 	799.620	 	17.200	 	0 	0.000	 	816.820	 	
11	 	Mankulam	 	39.250	 	101.000	 	211.130	 	211.560	 	0.000	 	562.940	 	
12	 	Malayatoor	 	5211.354	 	31.098	 2678.628	 	86.700	 	0.000	 	8007.780	 	
13	 	Vazhachal	 	3933.870	 	489.510	 2881.780	 	363.940	 	0.000	 	7669.100	 	
14	 	Chalakkudy	 	4622.590	 	107.800	 1031.850	 	38.600	 	0.000	 	5800.840	 	
15	 	Thrissur	 	4437.690	 	40.000	 2033.010	 	0 	0.000	 	6510.700	 	
16	 	TS Perumbavoor	 	64.490	 	0 	0 	0 	0.000	 	64.490	 	
17	 	Nenmara	 	1631.930	 	146.540	 1468.720	 	90.040	 	0.000	 	3337.230	 	
18	 	Palakkad	 	1927.610	 	108.820	 1390.410	 	173.430	 	0.000	 	3600.270	 	
19	 	Mannarkkad	 	598.750	 	143.920	 	599.760	 	50.000	 	0.000	 	1392.430	 	
20	 	Nilambur (South) 	 	4659.978	 	0 	539.680	 	177.500	 	0.000	 	5377.158	 	
21	 	Nilambur (North)	4155.359	 	41.580	 1267.660	 1311.484	 	0.000	 	6776.083	 	
22	 	Kozhikkode	 	339.860	 1048.812	 	981.390	 	83.100	 	5.000	 	2458.162	 	
23	 	Wayanad (South)	2693.650	 1003.400	 1478.680	 	171.000	 	0.000	 	5346.730	 	
24	 	Wayanad (North)	712.450	 	263.930	 2981.470	 1281.600	 	0.000	 	5239.450	 	
25	 	Kannur	 	703.442	 	0 3950.204	 	102.100	 	251.979	 	5007.725	 	
26	 	Kasaragod	 	1208.012	 	0 1835.383	 	467.212	 	116.210	 	3626.817	 	
27	 	Thiruvananthapuram 
Wildlife	 	63.080	 	93.760	 1248.381	 1126.468	 	0.000	 	2531.689	 	
28	 	Peechi Wildlife	 	457.427	 	0 1141.887	 	132.250	 	0.000	 	1731.564	 	
29	 	Parambikulam 
Wildlife	 	8747.466	 	0 	0 	0 	0.000	 	8747.466

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	48	 	
 	
Sl 	
No.	 	Division	 	Hardwood	 Softwood	 	Others	 	
Bamboo, 	
Cane 
and 
Reeds	 	
Mangroves	 	Total	 	
30	 	Silent Valley Wildlife	 	437.300	 	57.890	 	94.000	 	0 	0.000	 	589.190	 	
31	 	Wayanad 	Wildlife	 	7486.802	 	429.670	 2987.899	 	0 	0.000	 	10904.371	 	
32	 	Aaralam Wildlife	 	291.300	 	0 	30.000	 	0 	0.000	 	321.300	 	
33	 	NSC, Kalady	 	162.217	 	0 	77.500	 	23.500	 	0.000	 	263.217	 	
Total	 	89119.663	 10794.522	 45953.036	 8709.915	 	373.189	 	154950.325	 	
Source :	 Forest Statistics 2016	 	
 	
Table:	 3.16 Species	 wise distribution of Plantation Area 	 	
Sl No.	 	Species	 	2015	 	2016	 	
Area (Ha.)	
1 	Teak	 	76734.962	 	77440.840	 	
2 	Teak & Soft wood	 	14482.874	 	13537.283	 	
3 	Accacia Mangium	 	3589.465	 	3048.425	 	
4 	Accacia 	auriculiformis	 	5752.314	 	6482.983	 	
5 	Eucalyptus	 	6566.155	 	7136.528	 	
6 	Cane	 	1908.872	 	2946.692	 	
7 	Bamboo	 	5057.442	 	5347.263	 	
8 	Rosewood	 	55.130	 	45.130	 	
9 	Mahagani	 	360.556	 	478.356	 	
10	 	Sandalwood	 	73.840	 	73.840	 	
11	 	Other Hardwood	 	264.130	 	502.810	 	
12	 	Reeds	 	515.352	 	415.960	 	
13	 	Cinnamon	 	0.000	 	0.000	 	
14	 	Pepper	 	70.000	 	100.000	 	
15	 	Medicinal Plants	 	2027.111	 	2025.200	 	
16	 	Gravelia Robusta	 	576.728	 	490.368	 	
17	 	Pine	 	552.800	 	608.976	 	
18	 	Albezzia	 	120.330	 	120.330	 	
19	 	Anjili	 	393.340	 	585.039	 	
20	 	Kambakam	 	185.240	 	462.240	 	
21	 	Elavu	 	600.980	 	600.980	 	
22	 	Rubber	 	86.370	 	44.370	 	
23	 	Balsa	 	36.040	 	21.040	 	
24	 	Wattle	 	2187.610	 	1285.620

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Department of Economics & Statistics	 	49	 	
 	
25	 	Matti	 	497.310	 	486.310	 	
26	 	Cashew	 	4849.459	 	4694.819	 	
27	 	Agave	 	41.640	 	41.640	 	
28	 	Alnus	 	74.350	 	74.350	 	
29	 	Sesbania	 	21.070	 	21.070	 	
30	 	Casuarina	 	138.870	 	52.630	 	
31	 	Silver Oak	 	108.530	 	134.530	 	
32	 	Mangroves	 	373.189	 	373.189	 	
33	 	Fruit bearing	 	366.543	 	315.543	 	
34	 	Miscellaneous	 	28075.141	 	24955.971	 	
 	TOTAL	 	156743.742	 	154950.325	 	
Source:	 Forest Statistics	  	
 	
 
 
 
 	
Table: 	3.17	 Out	 turn of Major Forest Produces	 	
Sl No.	 	Category	 	Unit	 	Quantity	 	
1 	Industrial wood	 	M	3 	31185.936	 	
2 	Plywood	 	M	3 	651.974	 	
3 	Match wood	 	M	3 	596.002	 	
4 	Bobbin wood	 	M	3 	35.337	 	
5 	Packing case wood	 	M	3 	296.124	 	
6 	Pulpwood	 	MT	 	26824.588	 	
7 	Miscellaneous	 	 	 	
 	a) Timber	 	M	3 	8008.516	 	
 	b) Fire wood / Billets	 	MT	 	5831.270	 	
 	c) Sandal wood	 	Kg	 	68644.600	 	
 	d) Teak Poles	 	MT	 	9354.813	 	
 	e) Other Poles	 	MT	 	459.600	 	
Source : Forest Statistics 2016

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Department of Economics & Statistics	 	50	 	
 	
Table: 3.1	8 Procurement	 of Minor Forest Produces	 	
Sl No.	 	Name	 	Quantity (kg)	
1 	Ayurvedic Herbs	 	732560.10	 	
2 	Spices	 	4745.00	 	
3 	Fibre	 	8361.00	 	
4 	Grass other than fodder	 	127693.00	 	
5 	Incensive Plants	 	10437.70	 	
6 	Honey	 	56176.90	 	
7 	Bee's Wax	 	272.40	 	
8 	Vegitable Oil Seeds	 	4415.00	 	
 	TOTAL	 	944661.10	 	
Source : Forest Statistics 2016	  	
 
 	
Biosphere Reserves in Kerala	 	
The	 17  Biosphere  Reserves  in  India,  whic	h protect  larger  areas  of  nature	 and  often  include 	
one  or  more  National  Parks  and/or  preserves,  along  buffer  zones  that  are  open  to  some  economic 
uses.  Protection  is  granted  not  only  to  the  flora  and  fauna  of  the  protected  region,  but  also  to  the 
human comm	unities who inhabit these regions, and their ways of life.	  	
Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve	 	
The  Nilgiri  Biosphere  Reserve  encompasses  5,520 	Sq	km  in  the  State  of  Tamil  Nadu 	
(2537.6 	Sq	km),  Karnataka  (1527.4 	Sqkm	)  and  Kerala  (1455.4 	Sqkm	).  It  forms  an  almost 	
comple	te ring	 around the Nilgiri Plateau.	  	
Ecology:	  
Corresponding  to  their  altitudinal  and  climatic  gradients,  the  natural  vegetation 	
changes  from  tropical  wet  evergreen  forest  along  the  western  slopes  to  montane  stunted 
Shola  forest  amidst  the  grassy  down  on  t	he  upper	 plateau  and  on  the  east,  progressively 	
drier	 deciduous forests ending in thorny scrub. This setting is home for a variety of animals	-	
the  lion	-tailed  macaque  in  the  evergreen  forests,  the  Nilgiri  tahr  in  the  grassy  downs,  the 	
black buck in the dry 	scrub and the tiger and the elephant throughout the region.	  	
Fauna and Flora:

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Department of Economics & Statistics	 	51	 	
 	
Fauna  includes  over  100  species  of  mammals,  350  species  of  birds,  80  species  of 	
reptiles;  about  39  species  of  fish,  31  amphibians,  60  species  of  reptiles  316  species  of 
butterfl	ies  and  innumerable  invertebrates.  Rare  animals  include  the  tiger  and  the  Nilgiri 	
Tahr. The reserve has very rich plant diversity. Of 3300 species, 1232 are endemic.	 	
Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve	 	
The  Agasthyamalai  Biosphere  Reserve  (ABR)  was  established 	in  2001  and  includes 	
3,500 	Sqkm	 out  of  which  1828 	Sqkm	 is  in  Kerala  and  1672 	Sqkm	 is  in  Tamil  Nadu.	 The 	
Western  Ghats,  Agasthyamalai 	sub	-cluster,  including  all  of  Agasthyamalai  Biosphere 	
Reserve, is under consideration by the UNESCO World Heritage Committe	e for selection as a 	
World Heritage 	site. Agasthyamala is located in this biosphere area.	 	
Location: 	 	
This  biosphere  reserve  straddles  the  border  of  Kollam  and  Thiruvananthapuram 	
districts  in  Kerala  andTirunelveli  and  Kanyakumari  district  in  Tamil  Nadu.	 It 	is  composed  of 	
Neyyar, Peppara and Shendurney wildlife Sanctuaries and their adjoining areas of Achencoil, 
Thenmala,  Konni,  Punalur,  Thiruvananthapuram  divisions  and  Agasthyavanam  special 
division  in  Kerala.  The  reserve  now  covers  parts  of  Tirunelveli  and 	Kanyakumari  Districts  in 	
Tamil Nadu and Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Pathanamthitta Districts in Kerala.	 	
Ecology: 	 
The reserve includes the Indian Ecoregions of South Western Ghats moist deciduous 	
forests,  South  Western  Ghats  montane  rain  forests  and  Sho	la.  It  is  the  habitat  for  2,000 	
varieties of medicinal plants, of which at least 50 are rare and endangered species. Rare 	 	
Protected Area:	 	
 The  protected  area  of  the  reserver  includes  Neyyar,  Peppara  and  Shenduruny 	
wildlife sanctuaries of Kerala and Kalakk	ad	-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve of Tamil Nadu.	 	
Fauna and Flora: 	 	
The  proposed Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve is a pristine paleotropic  region with 	
a  very  high  floral  endemism  and  tremendously  rich  biodiversity,  locked  up  in  an  area 
exhibiting  an  overall  representation  of  the  biota  of  the  southern  Western  Ghats.  The  sit	e 	
represents  the  richest  centre  of  endemic  plants,  abode  of  all  vegetation  types  met  within 
the  peninsula,  richest  repository  of  medicinal  plants,  the  southern	-most  haven  of

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Department of Economics & Statistics	 	52	 	
 
endangered  animals  including  primates,  amphibians,  reptiles  and  fishes  and  a  treas	ure 	
house of wild relatives of domesticated crops.	 	
Table:	 3.19 Biosphere	 Reserves in Kerala	 	
Sl 
No	 	
Name of 
reserve	 	
Area 
(Sq.Km	) 	Forest area in the State	 	
 
1 	
 
Nilgiri	 	
 
1455.4	 	
 	Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary	 	
 	 Silent valley National Park	 	
 	Nilambur South (New 	Amarambalam, Karimpuzha)	
 	 Mannarkkad (Attappady)	
 	 Palakkad (Siruvani Reserved Forests)	
 	Nilambur North, (Chakkikuzhy, Kozhipara,	  	
 Punchakolly, Ex.Karulai Range (Nilambur Kovilakom)	
 	Kozhikode (kuttyadi, Thamarassery, Vested Forests)	
 	 Wayanad South (Kalpetta)	
 
2 	
 
Agastyamalai	 	
 
1828	 	
 	Neyyar	, Peppara , Shendurney wildlife sanctuaries,	 	
 	Achencoil,	 Thenmala, Konni	 	
 	Punalur and Thiruvananthapuram territorial divisions and	 	
 	Agasthyavanam Biological Park Range	 	
 
 
 
Wildlife Conservation	 	
According	 to  Forest  Statistics  2016,  Kerala  has  3213.24  Km	2 of  forests  under 	
protected  areas  (National  Parks,  Wildlife  Sanctuaries  and  Community  Reserves)  and  forms 
28% of the total forest area. The list of Wildlife Sanctuaries, National Parks, and Community 
Reserv	e & Biosphere Reserve are given below.

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Table:	 3.20 List	 of Wildlife Sanctuaries, National Parks, Community Reserve and Biosphere 	
Reserves	 	
SlNo. 	Name	 	District	 	Area 	(Sqkm)	Year of 
Formation	 	
Wildlife Sanctuaries	 	
1 	Periyar WLS (Tiger Reserve), 
Idukki	  	Idukki	 	925.000	 	1950(1978)	
2 	Neyyar WLS, Thiruvananthapuram	 Thiruvananthapuram	 	128.000	 	1958	 	
3 	Peechi	–Vazhani Wildlife 	
Scantuary.	 	Thrissur	 	125.000	 	1958	 	
4 	Parambikulam WLS (Tiger 
Reserve)	Palakkad	 	643.660	 	1973(2009)	
5 	Wayanad WLS, Wayanad	 	Wayanad	 	344.440	 	1973	 	
6 	Idukki WLS, Idukki	 	Idukki	 	70.000	 	1976	 	
7 	Peppara WLS, 
Thiruvananthapuram	 	Thiruvananthapuram	 	53.000	 	1983	 	
8 	Thattekkadu Bird Sanctuary, 
Ernakulam	 	Ernakulam	 	25.000	 	1983	 	
9 	Shenduruniey WLS, Kollam	 	Kollam	 	171.000	 	1984	 	
10	 	Chinnar WLS, Idukki	 	Idukki	 	90.440	 	1984	 	
11	 	Chimmony WLS, Thrissur	 	Thrissur	 	85.000	 	1984	 	
12	 	Aralam WLS, Kannur	 	Kannur	 	55.000	 	1984	 	
13	 	Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary.	 	Ernakulam	 	0.0274	 	2004	 	
14	 	Kurinjimala Sanctuary, Idukki	 	Idukki	 	32.000	 	2006	 	
15	 	Choolannur Pea Fowl Sanctuary	 	Palakkad	 	3.420	 	2007	 	
16	 	Malabar Sanctuary.	 	Kozhikode	 	74.215	 	2009	 	
17	 	Kottiyoor WLS, Kannur	 	Kannur	 	30.3798	 	2011	 	
 	National Parks

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Department of Economics & Statistics	 	54	 	
 	
1 	Eravikulam National Park.	 	Idukki	 	97.000	 	1978	 	
2 	Silent Valley National Park.	 	Palakkad	 	237.520	 	1984	 	
3 	Anamudi Shola National Park.	 	Idukki	 	7.500	 	2003	 	
4 	Mathikettan National Park.	 	Idukki	 	12.817	 	2003	 	
5 	Pambadum Shola National Park, 
Idukki	 	Idukki	 	1.318	 	2003	 	
Total	 	3211.7372	 	 	
 	Community Reserve	 	
1 	Kadalundi 	– Vallikunnu 	
Community Reserve	 	
Kozhikode & 
Malappuram	 	1.500	 	2007	 	
 	Biosphere 	Reserve	 	
1 	Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve	 	Thiruvananthapuram 	
& Kollam	 	1828.00	 	2001	 	
2 	Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve	 	Palakkad	 	1455.40	 	1986	 	
Source: Forest Statistics 2016	 	
Timber and Non	-Timber forest products of Kerala	 	
 Forest  Products  collection  is  one  of  the  major  livelihoods  of  the  local  people.  It 	
consists  of  a  variety  of  products,  which  are  sources  of  food,  fibre,  manure,  construction 
materials, cosmetics and cultural products. The users of NTFP range from local ind	ividuals to 	
multinational  companies.  With  the  development  of  modern  techniques,  the  number  of 
products  and  uses  based  on  NTFP  has  increased  by  many  folds.  Studies  indicate  NTFP 
collectors  are  amongst  the  lowest	-income  groups  in  India,  often  receiving  a  mer	e  5	-20%  of 	
the  value  for  their  products  (SPWD,  1993).  About  69%  of  the  forest  based  employment  is 
related  to  NTFP.  The  forests  of  Kerala  are  very  rich  in  NTFP  including  edible  products, 
medicinal  plants,  toiletries,  tans,  dyes,  gums,  resins,  rattan,  bamboo	,  grasses  and  animal 	
products.  Although  500  species  of  NTFP  are  available  in  the  forests  of  Kerala,  about  120 
items are listed as commercially important by the Kerala Forest Department.

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Department of Economics & Statistics	 	55	 	
 	
Table:	 3.2	1 District	 Wise Mangrove Cover in 	Sqkm	 
 	 	 	
SlNo.	 	District	 	
Mangrove Cover 	 	
Very dense	 	Moderate 	
dense	 	
Open 
forest	 	
Total	 	
1 	Ernakulam	 	0 	1 	1 	2 	
2 	Kannur	 	0 	4 	2 	6 	
3 	Kasaragode	 	0 	0 	1 	1 	
TOTAL	 	0 	5 	4 	9 	
Source : Forest Statistics2015	-16	 	
 
  	
Table:	 3.2	2 District	 wise Fish Production in Kerala 2015	-16	 (in tones)	 	
 Source:	 Fisheries Hand Book	 	
 	 	
Sl No	 	District	 	Inland	 	Marine	 	Total	 	
1 	Thiruvananthapuram	 	5562	 	63518	 	69080	 	
2 	Kollam	 	19757	 	108686	 	128443	 	
3 	Pathanamthitta	 	3525	 	0 	3525	 	
4 	Alappuzha	 	34930	 	44388	 	79318	 	
5 	Kottayam	 	12308	 	0 	12308	 	
6 	Idukki	 	3536	 	0 	3536	 	
7 	Ernakulam	 	38951	 	80394	 	119345	 	
8 	Thrissur	 	26781	 	21057	 	47838	 	
9 	Palakkadu	 	22064	 	0 	22064	 	
10	 	Malappuram	 	6831	 	59920	 	66751	 	
11	 	Kozhikode	 	6124	 	93443	 	99567	 	
12	 	Wayanadu	 	2274	 	0 	2274	 	
13	 	Kannur	 	4786	 	23254	 	28040	 	
14	 	Kasaragode	 	23333	 	22085	 	45418	 	
 	Total	 	210762	 	516745	 	727507

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Department of Economics & Statistics	 	56	 	
 	
Chapter 	- IV	 	
Atmosphere	 	
 	
Vehicles  and  industries  are  mainly  responsible  for  the  deterioration  of  air  quality  in 	
the state. Both create noise and emit air  pollutants. Impact of vehicular emission and noise 
is widespread while that due to industrial emission is limited to areas arou	nd the industries. 	
Advanced  manufacturing  techniques  have  considerably  reduced  both  noise  and 	emission 	
and  automobiles.  Cleaner  production  process  have  emerged  which  reduce  emissions  from 
some  industries.  But  the  benefits  are  being  offset  by  the  rapid  incr	ease  in  the  numbers  of 	
vehicles  as  well  as  industries.  This  growth  is  pronounced  in  urban  areas.  Air  quality  is 
therefore under increased stress around urban areas.	 	
Many  forms  of  atmospheric  pollution  affect  human  health  and  the  environment  at 	
levels from 	local to global. These contaminants are emitted from diverse sources, and some 	
of them react together to form new compounds in the air. Industrialized nations have made 
important  progress  toward  controlling  some  pollutants  in  recent  decades,  but  air  qualit	y  is 	
much  worse  in  many  developing  countries,  and  global  circulation  patterns  can  transport 
some  types  of  pollution  rapidly  around  the  world.  In  this  unit,  discover  the  basic  chemistry 
of  atmospheric  pollution  and  learn  which  human  activities  have  the  grea	test  impacts  on  air 	
quality.	 Until  a  decade  ago  pollution  was  not  a  matter  of  concern  for  our  State.	 Increasing 	
use  of  fossil  fuel  in  the  transportation  and  industrial  sectors  is  adversely  affecting  the  air 
quality.  Major  cities  like  Thiruvananthapuram,  Ko	chi  and  Kozhikode  in  the  State  have  been 	
experiencing  growth  in  urban  spread.	 Unplanned  growth  has  resulted  in  degradation  of  air 	
quality  due  to  crowding  and  traffic  congestion.	 Air  quality  deterioration  in  urban  areas  is 	
due  to  increased  use  of  fuels  and 	personal  transport.	 Improper  collection  and  disposal  of 	
garbage  is  causing  the  waste  to  rot  before  it  is  removed.	 Scientific  disposal  facilities  are 	
inadequate  even  in  the  major  cities.	 Garbage  is  mostly  burned  in  the  open  causing  air 	
pollution.	 Vehicular 	movements  and  unrestrained  use  of  loud  speakers  are  mainly 	
responsible for the noise in the urban areas.	 	
 	 A recent study conducted by the State Pollution Control Board (SPCB) reveals 	
that there is a sudden rise in air pollution, especially in the respirab	le suspended particulate 	
matter  (RSPM)  and  a  subsequent  fall  in  Oxygen  content  in  many  parts  of  the  State.	 A  trend

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Department of Economics & Statistics	 	57	 	
 
analysis of major towns in the part decade by Pollution control Board shows that more than 
10 tonnes exceeded the RSPM levels of 60 microgram	 per cubic meter (Mg/Md) which is the 	
upper  limit  as  per  the  National  Ambient  Air  Quality  Monitoring  Program  me  (NAMP) 
standards.	 	
 	 Kerala's  industrial growth  has been very lower when compared to rest of India. The 	
number  of  industries,  which  can  be  catego	rized  as  Large  or  Medium,  is  about  640.  Most  of 	
these  units  are  in  the  private  sector  and  a  majority  of  them  are  located  at  Kochi.  There  are 
about  2.5  lakh  SSI  units,  which  are  dispersed  in  the  different  districts  of  the  state.  Kerala 
state  pollution  contr	ol  board  brought  nearly  600  large/medium  scale  industries  and  about 	
2500  SSI  units  under  the  consent  regime  of  Air  (Prevention  and  Control  of  Pollution)  Act. 
Majority  of  the  smaller  units,  comprise  of  stone  crusher.	 The  pollution  from  industries  are 	
mainly	 contributed  by  the  four  major  industrial  areas  of  the  state,  three  in  Ernakulam  and 	
One  in  Kanjikkode  at  Palakkad.	 Bulk  of  the  Major/Medium  industries  and  the  maximum 	
number of vehicle are in Ernakulam which naturally resulted in and	 adverse impact in the	 air 	
quality.	 In the case of Solid, hazardous and biomedical wastes the average waste generation 	
per capita in Kerala in high compared to the national average.	  	
Tabl	e: 4.1	 Air Pollution Monitoring Cities in Kerala 2015	-16	 	
City	 	
Particulate Matter upto	 	
10 Mi	crometer	 	
(PM 10)	 	
Particulate Matter upto	 	
2.5	 Micro metre	 	
(PM 2.5)	 	
Pathanamthitta	 	23	 	10	 	
Kolllam	 	39	 	17	 	
Alappuzha	 	46	 	20	 	
Thiruvananthapuram	 	52	 	23	 	
Kottayam	 	55	 	24	 	
Kozhikkode	 	57	 	25	 	
Kochi	 	64	 	28	 	
Thrissur	 	73	 	32	 	
Atmosphere	 	
Atmosphere  is  considered  to  be  the 	most  essential  entity  that  support  and  protect  life  on 	
earth.	 The principal constituents of the lower atmosphere are:

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Department of Economics & Statistics	 	58	 	
 	
 Nitrogen 	– 78.09% by volume	 	
 Oxygen 	– 20.95%	 	
 Argon 	– 0.93%	 	
 Carbon dioxide 	– 0.04% 	 	 	
Green House Gas Emission in Kerala	 	
Kerala  has  a 	fragile  and  closed  ecosystem.	 In  Kerala  the  emission  rate  of  C	arbondi 	
oxide	 and  other  green  house  gases  (GHG)  are  comparatively  low.  A  study  by  Cochin 	
University  of  Science  and  Technology  reveals  that  sea  level  rise  and  climate  changes  which 
effects monsoo	n are very much linked to green house gas emission.	 	
Considering  the  population  of  Kerala  as  334  lakhs,  the  total  green  house  gas 	
emissions will  be 50.08 million tonnes.	 However the actual emissions  for the state could be 	
far below this range for the fact t	hat relative contribution of power for 	energy, 	industry and 	
agriculture sector is from hydroelectric power.	 	
Due  to  population  pressure,  forest  areas  are  under  threat  which  leads  to  the  higher 	
concentration  of 	Carbondi  oxide	 in  atmosphere.	 Similarly  coconut	 husk  retting  which  is  a 	
major  activity  in  the  coastal  areas  of  the  State  generates  methane  along  with  Hydrogen 
sulphide.  On  the  average,  nearly  7.5  million  house  holds  in  Kerala  need  37.5  million  Kg  of 
firewood.	 Total assumption  of all petroleum products 	during 2003	-04 in Kerala was 3.87589 	
tonnes.	 	
Ozone Depletion	 	
 Ozone  depletion  occurs  when  chlorofluorocarbon	s (CFC	s)  formerly  found  in  aerosol 	
spray cans and refrigerants are released into the atmosphere.	  	
These gases, through several chemical reactions, c	ause the ozone molecules to break 	
down,  reducing  ozone’s  ultraviolet  (UV)  radiation  absorbing  capacity.	 CFC	s are  used  in  a 	
variety  of  industrial,  commercial  and  household  applications.	 Depletion  of  ozone  layer 	
results  in  increased  levels  of  ultraviolet  rad	iation  reaching  the  earth’s  surface.	 This  leads  to 	
higher  rates  of  skin  cancer,  cataract  and  damage  to  people’s  immune  systems.	 Small 	
increase  in  ultra  violet  radiation  diminishes  the  productivity  of  important  food  crops  and 
reduces levels of plankton in  o	ther ocean adversely affecting marine  food supplies. Because 	
CFCs  can  remain  in  the  atmosphere  for  up  to  100  years,  continued  accumulations  of  these 
chemicals pose ongoing threats even after their use has been discontinued.

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Department of Economics & Statistics	 	59	 	
 	
There  are  many  other  substances	 that  lead  to  ozone  layer  depletion  such  as 	
hydrochlorofluoro carbons (HCFCs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).	 Such substances 	
are  found  in  vehicular  emissions,  by	-products  of  industrial  processes,  aerosols  and 	
refrigerants.	 All  these  ozone  depleting	 substances  remain  stable  in  the  lower  atmospheric 	
region  ,  but  as  they  reach  the  stratosphere  ,  they  get  exposed  to  the  ultraviolet  rays.	 This 	
leads  to  their  breakdown  and  releasing  of  free  chlorine  atoms  which  reacts  with  the  ozone 
gas, thus leading to t	he depletion of the ozone layer.	 	
 	Hydrochlorofluoro	carbons  (HCFC)  is  used  mainly  in  the  air  conditioning, 	
refrigeration,  polyurethane  foam  manufacturing  and  cold  chain  sectors  and  must  be 
replaced with better alternatives. The scenario is  not different in 	Kerala which is considered 	
to  be  a  typical  fast  growing  urbanised  society.	 The  refrigerant  consumption  shows  a  rapid 	
growing trend in our state.	 The fact according to European Union report that HCFC gases are 	
mostly  used  by  split  air  conditioning  units,  ca	r  ACs  and  commercial  refrigeration  thus 	
becomes a major threat which we will have to face in the near future.	 	
Wind	 
The winds over the State are seasonal only in the region of Palghat Gap where winds 	
are 	predominantly	 from  the  east  in  the  period  from  Novemb	er  to  March  and  from  west  in 	
the  rest  of  the  year.  In  other  parts  of  the 	state	, flow  of  wind  is  mainly  governed  by 	
differential  heating  of  land  and  water  mass  together  with 	mountain	 winds.  Winds  have 	
westerly  component  during  the  day  and  easterly  component	s  during  the  night  through 	out 	
the  year.  In  general  winds  are  quite  strong  during  afternoons  when  the  thermal  circulation 
is best developed and weak during night.	 	
Humidity:	 	
As  the  State  stretches  from  north  to  south  with  the  Arabian  Sea  in  its  west,  relati	ve 	
humidity  is  high	 in  general 	over  the  State.  In  the  period  January  to  March  afternoon 	
humidity reduce to 60	-63%, varying from 35% in the interior to 71 % in the coastal area. The 	
diurnal  variation  in  relative  humidity  during  this  period  is  maximum  and  ra	nges  from  4  to 	
16%, depending upon the proximity of the sea. The relative humidity in the monsoon period 
rises to about 85% for the state. The variation in this period is minimum. 	 	
Temperature:	 	
Day  temperatures  are  more  or  less  uniform  over  the  plains  thro	ughout  the  year 	
except  during  monsoon  months  when  these  temperatures  drop  down  by  about  3  to  5°C.

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Department of Economics & Statistics	 	60	 	
 
Both day and  night temperatures are  lower over  the plateau and at high level stations than 
over  the  plain.  Day  temperatures  of  coastal  places  are  less  than  th	ose  of  interior  places. 	
March is hottest month with a mean maximum temperature of about 33°C. Mean maximum 
temperature is minimum in the month of July when the State receives plenty of rainfall and 
the  sky  is  heavily  clouded.  It  is  28.5°C  for  the  State  as 	a  whole  in  July,  varying  from  about 	
28°C  in  the  north  to  about  29°C  in  the 	south.  Inland  stations  experience  higher  maximum 	
temperatures  than  the  coastal  stations.  From  May  onwards  both  the  maximum  and 
minimum temperatures start falling, latter very rapidl	y while the former slowly	. 	
Rainfall	 
The total annual rainfall  in the State varies  from  360 cm. over the extreme northern 	
parts to about 180 cm. in the southern parts. The southwest monsoon (June	-October) is the 	
principal  rainy  season  when  the  State  receiv	es  about  70%  of  its  annual  rainfall.  Monsoon 	
rainfall as percentage of annual rainfall decreases from north to south and varies from 83 % 
in  north	ern	 district  Kasaragode  to 	50%	 south	ern	 district  Thiruvananthapuram.  Northeast 	
monsoon  rainfall  as  percentage  of  annual  rainfall  increases  from  north  to  south  and  varies 
from 9% in north district Kasaragode to 27% in south most 	district	 Thiruvananthapuram. The 	
rainfall  amount  in  the  State  decre	ases  towards  the  south  with  decrease  of  height  of 	
Western  Ghats.  The  southern  district  Thiruvananthapuram,  where  Western  Ghats  are 
nearest  to  the  sea  coast  and  its  average  height  is  also  least  in  the  State  receives  minimum 
amount  of  rainfall.  The  thunderst	orm  rains  in  the  pre	-monsoon  months  of  April  and  May 	
and  that  of  monsoon  months  are  locally  known  as  'EDAVAPATHI'.  Rainfall  during  northeast 
monsoon  season  is  known  as  'THULAVARSHAM'  in  local  language.  The  southwest  monsoon 
sets	-over the southern parts of 	the State by about 1	st June and extends over the entire State 	
by 5	th June. June and July are the rainiest months, each accounting individually to about 23% 	
of  annual  rainfall  monthly  distribution  of 	normal  and 	actual  rainfall  of  Kerala  state  for  last 	
ten y	ears.	 	
The  diversity  of  the  geographical  features  of  the  state  has  resulted  in  a 	
corresponding  diversity  in  climate.  The 	high 	ranges  have  a  cool  and  bracing  climate 	
throughout the year, while the plains are hot and humid. The average level of annual rainfal	l 	
is  quite  high  when  compared  to  other  Indian  states.  The  state  basically  enjoys  4  types  of 
climate such as winter, summer, South West Monsoon and North East Monsoon.

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015 - 16  
 
Department of Economics & Statistics   61  
  Table:  4.2 Rainfall   Distribution of Kerala for the year 2015 - 16  
Sl No.   Districts   2015   2016   2015 - 16  
Jul   Aug   Sep   Oct   Nov   Dec   Jan   Feb   Mar   Apr   May   Jun   Actual   Normal   Departure %  
1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13   14   15   16   17  
1   Thiruvananthapuram   60.6   71.4   307.1   367.0   275.8   152.3   3.2   3.7   19   57.9   429.1   395.0   2142.1   1803.2   18.8  
2   Kollam   185.0   141.1   247.6   386.0   307.6   68.6   1.0   50.3   54.6   64.8   384.4   508.5   2399.5   2491.7   - 3.7  
3   Pathanamthitta   186.1   269.1   347.8   546.4   336.0   74.6   0.5   4.6   70   114.2   427.4   459.4   2836.1   2958.4   - 4.1  
4   Alappuzha   235.7   188.4   238.4   375.9   189.7   120.4   5.9   52.1   43.5   24.6   296.0   524.0   2294.6   2841.2   - 19.2  
5   Kottayam   306.8   293.1   374.1   402.9   203.0   116.2   11.5   43.3   72.5   55.8   318.7   630.6   2828.5   2930.5   - 3.5  
6   Idukki   436.3   270.7   343.8   253.6   248.1   125.2   5.1   5.1   26.1   37.9   458.6   586.3   2796.8   3302.5   - 15.3  
7   Ernakulam   367.2   241.2   393.5   355.0   470.5   175.7   0.4   91.4   3.4   43.4   322.8   624.6   3089.1   3029.9   2.0  
8   Thrissur   463.2   277.5   314.3   274.4   187.3   91.6   10.8   4.0   6.2   37.2   257.5   588.4   2512.4   3063.1   - 18.0  
9   Palakkad   281.8   219.2   193.3   140.9   180.4   42.8   0.2   0.0   4.2   4.1   169.2   461.5   1697.6   2280.2   - 25.6  
10   Malappuram   411.5   264.0   266.8   291.0   232.0   35.4   0.0   1.8   2.3   4.1   154.5   585.2   2248.6   2837.5   - 20.8  
11   Kozhikode   780.5   256.9   290.1   351.4   199.3   8.0   0.0   0.0   29.9   5.7   260.1   916.4   3098.3   3335.1   - 7.1  
12   Wayanad   304.3   226.1   232.5   154.1   113.4   33.4   3.3   0.0   12.6   19.8   112.8   411.2   1623.5   3253.1   - 50.1  
13   Kannur   803.0   352.9   317.2   330.8   167.0   28.6   0.0   0.0   0.8   1.0   138.4   801.8   2941.5   3319.1   - 11.4  
14   Kasargod   846.5   432.7   198.2   296.0   92.1   19.1   2.9   0.5   0.0   0.1   138.3   945.5   2971.9   3621.6   - 17.9  
  State (Average) 406.6   252.3   292.1   309.9   233.8   77.7   2.9   16.4   22.0   32.2   276.9   596.1   2518.8   2921.4   - 13.8  
Source : Agriculture Statistics 2015 - 16, DES

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	62	 	
 
  	
Table: 	4.3	 District wise Annual Average Rainfall 2015	-16 (in mm)	
Sl 
No.	 	Name of District	 	Normal  Rainfall 
(mm)	 	Actual Rainfall (mm)	% Departure	 	
1 	2 	3 	4 	5 	
1 	Thiruvananthapuram	 	2142.1	 	1803.2	 	18.8	 	
2 	Kollam	 	2399.5	 	2491.7	 	-3.7	 	
3 	Pathanamthitta	 	2836.1	 	2958.4	 	-4.1	 	
4 	Alappuzha	 	2294.6	 	2841.2	 	-19.2	 	
5 	Kottayam	 	2828.5	 	2930.5	 	-3.5	 	
6 	Idukki	 	2796.8	 	3302.5	 	-15.3	 	
7 	Ernakulam	 	3089.1	 	3029.9	 	2.0	 	
8 	Thrissur	 	2512.4	 	3063.1	 	-18.0	 	
9 	Palakkad	 	1697.6	 	2280.2	 	-25.6	 	
10	 	Malappuram	 	2248.6	 	2837.5	 	-20.8	 	
11	 	Kozhikode	 	3098.3	 	3335.1	 	-7.1	 	
12	 	Wayanad	 	1623.5	 	3253.1	 	-50.1	 	
13	 	Kannur	 	2941.5	 	3319.1	 	-11.4	 	
14	 	Kasargod	 	2971.9	 	3621.6	 	-17.9	 	
 	STATE AVERAGE	 	2518.8	 	2921.4	 	-13.8	 	
Source: Agricultural Statistics, DES	 	
 	
 	
 	 406.6
252.3 292.1 309.9
233.8
77.7
2.9 16.4 22 32.2 276.9 596.1
0100200300400500600700
Jul - 15 Aug - 15 Sep - 15 Oct - 15 Nov - 15 Dec - 15 Jan - 16 Feb - 16 Mar - 16 Apr - 16 May - 16 Jun - 16Monthly rainfall distribution of Kerala for the year 2015 - 16

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	63	 	
 	
 	
Geographical Details	 	
The State is located in the tropical region of Indian Peninsula and extends to an area 	
of  about  38863 	Sq	km,  which  accounts  for  about  1.2%  of  the  total  geographical  area  of  the 	
country.  The  State  is  bordered  by  Tamil  Nadu  State  on  its  South  and  part  of  the  East, 
Karnataka  State  on  the  North  and  part  of  the  East,  the  Lakshadweep  Sea  on  the  West  and +18.8% - 3.7% - 4.1%- 19.2% - 3.5%- 15.3% +2.0%- 18.0%- 25.6% - 20.8% - 7.1%- 50.1% - 11.4%- 17.9%
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500Thiruvananthapuram KollamPathanamthitta Alappuzha Kottayam IdukkiErnakulam ThrissurPalakkadMalappuram Kozhikode Wayanad KannurKasargod
rainfall in mmDistrict wise departure of rainfall in kerala for the year 2015 - 16
Normal rainfall Actual rainfall

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Department of Economics & Statistics	 	64	 	
 
the Indian 	Ocean along the South. The State has a total coastline of about 590 km and from 	
sea level it rises to about 2694 m above msl.	 	
Because  of  the  location  of  the  State  along  the  windward  side  of  the  Western  Ghats, 	
it receives an average yearly rainfall of about	 3000 mm, and the precipitations in the South	-	
West and North	-East Monsoon period may go even up to 5000 mm, especially in the higher 	
altitudes of Wayanad and Idukki plateaus. The average temperature of the 	state at 	low and 	
medium  elevations  ranging  between	 0-700  m  is  about  23	oC.  Between  700 	- 1400  m  above 	
msl,  the  temperature  fluctuates  between  16  and  23	oC  and  in  high  altitude  areas  along  the 	
crests  of  the  Western 	Ghats,	 it  is  about  15	oC  during  the  coldest  months.  Above  1400  m 	
elevation,  the  average  tempera	ture  is  even  less  ranging  from  13.5  to  16	oC,  and  it  is  in  this 	
zone  that  the  shola  forests,  with  similarities  in  species  representation  with 	the  temperate 	
Himalayan forests	 are distributed in the State.	 	
 Physiographically,  the  terrain  has  three  natural  reg	ions  namely,  lowlands,  midland	 	
and	 highland. A physiographic classification, identified mainly in terms of broad geomorphic 	
surfaces  and  altitudinal  characteristics,  is  also  used  in  the  parlance  of  geographers  (CESS, 
1984).  It  has  five  physiographic  zones,	 namely,  high  ranges  with  elevation  above  600  m, 	
foothill zone between 300 to 600 m, upland regions between 100 	- 300 m, midland between 	
20 	- 100 m and coastal areas and low land below an altitude of 20 m.	 	
 Kerala has 44 perennial rivers, of which three ar	e east flowing and the remaining 41 	
are  emptied  into  the  Lakshadweep  Sea,  along  the  western  side  of  the  State.  Rivers  are 
generally swift flowing having very steep gradients in their higher reaches. Absence of delta 
formation  is  characteristic  of  Kerala 	rivers.  The  general  drainage  pattern  of  these  rivers  is 	
dendritic,  although  at  places  trellis,  sub	-parallel  and  radial  occur.  The  segments  of  river 	
courses  are  nearly  straight,  indicating  structural  control,  coinciding  with  the  prominent 
lineament  directions	 (NW	-SE  and  NE	-SW).  As  per  national  norm  (Rao,  1979),  there  are  no 	
major rivers in Kerala. The four medium rivers, namely Chaliyar, Bharathapuzha, Periyar and 
Pamba  have  a  total  drainage  area  of  only  8250 	Sq	km	 with  length  169  km,  209  km,  244  km 	
and 176 km 	respectively. The  length of rest of the rivers varies from  16 km to  130 km, with 	
an  average  length  of  62  km  and  total  drainage  area  of  19,485 	Sqkm. 	The  river  flow  is 	
modulated  by  about  30  reservoirs,  mostly  located  in  highlands  (KSLUB,  2002;  CWRDM, 
1995). 	There  are  two  fresh  water  lakes  in  the  State  namely  the  Pookot  and  Sasthamkottah.

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Department of Economics & Statistics	 	65	 	
 
The  State  is  also  having  a  total  of  46.13 	Sqkm	 of  estuaries  and  backwaters.  The  important 	
backwaters are Vembanad and Ashtamudi lakes.	 	
 Ten  broad  groups  of  soils  based  on  mor	phological  features  and  physico	-chemical 	
properties  have  been  identified  in  Kerala 	.They  are 	Red  soil, 	Laterite  soil, 	Coastal 	Alluvi	um	 	
soil, 	Riverine  alluvi	um	 	soil,  Onattukara 	alluvium 	soil, 	Brown 	Hydromorphic  soil, 	
Hydromorphic 	Saline soil, 	Acid 	Saline so	il, 	Black soil and 	Forest soil.	 	
 The  major  forest  types  represented  in  the  State  include  the  dry  deciduous,  moist 	
deciduous,  semievergreen,  evergreen  and  shola  forests.Almost  78  percent  of  the  total  land 
area of the State is under agriculture and dwelling,	 and the remaining 22 percent of the land 	
is  under  forests  and  forest  plantations.  Quite  obviously,  the  pristine  status  of  nature  is 
better  protected  only  in  a  limited  area,  and  that  too  in  the  higher  altitudes,  whereas,  most 
of  the  remaining  area  of  the  S	tate  is  subjected  to  degradation  and  transformations  of 	
various types.	 	
Rain fall Details	 	
Annual average rainfall data for the period 1.4.15 to 31.3.2016 is given below.	 	
Period	 	Actual (mm)	Normal (mm)	Departure %	 	
1.4.2015 to 31.3.16	 	2518.8	 	2921.4	 	-13.8	 	
Average  rainfall  data  in  different  parts  of  the  state  during  the  year  (ie.  south  west 	
monsoon, North east monsoon, winter season, pre monsoon period mentioned separately).	 	
Ambient Air Quality Data	 	
The  Kerala  State  Pollution  Control  Board  is  monitoring  ambi	ent  air  quality  at  30 	
locations  in  the  State.  The  location  fall  under  the  categories  of  industrial,  commercial, 
residential  and  sensitive.  Of  the  30  stations  24  come  under  National  Ambient  Air  Quality 
Monitoring  Programme  (NAMP)  and  6  under  State  Ambient  A	ir  Quality  Monitoring 	
Programme (SAMP). Sulph	ur dioxide, Nitrogen Oxides and Respirable Suspended Particulate 	
Matter  (below  10  micron  size)  (RSPM)  are  monitored  regularly.  Ambient  air  monitoring  is 
conducted  24  hours  a  day  for  2  days  every  week  at  each  sta	tion.  Sulpher  dioxide  (SO	2)  and 	
Nitrogen  oxides  (NO	x)  are  monitored  at  four  hour  interval  and  Respirable  Suspended 	
Particulate Matter (RSPM) at eight hour interval. Monitoring of remaining parameters under

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	66	 	
 
NAAQS is in the implementation level. The 	monitoring and method of analysis are according 	
to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).	  	
Table:	 4.4 Air	 quality	 in important Cities in Kerala	 	
Annual Average mg/m3	 	
SlNo.	 	District	 	So 	2 	Air 	
quality	 	NO	2 	Air 	
quality	 	PM10	 	Air 	
quality	 	
1 	2 	3 	4 	5 	6 	7 	8 	
1 	Kochi	 	3 	L 	13	 	L 	38	 	M	 	
2 	Kozhikkodu	 	2 	L 	8 	L 	46	 	M	 	
3 	Thrisur	 	2 	L 	14	 	L 	33	 	M	 	
4 	Malappuram	 	2 	L 	5 	L 	30	 	L 	
5 	Thiruvananthapuram	 	10	 	L 	23	 	M	 	58	 	M	 	
6 	Kollam	 	4 	L 	20	 	L 	53	 	M	 	
SO	2 Sulphur  Dioxide,  NO	2 Nitrogen 	Dioxide	, PM10  Particulate  Matter  having  an 	
aerodynamic diameter	 	
L- Low; M	- Medium	 	
Source:	 Kerala State Pollution Control Board	 	
Table: 	4.5 Ambient	 Air Quality Data 2016 	- Annual Average	 	
Sl 
No.	 	District	 	Monitoring 
Location	 	
Sulphur 
Dioxide 
µg/m	3(50 	
µg/m	3 , 	
max)	
Nitrogen 
Dioxide 
µg/m	3(40 	
µg/m	3 , 	
max)	
Respirable 
Suspended 
Particulars 
Matter 
µg/m	3(60 	
µg/m	3 , 	
max)	
Category	 	
1 	2 	3 	4 	5 	6 	7 	
1 	Thiruvananthapuram	 
Filatex, Veli	 	17.60	 	24.04	 	53	 	Industrial	 	
SMV  School,  Over 
Bridge	 	7.79	 	26.42	 	53	 	Sensitive	 	
Cosmopolitan 
Hospital, 
Murinjapalam	 	
7.30	 	25.84	 	53	 	Sensitive	 	
Pettah Station	 	7.36	 	24.99	 	51	 	Residential	 	
2 	Kollam	 	
Kadappakada 
Station	 	4.04	 	7.46	 	45	 	Residential 
& Others	 	
KMML, Chavara	 	4.07	 	7.59	 	46	 	Industrial

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	67	 	
 
Sl 
No.	 	District	 	Monitoring 
Location	 	
Sulphur 
Dioxide 
µg/m	3(50 	
µg/m	3 , 	
max)	
Nitrogen 
Dioxide 
µg/m	3(40 	
µg/m	3 , 	
max)	
Respirable 
Suspended 
Particulars 
Matter 
µg/m	3(60 	
µg/m	3 , 	
max)	
Category	 	
1 	2 	3 	4 	5 	6 	7 	
3 	Pathanamthitta	 	Makkankunnu	 	2.00	 	14.88	 	26	 	Residential 
& 	Others	 	
4 	Alappuzha	 	
DC  Mills, 
Pathirappally	 	2.00	 	4.50	 	43	 	Industrial	 	
Thodankulangara	 	2.00	 	4.50	 	43	 	Industrial	 	
5 	Kottayam	 	Nagambadam	 	4.13	 	15.60	 	50	 	Residential 
& Others	 	
Vadavathur	 	4.60	 	17.51	 	58	 	Industrial	 	
6 	Idukki	 	Thodupuzha	 	2.00	 	4.50	 	35	 	Residential 
& 	Others	 	
7 	Ernakulam	 	
Eloor Methanam	 	2.00	 	37.45	 	49	 	Residential	 	
Eloor TCC	 	2.00	 	38.24	 	54	 	Industrial	 	
South Overbridge	 	2.23	 	12.27	 	57	 	Residential 
& Others	 	
Vyttila	 	2.30	 	19.23	 	52	 	
Residential 
Rural  & 
Others	 	
Irumpanam	 	2.28	 	13.14	 	33	 	Industrial	 	
Kalamassery	 	2.18	 	11.01	 	57	 	Industrial	 	
M.G.Road	 	2.21	 	11.77	 	47	 	Residential 
& Others	 	
 	 	Perumbavoor	 	2.16	 	15.35	 	61	 	Residential 
& Others	 	
8 	Thrissur	 	Poomkunnam	 	2.01	 	5.45	 	55	 	Residential 
& Others	 	
9 	Palakkadu	 	Kanjikkode	 	2.00	 	8.56	 	41	 	Industrial	 	
10	 Malappuram	 	Kakkancherry	 	2.00	 	16.57	 	37	 	Industrial	 	
11	 Kozhikode	 	Kozhikode City	 	2.00	 	17.87	 	51	 	Residential 
& Others	 	
Nallalam	 	2.00	 	17.76	 	50	 	Industrial	 	
12	 Wayanadu	 	Sulthan Batheri	 	2.00	 	4.57	 	40	 	Sensitive	 	
13	 Kannur	 	Kannur	 	2.00	 	4.53	 	56	 	
Residential 
Rural  & 
Others

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Department of Economics & Statistics	 	68	 	
 
Sl 
No.	 	District	 	Monitoring 
Location	 	
Sulphur 
Dioxide 
µg/m	3(50 	
µg/m	3 , 	
max)	
Nitrogen 
Dioxide 
µg/m	3(40 	
µg/m	3 , 	
max)	
Respirable 
Suspended 
Particulars 
Matter 
µg/m	3(60 	
µg/m	3 , 	
max)	
Category	 	
1 	2 	3 	4 	5 	6 	7 	
Mangattuparambu	 	2.00	 	4.53	 	40	 	
Residential 
Rural  & 
Others	 	
14	 Kasaragod	 	
Kasargod	 	2.00	 	5.13	 	39	 	
Residential 
Rural  & 
Others	 	
Kanhangadu	 	2.14	 	5.83	 	44	 	
Residential 
Rural  & 
Others	 	
Source: Kerala State Pollution Control Board Directory 2016 	 	
Table: 	4.6 Ambient	 Air Quality Standards in Respect of Noise	 	
Sl.No	 	Category Area	 	Limit in dB(A) Leq	 	
Day time	 	Night time	 	
(A)	 	Industrial area	 	75	 	70	 	
(B)	 	Commercial area	 	65	 	55	 	
(C)	 	Residential area	 	55	 	45	 	
(D)	 	Silence zone	 	50	 	40	 	
Source: Central Pollution Control Board	 	
dB(	A)  Leq	 denotes  the  time  weighted  average  of  the  level  of  sound  in	 decibels	 on  scale  A 	
which is relatable to human hearing.	  	
Note:	 
1. Day time is reckoned from 6 	a.m to 10 	p.m. 	
2. Night time is reckoned from 10 	p.m to 6 	a.m. 	
3. Silence zone is referred as areas 	within 100 meters around premises such as 	
hospitals, educational institutions and	 courts. The Silence zones are to be declared 	
by the Competent	 Authority.	 	
4. Use of 	Vehicle horns, loudspeakers and bursting of crackers shall be banned in these 	
zones.

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	69	 	
 	
Table	: 4.7 Effects	 of	 Noise Poll	ution in Human Health	 	
A. Noise Hazards	 	B. Noise Nuisances	 	
Stage I	 	Stage II	 	Stage III	 	Stage IV	 	
Threat to survival	 	
 
(a) Communication 
interference	 	
 	
(b) Permanent	 	hearing 	
loss	 	
Causing injury	 	
 
(a) Neural	-humoral 	
stress response	 	
 	
(b) Temporary 
hearing loss	 	
 	
(c) Permanent 
hearing loss	 	
Curbing  Efficient 
Performance	 	
 
(a) Mental 	stress	 	
 	
(b) Task 
interference	 	
 	
(c) Sleep 
interference	 	
Diluting  comfort  and 
enjoyment	 	
 
(a) Invasion of privacy	 	
 	
(b) Disruption of social 	 	
Interaction	 	
 	
(c ) Hearing 	loss	 	
Source: Kerala State 	Pollution Control Board	 	
Table: 	4.8	 Major Indicators showing operational efficiency of KSRTC	 	
 Source: Economic Review 2016 	 	
Sl. 
No.	 	Items	 	
Year	 	
2014	-15	 	2015	-16	 	
1 	2 	3 	4 	
1 	Fleet Strength (Nos) (as on March 31	st) 	5629	 	5682	 	
2 	Gross Revenue Earnings	 (R	s. in Crores)	1923.82	 	2165.16	 	
3 	Gross Revenue Expenditure (R	s.i	n Crores)	2541.1	 	2778.3	 	
4 	Gross operating loss (R	s. in Crores)	617.28	 	613.14	 	
5 	No. schedules operated as on 31	st March	 	4602	 	4522	 	
6 	Average  earnings  per  vehicle  on  road  per  day 
(Rs)	 	
10928	 	11191	 	
7 	Average  earnings  per  km. 	of  Buses  operated 	
(paise)	 	
3268	 	3309	 	
8 	Average Earnings per Passenger (paise)	1636	 	1741	 	
9 	Average route length (Kms)	63.78	 	60.76	 	
10	 	Average Kms. 	By a	 bus per day	 	329.16	 	332.54	 	
11	 	Average number of buses held daily (Nos)	5691	 	5636	 	
12	 	Passengers carried 	(Lakhs)	 	11059.43	 	10437.78

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015 - 16  
 
Department of Economics & Statistics   70  
  Table : 4. 9 Registered motor vehicles  in districts of Kerala 2015 - 16  
Sl. No.   Name of District   Three 
Wheelers   Two   
Wheelers   Car, Jeeps 
and Taxis   Buses   Goods 
Vehicles   Others   Total  
1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9  
1   Thiruvananthapuram   4791   66703   22456   1272   1569   1187   97978  
2   Kollam   1739   52262   14647   294   1304   658   70904  
3   Pathanamthitta   881   22847   9646   200   757   394   34725  
4   Alappuzha   917   39031   11201   293   1207   443   53092  
5   Kottayam   1036   29318   13684   510   1341   752   46641  
6   Idukki   942   12854   4154   215   617   235   19017  
7   Ernakulam   1982   75574   27559   811   2849   1444   110219  
8   Thrissur   1429   60701   18073   557   1756   881   83397  
9   Palakkad   1117   46620   10694   338   1197   590   60556  
10   Malappuram   2586   63442   19366   429   2123   1145   89091  
11   Kozhikode   2356   66703   16796   400   1824   881   88960  
12   Wayanad   776   11169   3009   65   522   250   15791  
13   Kannur   1782   40838   15565   473   1716   944   61318  
14   Kasaragode   1030   18607   8842   130   528   497   29634  
Total   23364   606669   195692   5987   19310   10301   861323  
Source:  Motor Vehicle Department

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015 - 16  
 
Department of Economics & Statistics   71  
  Table :   4.10   VALID REGISTERED MOTOR VEHICLES DURING 2015 - 16  
Sl No.   District   Goods vehicles   Buses   Four Wheelers   Three 
Wheelers   Two 
Wheelers   Tractors / 
Trailers  
Others   Total  Four Wheelers & 	
above
 	
Three
 wheelers 	
including
 tempos
 	
Stage Carriages
 	
Contract 	
carriages/ Omni 	
buses
 	
Cars
 	
Taxis
 	
Auto rickshaws
 	
Scooter/Motor 	
cycles
 	
Tractors / Tillers
 	
Trailers
 
1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13   14  
1   Thiruvananthapuram   1112   457   886   386   21578   878   4791   66703   37   -   1150   97978  
2   Kollam   983   321   31   263   14089   558   1739   52262   14   -   644   70904  
3   Pathanamthitta   530   227   12   188   9223   423   881   22847   7   1   386   34725  
4   Alappuzha   904   303   19   274   10247   954   917   39031   18   1   424   53092  
5   Kottayam   1082   259   99   411   13054   630   1036   29318   11   1   740   46641  
6   Idukki   487   130   57   158   3944   210   942   12854   3   -   232   19017  
7   Ernakulam   2362   487   97   714   25365   2194   1982   75574   35   1   1408   110219  
8   Thrissur   1320   436   105   452   16774   1299   1429   60701   36   2   843   83397  
9   Palakkad   875   322   88   250   10007   687   1117   46620   57   -   533   60556  
10   Malappuram   1448   675   96   333   18827   539   2586   63442   40   1   1104   89091  
11   Kozhikkode   1188   636   138   262   16013   783   2356   66703   11   1   869   88960  
12   Wayanad   350   172   17   48   2807   202   776   11169   13   6   231   15791  
13   Kannur   1288   428   190   283   14582   983   1782   40838   13   -   931   61318  
14   Kasargod   432   96   24   106   8415   427   1030   18607   11   2   484   29634  
  Total   14361   4949   1859   4128   184925   10767   23364   606669   306   16   9979   861323  
Source: Motor Vehicle Department

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015 - 16  
 
Department of Economics & Statistics   72  
  Table :   4.11   DETAILS OF REGISTERED TRANSPORT VEHICLES 2011 - 12  -   2015 - 16  
Sl No.   Vehicles   2011 - 12   2012 - 13   2013 - 14   2014 - 15   2015 - 16  
1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8  
1  
Goods vehicles   Four Wheelers & above   23463   27508   21099   14141   14361  
2   Three   wheelers including  
tempos   10132   9485   7818   5787   4949  
3  
Buses   Stage Carriages   886   1227   933   935   1859  
4   Contract carriages/ Omni 
buses   4231   4573   4582   3653   4128  
5  
Four Wheelers   Cars   175032   174301   189394   175519   184925  
6   Taxis   8351   12344   17356   11128   10767  
7   Three Wheelers   Auto rickshaws   68772   64998   37018   27951   23364  
8   Two Wheelers   Scooter/Motor cycles   529338   654194   637546   634221   606669  
9  
Tractors / Trailers   Tractors    556   590   471   280   306  
10   Tillers   1   -     1     -     -  
11   Trailers   52   68   28   16   16  
12   Others       20063   16481   12472   8588   9979  
Total   840877   965769   928718   882219   861323  
Source: Motor Vehicle Department

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015 - 16  
 
Department of Economics & Statistics   73  
  Table:  4.12   Complying Status of Grossly Polluting Industries  
Sl. 
No
.   Name and 
Address of 
Industry   Sect
or   Category of 
Industry   Date of 
commenceme
nt  of Industry   Effluents recipient water 
body or lakes   Concerned recipient 
River   Effluent   BOD (Kg/day) and 
other pollution load   ETP  status  
Name   Dist. From 
industry 
(km)   Name   Distance 
from the 
discharge 
point of 
recipient 
waterbody   Quality 
Complian
ce  (Yes/ 
No)Quantity in KLD
  Before 
treatment   After 
treatme
nt    
1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13   14  
1 .   Binani  Zinc 
Ltd.,  Edayar, 
Ernakulam   PU   Zinc   1967   River Periyar   40 m   River Periyar   Discharge 
directly 
into river   Yes   550   pH  
SS  
SulphateCd  
Zinc 
Fluoride     8.5
55
550
0.11
2.75
8.25 OPRS  
2   Indian  Rare 
Earth  Ltd., 
Eloor, 
Ernakulam   PU   Mineral 
Processing   1952   River Periyar   0.1 km   River Periyar   Discharge 
directly 
into river   Yes   4   pH  
SS  
COD  
Amm.N2  
Phosphate 
Sulphide  
Zinc  
Flouride  
Lead     9
40
100
20
2
0.8
2
0.8
0.4 OPRNS

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015 - 16  
 
Department of Economics & Statistics   74  
  Sl. 
No
.   Name and 
Address of 
Industry   Sect
or   Category of 
Industry   Date of 
commenceme
nt  of Industry   Effluents recipient water 
body or lakes   Concerned recipient 
River   Effluent   BOD (Kg/day) and 
other pollution load   ETP  status  
Name   Dist. From 
industry 
(km)   Name   Distance 
from the 
discharge 
point of 
recipient 
waterbody   Quality 
Complian
ce  (Yes/ 
No)Quantity in KLD
  Before 
treatment   After 
treatme
nt    
1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13   14  
3   FACT    Ltd., 
Udyogamand
al,  Eloor, 
Ernakulam   CU   Fertilizer   1966   River Periyar   300 m   River Periyar   Discharge 
directly 
into river   No   1200
0   pH  
SS  
Phosphate  
Sulphide  
Hex.Chr  
O & G  
Free  Amm 
Amm Nitra  
Nitrate  
TKN  
As.  
V  
Fluoride 
CN     8
1200
60
1.2
120
48
900
120
1800
2.4
2.4
18
2.4 OPRNS

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015 - 16  
 
Department of Economics & Statistics   75  
  Sl. 
No
.   Name and 
Address of 
Industry   Sect
or   Category of 
Industry   Date of 
commenceme
nt  of Industry   Effluents recipient water 
body or lakes   Concerned recipient 
River   Effluent   BOD (Kg/day) and 
other pollution load   ETP  status  
Name   Dist. From 
industry 
(km)   Name   Distance 
from the 
discharge 
point of 
recipient 
waterbody   Quality 
Complian
ce  (Yes/ 
No)Quantity in KLD
  Before 
treatment   After 
treatme
nt    
1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13   14  
4   FACT  Ltd., 
Petrochemica
l  Division, 
Udyogamand
al  P.O.,  Eloor, 
Ernakulam   CU   Petrochemi
cal   1990   River Periyar   200 m   River Periyar   Discharge 
directly 
into river   Yes   5040   BOD  
pH  
SS  
COD  
O & G  
Free  NH3 
Amm.NH3  
TKN  
Nitrate  
Phenolic  
Compoun
ds     151.2
8.5
151.2
1260
50.4
25.2
252
504
100.8
5.04 OPRS  
5   Cochin 
Minerals  & 
Rutiles  Ltd., 
Edayar, 
Ernakulam   PU   Chemical   1992   River Periyar   500 m   River Periyar   Discharge 
directly 
into river   Yes   250   pH  
SS  
O & G  
HC  
Total Chr.     8.5
25
2.5
0.25
25
0.5 OPRS  
 
 
 
 
 
6   Hindustan 
Insecticides, 
Eloor, 
Ernakulam   CU   Pesticides   1958   Kuzhikandom 
thode   1750 m   River Periyar   Through 
Kuzhikando
m thode   No   1024   pH  
SS  
TDS  
O & G  
SO2  
Chlorine     9
102.4
2150.4
10.24
1024
1024 OPRNS  
RNS

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015 - 16  
 
Department of Economics & Statistics   76  
  Sl. 
No
.   Name and 
Address of 
Industry   Sect
or   Category of 
Industry   Date of 
commenceme
nt  of Industry   Effluents recipient water 
body or lakes   Concerned recipient 
River   Effluent   BOD (Kg/day) and 
other pollution load   ETP  status  
Name   Dist. From 
industry 
(km)   Name   Distance 
from the 
discharge 
point of 
recipient 
waterbody   Quality 
Complian
ce  (Yes/ 
No)Quantity in KLD
  Before 
treatment   After 
treatme
nt    
1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13   14  
7   Sudchemie 
(India)  Pvt. 
Ltd.,  Edayar, 
Ernakulam   PU   Chemical   1969   River Periyar   10 m   River Periyar   Discharge 
directly 
into river   Yes   450   pH  
SS  
O & G  
Hex Chr  
Zinc  
Free NH3  
Total Chr.  
Amm.N2     9
45
4.5
0.045
2.25
2.25
0.9
22.5 OPRS  
 
 
 
 
 
 
8   Cochin 
Leathers  Pvt.  
Ltd.,  IDA, 
Edayar, 
Muppathado
m  P.O., 
Ernakulam   PU   Tannery   1993   River Periyar   125 m   River Periyar   Discharge 
directly 
into river   Yes   43   BOD  
pH  
SS  
O & G   
Hex. Chr.  
Chloride  
Sulphide  
Total Chr.     1.29
8.5
4.3
0.43
0.0043
43
0.086
0.086 OPRS  
9   TMS  Leathers 
Pvt.    Ltd., 
IDA,  Edayar, 
Muppathado
m  P.O., 
Ernakulam   PU   Tannery   2004   River Periyar   150 m   River Periyar   Discharge 
directly 
into river   Yes   1010   BOD  
pH  
SS  
Hex. Chr.  
Sulphide  
O & G     3.03
9
10.1
0.0101
0.0101
1.01 OPRNS

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015 - 16  
 
Department of Economics & Statistics   77  
  Sl. 
No
.   Name and 
Address of 
Industry   Sect
or   Category of 
Industry   Date of 
commenceme
nt  of Industry   Effluents recipient water 
body or lakes   Concerned recipient 
River   Effluent   BOD (Kg/day) and 
other pollution load   ETP  status  
Name   Dist. From 
industry 
(km)   Name   Distance 
from the 
discharge 
point of 
recipient 
waterbody   Quality 
Complian
ce  (Yes/ 
No)Quantity in KLD
  Before 
treatment   After 
treatme
nt    
1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13   14  
10   SreesakthiPa
per  Mills  
Ltd.,  IDA, 
Edayar, Ekm.   PU   Pulp   & 
Paper   1993   River Periyar   1 km   River Periyar   Discharge 
directly 
into river   No   10   BOD  
pH  
SS     0.3
9
1 OPRNS  
11   Hindustan 
Organic 
Cemicals  Ltd., 
Ambalamugal
,  Ernakulam   CU   Petrochemi
cal   1988   Chithrapuzha   >100m   Chithrapuzha 
River   Discharge 
directly 
into 
Chithrapuz
ha   Yes     BOD   41  
2.
8   9.6 OPRS  
12   Cochi 
Refinery, 
Ambalamugal
,  Ernakulam   CU   Oil Refinery   1966   Chithrapuzha   >100m   Chithrapuzha 
River   Discharge 
directly 
into 
Chitrapuzh
a   Yes     BOD   24  
21  
03   20.43 OPRS  
13   Gramox 
Paper  and 
Boards, 
Puthuppady, 
Muvattupuzh
a,  Ernakulam   PU   Pulp & 
Paper   1995     >100m   Kothamangal
am River     Yes     BOD   12  
3.
5   23.92 OPRS

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015 - 16  
 
Department of Economics & Statistics   78  
  Sl. 
No
.   Name and 
Address of 
Industry   Sect
or   Category of 
Industry   Date of 
commenceme
nt  of Industry   Effluents recipient water 
body or lakes   Concerned recipient 
River   Effluent   BOD (Kg/day) and 
other pollution load   ETP  status  
Name   Dist. From 
industry 
(km)   Name   Distance 
from the 
discharge 
point of 
recipient 
waterbody   Quality 
Complian
ce  (Yes/ 
No)Quantity in KLD
  Before 
treatment   After 
treatme
nt    
1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13   14  
14   Nitta    Gelatin 
India  Pvt. 
Ltd., 
Kathikudam 
P.  O.,  Koratty 
(via)  Thrissur -
680308.   PU   Ossein 
Manufactur
e   1979   Chalakudy 
River   0.5 km   Chalakudy 
River   0.5km   Yes   6290   BOD   15  
72  
5   151 OPRS  
15   Sree  Sakthi 
Paper  Mills, 
Chalakudy 
Thrissur   PU   Duplex 
Board   1995   Chalakudy 
River   0.005 km   Chalakudy 
River   0.005km   No     BOD     292 OPRNS 
company has 
requested to 
givepermissio
n to dis -  
charge 
effluent to 
the river and 
they have 
proposed  
augmentation 
ofexisting ETP 
toachievequal
ity 
compliance.

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015 - 16  
 
Department of Economics & Statistics   79  
  Sl. 
No
.   Name and 
Address of 
Industry   Sect
or   Category of 
Industry   Date of 
commenceme
nt  of Industry   Effluents recipient water 
body or lakes   Concerned recipient 
River   Effluent   BOD (Kg/day) and 
other pollution load   ETP  status  
Name   Dist. From 
industry 
(km)   Name   Distance 
from the 
discharge 
point of 
recipient 
waterbody   Quality 
Complian
ce  (Yes/ 
No)Quantity in KLD
  Before 
treatment   After 
treatme
nt    
1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13   14  
16   Sitaram 
Textiles, 
Thrissur.   CU   Bleaching and dyeing process stopped and hence no  effluent generation    
17   Vaigai 
Threads 
(Former 
Madura  coats 
Ltd) PU   Polyster  & 
Cotton 
finished 
thread     Perumbithoo
de   0.25km   Chalakudy 
River   3.5km   Yes   11.7   No  process  effluent  as 
there  is  no  dyeing  and 
bleaching  and  effluent 
from  floor  washing  and 
canteen  treated  in  ETP 
and  discharged 
satisfactorily.   OPRS  
18   United 
Breweries 
Limited, 
Kanjikode 
West  P.  O., 
Palakkad  –
678623.   PU   Fermentation 
Industry   1970   Narakampilly 
River   500m   Kalpathy 
River, 
tributary  of 
Bharathapuz
ha   5km     400   BOD   345.6   10.4  
19   United  Spirits 
Limited,Form
er 
McDowell& 
Co.  Ltd) 
Cherthala, 
Alapuzha   PU   Distillery     Vembanadu 
Lake   Banks 
of  the 
lake   Vembanadu 
lake   Banks of lake   No   270   BOD   313  
2   4.1 OPRNS

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015 - 16  
 
Department of Economics & Statistics   80  
  Sl. 
No
.   Name and 
Address of 
Industry   Sect
or   Category of 
Industry   Date of 
commenceme
nt  of Industry   Effluents recipient water 
body or lakes   Concerned recipient 
River   Effluent   BOD (Kg/day) and 
other pollution load   ETP  status  
Name   Dist. From 
industry 
(km)   Name   Distance 
from the 
discharge 
point of 
recipient 
waterbody   Quality 
Complian
ce  (Yes/ 
No)Quantity in KLD
  Before 
treatment   After 
treatme
nt    
1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13   14  
20   Tata  Tea  Ltd., 
Munnar, 
Idukki   CU   Food  & 
Vegetables   1964   No effluent discharge to water   bodies. Entire effluent discharged is recycled.   OPRS  
21   Hindustan 
News  print 
Ltd., 
Newsprint 
Nagar, 
Kottayam.   CU   Pulp & Paper   1983   Muvattupuzh
a River   2km   Muvattupuz
ha River   2km   Yes   38384   BOD   1013
3 1152 OPRS  
22   MRFLtd., 
Vadavathoor, 
Kottayam.   PU   Rubber 
Industry   1959   Meenanthar
a River   2km   Meenanthar
a River   2km   Yes   200   BOD   155 6 OPRS  
23   Canara  Paper 
Mills  Pvt. 
Ltd., 
Chethipuzha, 
Changanache
ry, Kottayam.   PU   Craft Paper   1985   Chethipuzha 
Canal   50m   Vembanat 
Kayal   8km   Yes   5   1.8   0.64
5 OPRS  
24   Kollam  Dairy, 
Thevally, 
Kollam.    CP   Milk 
Processing   1986   Ashtamudy 
lake   0.01km           BOD   180 23.5 OPRS  
 
Source: Kerala State Pollution Control Board

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	81	 	
 	
Table :	 4.13	 Cumulative	 Achievement of	 Bio Gas plant	 	
SlNo	 	District	 	
2014	-15	 	2015	-16	 	
*MNRE 
scheme	 	
State 
scheme	 	
MNRE 
scheme	 	
State 
scheme	 	
1 	2 	3 	4 	5 	6 	
1 	Thiruvananthapuram	 	13	 	103	 	49	 	383	 	
2 	Kollam	 	7 	187	 	42	 	376	 	
3 	Pathanamthitta	 	22	 	219	 	16	 	229	 	
4 	Alappuzha	 	20	 	301	 	12	 	343	 	
5 	Kottayam	 	126	 	326	 	48	 	785	 	
6 	Idukki	 	255	 	270	 	237	 	338	 	
7 	Eranakulam	 	123	 	248	 	109	 	579	 	
8 	Thrissur	 	147	 	167	 	121	 	346	 	
9 	Palakkad	 	59	 	89	 	44	 	117	 	
10	 	Malappuram	 	23	 	188	 	25	 	165	 	
11	 	Kozhikode	 	64	 	89	 	87	 	536	 	
12	 	Wayanad	 	93	 	67	 	66	 	131	 	
13	 	Kannur	 	47	 	144	 	47	 	119	 	
14	 	Kasargod	 	41	 	61	 	22	 	45	 	
 	Total	 	1040	 	2459	 	925	 	4492	 	
Source :	 Anert, *Ministry of New and Renewable Energy	  	
Table: 4.14	 Energy Source 2011	-12 to 2015	-16	 	
SlNo.	 	Source of Energy	 	
Installed Capacity (MW)	
 	
2011	-12	 	2012	-13	 	2013	-14	 	2014	-15	 	2015	-16	 	
1 	2 	3 	4 	5 	6 	7 	
1 	Hydel: KSEBL	 	2008.80	 	2007.40	 	2008.60	 	2024.15	 	2046.15	 	
2 	Thermal : KSEBL	 	234.60	 	234.60	 	234.60	 	159.96	 	159.96	 	
3 	Wind :	 KSEBL	 	2.03	 	2.03	 	2.03	 	2.03	 	2.025	 	
4 	Solar : KSEBL	 	 - 	-  	 - 	-  	1.156	 	
5 	
Solar other than 
KSEBL (Solar 
connected to Grid 
other than KSEBL)	 	
-  	-  	 - 	 - 	13.00	 	
6 	NTPC	 	359.60	 	359.60	 	359.60	 	359.60	 	359.60	 	
7 	Thermal IPP	 	198.93	 	198.93	 	198.93	 	198.93	 	198.90	 	
8 	Hydel Captive	 	33.00	 	33.00	 	33.00	 	33.00	 	33.00	 	
9 	Hydel IPP	 	10.00	 	10.00	 	22.11	 	25.16	 	25.16	 	
10	 	Wind IPP	 	32.85	 	32.85	 	32.85	 	32.85	 	41.25	 	
Total	 	2879.81	 	2878.41	 	2891.72	 	2835.68	 	2880.20	 	
Source : Economic 	Review 2016

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	82	 	
 	
Table :	 4.15	 Total installed capacity 2011	-12 to 2015	-16	 	
SlNo.	 	Sector	 	Installed Capacity (MW)	
2011	-12	 	2012	-13	 	2013	-14	 	2014	-15	 	2015	-16	 	
1 	2 	3 	4 	5 	6 	7 	
1 	State Sector	 	2245.43	 	2244.03	 	2245.23	 	2186.14	 	2222.29	 	
2 	Central Sector	 	359.60	 	359.60	 	359.60	 	359.60	 	359.60	 	
3 	Private Sector	 	274.78	 	274.78	 	286.89	 	289.94	 	298.31	 	
Total	 	2879.81	 	2878.41	 	2891.72	 	2835.68	 	2880.20	 	
Source: Economic Review 2016	 	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 	
Table:	 4.16	 transmission infrastructures	 2015 	- 2016	 	
SlNo.	 	Item	 	Target	 	Achievement	 	Unit	 	
Percentage	 of 	
Achievement	 	
 	
1 	2 	3 	4 	5 	6 	
1 	220KV Substations	 	1 	0 	Nos.	 	0%	 	
2 	110KV Substations	 	12	 	8 	Nos.	 	67%	 	
3 	66KV Substations	 	4 	3 	Nos.	 	75%	 	
4 	33KV substations	 	13	 	3 	Nos.	 	23.08%	 	
Source: Economic Review 2016

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	83	 	
 	
 	
Table :	 4.1	7 details of power availability	 2011	-12 to	 2015	-16	 	
 	
Sl.No	 	Particulars	 	Internal Generation(MU)	
2011	-12	 	2012	-13	 	2013	-14	 	2014	-15	 	2015	-16	 	
1 	2 	3 	4 	5 	6 	7 	
1 	Hydel Generation	 	8058.01	 	4848.8	 	7995.43	 	7134.00	 	6639	 	
2 	KSEBL	-Thermal Generation	 	290.70	 	532.7	 	220.87	 	207.70	 	150.63	 	
3 	Wind 	 	2.03	 	1.763	 	1.8	 	1.06	 	1.38	 	
4 	Solar	 	0 	0 	0 	0 	0.81	 	
5 	Solar other than KSEBL	 	0 	0 	0 	0 	5.92	 	
6 	Total Internal Generation	 	8350.75	 	5389.6	 	8218.10	 	7342.88	 	6791.9	 	
7 	Less: Auxiliary 
Consumption	 	60.84	 	55.35	 	55.07	 	55.97	 	52.6	 	
8 	Net Generation	 	8289.91	 	5334.3	 	8163.03	 	7286.91	 	6739.3	 	
9 	Power Purchase ( CGSs, 
IPPs, Traders )	11263.21	 	14909	 	14070.4	 	14996.4	 	16448	 	
10	 	External PGCIL line losses	 	413.21	 	364.96	 	293.69	 	357.98	 	550.6	 	
11	 	Energy Available for sale 
within the State	 	19139.90	 	19878	 	21939.8	 	21925.8	 	22944	 	
12	 	Energy Requirement	 	18938.81	 	19877	 	20525.2	 	21914.2	 	22584	 	
13	 	Surplus /Deficit	 	201.09	 	0.97	 	1414.6	 	11.64	 	360.92	 	
Source : Economic Review 2016

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	84	 	
 	
Table:	 4.1	8 Pattern	 of Power Consumption and Revenue Collected during 2015	-16	 	
SlNo.	 	Category 
Voltage	 	
No. of 
consum	
ers	 	
% of 
consum
ers to 
total	 	
Consumpt
ion (MU)	
Consumpt
ion as % 
of total	 	
Rervenu	
e 	
collected 
( lakh )	 	
Reven
ue as 
% of 
total	 	
1 	2 	3 	4 	5 	6 	7 	8 	
1. 	Domesti
c Paying 
group	 	912474	
7 	78.20	 	9943.5	 	51.45	 	374410.0	
0 	35.84	 	
b 	Non 
paying 
group	 	
2 	Commer
cial 
including 
general	 	
192340	
2 	16.48	 	2735.36	 	14.15	 	244850.0	
0 	23.44	 	
3 	Industrial 
LT 	 	136693	 	1.17	 	1103.23	 	5.71	 	74663.00	 	7.15	 	
4 	HT and 
EHT	 	5005	 	0.04	 	4106.00	 	21.25	 	281690.0	
0 	26.97	 	
5 	Public 
lighting	 	4281	 	0.04	 	366.62	 	1.90	 	15636.00	 	1.50	 	
6 	Railway 
Traction	 	9 	0 	212.83	 	1.10	 	12086.00	 	1.16	 	
7 	Agricultu
ral 
Pumbing	 	
473882	 	4.06	 	279.48	 	1.45	 	6562.00	 	0.63	 	
8 	Licenses 
(Bulk 
supply)	
12	 	0.00	 	578.08	 	2.99	 	34704.00	 	3.32	 	
 	Total	 	116680	
31	 	100.00	 	19325.10	 	100	 	1044601.	
00	 	100.00	 	
Source: Economic Review 2016	 	 	LT: Low Tension, HT: High	 Tension, EHT: Extra 	
High Tension

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	85	 	
 
Table : 	4.19	 Generating	 Capacity, Maximum Demand and Load Factor 	 	
SlNo	 	Year	 	Installed 
Capacity	 	
Energy input to system 	
excl.aux.cons. & 	
ext.losses 	
(Gen+Purchases	-	
Export) (MU)	
Maximum 
demand 
(MW)	 	
Load factor 	
(%)	 	
1 	2 	3 	4 	5 	6 	
1 	1991	-92	 	1477.00	 	7153.62	 	1308.80	 	62.39	 	
2 	1992	-93	 	1477.00	 	7219.79	 	1403.00	 	58.74	 	
3 	1993	-94	 	1484.00	 	7809.17	 	1459.60	 	61.08	 	
4 	1994	-95	 	1503.53	 	8794.39	 	1614.60	 	62.18	 	
5 	1995	-96	 	1505.30	 	9274.07	 	1651.40	 	64.11	 	
6 	1996	-97	 	1508.53	 	8771.25	 	1572.00	 	63.69	 	
7 	1997	-98	 	1775.81	 	9394.67	 	1785.80	 	60.05	 	
8 	1998	-99	 	2046.33	 	11164.61	 	1896.20	 	67.21	 	
9 	1999	-00	 	2350.71	 	11880.98	 	2177.00	 	62.30	 	
10	 	2000	-01	 	2422.61	 	12464.00	 	2316.00	 	61.43	 	
11	 	2001	-02	 	2605.91	 	12518.31	 	2333.00	 	61.25	 	
12	 	2002	-03	 	2608.71	 	12391.13	 	2347.00	 	60.27	 	
13	 	2003	-04	 	2621.31	 	12280.87	 	2426.00	 	57.79	 	
14	 	2004	-05	 	2623.86	 	12504.84	 	2420.00	 	58.99	 	
15	 	2005	-06	 	2650.41	 	13331.03	 	2578.00	 	59.03	 	
16	 	2006	-07	 	2662.96	 	14427.96	 	2742.00	 	60.07	 	
17	 	2007	-08	 	2676.66	 	15065.15	 	2745.00	 	62.65	 	
18	 	2008	-09	 	2744.76	 	15293.41	 	2765.00	 	63.14	 	
19	 	2009	-10	 	2752.96	 	16982.29	 	2998.00	 	64.66	 	
20	 	2010	-11	 	2869.56	 	17340.28	 	3119.00	 	63.47	 	
21	 	2011	-12	 	2878.36	 	18938.81	 	3348.00	 	64.57	 	
22	 	2012	-13	 	2880.22	 	19877.16	 	3268.00	 	69.43	 	
23	 	2013	-14	 	2891.72	 	20525.16	 	3588.00	 	65.30	 	
24	 	2014	-15	 	2835.63	 	21573.16	 	3602.00	 	68.37	 	
25	 	2015	-16	 	2880.18	 	22727.34	 	3860.00	 	67.21	 	
Source: Power system, Kerala State Electricity Board

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	86	 	
 
 
Table:	 4.2	0 Ddetail of Indian standards for maximum permissible limits for Industrial 	 	
 effluent 	discharges in 	India	 	
Sl 
No.	 	Parameter	 	
Into Inland 
Surface 	
Waters Indian 
Standards 
2490 (1974)	
Into Public 
Sewers 
Indian 	
Standards: 
3306 (1974)	
On land for 
Irrigation 
Indian 	
Standards: 
3307 (1974)	
Marine 	
Coastal Area	 	
1 	2 	3 	4 	5 	6 	
1 	pH	 	5.5	-9.0	 	5.5	-9.0	 	5.5	-9.0	 	5.5	-9.1	 	
2 	Biological oxygen demand (for 
5 days at 	20oC)	30	 	350	 	100	 	100	 	
3 	Chemical oxygen demand	 	250	 	- 	- 	250	 	
4 	Suspended solids	 	100	 	600	 	200	 	 	
5 	Total dissolved solids 
(inorganic)	 	2100	 	2100	 	2100	 	- 	
6 	Temperature (	C)	40	 	45	 	- 	45	 	
7 	Oil and grease	 	10	 	20	 	10	 	20	 	
8 	Phenolic Compounds	 	1 	5 	- 	5 	
9 	Cyanides	 	0.2	 	2 	0.2	 	0.2	 	
10	 	Sulphides	 	2 	- 	- 	5 	
11	 	Fluorides	 	2 	15	 	- 	15	 	
12	 	Total residual chlorine	 	1 	- 	- 	1 	
13	 	Pesticides	 	- 	- 	- 	- 	
14	 	Arsenic	 	0.2	 	0.2	 	0.2	 	0.2	 	
15	 	Cadmium	 	2 	1 	- 	2 	
16	 	Chromium (hexavalent)	0.1	 	2 	- 	1 	
17	 	copper	 	3 	3 	- 	3 	
18	 	Lead	 	0.1	 	1 	- 	1 	
19	 	Mercury	 	0.01	 	0.01	 	- 	0.01	 	
20	 	Nickel	 	3 	3 	- 	5 	
21	 	Selenium	 	0.05	 	0.05	 	- 	0.05	 	
22	 	Zinc	 	5 	15	 	- 	15	 	
23	 	Chlorides	 	1000	 	1000	 	600	 	- 	
24	 	Boron	 	2 	2 	2 	- 	
25	 	Sulphates	 	1000	 	1000	 	1000	 	- 	
26	 	Sodium (%)	- 	60	 	60	 	- 	
27	 	Ammoniacal nitrogen	 	50	 	50	 	- 	50	 	
28	 	Radioactive materials	 	 	 	 	 	
29	 	Alpha 	emitters (milli 	
curie/millilitre)	10	-7 	10	-7 	10	-8 	10	-7 	
30	 	Beta emitters (μ 
curie/millilitre)	10	-6 	10	-6 	10	-7 	10	-6 	
Source: Compendium of Environment Statistics India 2016

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	87	 	
 	
Table:	 4.21 Average	 Gaseous composition of Dry air in the Troposphere	 in India	 	
Sl No.	 	Gas	 	Percent by volume (%)	Parts	 per million (ppm)	
1 	2 	3 	4 	
1 	Nitrogen	 	78.080000	 	780840.00	 	
2 	Oxygen	 	20.946000	 	209460.00	 	
3 	Argon	 	0.934000	 	9340.00	 	
4 	Carbon dioxide	 	0.039000	 	390.00	 	
5 	Neon	 	0.001818	 	18.18	 	
6 	Helium	 	0.000524	 	5.24	 	
7 	Methane	 	0.000179	 	1.79	 	
8 	Krypton	 	0.000114	 	1.14	 	
9 	Hydrogen	 	0.000055	 	0.55	 	
10	 	Xenon	 	0.000009	 	0.09	 	
11	 	Ozone	 	Variable	 	~0.001	- 0.3 (variable)	
Source: Compendium of Environment Statistics 2016 India	 	
Rapidly  increasing  industrialization,  urbanization,  population,  growth  and  demand 	
for  transportation  along  with  meteorological  conditions  influence  air  pollution  in  many 
Indian cities.	 In general combustion is the chief contributor to outdoor air pollution. In most 	
cities,  the  major  source  of  combustion  is  fuel  use,  which  tends  to  incre	ase  along  with  the 	
population size and economic activity.	 	
The air breathe can become contaminated with pollutants viz. Sulphur dioxide (SO	2), 	
oxides  of  Nitrogen  (NO	x),  Carbon  monoxide  (CO),  Ozone  (O	3)  and  particulate  matter  form 	
various  natural  and  manmade	 sources.  In  recent  years,  the  focus  of  ambient  air  quality 	
largely includes not only criteria air pollutants, but also other toxic air pollutants.	 	
Particulate Pollutants	 	
Particulate matter (PM) is a complex mixture of suspended solid and liquid particle i	n 	
semi equilibrium. The particles constituents vary greatly in size, composition, concentration, 
depending  on  origin  and  age.  The  size  distributions  of  airborne  particles  are  important  for 
health  impact.  The  particles  larger  than  10µm  in  diameter  are  depos	ited  almost  exclusively 	
in the nose and throat whereas those smaller than 1µm reach the lower regions of the lung. 
The  intermediate  size  range  gets  deposited  between  these  two  extremes  of  the  respiratory 
tract.	 Outdoor  (ambient)  PM  size  ranges  from  approxi	mately  0.001	-100  µm  in  aerodynamic 	
diameter.  PM  is  considered  as  the  single  best  indicator  of  potential  harm.  There  are  two 
main size categories for PM measured in ambient air.

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	88	 	
 
Environment Protection Rules Schl: 38	 	
i. 	Implementation of the following Pollution	 Control Measures:	 	
a) Dust containment cum suppression system of the equipment.	 	
b) Construction of wind breaking walls	 	
c) Construction of metalled roads within the premises	 	
d) Regular cleaning and wetting of the ground within the premises.	 	
e) Growing of a 	green belt along the periphery.	 	
ii. 	 Quantitative	 standards for the SPM:	 	
The suspended particulate matter contribution value at a distance of 40 meters from 	
a  controlled  isolated  as  well  as  from  a  unit  located  should  be  less  than  600  mg  NM3.	 The 	
measurements a	re to be conducted at least twice a month for all the 12 months in a year.	 	
Table:	  4.22 Summaries	 of Health Effects of Basic Air Pollutant	 	
Pollutant	 	Health Effects	 	
Carbon Monoxide	 	
Poor	 reflexes	 	
Ringing in the ears	 	
Headache	 	
Dizziness	 	
Nausea	 	
Breathing	 difficulties	 	
Drowsiness	 	
Reduced	 work capacity	 	
Comatose State(can lead to death)	
Lead (Pb)	
Kidney damage	 	
Reproductive system damage	 	
Nervous  system  damage  (including  brain  dysfunction  and 
altered neuro physical behaviours)	
Oxides of 	Nitrogen (NO2)	
Increased risk of viral infections	 	
Lung  irritation  (including  pulmonary  fibrosis  and 
emphysenal)
Higher respiratory illness rates	 	
Airway resistance	 	
Chest	 tightness and discomfort	 	
Eye burning	 	
Head ache	 	
Ozone (O3)	
Respiratory 	system  damage(lun	g damage  from  free 	
radicals)
Reduces mental activity	 	
Damage to cell lining(especially in nasal passage)
Reduces effectiveness of the immune system	 	
Headache

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	89	 	
 	
Pollutant	 	Health Effects	 	
Eye irritation	 	
Chest discomfort	 	
Breathing difficulties	 	
Chronic lung	 diseases (including asthma and emphysema)	
Nausea	 	
Sulphur dioxide (SO2)	
Aggravates heart and lung diseases	 	
Increase  the  risk  for  respiratory  illness  (including  chronic 
bronchitis, asthma, pulmonary emphysema)
Cancer(may not show for decades after 	exposure	 	
Respirable  Particute  matter 
(PM 10)	 	
Respiratory  illness  (including  chronic  bronchitis  increased 
asthma attacks, pulmonary emphysema)
Aggravates he art disease	 	
Source : Kerala State Pollution Control Board

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	90	 	
 	
Chapter 	- V 	
Land and Soil	 	
Land is 	degraded when it suffers a loss of intrinsic qualities, decline in its capabilities 	
or  loss in  its productive capacity. Land  degradation may be due to  natural  or human causes 
or  it  may  be  due  to  combination  of  both.  Considering  the  characteristics  of  soil,	 	
drainage/wetness, erosion, runoff etc., Kerala has 18 land capability subclass associations of 
five broad land capability (LC) classes (Kerala State Land Utilisation Board (KSLUB), 1995 and 
2002).  The  broad  LC  classes  are  Class  II  (Good  cultivable  land), 	Class  III  (Moderately  good 	
cultivable  land),  Class  IV  (Fairly  good  cultivable  lands),  Class  VI  (Well  suited  for  forestry  or 
grazing),  and  Class  VIII  (Land  suited  only  for  wildlife  and  recreation).  The  soil  of  Kerala  has 
limitations  for  sustained  use  under 	irrigation.  Only  about  37%  of  the  area  of  Kerala  is 	
suitable for irrigation with certain limitations.	 	
Land Use Patterns	 	
Total  geographical  area  of  the  State  has  been  classified  according  to 	thirteen 	
different  uses  of  land	.  Out  of  3886287  ha.  of	 total  geogr	aphical  area,  202307	3 ha.  of  land 	
constituting  52.06%  is  cultivated  atleast  once  with  various  crops  during  the  year  2015	-16, 	
showing  slight  decrease  of  0.97%  in  net  area 	sown  from  previous  year.	 The  total  cropped 	
area comes 2627577 ha. during the above per	iod.	 	
Table:	 5.1 	State level estimate of Gross Cropped Area,	 Net Cropped Area 	and	 Cropping 	
Intensity (2001	-02 to 2015	-16)	
Sl No.	 	Year	 	Gross Cropped Area (Ha)	Net Cropped Area	 	
(Ha)	 	Cropping Intensity	 	
1 	2001	-02	 	2992252	 	2190690	 	136.59	 	
2 	2002	-03	 	2970384	 	2188537	 	135.72	 	
3 	2003	-04	 	2954454	 	2189940	 	134.91	 	
4 	2004	-05	 	2994666	 	2154885	 	138.97	 	
5 	2005	-06	 	2982454	 	2132483	 	139.86	 	
6 	2006	-07	 	2913873	 	2101431	 	138.66	 	
7 	2007	-08	 	2758740	 	2089029	 	132.06	 	
8 	2008	-09	 	2694943	 	2088955	 	129.01	 	
9 	2009	-10	 	2668678	 	2078715	 	128.38	 	
10	 	2010	-11	 	2647461	 	2071507	 	127.74	 	
11	 	2011	-12	 	2661757	 	2040132	 	130.47	 	
12	 	2012	-13	 	2591734	 	2048109	 	126.54	 	
13	 	2013	-14	 	2616670	 	2050994	 	127.58	 	
14	 	2014	-15	 	2624624	 	2042881	 	128.48	 	
15	 	2015	-16	 	2627577	 	2023073	 	129.88	 	
 Source: Agricultural Statistics 2015	-16

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015 - 16  
 
Department of Economics & Statistics   Page  91  
  Table:   5.2   Classification of Area on the Basis of Land Utilisation 2015 - 16  
      (Area in Ha.)  Classification
 	
Thiruvananthapuram
 	
Kollam
 	
Pathanamthitta
 	
Alappuzha
 	
Kottayam
 	
Idukki
 	
Eranakulam
 	
Thrissur
 	
Palakkad
 	
Malappuram
 	
Kozhikkodu
 	
Wayanad
 	
Kannur
 	
Kasargodu
 	
State
 
1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13   14   15   16  
Geographical   Area   218781   248788   265277   141011   220442   436328   305826   302919   447584   355446   234641   212966   297112   199166   3886287  
Forests   49861   81438   155214   0   8141   198413   70617   103619   136257   103417   41386   78787   48734   5625   1081509  
Land put to  non  
agricultural use   33161   28314   17666   25114   28449   13714   42941   38313   49021   51203   31763   12649   36727   25611   434646  
Barren and 
Unculti v able land   243   178   181   8   1166   1515   314   254   2459   968   582   78   1566   3588   13100  
Permanent 
pastu res and 
Other Grazing 
Land   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0   0  
Land under Tree 
Miscellaneous 
Tree Cropes    18   46   100   94   131   156   244   187   892   178   108   40   211   258   2663  
Cultivable Waste    438   2673   1694   13694   7273   2145   12402   9734   23641   6110   2832   952   7105   8806   99499  
Fallow Land Other 
than Current 
Fallow   1072   1691   3165   2494   2518   1201   7907   6024   16087   5332   1676   763   3168   2160   55258

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015 - 16  
 
Department of Economics & Statistics   92  
 Classification
 	
Thiruvananthapuram
 	
Kollam
 	
Pathanamthitta
 	
Alappuzha
 	
Kottayam
 	
Idukki
 	
Eranakulam
 	
Thrissur
 	
Palakkad
 	
Malappuram
 	
Kozhikkodu
 	
Wayanad
 	
Kannur
 	
Kasargodu
 	
State
  1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13   14   15   16  
Current Fallow   2912   3255   4053   3183   4765   1884   10814   8081   12237   7589   2000   2257   4376   2597   70003  
Marshy Land   6   4   0   1   0   0   6   0   0   0   5   0   95   0   117  
Still water   4342   6593   2698   12457   6360   10480   11090   6300   15333   6148   3933   4047   6472   4336   100589  
Water logged 
Area   88   938   165   337   159   0   297   318   0   62   382   19   372   22   3159  
Social Forestry   60   95   118   39   112   1140   105   147   380   202   34   61   73   105   2671  
Net area sown   126580   123563   80223   83590   161368   205680   149089   129942   191277   174237   149940   113313   188213   146058   2023073  
Area sown more 
than once   36268   25754   23348   17908   42382   64807   16447   44333   102163   67348   50902   66175   37229   9440   604504  
Total Cropped 
Area   162848   149317   103571   101498   203750   270487   165536   174275   293440   241585   200842   179488   225442   155498   2627577  
Source: Agricultural Statistics2015 - 16, DES

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015 - 16  
 
Department of Economics & Statistics   93  
  Table :   5.3   NET AREA IRRIGATED  -   DISTRICT WISE & SOURCE WISE 2015 - 16  
(area in Ha)  
Sl 
No   District   Small stream ( 
Canal / Thode ) Pond   Well   Bore 
well/ 
Tube 
well   Lift & 
Minor 
Irrigation   From River & Lake  
Other 
Sources   Grand 
Total  
Govt.   Private   Govt.   Private   Govt.   Private   Pump   Wheel   Other 
Methods   Total  
1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13   14   15   16  
1   Thiruvananthapuram   3833   0   588   21   1   3254   111   0   0   0   0   0   439   8247  
2   Kollam   1368   27   15   49   31   2853   33   0   0   0   4   4   1674   6054  
3   Pathanamthitta   2751   0   34   0   0   2343   4   113   0   0   7   7   1   5253  
4   Alappuzha   6237   1   0   462   0   819   7728   0   5567   0   19255   24822   335   40404  
5   Kottayam   15   13   0   276   0   1952   18   107   0   0   12204   12204   10   14595  
6   Idukki   1214   11   54   16605   0   8341   4150   0   68   0   1982   2050   9096   41521  
7   Ernakulam   7340   6   309   1693   5   6965   465   3130   568   0   1027   1595   357   21865  
8   Thrissur   19023   5   224   3567   70   37937   1716   991   561   0   4709   5270   2530   71333  
9   Palakkad   42443   25   140   5729   7   13063   8741   514   7801   0   548   8349   8242   87253  
10   Malappuram   2443   378   157   4332   69   16019   1362   1290   1072   0   1726   2798   1356   30204  
11   Kozhikode   989   8   0   513   1   2363   56   0   216   0   3   219   522   4671  
12   Wayanad   0   0   18   52   0   73   0   103   136   0   0   136   12123   12505  
13   Kannur   631   281   22   1415   17   9223   438   34   221   0   652   873   2281   15215  
14   Kasargode   530   19   43   12141   15   28108   10269   15   3021   0   102   3123   450   54713  
Total   88817   774   1604   46855   216   133313   35091   6297   19231   0   42219   61450   39416   413833  
Source : Agricultural Statistics 2015 - 16, DES

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015 - 16  
 
Department of Economics & Statistics   94  
  Table : 5.4   Gross Area under Irrigation (Crop wise) 2015 - 16  
(Area in Ha.)  
Sl  
No.   District   Paddy   	
Vegetables
 	
 	
Coconut
 	
Arecanut
 	
Cloves
 	
Nutmeg
 	
Banana
 	
Betel Leaves
 	
Sugar cane
 	
Other Crops
 	
Total
 	
Autumn
 	
Winter
 	
Summer
 	
 	
Total
 
1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13   14   15   16  
1   Thiruvananthapuram   1074   903   142   2119   3325   2742   6   0   19   2669   18     1891   12789  
2   Kollam   258   917   6   1181   6260   443   12   1   34   1591   24     659   10205  
3   Pathanamthitta   28   419   2087   2534   1172   718   14   11   521   1513   39     121   6643  
4   Alappuzha   9493   1576   19810   30879   2599   7537   13   0   129   472   36   40   1336   43041  
5   Kottayam   3573   4251   8360   16184   1903   61   2   107   1863   881   7     152   21160  
6   Idukki   81   759   46   886   5713   767   105   70   1384   1260   0   765   193   11143  
7   Ernakulam   569   4048   656   5273   2399   10020   1106   2   6597   4113   4     3038   32552  
8   Thrissur   83   13688   8869   22640   1671   40437   4224   9   6759   2164   3     3594   81501  
9   Palakkad   4360   40912   3839   49111   4679   24807   3285   2   288   14420   2   338   9096   106028  
1 0   Malappuram   9   3839   2158   6006   4171   19117   5455   2   248   6177   158     1988   43322  
11   Kozhikkode   3   68   410   481   1249   2606   325   5   217   1828   9     255   6975  
1 2   Wayanad   0   8587   617   9204   1244   85   20   0   0   6718   2     20   17293  
1 3   Kannur   0   2681   7   2688   2225   12538   1632   0   209   2312   13     767   22384  
14   Kasargod   0   1042   288   1330   696   43772   17928   28   158   636   18     4046   68612  
S TATE   19531   83690   47295   150516   39306   165650   34127   237   18426   46754   333   1143   27156   483648  
Source: Agricultural Statistics2015 - 16, DES

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	Page 	95	 	
 	
Table:	 5.5 Area	 under Dry Land Paddy 2015	-16	 	
Sl No.	 	District	 	
Dry land Paddy Area in Ha.	 	
Autum	 	Winter	 	Aummer	 	Total	 	
1 	2 	3 	4 	5 	6 	
1 	Thiruvananthapuram	 	0.33	 	0.27	 	0 	0.6	 	
2 	Kollam	 	37.53	 	3.08	 	0 	40.61	 	
3 	Pathanamthitta	 	0 	0.93	 	0 	0.93	 	
4 	Alappuzha	 	453.41	 	0.2	 	5260.06	 	5713.67	 	
5 	Kottayam	 	0 	0 	0 	0 	
6 	Idukki	 	0.023	 	4.29	 	0.02	 	4.33	 	
7 	Ernakulam	 	2.76	 	2.02	 	2.02	 	6.8	 	
8 	Thrissur	 	8.53	 	0.79	 	0 	9.32	 	
9 	Palakkad	 	66.84	 	1.15	 	17.41	 	85.4	 	
10	 	Malappuram	 	8.22	 	0.1	 	0 	8.32	 	
11	 	Kozhikkode	 	6.21	 	1.54	 	0 	7.75	 	
12	 	Wayanad	 	0 	0 	0.53	 	0.53	 	
13	 	Kannur	 	31.41	 	3.48	 	0 	34.89	 	
14	 	Kasargod	 	17.12	 	0 	0.4	 	17.52	 	
STATE	 	632.38	 	17.85	 	5280.44	 	5930.67	 	
Source: 	Agricultural Statistics2015	-16, DES

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	96	 	
 	
Table:	 5.6 Area	 & Production of Important Crops in 	Kerala 2015	-16	 	
Sl 
No.	 	
Crops	 	
Area(Ha)	Production(Tonnes)	
2001	-02	 	2015	-16	 	% 
Variation	 	2001	-02	 	2015	-16	 	% 
Variation	 	
1 	Paddy!!	 	322368	 	196870	 	-39	 	703504	 	549275	 	-22	 	
2 	Tapioca	 	111189	 	69405	 	-38	 	2455880	 	2662610	 	8 	
3 	Coconut*	 	905718	 	790223	 	-13	 	5479	 	5873	 	7 	
4 	Pepper	 	203956	 	85948	 	-58	 	58240	 	42132	 	-28	 	
5 	Cashew	 	89718	 	43090	 	-52	 	65867	 	24733	 	-62	 	
6 	Rubber	 	475039	 	550840	 	16	 	580350	 	438630	 	-24	 	
7 	Groundnut	 	2437	 	449	 	-82	 	1812	 	619	 	-66	 	
8 	Sesame	 	878	 	187	 	-79	 	284	 	47.703	 	-83	 	
9 	Cotton#	 	3760	 	109	 	-97	 	6069	 	196	 	-97	 	
10	 	Pulses	 	8191	 	3764	 	-54	 	6281	 	4265	 	-32	 	
11	 	Ginger(Dry)	10706	 	4986	 	-53	 	40181	 	22044	 	-45	 	
12	 	Turmeric	 	3558	 	2603	 	-27	 	7895	 	7112	 	-10	 	
13	 	Banana	 	50871	 	59835	 	18	 	345903	 	5636155	 	55	 	
14	 	Tobaco	 	71	 	9 	-87	 	395	 	15	 	-96	 	
15	 	Total Cereals	 	329875	 	197189	 	-40	 	708624	 	549570	 	-22	 	
16	 	Arecanut*	 	93193	 	99126	 	6 	84681	 	132453	 	56	 	
17	 	Coffee	 	84795	 	84987	 	0 	66690	 	69230	 	4 	
18	 	Tea	 	36899	 	30205	 	-18	 	66090	 	57898	 	-12	 	
Source: Agricultural Statistics2015	-16, DES 	 	
!! Production in Rice	 	
* Production in million nuts	 	
# Production in bales of 170 kg

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	97	 	
 
Plantation Crops	 	
Plantation  crop  refers  to  those  crops  which  are  cultivated  on  an  extensive  scale  in 	
contiguous  area,  owned  and  managed  by  an  individual  or  a  company.  Plantation  crops 
constitute  a  large  group  of  crops.  The  major  plantation  crops  include  coconut,  arecanut, 	oil 	
palm, cashew, tea, coffee and rubber; the minor plantation crops include cocoa. 	 	
Table: 	5.7 Areas	, Production, Productivity of Plantation Crops 	(2013	-14 to	 2015	-16)	
 	2013	-14	 	2014	-15	 	2015	-16	 	
1 	2 	3 	4 	
Area (Ha.)
Tea #	 	30205	 	30205	 	30205	 	
Coffee *	 	85359	 	85359	 	84987	 	
Rubber $	 	548225	 	549955	 	550840	 	
Cardamom@	 	39730	 	39730	 	39730	 	
Production (MT)
Tea #	 	62938	 	65174	 	57898	 	
Coffee *	 	66645	 	67700	 	69230	 	
Rubber $	 	648220	 	507700	 	438630	 	
Cardamom@	 	14000	 	16000	 	19500	 	
Productivity (Kg. / Ha.)
Tea #	 	2084	 	2158	 	1917	 	
Coffee *	 	781	 	793	 	815	 	
Rubber $	 	1182	 	923	 	796	 	
Cardamom@	 	352	 	403	 	491	 	
Source: Economic Review 2016 	 	
 
*Coffee Board	 	
#Tea Board	 	
$Rubber Board	 	
@SpicesBrand

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	98	 	
 
Table: 	5.8	 Consumption of Fertilizers /Ha. of Gross Cropped Area	 2002	-03 to 2015	-16	 	
 
Year	 	Nitrogen	 	Phosphorous	 	Pottash	 	
Total	 	
N:(P+K)%	 	
Kerala	 	India	 	
1 	2 	3 	4 	5 	6 	7 	
2002	-03	 	29.18	 	13.53	 	26.19	 	68.90	 	86.00	 	73	 	
2003	-04	 	28.92	 	13.20	 	22.93	 	65.05	 	89.80	 	80	 	
2004	-05	 	29.87	 	14.14	 	24.2	 	68.21	 	98.34	 	78	 	
2005	-06	 	28.00	 	15.00	 	25.00	 	68.00	 	104.50	 	70	 	
2006	-07	 	31.00	 	16.00	 	43.00	 	89.00	 	113.26	 	53	 	
2007	-08	 	32.00	 	15.00	 	25.00	 	72.00	 	117.07	 	80	 	
2008	-09	 	38.00	 	19.00	 	32.00	 	89.00	 	NA	 	74	 	
2009	-10	 	39.00	 	20.00	 	32.00	 	91.00	 	NA	 	75	 	
2010	-11	 	40.00	 	24.00	 	33.00	 	97.00	 	NA	 	70	 	
2011	-12	 	44.00	 	22.00	 	32.00	 	98.00	 	NA	 	81	 	
2012	-13	 	47.00	 	24.00	 	35.00	 	106.00	 	NA	 	80	 	
2013	-14	 	53.00	 	27.00	 	45.00	 	125.00	 	NA	 	73	 	
2014	-15	 	40.00	 	16.00	 	24.00	 	80.00	 	NA	 	100	 	
2015	-16	 	50.00	 	19.00	 	31.00	 	80.00	 	NA	 	100	 	
Source: Economic Review 2016

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	99	 	
 	
Table:	 5.9 Soil	 Types (District	-Wise)	
 	
District	 	Type of Soil	 	Details of location	 	
Thiruvananthapuram	 	
 	Fairly rich brown loam of 	 	
 laterite	 	
 	Sandy loam	 	
 	Rich dark brown loam of 	 	
 granite origin	 	
Middle part of the district	 	
 
Western coastal region	 	
 
Eastern hilly parts of the district	 	
Kollam	 	
 	Sandy loam	 	
 
 
 	Laterite soil	 	
Karunagappally and part 	of Kollam 	
taluks	 	
Kottarakkara  ,  Kunnathur  and 
parts of Kollam and Pathanapuram 
taluks	 	
Pathanamthitta	 	
 	Clay soil	 	
 
 
 	Laterite soil	 	
Western and Eastern hilly regions	 	
 
Parts  of  Ranni  and  Kozhencheri 
taluks	 	
Alappuzha	 	
 	Sandy loam	 	
 
 
 	Sandy soil	 	
 
 	Clay loam with much 	 	
 acidity	 	
 
 	Laterite soil	 	
Karthikappally  and  parts  of 
Mavelikkara taluks	 	
 
Cherthala & Ambalappuzha taluks	 	
Kuttanad	 	
 
Chengannur  and  parts  of 
Mavelikkara taluks	 	
Kottayam	 	
 	Laterite soil	 	
 
 
 	Alluvial soil	 	
Parts  of  Changanacherry  and 
Kottayam 	taluks  and  Kanjirappally 	
and Meenachil taluks.	 	
 
Vaikom  taluk  and  part  of 
Changanacherry  and  Kottayam 
taluks	 	
Idukki	 	 	Laterite soil	 	
 	Alluvial soil	 	
Peermade and Thodupuzha taluks	 	
Devicolam  and  Udumbanchola 
taluks	 	
Ernakulam	 	
 	Laterite soil	 	
 
 	Sandy loam	 	
 
 	Alluvial 	soil	 	
Muvattupuzha,  Kothamangalam 
and  part  of  Aluva  and 
Kunnathunad taluks	 	
Parur,  Kochi  and  Kanayannur 
taluks	 	
Parts  of  Aluva  and	 Kunnathunad 	
taluks

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	100	 	
 	
District	 	Type of Soil	 	Details of location	 	
Thrissur	 	
 	Sandy loam	 	
 
 
 	Laterite soil	 	
 
 
 	Clayey soil	 	
 
 	Alluvial soil	 	
Part  of  Mukundapuram,  Thrissur 
and 	Chavakkad taluks	 	
 
Eastern  part  of  Thrissur  and 
Western part of Thalappally taluks	 	
 
Back	-water area of Chavakkad and 	
Mukundapuram taluks	 	
Portions of Chavakkad taluk	 	
Palakkad	 	 	Laterite soil	 	
 	Black soil	 	
Major part of the district	 	
North	-Eastern part of Chittur 	taluk	 	
Malappuram	 	
 	Laterite soil	 	
 
 	Sandy soil	 	
Interior region of the district	 	
Along the costal belt of the district	 	
Kozhikode	 	
 	Laterite soil	 	
 
 
 	Sandy soil	 	
Major  part  of  the  district  except 
coastal strip	 	
 
Coastal strip	 	
Wayanad	 	 	Laterite soil	 	
 	Loamy soil	 	
Major 	part of the district	 	
Valleys  in  the  middle  portion  of 
the district	 	
Kannur	 	
 	Laterite soil	 	
 
 
 	Sandy soil	 	
Major  part  of  the  district  except 
coastal strip	 	
 
Coastal strip	 	
Kasaragod	 	
 	Laterite soil	 	
 
 
 	Sandy soil	 	
Major  part  of  the  district  except 
coastal strip	 	
 
Coastal strip	 	
Source: Department of Agriculture

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	101	 	
 
Mineral Based Industries in the State	 	
Kerala  State  is  endowed  with  a  number  of  occurrences/deposits  of  minerals  such  as 	
Heavy  Mineral  Sands  (  Ilmenite,  Rutile,  Zircon,  Monazite,  Sillimanite)  ,Gold,  Iron  ore, 
Bauxite,  Graphite,  China  Clay,  Fire  Clay,  Tile  and  Brick  Clay,  Silica  Sand,  Lignite,  L	imestone, 	
Limeshell, Dimension Stone (Granite), Gemstones, Magnesite, Steatite etc. However, mining 
activities on large scale are confined mainly to a few minerals 	- Heavy Mineral Sands, China 	
Clay  and  to  a  lesser  extent  Limestone/Limeshell,  Silica  Sand  an	d  Granite.  In  fact,  Heavy 	
mineral  sand  and  China  Clay  contribute 	more  than  90%  of  the  total  value  of  mineral 	
production in the State.	 	
The State owns mineral deposits like placers, china clay (kaolin), limestone, limeshell, 	
silica  sand,  bauxite,  graphite,  i	ron  ore,  granite  etc.  The  major  mineral  based  industries  like 	
Indian  Rare  Earths  Ltd.;  Kerala  Minerals  and  Metals  Ltd.;  Malabar  Cements;  Travancore 
Cements Ltd.; Kundara Ceramics; English Indian Clays Ltd. (EICL); Excel Glass Industry; Kerala 
Clays  and  Cer	amic  Products  Ltd.  are  some  of  the  mineral  based  industries  working  in  the 	
State  since  several  years.  The  resources  of  ornamental  granites  in  the  state  are  being 
exported to different countries.	 	
Growth of Mining Sector in the State	 	
The  contribution  of  Mini	ng  and  Quarrying  sector  to  Gross  State  Domestic  Product  ( 	
GSDP  )  at  constant  prices  is  estimated  at  5,07,958  lakh  during  2015	-16,  thus  registering  a	n 	
increase	 of  6.21  percent  compared  to  previous  year.  The  share  of  the  sector  in  Gross  State 	
Domestic  Produc	t  (GSDP)  at  constant  prices  stood  at  1.20  percent  during  2015	-16.  Mining 	
and quarrying sector in the State registered  negative growth during 2012	-13 and witnessed 	
a  high  positive  growth  of  50.13  per  cent  during  2013	-14  and  declined  to  39.13  percent  in 	
2014	-15 and 6.21per cent in 2015	-16.There are 87 major mineral mines that are operational 	
in the State as on March 31, 2016. During 2015	-16, 77 mining leases for major minerals, 501 	
quarrying  leases  for  minor  minerals,  2,670  quarry  permits  in  minor  minerals  an	d  1,549 	
dealers'  license  were  granted.  In  2015	-16  there  were  188  registered	 working	 metal  crusher 	
units in Kerala and two prospecting licenses	 were also	 granted for minor minerals.	 	
The total area covered 	under	 mining leases as 	during 2015	-16 was	 1,139.75 h	ectares, 	
of  which  Mineral  Sand  accounts  for  558.37  hectares,  Limestone  245.69  hectares,  Lime

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	102	 	
 
shell/seashell  99.4  hectares,  Iron  Ore  86.06  hectares  and  China  Clay  72.95  hectares.  Area 
covered by Graphite 	was	 1.25 hectares and 	there was no area reported for 	Bauxite	 is 	zero	. 	
Production and Royalty of Minerals 2015	-16	 	
During  2015	-16,  408.01  lakh  tonnes  of  major  and  minor  minerals  were  produced  in 	
Kerala. Among major minerals, Bauxite/laterite tops the list with 16.90 lakh tonnes followed 
by Limestone (6.26 	lakhs ton) and China clay (5.86 lakh ton). Among minor minerals highest 	
production  is  from  Graphite  Building  Stone  (298.75  lakh  ton)  followed  by  Ordinary  Earth 
(55.08 lakhs ton) and Ordinary Sand (13.31 lakhs ton)	 	
During  2015	-16  an  amount  of	 119.51  crore  r	eceived  as  royalty  from  minerals,  of 	
which	 28.00  crore  was  from  major  minerals  and	 91.51  crore  from  minor  minerals.  During 	
2015	-16  highest  royalty  among  major  minerals  was  from  bauxite/laterite  (16.22  crore) 	
followed  by  lime  stone  (5.01  crore),  china  clay 	(2.34  crore),  silica  sand  (1.59  crore)  and 	
ilmenite  (1.15  crore).  Among  minor  minerals  granite  building  stone  stands  first  by 
contributing	 71.70  crore  as  royalty  followed  by  ordinary  earth  (11.01crore)  and  ordinary 	
sand (5.32 crore) during 2015	-16.	  	
Table:	 5.10 	Productions	 and Royalty of Minerals 	– 2015	-16	 	
SlNo.	 	Major Minerals	 	Royalty (Rs. Lakh)	Production (Tons)	
1 	2 	3 	4 	
Major Minerals	 	
1 	China Clay	 	234.39	 	585965	 	
2 	Iliminite	 	115.08	 	54798	 	
3 	Rutile	 	38.75	 	2636	 	
4 	Zircon	 	84.42	 	6267	 	
5 	Sillimianite	 	16.07	 	7205	 	
6 	Silica Sand	 	159.21	 	70447	 	
7 	Limeshell / Sea shell	 	27.29	 	34118	 	
8 	Lime stone	 	501.16	 	626451	 	
9 	Bauxite / Laterite	 	1622.56	 	1690170	 	
10	 	Graphite	 	0.41	 	630	 	
11	 	Leucoxene	 	0.61	 	56	 	
12	 	Monozite	 	0 	0 	
Subtotal	 	2799.95	 	3078743

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SlNo.	 	Major Minerals	 	Royalty 	(Rs. Lakh)	 	Production (Tons)	
1 	2 	3 	4 	
Minor Minerals	 	
1 	Granite(Building stone)	7170.08	 	29875337	 	
2 	Granite(dimension stone 	 	51.36	 	1284	 	
3 	Laterite	 	161.14	 	671411	 	
4 	Lime / Sea shell	 	2.25	 	3000	 	
5 	Brick Clay	 	104.10	 	260249	 	
6 	Ordinary sand	 	532.45	 	1331120	 	
7 	River Sand	 	28.43	 	71076	 	
8 	Ordinary earth	 	1101.68	 	5508414	 	
Subtotal	 	9151.49	 	37721891	 	
Grand Total	 	11951.44	 	40800634	 	
Source: 	Mining and Geology 	 	
Individual Mineral Deposits Mineral Sand	 	
The Heavy Mineral Sand deposits in Kerala contain an assemblage of 	Ilmenite, Rutile, 	
Leucoxene,  Monazite,  Zircon  and  Sillimanite.  The  State  possesses  one  of  the  world  class 
deposits of mineral sands in the  coastal tracts between Neendakara and Kayamkulam. This, 
commonly  known  as  the  Chavara  deposit  covers  a  total  length  o	f  22  km  and  a  width  of 	
about  8  km  in  the  northern  side  and  6  km  in  the  southern  side.  The  Chavara  barrier  beach 
portion  contains  concentration  of  heavy  minerals  above  60%.  The  Chavara  deposit  is 
estimated  to  contain  127  million  tonnes  of  heavy  minerals  wit	h  ilmenite  content  of  80 	
million tonnes from the total reserve of raw sand of the order of 1400 million tonnes. In the 
northern  portion  beyond  Kayamkulam  Pozhi  extending  up  to  Thottappally  in  Alappuzha 
district, the total reserve of heavy minerals estimate	d to the order of 17 million tonnes with 	
ilmenite content of 9 million tonnes from the raw sand of 242 million tonnes.	 	
Chavara  barrier  beach  with  a  width  of  225  m  is  divided  into  8  blocks  numbered	 I  to 	
VIII  for  separating  ilmenite  for  the  manufacture  of  Ti	O2.  The  blocks  are  apportioned 	
between  Kerala  Minerals  and  Metals  Ltd.  (KMML),a  State  Government  undertaking  and 
Indian  Rare  Earths  Ltd.  (IRE),  a  Government  of  India  enterprise  under  the  Department  of 
Atomic  Energy.	 Apart  from  the  Chavara  heavy  mineral  dep	osits  a  number  of  heavy  mineral 	
placers have been delineated in different parts of the State.

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Department of Economics & Statistics	 	104	 	
 
 	
 	
Table: 	5.11 	Heavy Mineral Deposits in Kerala 	 	
 
Sl. No.	 Locality	 	Oxidised 
(million tonne)	 % of Fe	 	Unoxidised 
(million tonne)	 	% of Fe	 	Total	 	(million 	
tonne)	
1. 	Eleyettimala	 	14.7	 	39.4	 	4.5	 	31.5	 	19.2	 	
2. 	Naduvallur 	 	6.1	 	39.8	 	3.7	 	33.7	 	9.8	 	
3. 	Nanminda 	 	4.3	 	41.2	 	- 	- 	4.3	 	
4. 	Cheruppa	 	3.2	 	35.5	 	7.5	 	31.7	 	10.7	 	
5. 	Alampara	 	9.0	 	35.6	 	26.2	 	35.2	 	35.2	 	
6. 	Korattimala	 	1.9	 	37.7	 	2.5	 	33.6	 	4.4	 	
Source: Mining and Geology 	 	
Bauxite	 	
  	Bauxite occurs  in close association with  laterite all along the west coast of the State. 	
Traces  of  bauxite  are  seen  in  almost  all  laterite  cappings.  But  bauxite  deposits  of  economic 
significance  in  south  Kerala  are  a  few  and  are  located  at  Sooranad,  Vadakk	umuri, 	
Chittavattom,  and  Adichanallur  in  Kollam  district  and  Mangalapuram,  Chilambil, 
Sasthavattom  and  Attipra  areas  of 	Thiruvananthapuram	 district.  Geological  Survey  of  India 	
(GSI)  and  Mineral  Exploration  Corporation  Ltd.  (MECL)  have  conducted  extensive  s	tudies  of 	
bauxite  occurrence  of  Kasargod  and  Kannur  districts  in  North  Kerala  during  the  period 
between  1968	-'74  including  geological  mapping,  pitting,  drilling  and  sampling.  Based  on 	
various  investigations,  the  total  bauxite  reserves  in  the  State  are  esti	mated  at  12.5  million 	
tonnes. The largest bauxite deposits are in Nileswaram with a reserve of 5.32 million tonnes.	  	
China Clay 	 	
China  Clay  (Kaolin)  consisting  dominantly  of  kaolinite  is  one  of  the  most 	
sophisticated  industrial  minerals  with  a  host  of  applications,  viz.,  in  ceramics,  refractories, 
paper  coating,  filler  for  rubber, 	insecticides	,  cement,  paint,  textiles,  fertilizers  a	nd  others 	
including  abrasives,  asbestos  products,  fibreglass,  chemicals,  cosmetics,  pharmaceuticals, 
electrical ware, foundry and glass.

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Department of Economics & Statistics	 	105	 	
 	
The  Department  of  Mining  and  Geology  through  their  past  investigation  campaigns 	
in  parts  of  Kerala,  identified  two  majo	r  china  clay  zones  viz.,  the  southern  china  clay  zone 	
between  Kundara  and 	Thiruvananthapuram	 (Thiruvananthapuram  and  Kollam  districts)  and 	
the  northern  china  clay  zone  between  Kannapuram  Madayi 	- Cheruthazham  in  Kannur 	
district  to  Nileswarm 	- Manjeshwaram 	in  Kasargod  district.  Kerala  china  clay  is  one  of  the 	
finest  quality  clay  and  is  world  class.  In  fact,  Kaolin  marketed  by  English  Indian  Clays  Ltd. 
(EICL),  Thiruvananthapuram  claims  to  have  similar  or  even  better  properties  compared  to 
imported  clays.  The 	paper  coating  grade  china  clay  is  produced  by  English  Indian  Clays  Ltd., 	
Thiruvananthapuram  and  Kerala  Ceramics  Ltd.,  Kundara.  Ceramic  grade  high  quality  china 
clay  is  produced  by  Kerala  Clays  and  Ceramic  Products  Ltd.  (KCCP)  from  their  mines  at 
Kannapuram	 and  Pazhayangadi,  Kannur  District  and  Pudukai,  Kasargod  District.  Among  the 	
25  working  china  clay  mines  in  Kerala,  17  are  in  Thiruvananthapuram,  4  in  Kollam,  and  2 
each  in  Kannur  and  in  Kasargod  districts,  and  these  jointly  produced  4,47,000  tonnes  in 
200	0-'01  fiscal.  Kerala  has  a  prominent  place  in  the  refined  clay  map  of  the  country, 	
contributing  about  58%  of  the  national  annual  out  put.  Being  the  largest  producer  of  high 
grade  processed  china  clay,  the  enormous  export  potential  and  relatively  good 
infra	structure  like  ports,  road  and  rail  links,  Kerala  is  yet  to  make  a  mark  in  the  export  of 	
china clay. 	 	
Potential for China Clay Industries	 	
The very large  reserves of china clay, identified and proved by the Department, calls 	
for  new  mining  ventures  and  clay	 based  industries.  The  Data  Repository  of  the  Department 	
and  Kerala  Clay  Data  Book  of  Regional  Research  Laboratory,  Thiruvananthapuram  have 
adequate data and information on china clay in Kerala. Jointly these databases provide most 
useful  baseline  data,  li	ke  color,  plasticity,  tensile  strength  and 	particle	 size,  to  diverse  users 	
and industries.	 	
Ball Clay	 	
Ball clay  is found to occur in certain areas in Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam,  Thrissur 	
and  Kannur  districts.  Though  it  does  not  conform  to  specification  of	 ball  clays,  yet  it  is 	
considered to be a good substitute. At present, there is no commercial 	production	.

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Department of Economics & Statistics	 	106	 	
 
Fire Clay	 	
The  fire  clay  occurrences  are  in  association  with  Tertiary  sediments  in  the  coastal 	
land  and  the  inferred  reserve  stands  at  11.50  million 	tonnes	.  However,  this  resource  is 	
waiting to be exploited.	 	
Tile and Brick Clay	 	
The tile and brick clays are usually of low grade 	and	 red burning. The main requisites 	
are  that  they  should  mould  easily  and  burn  hard  at 	low	 temperature.  There  are  about  400 	
tile factories and about 5000 brick kilns spread over the entire state to manufacture tile and 
bricks. The vast resources of alluvial clays in the  paddy land and valley fill areas are  used by 
this industry in the State. Clays available for the manufacture of	 tiles are mostly found in the 	
districts  of  Thrissur,  Kozhikode,  Ernakulam,  Kollam,  Thiruvananthapuram,  Kannur  and 
Palakkad  Districts.  There  are  two  main  types  of  tile  and  brick  clays  in  the  State,  lacustrine 
and floodplain. The former are confined to Kann	ur district. Clays are generally fine plastic to 	
dull white to variegated colours and  occur  in the  depressions  in the  laterite  near Pattuvam, 
Alakode,  Thaliparamambu  etc.  The  flood  plain  deposits,  which  occur  in  the  neighbourhood 
of  rivers  are  found  in  a  n	umber  of  districts.	 Tile  manufacturing  units  are  concentrated  in 	
certain  areas  in  the  State  mainly  Feroke  area  of  Kozhikode  district,  Amballur,  Ollur  of 
Thrissur district, Aluva of Ernakulam district, Chathannur of Kollam  district and Amaravila of 
Thiruvan	anthapuram district.	 	
Graphite	 	
  	Graphite  occurs  in  nature  in  the  form  of  vein,  dissemination  (flaky)  and  amorphous 	
variety.  The  first  two  types  of  occurrences  are  found  in  Kerala.  The  vein 	- type  graphite 	
mined earlier around Veli, Vellanad and Changa is c	onfined only to the Thiruvananthapuram 	
district.  The  flake  type  of  graphite  is  extensive  in  occurrence  in  Thiruvananthapuram, 
Kollam,  Kottayam,  Idukki  and  Ernakulam  districts  which  have  been  studied  by  Geological 
Survey  of  India  and  are  quite  akin  to  the  c	elebrated  flaky  graphite  mined  in  the  Malagasy 	
Republic.  The  graphite  occurs  as  thin  flakes  distributed  more  or  less  evenly  in  the  rock 
constituting on an average about 5% 	-10% of the bulk of the rock, although rich pockets are 	
not  uncommon.  The  studies  in	 various  laboratories  in  the  country  and  abroad  in  respect  of 	
the  bulk  samples  collected  from  the  flaky  graphite  deposits  of  Vadakode,  Nagapuzha 
(Muvattupuzha  taluk,  Ernakulam  district)  and  Chirakkadavu  (Kanjirappally  taluk,  Kottayam

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Department of Economics & Statistics	 	107	 	
 
district)  point  to  goo	d  beneficiation  characteristics,  a  high  recovery  of  fixed  carbon  (about 	
85%)  and  preservation  of  suitable  flake  size  facilitating  their  use  in  key  value  added 
industrial application like crucible manufacture etc. 	 	
 	
Table:	 5.12	 Graphite Deposits in Kerala 2015	-16	 	
Sl. 
No.	 	Graphite	 	Nagapuzha	 	Vadakode	 	Chirakkadavu	 	Total	 	
1. 	Ore reserve (tonnes)	1059352	 	5050938	 	700000	 	6810920	 	
2. 	Grade (%c carbon)	7.3	 	5.0	 	3.0	 	
 	
3. 	Recoverable graphite (tonnes)	43000	 	24000	 	16000	 	83800	 	
4. 	Concentrate grade 	(% carbon)	 	89	 	91	 	88	 	- 	
5. 	Recovery	 	79	 	80	 	80	 	- 	
Silica Sand	 	
The  coastal  tract  between  Alappuzha  and  Aroor  in  Alappuzha  District  contain 	
extensive  deposits  of  silica  sand.  The  best  deposits  are  confined  to  the  narrow  strip  of  land 
sandwiched  on  either  side  by  Vembanad  Lake  and  stretching  from  Cherthala  to  Arookutti 
over a distance  of about 35 km. Besides, there are also smaller deposits in 	other	 districts of 	
Kerala. The sand deposit comprises of flat to gently dipping sandy stretches, generally about 
5m above Mean Sea Level.	 	
Vertical sequence	 	
0-0.75 m below ground 	level	 	White sand mixed with soil	 	
0.75	-2.50 m below ground level	 	White sand	 	
2.50	-10.00 m below ground level	 	Brown sand	 	
Reserves of Deposit Based  on the recent appraisal carried out by the Department of 	
Mining and Geology over the open area likely to be 	available for mining, the inferred reserve 	
of silica sand in the villages are estimated as below:

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Department of Economics & Statistics	 	108	 	
 
 
Village	 	Approximate area in hectares	 	Reserve in million tones	 	
Pallipuram	 	300	 	18.40	 	
Thycauttuserry	 	120	 	6.50	 	
Panavally	 	50	 	3.50	 	
Total	 	470	 	28.40	 	
Quality 	of Sand	 	
Investigation  carried  out  at  Regional  Research  Laboratory  (RRL), 	
Thiruvananthapuram have revealed that the silica sand of Pallippuram is superior compared 
to  the  sands  of  certain  other  countries  (Mdina  and  Baraboo  of  USA  and  Germany)  as  raw 
materia	l  for  silica  refractory.  Chemical  analysis  indicates  that  the  sands  are  of  high  quality 	
suitable  for  glass  manufacturing.  The  brown  sands  occurring  below  the  white  sand  in 
Varanad  area  have  also  shown  that  they  are  superior  in  quality  to  the  white  sand  in 	the 	
same area and are suitable for manufacture of glass. Varanad sand could be used for making 
high  grade  colourless  glass such  as  crystal glass,  table  ware  etc.  The  scope  for  beneficiation 
of the sand established  its usefulness in  optical and ophthalmic g	lass industry. The reserves 	
estimated tentatively are of the order of 250 million tonnes. 	 	
Lignite	 	
  	Lignite,  the  only  fuel  mineral  discovered  recently  in  the  State  assumes  special 	
significance. Since no coal deposits have been identified and the landed cost of coal remains 
high,  the  possibility  of 	substitution	 of  coal  and  fire  wood  by  lignite  in  the  user	 industries 	
would  be  worth  pursuing.  As  per  the  recommendations  of  the  task  force  on  lignite 
constituted for Kerala, the erstwhile Kerala Mineral Exploration & Development Project had 
carried  out  detailed  investigation  for  lignite  in  Madai  area,  Kannur  dis	trict.	 Detailed 	
exploration  carried  out  by  the 	Mining  &  Geology  department	 in  Nileswaram  Ankakalari	-	
Palayi	-Chathamath area in Kasargod district  has identified  lignite seams at a depth of  18 m. 	
and  the  a	erage  cumulative  thickness  is  about  4  m.	 The  reserves 	estimated  tentatively  arof 	
the order of  250 million tones in Kadankottumala,  near Cheruvathur 0.55 million in Kayyur	-	
Klayicode area

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Department of Economics & Statistics	 	109	 	
 
Limestone 	 	
Crystalline Limestone	 	
  	Kerala  State  is  deficient  in  crystalline  limestone  and  only  a  few  bands  of 	
crystalline  limestone  in  Palakkad  and  Idukki  districts  have  been  located  in  addition  to  the 
limestone  deposit  proved  at  Pandarathu,  Walayar,  Palakkad  district.  The  Pandarathu 
limest	one deposit (24 million tonnes) is now the  captive mine producing  limestone for M/s. 	
Malabar  Cements  Ltd.,  the  Portland  cement  plant  in  Kerala.  A  number  of  small  bands  have 
also been  identified in other localities in Nattuvanki, Athurasram, Vannamadai, Tha	valam  in 	
Palakkad district and in a few localities in Idukki district.	 	
Kankar Limestone	 	
  	Limestone of Kankar variety has been reported from Chittoor	- Kozhinjampara 	
area  in  Palakkad  district.  The  economic  significance  of 	low	-grade  limestone  has  not  been 	
indicated  by  the  studies  conducted  so  far.  The  16  km2  area  between  Thavalam  and  near 
Anaiketty shows that kankar caps the amphibolite over 0.3 km2.	 	
 Fossiliferous Limestone	 	
Fossiliferous  Limestone  is  known  to  occur  in  various  parts  of  Kollam  district  such 	as 	
Kallurkadavu,  Mughathala,  Kannanallur, 	Kottiyam	,  Mayyanad,  Nedumgandam  and  Edava  in 	
Thiruvananthapuram  district.  The  occurrence  of  shell  limestone  is  in  the  form  of 
discontinuous lenses intercalated with black carbonaceous clay in the Tertiary formation	s. 	
Lime Shell	 	
  	The State is deficient in high	-grade limestone. Consequently the requirement of lime 	
for  chemical  industry  is  depended  on  the  limeshell  resources  occurring  in  the 
backwaters/estuaries,  river  mouths  and  lagoons  along  the  coastal  tract.  By  fa	r  the  largest 	
reserves  of  lime  shell  are  known  to  occur  in  Vembanad  lake  and  adjoining  portions 
comprising  parts  of  Alappuzha,  Ernakulam  and  Kottayam  Districts.  The  Department  of 
Mining  and  Geology  by  its  detailed  investigation  in  certain  parts  of  Vembanad	 lake  and 	
adjoining areas have established a reserve of 3.29 million tonnes as shown below:

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Department of Economics & Statistics	 	110	 	
 	
Locality	 	Reserve in million tones	 	
Vembanad Lake	 	2.50	 	
Kualsekharamanagalam	 	0.18	 	
Pallipuram 	 	0.10	 	
Vechoorpadam 	 	0.26	 	
Thannirmukkom	 	0.25	 	
  	The  lime  shell  resources  next  in  importance  to  Vembanad  lake  are  those  in  Kannur 	
and  Kasargod  districts  in  North  Kerala.  The  department  had  also  investigated  on  the 
occurrence  of  limeshell  in 	Thrissur	,  Malappuram  and  Kannur  districts  and  the  reserves 	
indic	ated are as follows:	  	
Sl. No.	 	District	 	Place	 	
Reserve in million 	
tones	 	
1. 	 	Thrissur	 	
Naduvullikara, 	 	
Vadanapalli, Chettuva, and Kappad	 	
0.33	 	
2. 	 	Kannur	 	
Payyannur,Cheruvathur,and 
Thrikkarippur	 	
0.29	 	
3. 	 	Malappuram	 	Kanhiramukku	 	0.14	 	
Magnesite 	 	
A  total  possible 	reserve	 of  0.037  million  tonnes  has  been  estimated  in  Mulli	-Salayur 	
areas,  Attappadi  in  Palakkad  District  by  the  Department  of  Mining  and  Geology.  In  Salayur 
area,  magnesite  veins  varying  in  thickness  from  10  to  30  m  were  observed  in  pits.  The 
average reco	very of magnesite was assessed as 100 kg/m3 of magnesite 	- bearing rocks and 	
samples on analysis were found to contain 43.05  to 46.73% MgO, 1.51 to 6.59% of Si02 and 
0.29 to 0.59% of CaO.	 	
Steatite / Talc	 	
It  is  consumed  in  many  manufacturing  industries  of 	paper,  insecticide,  textile, 	
fertilizers,  ceramics,  rubber  products,  cement,  asbestos  etc.  Several  steatite  occurences 
have been identified  in  Thalassery Taluk of Kannur district. The total  reserves estimated are 
of the order of 7.94 million tonnes.

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Granit	e (Dimension Stone)	
  	An  important  aspect  of  recent  trend  in  architecture  and  construction  is  the 	
increasing  use  of  buildings  and  monuments.  In  this  regard  a  number  of  rock  types  broadly 
grouped  as"Granite"  that  exist  in  various  parts  of  Kerala  are  utilise	d  for  this  purpose.  The 	
major granite belt of Kerala can be classified by its geologic setting into three categories:	  	
	 Charnockite	-Khondalite  belt  of  Thiruvananthapuram,  Kollam,  Pathanamthitta  and 	
Kottayam  districts  (colour  ranges  from  pale  green  with  mott	led  red,  bluish  green  with 	
cordierite, deep dark green, greyish white).	 	
	 True  intrusive  or  anatectic  granites  and  associated  migmatites  of  Proterozoic  age  from 
Idukki, Palakkad, Kannur, Kasargod and  Wayanad districts (colour: Pink,  light pink, Gray, 
yellowi	sh white and bluish pink with wavy .patterns).	 	
	 Dolerite	-Gabbro  dykes,  Proterozoic  intrusive  hypabasal  dyke  swarms  from  Kottayam, 	
Palakkad,  Malappuram  and  Kozhikode  districts  (colour:  dark  greenish  blue,  black  and 
dark gray with black spots).	  	
In  Kerala,  th	e  importance  of  exploration  of  granites  has  been  recognised  rather  late 	
although  investigations  have  been  initiated  right  from  1976.  There  has  been  a  spurt  in 
quarrying leases for granite dimension stone  in the early nineties that resulted in creatiol"1 
of international  market  for  green  and  white  coloured  granites  of  Kerala.  Though  Kerala  has 	
large  resources  of  dimension  stone  granite  in  most  of  the  districts  amenable  for  being  cut 
and  polished,  there  are  only  19  quarries  producing  3589  cbm  annually  (2001	-'02)  which  is 	
low  compared  to  the 	production	 of  other  southern  States  of  Tamilnadu, 	Karnataka	 and 	
Andhra  Pradesh.There  are  three  different  geological  setting  in  which  gemstones  occurs  in 
Kerala viz.	 	
 - the pegmatites traversing the crystalline rocks	 	
 - in a	ssociation with gravels in the river channels of the present day	 	
 - in the older gravels which are often consolidated and lateritised	 	
These settings have fairly extensive geographical distribution in Thiruvananthapuram 	
district,  the  localities  of  importanc	e  are 	Andoorkonam	,  Aruvikkara,  Balaramapuram, 	
Bonaccord  Estate,  Braemore  Estate,  Changa,  Chullimanur,  Madathara,	 	Manickkal, 	
Pirappancode, Venjaramoodu,  Venganoor,  Vembayam, Thonnakkal, Uzhamalakkal, Manvila,

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Department of Economics & Statistics	 	112	 	
 
Mudakkal,  Nedumangad,  Vellanad,  Nettani,  Ooroott	ambalam,  Pothencode  and  in  Kollam, 	
the  main  gem  bearing  localities  are  Adukkalamula,  Podiattuvila,  Kulathupuzha,  and 
Talachira.  Besides  these  localities  several  stretches  of  rivers  like  Kallar	- Vamanapuram  Ar, 	
Karamana  Ar,  Neyyar  in  Thiruvanathapuram  Distr	ict  and  Kulathupuzha,  Kallada  rivers  in 	
Kollam  district  are  also  subjected  to  sporadic  mining  activities,  though  there  is  no  legalized 
gem mining in the State.	 	
Land Degradation	 	
 Land is degraded when it suffers a loss of intrinsic qualities, decline in its	 capabilities 	
or  loss in  its productive 	capacity	. Land  degradation may be due to  natural  or human causes 	
or  it  may  be  due  to  combination  of  both.  Land  degradation  is  a  global  problem,  largely 
related to agricultural use. The major causes include:	 	
 	Land clea	rance, such as deforestation. 	 	
 	Exercise use of fertizers and pesticides	 	
 	Livestock including overgrazing. 	 	
 	Inappropriate Irrigation. 	 	
 	Soil erosion	 	
 	Urban sprawl and commercial development. 	 	
 	Land pollution including industrial waste 	 	
 	 Vehicle off	-roading. 	 	
 	Quarrying of stone, sand, ore and minerals	 	
 Alkali  or  alkaline,  soils  are  clay  soils  with  high  pH  (>  9),  a  poor  soil  structure  and  a 	
low  infiltration  capacity.  Often  they  have  a  hard  calcareous  layer  at  0.5  to  1  meter  depth. 
Alkali  soils  owe  their 	unfavourable  physico	-chemical  properties  mainly  to  the  dominating 	
presence  of  sodium  carbonate  which  causes  the  soil  to  swell.  Alkaline  soils  are  difficult  to 
take  into  agricultural  production.  Alkaline  soils  are  difficult  to  take  into  agricultural 
product	ion. 	 	
 Soil  is  the  non	-renewable  natural  resource  which  supports  life  on  earth.  It  is 	
estimated that one	-sixth of the world's soils have already been degraded by water and wind 	
erosion.  This  has  two  important  consequences:  the  reduced  ability  of  society  to	 produce 	
sufficient  food  due  to  loss  of  quality  and  depth  of  soils;  and  resulted  in  off	-site  pollution

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associated  with  erosion.  These  include  siltation  of  dams,  pollution  of  water	-courses  by 	
agricultural  chemicals  and  damage  to  property  by  soil	-laden  runof	f.  On	-site  issues  of 	
declining  soil  quality  tend  to  be  spatially  dispersed  occurring  on  many  different  soil  types 
whereas off	-site pollution issues tend to be locally concentrated.	 	
 Soil  erosion  by  rain  and  river  that  takes  place  in  hilly  areas  causes  land	slides  and 	
floods,  while  cutting  trees  for  firewood,  agricultural  implements  and  timber,  grazing  by  a 
large  number  of  livestock,  over  and  above,  the  carrying  capacity  of  grass  lands,  traditional 
agricultural  practices,  construction  of  roads,  indiscriminate	 (limestone)  quarrying  and  other 	
activities, have all led to the opening of hill	-faces to heavy soil erosion. Wind erosion causes 	
expansion  of deserts,  dust, storms, whirlwinds and destruction of crops, while moving sand 
covers  the  land  and  makes  it  steril	e.  Excessive  soil  erosion  with  consequent  high  rate  of 	
sedimentation  in  the  reservoirs  and  decreased  fertility  has  become  serious  environmental 
problems with disastrous economic consequences.	 	
 Soil  erosion  results  in  huge	 loss  of  nutrients  in  suspension  or	 solution,  which  are 	
removed  away  from  one  place  to  another,  thus  causing  depletion  or  enrichment  of 
nutrients.  Besides  the  loss  of  nutrients  from  the  topsoil,  there  is  also  degradation  through 
the  creation  of  gullies  and  ravines,  which  makes  the  land  unsu	itable  for  agricultural 	
production.  Subsidence  of  the  land  in  some  areas  and  landslides  in  the  hilly  tracts  are 
problems affecting highways, habitations and irrigation dams. 	 	
Natural Disaster	 	
The  state  of  Kerala  is  vulnerable  to  a  multitude  of  hazards  and 	is  categorized  as  a 	
multiple	-hazard  prone  State. 	The  State  experiences  various  kinds  of  disasters  of  recurrent 	
nature  that  results  in  loss  of  life,  livelihood  and  property,  and  disruption  of  economic 
activity,  besides  causing  immense  hardship  to  the  affect	ed  population.  Kerala  has  a  long 	
coast  line  of  590kms  out  of  which,  322  Km  is  prone  to  severe  sea  erosion.  The  density  of 
population is 819 persons per sq.km which is the second highest density in the country.	  	
The mean maximum storm surge height in the st	ate is 3.5m and minimum is 2.3m. If 	
the storm surge is during high tide, the maximum surge height in the state will be 4.2m and 
minimum storm height will reach up to 3m, as observed by the Meteorological Department, 
Thiruvanthapuram.  The  coastal  belt  of  Ke	rala  is  one  of  the  most  densely  populated  regions 	
in  the  country,  which  adds	 to  its  vulnerability.  The  Western  flank  of  the  Western  Ghats

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covering the eastern part of Kerala is identified as one of the major landslide prone areas of 
the country. 	 	
 Floods:	 In  Kerala,	 flooding  is  a  recurring  event  consequent  to  heavy  or  continuous  rainfall 	
exceeding the absorptive capacity of soil and flow capacity of streams and rivers. This causes 
a water course to overflow its banks onto flood plains; which by definition i	s a relatively flat 	
land adjacent to a natural water course, composed primarily of unconsolidated depositional 
material  derived  from  sediments  transported  by  the  related  stream  and  subjected  to 
periodic  flooding.  Reclamation  and  settlement  in  floodplain  ar	eas  is  a  major  cause  of  flood 	
damage in Kerala. Defining the entire flood potential in a given area is a delicate task. 	 	
 Landslides:	 In  Kerala,	 landslides  commonly  occur  in  localised  areas  of  the  Western  Ghats 	
region  where  the  slope  is  steep  and  the  soil 	is  over  saturated  as  a  result  of  prolonged 	
rainfall.  These  events  vary  from  events  affecting  a  parcel  of  land  to  those  larger  ones  with 
much  causality.  Only  the  larger  ones  with  losses  of  lives  have  been  highlighted  and  studied 
in  detail.  The  smaller  event	s  also  indicate  landslide  potential  of  an  area.  Case  studies  by 	
CESS  show  that  most  of  the  events  are  of  debris  flow  type  triggered  by  excess  rainfall  and 
are  influenced  by  terrain  factors  like  slope,  overburden  thickness,  landuse,  relative  relief, 
disposi	tion  of  streams,  landform  at  micro  level  etc.  The  area  of  the  state  is  about  38863 	
sq.km  of  which  40%  lies  in  the  highland  region  forming  the  western  slopes  of  Western 
Ghats. A considerable part of all districts of Kerala except the coastal district of All	eppey falls 	
within this  region.  The western  declivity of the  Western Ghats is steep and usually terraced 
resembling  ghat  or  landing  stairs  from  which  it  derives  the  name.  This  region  is 
characterized  by  rugged  hills  with  steep  slopes  on  which  rests  the  soi	l  and  earth  materials. 	
Mass  movements  such  as  landslides  are  natural  phenomenon  that  causes  landscape 
changes,  threat  to  life  and  destruction  of  property.  The  most  common  type  of  landslides  in 
Kerala is debris flows. 	 	
Earthquakes:	 Kerala has experienced 	occasional mild tremors since historical times. None of 	
them  are  reported  to  have  caused  casualties  or  major  damages  to  built	-up  structures.  A 	
seismic hazard map with 10% probability of exceedance in 50 years assigns low	-level hazard 	
to  regions  falling  in 	Kerala.	 However  pockets  of  higher  ground  acceleration  have  been 	
identified in central Kerala.

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Tsunami:	 The  superimposition  of  tsunami  waves  with  high  tide  was  a  factor  that 	
compounded the inundation resulted in higher intensity of damage. The worst affect	ed part 	
of the coast  in terms  of inundation, run	-up and erosion was the 10 km segment of Azhikkal 	
coast.	 Satellite  imagery  of  this  tract  a  day  after  the  tsunami  clearly  shows  highly  turbid 	
sediment	-laden water. Many concrete  houses, fishing boats canoes an	d automobiles of this 	
area were uprooted and thrown to distances of 100 to 200 m. Even blocks of rocks (1m size) 
of the seawall were thrown ashore to 150m by the rushing tsunami waves	 	
Coastal  hazards:	 in  Kerala	,  out  of  14  districts,  9  districts  are  borderi	ng  the  sea  coast 	
vulnerable  to  various  disasters  such  as  floods,  cyclones,  coastal  erosion,  landslides  etc. 
These  nine  districts  are  namely,  Kasargode,  Kannur,  Kozhikode, 	Malappuram	,  Thrissur, 	
Ernakulam,  Alappuzha,  Kollam  and  Thiruvananthapuram.  The  state 	has  223  coastal  villages 	
which 	are  having	 the  probability  of  being  affected  by  cyclone.  Natural  causes  of  coastal 	
erosion are due to the action of waves, winds, tides, near shore  currents, storm surges and 
sealevel  rise.  Human  activities  such  as  the  constr	uction  of  harbours,  jetties  and  groynes, 	
river  training  works,  mining  and  dredging  can  also  lead  to  erosion  of  certain  regions.  Some 
of  the  coastal  stretches  in  Kerala  have  shown  long	-term  erosion  with  net  loss  of  land.  It  is 	
reported  that  about  480  km  len	gth  of  the  coast  is  under  the 	threat	 of  erosion.  The  rocky 	
coasts  with  pocket  beaches  have  minimum  level  of  erosion.  In  areas  with  laterite  cliffs, 
under cutting of the softer clay layers lead to slumping with a net landward migration of the 
shoreline.  In 	the  sandy  areas  some  of  the  segments  show  long  term  erosion  while  others 	
with either accretion or stable condition.	 	
Lightning:	 On  an  average  about  70  people  in  the  state  die  due  to  lightning	 per  year.	 There 	
are  numerous  overlaps  of  dots  in  the  plot.  It  can	 be  seen  that  there  is  a  relative  void  in 	
incidents  in  an  area  west  of  the  Palakkad.  More  specifically  the  region  west  of  Palakkad 
namely the region near Thrisur has less incidence. This is because the mountain range has a 
gap  in  Palakkad  and  so  the  absenc	e  of  mountain  results  in  less  Cb  formation  and  lightning 	
incidence. The two figures indicate that the mid land of Kerala has more lightning.

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Chapter 	- VI	 	
Water	 	
 	
Water	 management  is  an  interdisciplinary  field  concerned  with  the  management  of 	
water resources ensuring the clean potable water to the people who need it while balancing 
the  needs  of  industry  and  the  environment.  Water	 quality  management  in  India  is 	
accomplish	ed  under  the  provision  of  water  (Prevention  to  control  of  pollution)  Act  1974.	 	
Main  objective  of  the  act  is  to  prevent 	the	 pollution  of  water  by  Industrial,  agricultural  and 	
household  waste  water  that  can  contaminate  our  water  source.  Water  is  essential  fo	r  life. 	
Varies  on  different  aspects  i	t  depends  on  physical  activity,  age,  health  issues,  and 	
environmental  conditions.	 It is estimated that on an average, an American drinks about one 	
litre  of  water  a  day  with  95%  of  them  drinking  less  than  three  litres  pe	r  day.	 For  those  who 	
work in a hot climate, up to 16 liters a day may be required.	 Typically in	 developed countries 	
tap  water  meets  drinking	 water  quality  standards,  even  though  only  a  small  proportion  is 	
actually  consumed  or  used  in  food  preparation.  Othe	r  typical  uses  include  washing,  toilets, 	
and	 irrigation.	 Greywater	 may  also  be  used  for  toilets  or  irrigation.  Its  use  for  irrigation 	
however  may  be  associated  with  risks.	 Water  may  also  be  unacceptable  due  to  levels  of 	
toxins  or 	suspended	 solids.  Reductio	n  of	 waterborne  diseases  and  development  of  safe 	
water resources is a major	 public health global in developing countries.	 Bottled water is sold 	
for public consumption in most parts of the world.	 	
The  water  quality 	informations	 are  being  used  to  manage  the  q	uality  of  water  from 	
the source of pollution. The unstream water stations of rivers are having good water quality 
compared to the downstream stations. 	 	
Water  is  used  for  drinking  &  other  domestic  purposes  in  most  communities  are 	
obtained  from  Natural  Sourc	es  such  as  rivers,  streams,  lakes,  ponds  &  springs  of  artificial 	
sources  such  as  wells  and  bore  wells.	 Most  times  these  water  supplies 	are	 likely  to  be 	
polluted  with  waste.	 Micro  organisms  in  these  natural  sources  are  numerous  in  both 	
number  and  diversity.	Water  plays  a  very  important  r	ole  in  human  health.	 To  determe 	the 	
health  of  individuals  and  the  whole  communities,  the  quality  of  water  supplied  is  more 
important	.

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Kerala receives abundant  rainfall  from the monsoon period from June to August and 	
from  Octo	ber  to  November.	 The  rest  of  the  year  experience  mostly  dry  weather. 	The  best 	
and  the  most  reliable  method  which  can  be  used  for  Kerala  is  the  construction  of  storage 
reservoirs for impounding water during the monsoon and utilizing the water in the reservo	ir 	
for  critical  periods 	for	 the  crops  when 	there	 is  insufficiency.  Hence,  major  and  medium 	
projects  were  taken  up  and  a  major  portion  of  the  cultivable  land  could  be  made  ayacut 
under  these  projects.  First  significant  attempt  to  supply  water  on  controlled  basis  was 
through  a  Lift  Irrigation  scheme  const	ructed  in  1942.  The  scheme  consist	ing	 of  lifting  water 	
from  Periyar  River  by  electric  pumping  and  feeding  through  channels  for  paddy  cultivation. 
Malampuzha  Irrigation  Project  in  Palakkad  district  is  the  1st  large	-scale  irrigation  system  in 	
Kerala.  The  pro	ject  consists  of  a  dam  constructed  across  the  river  Malampuzha,  a  tributary 	
of Bharathapuzha and a net work of canal system to irrigate an area of 21245 ha. The dam is 
straight  gravity  type  masonry  structure  with  an  earthen  saddle,  completed  in  1966.	 	
Malam	puzha  Res	ervoir  provides  drinking  water  to	 Palakkad  Municipality 	and	 6  adjacent 	
panchayaths.	 	
Bacteriological  monitoring  is  based  on  knowledge  of  the  sanitary  condition  of  water 	
supply which is based on the detection of Colifom bacteria in the specific indi	cator of human 	
faecal  condamination,  Escherichacol  (E.coli)  The  term  indicator  organisms  refers  to  micro 
organ  isms  whose  presence  in  water  shows  that  the  water  is  polluted  with  faecal  method 
from  human  or  other  warm  blooded  animals.  Coliform  bacteria  are 	a  group  of  becteria 	
found  in  the  intestinal  trait  of 	human	 and  other  animals.  There  is  rod	-shaped  micro 	
organism. Coliform will not likely cause illness. However the presence of coliform in drinking 
indicates  the  presence  of  disease	-cause  of 	organisms	 Esch	ericha	-coli,  Enterobacteria, 	
aeigens,  Salmonella  and  Klebasialla  re  some  examples  of  this  group.  Coliform  bacteria  do 
not  occur  naturally  in  ground  water.  However  it  can  live  within  biofilm  formed  by  naturally 
occurring ground water micro organisms. The ma	in causes of contamination are: 	 	
1. Missing/defective well cap seals around wires/pipes 	 	
2. Coracles of holes in the well casing	 	
3. Many older wells were not sealed with grout when constructed. 	 	
4. Well flooding

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5. Close  proximity  of  a  well  to  septic  tanks,  drain  fields	 sewers,  drains  and  surface 	
water 	 	
6. Cross connection with waste water plumping.	 	
 Total Coliform, faecal 	coliform	, and EColi are the indicators of drinking water quality. 	
Total  Colifrm  bacteria  are  found  in  the  environment  (Soil  or  vegetables)  are  usually 
ha	rmless. Fecal Coliform bacteria are subgroup of the Total Coli form group. They are found 	
in  intestine  and  faces  of  warm	-blooded  animal.  E	-Coli  is  sub  group  of  the  faecal  coli  form 	
group.  They  are  also  found  in  the  intestines  of  people  and  warm  blooded  ani	mals.  Most  E	-	
coli are harmless but some strains may cause serious illness. 	 	
Table:	 6.1 Primary	 water quality criteria for bathing water	 	
(Water used for organized outdoor bating)	 	
Cubic meter	 	
criteria	 	Rationale	 	
Faecal Coliform : 500 (desirable)
MPN  /100ml: 	2500  (maximum 	
permissible)
 
 
 
Faecal Streptococci: 100 (desirable)
MPN/100ml : 500 (maximum permissible)	
To  ensure  low  sewage  contamination,  faecal 
coliform and faecal streptococci are considered 
as they reflect the bacterial pathogenicity.	 	
 
The desirable 	and permissible limits are	 	
Suggested  to  allow  for  fluctuation  in 
environment  conditions  such  as  seasonal 
Changes, changes in flow conditions, and so on.	 	
 
pH: between 6.5 and 8.5	 	
The  range  provides  protection  of  the  skin  and 
delicate organs like eyes, nose	, ears, and so on, 	
which are directly exposed outdoor bathing.	 	
 
Dissolved oxygen : 5 mg/l or more	 	
The  minimum  dissolved  oxygen  concentration 
of  5  mg/l  ensures  reasonable  freedom  from 
oxygen  consuming  organic  pollution 
immediately  U/s  which  is  necessary 	for 	
preventing  production  of  anaerobic  gases 
(obnoxious gases) from sediments.	 	
 
Biochemical oxygen Demand : 3 mg/l or	 	
less 3 days at 27	 C 	
 	
The  biochemical  oxygen  demand  of  3  mg/l  or 
less  of  the  waiter  ensures  reasonable  freedom 
from oxygen demanding pollu	tants and prevent 	
production of obnoxious gases.	 	
Source: Kerala State Pollution Control Board

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Table: 	6.2	 Water Quality Criteria (CPCB) 2015	-16	 	
Designated	-Best	-Use	 	Use 
Class	 	Criteria	 	
Drinking water source without	 	
conventional  treatment  but 
after	 	
disinfection	 	
A 	
Total Coliforms MPN/100ml shall be 50 or less.	 	
pH: 6.5. and 8.5	 	
DO : 6mg/l or more	 	
BOD: 2 mg/l or less.	 	
Outdoor bathing (Organised)	B 	
Total Coliforms MPN/100ml shall be 500 or less	 	
pH : 6.5 and 8.5	 	
DO : 5 mg/l or more	 	
BOD: 3mg/l or less.	 	
Drinking  water  source  after 
conventional	 	
Treatment and disinfection.	 	
C 	
Total  Coliforms  MPN/100  ml  shall  be  5000  or 
less	 	
pH : 6.5 to 8.5	 	
DO : 4mg/l or more	 	
BOD: 3mg/l or less.	 	
Propagation or Wild Life and	 	
Fisheries	 	
D 	
pH: 6.5 to 8.5	 	
DO:  4mg/l  or  more,  Free 	Ammonia  (as  N)  1.2 	
mg/l or less.	 	
Irrigation,  Industrial  Cooling, 
Controlled	 	
Waste disposal	 	
E 	
pH: 6.0 to 8.5	 	
Electrical conductivity at 25	0C micro mhos/cm	 	
Max 2250	 	
Sodium Absorption Ratio Max: 26	 	
Boron Max 2mg/l	 	
 	Below E	 	Not Meeting A, B, C, D & E 	Criteria	 	
Source: Kerala State Pollution Control Board

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Table:	 6.3 Storage	 levels in Reservoirs	 	
Cubic Meter	 	
Sl 
No.	 	Item	 	2014	 	2015	 	2016	 	
1 	Storage  of  water  on  the 
beginning of the monsoon year	 	415.16	 	527.83	 	483.35	 	
2 	Storage  of  water  at  the  end  of 
the 	monsoon year	 	1316.46	 	901.15	 	690.35	 	
3 	Increase in storage	 	901.26	 	373.32	 	201.65	 	
Average for 10 Years	 	
4 	Storage  of  water  on  the 
beginning of the monsoon year	 	360.50	 	450.27	 	442.05	 	
5 	Storage  of  water  at  the  end  of 
the monsoon year	 	1087.27	 	1156.16	 	1094.95	 	
6 	Increase in storage	 	726.77	 	705.89	 	652.90	 	
Source: Economic Review 2016	 	
 	
Table: 	6.4 Name	 of Reservoirs 2015	-16	 	
Sl No.	 	Name of Reservoir	 	District	 	Area(Ha)	
1 	Neyyar	 	Thiruvananthapuam	 	1500	 	
2 	Peppara	 	Thiruvananthapuam	 	582	 	
3 	Aruvikkara	 	Thiruvananthapuam	 	258	 	
4 	Thenmala Dam (Kallada)	Kollam	 	2590	 	
5 	Pamba	 	Pathanamthitta	 	570	 	
6 	Kakki	 	Pathanamthitta	 	1800	 	
7 	Maniyar	 	Pathanamthitta	 	110	 	
8 	Gani & Kallar Dam	 	Pathanamthitta	 	25	 	
9 	Ponmudi	 	Idukki	 	260

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Sl No.	 	Name of Reservoir	 	District	 	Area(Ha)	
10	 	Idukki Arch Dam	 	Idukki	 	6160	 	
11	 	Anayirankal Dam	 	Idukki	 	433	 	
12	 	Gundala	 	Idukki	 	230	 	
13	 	Mattupetty Dam	 	Idukki	 	324	 	
14	 	Sengulam Dam	 	Idukki	 	33	 	
15	 	Neriyamangalam	 	Idukki	 	413	 	
16	 	Periyar Lake	 	Idukki	 	2890	 	
17	 	Edamalayar Dam	 	Idukki	 	350	 	
18	 	Kallarkutty Dam	 	Idukki	 	58	 	
19	 	Munnar Headworkers Dam	 	Idukki	 	250	 	
20	 	Kallar Division Dam	 	Idukki	 	220	 	
21	 	Lower Periyar Dam	 	Idukki	 	150	 	
22	 	Erattayar Dam	 	Idukki	 	200	 	
23	 	Malankara Dam	 	Idukki	 	120	 	
24	 	Mullaperiyar Dam	 	Idukki	 	400	 	
25	 	Kulamavu Dam	 	Idukki	 	6160	 	
26	 	Cheruthoni Dam	 	Idukki	 	-- 	
27	 	Bhoothathankettu	 	Ernakulam	 	608	 	
28	 	Peechi	 	Thrissur	 	1200	 	
29	 	Vazhani	 	Thrissur	 	255	 	
30	 	Sholayar	 	Thrissur	 	870	 	
31	 	Peringalkuthu	 	Thrissur	 	280	 	
32	 	Chimmini	- Dam	 	Thrissur	 	1000	 	
33	 	Poomala	 	Thrissur	 	75	 	
34	 	Pathazhakunnu Dam	 	Thrissur	 	14

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Sl No.	 	Name of Reservoir	 	District	 	Area(Ha)	
35	 	Asuram Kundu Dam	 	Thrissur	 	12	 	
36	 	Malampuzha	 	Palakkad	 	2313	 	
37	 	Mangalam	 	Palakkad	 	393	 	
38	 	Meenkara	 	Palakkad	 	259	 	
39	 	Chulliyar	 	Palakkad	 	159	 	
40	 	Pothundi	 	Palakkad	 	363	 	
41	 	Walayar	 	Palakkad	 	289	 	
42	 	Parambikulam	 	Palakkad	 	2092	 	
43	 	Thunakkadavu	 	Palakkad	 	283	 	
44	 	Lakkidi	 	Palakkad	 	25	 	
45	 	Kanjirappuzha	 	Palakkad	 	512	 	
46	 	Cheramangalam	 	Palakkad	 	200	 	
47	 	Tharampilli	 	Palakkad	 	244	 	
48	 	Kuttiyadi	 	Kozhikkode	 	1052	 	
49	 	Kakkayam	 	Kozhikkode	 	1070	 	
50	 	Peruvannamuzhi	 	Kozhikkode	 	1050	 	
51	 	Banasurasagar	 	Wayanad	 	1277	 	
52	 	Korapuzha	 	Wayanad	 	1660	 	
53	 	Pazhassi	 	Kannur	 	648	 	
 	
Total	 	
 	
44289	 	
Source: 	ENVIS Centre, Kerala

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	123	 	
 	
Table:	 6.5	 Biological Water Quality Criteria (Bwqc) 2015	-16	 	
Sl.	 	
No.	 	Taxonomic groups	 	
Range of 
Saprobic 
Score 
(BMWP)	 	
Range of 
Diversity 
Score	 	
Water quality 
charecteristics	 	
Water 
quality 
class	 	
Indicator 
colour	 	
1 	
Ephemeroptera, 
Plecoptera, 
Trichoptera, 
Hemiptera, Diptera	 	
7 and 
more	 	0.2	-1 	Clean	 	A 	Blue	 	
2 	
Ephemeroptera, 
Plecoptera, 
Trichoptera, 
Hemiptera, 
Planaria,  Odonata, 
Diptera	 	
6-7 	0.5	-1 	Slight pollution	 	B 	Light Blue	 	
3 	
Ephemeroptera, 
Plecoptera, 
Trichoptera, 
Hemiptera, 
Odonata, 
Crustacea, 
Mollusca, 
Polychaeta, 
Coleoptera, 
Diptera, 
Hirundinea, 
Oligochaeta	 	
3-6 	0.3	-0.9	 	Moderate 
Pollution	 	C 	Green	 	
4 	
Hemiptera, 
Mollusca, 
Coleoptera, 
Diptera, 
Oligochaeta	 	
2-5 	0.4 &less	 	Heavy 
Pollution	 	D 	Orange	 	
5 	
Diptera, 
Oligochaeta,  No 
Animal	 	
0-2 	0-0.2	 	Severe 
Pollution	 	E 	Red	 	
Source: Cental Pollution Control Board

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	124	 	
 	
Table: 	6.6	 Navigable Waterways in Kerala 2015	-16	 	
Sl.No.	 	Name of the River	 	Length of the 	
River	 	
Navigable 
Length	 	
1 	Achenkoil	 	128	 	32	 	
2 	Anjarakandy	 	48	 	27.2	 	
3 	Ayroor	 	17	 	1 	
4 	Bharatha Puzha	 	209	 	40	 	
5 	Chalakudy	 	130	 	16	 	
6 	Chaliyar	 	169	 	68.4	 	
7 	Chandragiri	 	105	 	12.8	 	
8 	Chittari	 	25	 	NA	 	
9 	Ithikkara	 	56	 	16	 	
10	 	Kadalundi	 	130	 	43.2	 	
11	 	Kallada	 	121	 	40	 	
12	 	Kallayi	 	22	 	9.6	 	
13	 	Mamom	 	27	 	1 	
14	 	Karamana	 	68	 	NA	 	
15	 	Kariangode	 	64	 	24	 	
16	 	Karuvannur	 	48	 	24	 	
17	 	Kavvayi	 	31	 	9.6	 	
18	 	Keecheri	 	51	 	NA	 	
19	 	Korapuzha	 	40	 	24.8	 	
20	 	Kuppam	 	82	 	24	 	
21	 	Kuttiyadi	 	74	 	9.6	 	
22	 	Mahe	 	54	 	24	 	
23	 	Manimala	 	90	 	54.4	 	
24	 	Manjeswar	 	16	 	3.2	 	
25	 	Meenachil	 	78	 	41.6	 	
26	 	Mogral	 	34	 	NA	 	
27	 	Muvattupuzha	 	121	 	25.6	 	
28	 	Neyyar	 	56	 	NA	 	
29	 	Nileswar	 	46	 	NA

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	125	 	
 	
Sl.No.	 	Name of the River	 	Length of the 	
River	 	
Navigable 
Length	 	
30	 	Pallikal	 	42	 	3 	
31	 	Pamba	 	176	 	73.6	 	
32	 	Periyar	 	244	 	72	 	
33	 	Peruvamba	 	51	 	16	 	
34	 	Puzhakkal	 	29	 	NA	 	
35	 	Ramapuram	 	19	 	5.4	 	
36	 	Shiriya	 	67	 	4.8	 	
37	 	Thalasseri	 	28	 	21.6	 	
38	 	Tirur	 	48	 	9.6	 	
39	 	Uppala	 	50	 	3.2	 	
40	 	Valapattanam	 	110	 	44.8	 	
41	 	Vamanapuram	 	88	 	11.2	 	
Source: Fisheries Hand Book, 	Rivers of Kerala	 
 	
Table:	 6.7	 District Wise Brackish Water Area in Kerala 2015	-16	 	
Sl. No	 	Name of District	 	Area in (Ha)	
1 	Thiruvananthapuram	 	1424	 	
2 	Kollam	 	8604	 	
3 	Pathanamthitta	 	Nil	 	
4 	Alappuzha	 	15223	 	
5 	Kottayam	 	4327	 	
6 	Idukki	 	Nil	 	
7 	Ernakulam	 	16213	 	
8 	Thrissur	 	4272	 	
9 	Palakkadu	 	Nil	 	
10	 	Malappuram	 	1796	 	
11	 	Kozhikkode	 	4162	 	
12	 	Wayanadu	 	Nil	 	
13	 	Kannur	 	5944	 	
14	 	Kasaragod	 	3248	 	
TOTAL	 	65213	 	
Source: Fisheries Hand Book

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	126	 	
 	
Table:	 6.8 Fresh	 Water Lakes in Kerala 2015	-16	 	
Sl.No	 	Name of Lake	 	District	 	Area in (Ha)	
1 	Vallayani Lake	 	Thiruvananthapuram	 	250	 	
2 	Sasthamkotta Lake	 	Kollam	 	440	 	
3 	Eravikulam Lake	 	Idukki	 	3 	
4 	Devikulam Lake	 	Idukki	 	10	 	
5 	Elephant pond	 	Idukki	 	6 	
6 	Periyar Lake	 	Idukki	 	605	 	
7 	Mankodi Lake	 	Thrissur	 	205	 	
8 	Muriyadu Lake	 	Thrissur	 	94	 	
9 	Pookote Lake	 	Wayanadu	 	7 	
 	TOTAL	 	1620	 	
Source: Fisheries Hand Book	 
Table: 	6.9	 Backwaters in Kerala 2015	-16 	 	
Sl.No.	 	Name of District	 	Sl. No.	 	Name of Backwaters	 	Area in (Ha)	
1 	Thiruvananthapuram	 	
1 	Poovar	 Kayal	 	30.93	 	
2 	Poonthura Kayal	 	97.59	 	
3 	Veli Kayal	 	22.48	 	
4 	Kadinamkulam Kayal	 	346.88	 	
5 	Anchuthengu Kayal	 	521.75	 	
6 	Edava	-Nadayara Kayal	 	157.65	 	
TOTAL	 	1177.28	 	
2 	Kollam	 	
1 	Paravoor Kayal	 	662.46	 	
2 	Ashtamudi Kayal	 	6424.15	 	
3 	Kayamkulam Kayal	 	140.58	 	
TOTAL	 	7227.19	 	
3 	Pathanamthitta	 	Nil	 	
4 	Alappuzha	 	
1 	Kayamkulam	 	1511.75	 	
2 	Poomeen Kayal	 	3.37	 	
3 	Vadakkal Kayal	 	1.46	 	
4 	Chethi Kayal	 	4.11	 	
5 	Arthungal Kayal	 	5.96	 	
6 	Pozhichal Kayal	 	20.41	 	
7 	Vettakkalchal Kayal	 	27.1	 	
8 	Vembanattu Kayal	 	10661.23	 	
TOTAL	 	12235.39

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	127	 	
 
Sl.No.	 	Name of District	 	Sl. No.	 	Name of Backwaters	 	Area in (Ha)	
5 	Kottayam	 	1 	Vembanattu Kayal	 	2926.77	 	
TOTAL	 	2926.77	 	
6 	Idukki	 	Nil	 	
7 	Ernakulam	 	
1 	Vembanattu Kayal	 	2257.59	 	
2 	Kochi Kayal	 	7503.80	 	
TOTAL	 	9761.69	 	
8 	Thrissur	 	
1 	Azhikode Kayal	 	82.02	 	
2 	Kodungalloor Kayal	 	613.81	 	
3 	Chettuva Kayal	 	713.87	 	
4 	Pattikkara Kayal	 	- 	
5 	Manakkady 	Kayal	 	- 	
 	 	TOTAL	 	1409.70	 	
9 	Palakkad	 	NIL	 	
10	 	Malappuram	 	
1 	Puthupponnani	 	150.83	 	
2 	Ponnani Kayal	 	757.19	 	
3 	Poorapuzha	 	62.98	 	
4 	Kadalundi Kayal	 	323.56	 	
TOTAL	 	1294.56	 	
11	 	Kozhikode	 	
1 	Kadalundi Kayal	 	83.85	 	
2 	Beypore Kayal	 	783.74	 	
3 	Kallai Kayal	 	160.13	 	
4 	Korapuzha	 	1038.08	 	
5 	Payyolipuzha	 	26.70	 	
6 	Kottapuzha	 	584.12	 	
7 	Newmahepuzha	 	88.28	 	
TOTAL	 	2764.90	 	
12	 	Wayanad	 	NIL	 	
13	 	
 
Kannur	 	
 	
1 	Mahe	 	91.89	 	
2 	Dharmadam Kayal	 	359.06	 	
3 	Valapattanam	 	3077.64	 	
4 	Palakkode	 	598.25	 	
5 	Cheruvathur	 	30.58	 	
TOTAL	 	4157.42	 	
14	 	Kasaragode	 	1 	Cheruvathur	 	1123.12

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	128	 	
 
Sl.No.	 	Name of District	 	Sl. No.	 	Name of Backwaters	 	Area in (Ha)	
2 	Nileswaram	 	824.69	 	
3 	Chittari Kayal	 	89.33	 	
4 	Bekal Kayal	 	43.37	 	
5 	Kappil Pozhi	 	2.22	 	
6 	Neembil Kayal	 	22.47	 	
7 	Chandragiri	 	575.81`	 	
8 	Mogral Puthur	 	89.74	 	
9 	Kumbala	 	221.54	 	
10	 	Suvamagiri	 	6.22	 	
11	 	Manjeswaram	 	158.41	 	
12	 	Thalappady	 	17.12	 	
TOTAL	 	3174.04	 	
GRAND TOTAL	 	46128.94	 	
Source: Fisheries Hand Book	 	
Water Supply	 	
 Kerala water authority is an autonomous authority established for the development 	
and  regulation  of  water  supply  and	, waste  water  collection  and  disposal.  Kerala  Water 	
Authority  is  the  largest  entity  in  the  field  of  water  supply  and  implemented  thousands  of 
small,  medium  and  large  urban  and  rural  piped  water  supply  schemes.  The  interaction 
between water and human health 	are indeed complex	one and a	ccess to safe drinking water 	
is  recognised 	as  an 	Universal  human  need.  Kerala  Water  Authority  came  into  existence  on 	
Ist April 1984. Government of Kerala	 implemented thousand	 of water supply schemes under 	
the 	rural  s	ystem  as  well	 as  water  system	.  The  State  also  gets  rain  from  the  North	-East 	
monsoon during October to December and the South west monsoon during 	May	 to June. In 	
early  period	,  the	 rural 	household  depends	 on	 traditional  ground  water  systems  and  rarely 	
piped  water  supply 	system.	 With  the  high  density  of  population, 	industrialisation  rapid 	
urbanisation  and  the  impact  of  climate  change 	with  effect 	the  availability  of 	water  in  the 	
natural resources. 	Ground water 	has an impor	tant	 role in meeting the water requirement of 	
agricu	lture, industrial and deomestic sectors in Kerala. About 85% of drinking water supplies 	
and 60% of irrigation requirements are dependent on ground water resources.

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	129	 	
 
 
Table:	 6.10	 District wise Population covered by Water Supply Schemes of KWA 2015	-16	 	
SlNo	 	District	 	
Rural	 	Urban	 	Total	 	
Rural 	
population 
covered	 	% of total 	population
 	
Urban 	
population 
covered	 	% of Urban 	population
 	
Total 	
population 
covered	 	% of total 	population
 	
1 	2 	3 	4 	5 	6 	7 	8 	
1 	Thiruvananthapuram	 	1017000	 	66.48	 	1360000	 	76.77	 	2377000	 	72.00	 	
2 	Kollam	 	1089231	 	75.21	 	459269	 	38.69	 	1548500	 	58.76	 	
3 	Pathanamthitta	 	510597	 	47.91	 	74427	 	56.55	 	585024	 	48.86	 	
4 	Alappuzha	 	590530	 	60.28	 	780440	 	67.97	 	1370970	 	64.43	 	
5 	Kottayam	 	1079301	 	76.59	 	278740	 	49.3	 	1358041	 	68.78	 	
9 	Idukki	 	304653	 	28.82	 	33010	 	63.43	 	337663	 	30.45	 	
7 	Ernakulam	 	743512	 	70.94	 	1931808	 	86.46	 	2675320	 	81.51	 	
8 	Thrissur	 	655538	 	63.97	 	1508400	 	71.95	 	2163938	 	69.33	 	
9 	Palakkad	 	953800	 	44.71	 	543800	 	80.35	 	1497600	 	53.29	 	
10	 	Malappuram	 	718155	 	31.28	 	312945	 	17.22	 	1031100	 	25.07	 	
11	 	Kozhikkode	 	396786	 	39.14	 	615487	 	29.7	 	1012273	 	32.80	 	
12	 	Wayanad	 	440816	 	56.09	 	16585	 	52.52	 	457401	 	55.96	 	
13	 	Kannur	 	217000	 	24.6	 	630400	 	38.42	 	847400	 	33.59	 	
14	 	Kasargode	 	200822	 	25.16	 	51000	 	10.02	 	251822	 	19.26	 	
Total	 	8917741	 	51.04	 	8596311	 	53.95	 	17514052	 	52.43	 	
 Source: Economic Review 2016

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	130	 	
 	
 	
Table: 	6.11	 District wise Category wise number of Water Supply Schemes 2015	-16	 	
SlNo.	 	
 	
Name of District	 	
 	
No. of urban 
water supply 	
schemes	 	
Rural Water Supply 	
schemes	 	Total	 	Multi 
Pachayat	 	
Single 	
Panchayat	 	
1 	2 	3 	4 	5 	6 	
1 	Thiruvananthapuram	 	6 	12	 	86	 	104	 	
2 	Kollam	 	3 	6 	83	 	92	 	
3 	Pathanamthitta	 	2 	8 	61	 	71	 	
4 	Alappuzha	 	4 	1 	49	 	54	 	
5 	Kottayam	 	5 	21	 	43	 	69	 	
9 	Idukki	 	1 	12	 	64	 	77	 	
7 	Ernakulam	 	8 	17	 	73	 	98	 	
8 	Thrissur	 	4 	8 	95	 	107	 	
9 	Palakkad	 	4 	8 	49	 	61	 	
10	 	Malappuram	 	6 	10	 	38	 	54	 	
11	 	Kozhikkode	 	2 	13	 	70	 	85	 	
12	 	Wayanad	 	0 	5 	23	 	28	 	
13	 	Kannur	 	3 	6 	91	 	100	 	
14	 	Kasargode	 	1 	5 	72	 	78	 	
Total	 	49	 	132	 	897	 	1078	 	
 Source: Economic Review 2016

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	131	 	
 	
 	
Table: 	6.12 District	 wise number Water Supply connections and street taps 2015	-16	 	
Sl
No	 	District	 	
Water supply Connections	 	Street Taps	 	
Domest	
ic 	
Non 
domes	
tic	 	
Industri	
al 	Total	 	Panch
ayath	 	
Corpor
ation 	 	
Munici
palitie
s 	
Total	 	
1 	2 	3 	4 	5 	6 	7 	8 	9 	10	 	
1 	Thiruvananthapuram	 	230654	 	25799	 	143	 	256596	 	13987	 	4027	 	1809	 	19823	 	
2 	Kollam	 	150572	 	6699	 	212	 	157483	 	15132	 	3248	 	1522	 	19902	 	
3 	Pathanamthitta	 	65915	 	3943	 	38	 	69896	 	11189	 	 	1543	 	12732	 	
4 	Alappuzha	 	23970	 	2192	 	6 	26168	 	3480	 	 	380	 	3860	 	
5 	Kottayam	 	165342	 	4471	 	273	 	170086	 	23523	 	 	4593	 	28116	 	
9 	Idukki	 	90967	 	5244	 	44	 	96255	 	7880	 	 	2111	 	9991	 	
7 	Ernakulam	 	440106	 	33661	 	405	 	474172	 	28560	 	5917	 	3438	 	37915	 	
8 	Thrissur	 	164424	 	5606	 	55	 	170085	 	21774	 	2301	 	3081	 	27156	 	
9 	Palakkad	 	123762	 	8033	 	91	 	131886	 	12569	 	 	3180	 	15749	 	
10	 	Malappuram	 	76153	 	4191	 	19	 	80363	 	7117	 	 	2350	 	9467	 	
11	 	Kozhikkode	 	72467	 	6703	 	62	 	79232	 	4547	 	2638	 	817	 	8002	 	
12	 	Wayanad	 	15333	 	1512	 	6 	16851	 	3686	 	 	222	 	3908	 	
13	 	Kannur	 	57617	 	5221	 	91	 	62929	 	5823	 	 	1638	 	7461	 	
14	 	Kasargode	 	19412	 	1104	 	10	 	20526	 	3301	 	 	651	 	3952	 	
Total	 	1696694	 	114379	 	1455	 	1812528	 	162568	 	18131	 	27335	 	208034	 	
 Source: Economic Review 2016

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	132	 	
 
Jalanidhi Project 	 	
Government  of  Kerala  was  a  signatory  State  on  the  Cochin 	Declaration  that  brought 	
in  reforms  in  rural  water  supply  sector  in  the  Country.  Subsequent  to  Cochin  Declaration  in 
1999,  Government  of  Kerala  successfully  negotiated  a  rural  water  supply  and  sanitation 
project  with  loan  funding  from  the  World  Bank.  This 	project  has  been  subsequently 	
renamed  ‘Jalanidhi’.  It  introduced  some  reforms  in  the  rural  water  supply  sector  and  is 
based  on  principles  such  as  demand  responsiveness,  community  ownership  and 
sustainability  of  investments  through  cost  recovery  and  partici	patory  operations  and 	
management.  The  institutional  architecture  of  Jalanidhi  partners  Gram  Panchayaths, 
Beneficiary  communities,  Government  of  Kerala  and  NGOs  acting  as  supporting 
organisations.  The  Jalanidhi  model  of  rural  water  supply  schemes  has  succes	sfully 	
demonstrated  an  equitable,  inclusive  and  decentralized  delivery  system  benefiting  the  SC, 
ST and BPL category of rural households in Kerala.	 	
Jalanidhi  was  launched  in  four  of  the  14  districts  of  Kerala.  It  was  subsequently 	
scaled  up  to  the  whole  Sta	te.  4772  water  supply  schemes  were  implemented  and 	
commissioned  and  are  run  by  communities.  The  Jalanidhi  project  has  also  tried  new 
institutional water supply experiments, partnering Kerala Water Authority, the Public Sector 
Water Utility of Kerala State.	 Wide variety of technology options  ranging from surface open 	
wells,  bore  wells,  ponds,  Lakes,  River  based  sources  and  rainwater  harvesting  were  used  in 
the project. Jalanidhi	-1 was implemented during the period 2000	-2008.	 	
The overall experience of Jalanid	hi–I was considered satisfactory on all fronts project 	
preparation,  design,  quality  of  entry,  implementation  arrangements,  monitoring  and 
evaluation,  compliance  with  environmental  and  social  safeguards,  fiduciary  management 
and procurement. The project’s s	ustainability prospects were assessed as ‘good’ and overall 	
performance  of  BGs  in  managing  watsan  facilities  as  ‘excellent’.  Also,  as  an  implementing 
agency  in  Jalanidhi	–I,  the  KRWSA  showed  its  capacity  to  deliver  satisfactory  performance. 	
The  KRWSA’s  func	tioning  was  marked  by:  strong  ownership  of  project  principles; 	
commitment  of  diverse  and  multi	-disciplinary  staff;  emphasis  on  forging  collaboration  with 	
GPs,  SOs  and  user  groups;  adopting  scheme  cycle  approach  for  activity  sequencing; 
developing  and  manag	ing  an  excellent  M&E 	system	;  field	-based  capacity  building 	
programmes;  and  regular  learning.  Other  implementing  agencies  like  beneficiary  groups 
(who  demonstrated  high  level  of  interest,  ownership  and  capacity)  and  GPs  (who  provided 
support to beneficiary 	groups) too performed satisfactorily.

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015 - 16  
 
Department of Economics & Statistics   133  
  
T able:   6.13   Minimum and Maximum Observed   values of water quality parameters at PWD sites and River Stations: 2016    
 
 Sl. 
No.   Name of River   Name of Site   Quality Parameters  
pH   Dissolved Oxygen   B.O.D   Coliform bacteria  
Class  
Max   Min   Mean   Max   Min   Mean   Max   Min   Mean   Max   Min   Mean  
1 .   Neyyar   Aruvippuram 
(Perumkadavila 
Village) 8   6.5   6.8   7.3   6   6.8   0.8   0.3   0.63   500   200   285   B  
A maravila 
(Neyyatinkara 
Village) 8.5   6.5   7.3   7.3   6   6.56   1.8   0.4   1.008   900   360   757.08   C  
2 .   Ma mom   Mamom  Bridge 
(Attingal Village)   8.5   6   7   6.9   5.7   6.38   1.3   0.7   0.98   1650   500   1343.33   E  
3 .   Ayroor   Ayoor  Bridge 
(Ayroor Village)   7.3   6.9   6.625   6.8   6.7   6.1   1.5   0.7   1.008   2600   1325   1635.41   C  
4 .   Karaman a   Aruvikkara   7.2   6.5   6.87   7.8   6.5   6.95   0.8   0.1   0.365   300   100   186.25   B  
Moonnattumukku 
(Thiruvallom village)   7.5   6.5   6.92   2   1.2   1.55   56   8   43.95   39500   34000   36966.67   E  
5 .   Ithikkara   Ayroor Bridge   8   6.8   7.49   7.7   6.1   6.68   2.4   1   1.4   1100   320   680.83   C  
Ithikkara Bridge   7.7   6.8   7.22   7.2   5.6   6.35   2.4   1.2   1.81   800   400   554.16   E  
6 .   Vamanapuram   Vamanapuram 
Village   7.3   6.1   6.65   7.3   5.8   6.42   1.8   0.9   1.3   1800   1000   1493.33   E  
Pallickal   Nellimughal   7.7   6.7   7.12   7   5.8   6.59   2.1   1.2   1.51   560   300   438.33   C

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Department of Economics & Statistics   134  
 Sl.  
No.   Name of River   Name of Site   Quality Parameters  
pH   Dissolved Oxygen   B.O.D   Coliform bacteria  
Class  
Max   Min   Mean   Max   Min   Mean   Max   Min   Mean   Max   Min   Mean  
7 .   Achenkovil   Kallarakkadavu   7.9   7   7.36   7.4   5.9   6.55   1.8   1.2   1.41   500   210   310.83   B  
Chennithala   7.8   6.8   7.31   7.3   5.2   6.35   2   1.2   1.43   920   160   446.66   C  
Thumpamon   7.8   6.5   7.36   7   4.9   6.24   2   1.2   1.42   320   180   233.33   B  
Pandalom   7.6   6.6   7.2   7.2   6.4   6.82   1.6   1.1   1.35   400   260   310.3   B  
Kallada   Perumthottamkadav  
7.9   7.2   7.61   7.4   6.1   6.76   1.8   1.2   1.31   380   160   285.83   B  
8 .   Pamba   PambaDown 
(Parumala)   7.5   6.4   6.7   6.1   1.5   3.55   1.8   0.3   0.83   700   200   374.16   E  
Chenganoor 
Muncipality   7.8   6.5   6.73   6.6   4   5.1   1.2   0.1   0.55   460   200   316.66   B  
Thakazhi 
Panchayath   8.5   6.4   6.9   5.5   2.8   4.14   1   0.1   0.55   520   180   341.66   C  
9 .   Meenachil   Kidangoor 
Panchayath   7.3   6.5   6.81   7.5   6   6.9   2.4   0.4   0.74   3600   800   2204.54   C  
10 .   Manimala   Thondara  (Kuttoor 
Panchayath) 7.9   6.8   7.3   7.9   4.7   6.4   6.4   0.2   1.89   360   200   256.66   E  
Kallooppara 
Panchayath   7.9   6.4   7.2   7.9   6.1   7.41   6.3   0.8   2.55   380   100   285   E  
11 .   Periyar   Eloor  (Kadungallore 
Panchayath) 7.2   6.5   6.94   9.9   3.6   5.2   3.6   0.9   2.06   1420   580   998.33   E  
Kalady Panchayath   7.6   6.5   6.9   7.6   6.1   6.97   2.9   0.3   1.36   1200   26   516.66   C  
KWAAluva    7.6   6.5   6.91   7.6   5.2   6.375   1.9   0.2   1.28   1100   260   666.66   C  
SDPAluva    7   6.5   6.63   7.2   4.9   5.97   2.4   0.3   1.25   1480   420   749.16   C

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Department of Economics & Statistics   135  
 Sl.  
No.   Name of River   Name of Site   Quality Parameters  
pH   Dissolved Oxygen   B.O.D   Coliform bacteria  
Class  
Max   Min   Mean   Max   Min   Mean   Max   Min   Mean   Max   Min   Mean  
Pathalam 
(Kadungallore 
Panchayath) 8.9   6   7.025   8.1   4.6   6.65   3.5   0.5   2.29   1560   140   455.83   E  
Kalamassery 
Muncipality   7.3   5.8   6.74   7.1   1.4   4.55   3   1.2   1.99   1460   350   695.83   E  
Purapallikadavu 
(Chengamanadu 
Panchayath) 7.7   6.6   7   9.9   5.5   6.84   3   0.7   1.6   1140   120   518.33   E  
Muppathadam 
(Kadungallore 
Panchayath) 7.3   6.5   6.85   7   4.4   5.73   2.6   0.5   1.575   1600   580   940   C  
12 .   Moovattupuzha   Vettikkattumukku 
(Mevallore 
Panchayath) 7.2   6.5   6.84   7.5   6   6.76   0.9   0.2   0.5   3400   1600   2354.54   C  
13 .   Chalakudy 
puzha   Pullickakadavu 
(Kadakutty 
Panchayath) 7.1   6.5   6.77   7.5   5.1   6.39   2.2   0.6   1.19   1240   20   388.75   C  
14 .   Karuvanoor   Karuvanoor  Bridge 
(Porathissery 
Village) 8.5   6.5   7.55   9.8   4   6.8   3   0.6   1.75   550   40   285   C  
15 .   Puzhakal   Puzhakkal  Bridge 
(Adat Panchayath)   8.4   6.2   7.47   9   1.2   5.48   2.8   0.3   1.86   500   170   320   E  
16 .   Keecheri   Vadakkancherry 
(Eranellur Village)   8   6.5   7.38   10   4.1   6.47   2.7   1   2   580   190   347.27   C

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Department of Economics & Statistics   136  
 Sl.  
No.   Name of River   Name of Site   Quality Parameters  
pH   Dissolved Oxygen   B.O.D   Coliform bacteria  
Class  
Max   Min   Mean   Max   Min   Mean   Max   Min   Mean   Max   Min   Mean  
17 .   Bharathapuzha   Kuttippuram 
Panchayath   8.1   6.5   7.13   8.9   5.9   7.57   1.8   0.8   1.2   760   0   270   C  
Pattambi 
Panchayath   8.2   6.4   7.3   9.4   0.7   7.06   2.1   0.8   1.18   520   0   228.63   E  
18 .   Kadalundi   Thirurangadi Village   7.2   6.5   6.82   7.7   5.1   6.57   2.1   0.6   1.27   600   24   133.45   C  
Hajiyarppally 
(Panakad Village)   7   6.5   6.7   7.5   5.6   6.82   2.8   0.8   1.49   180   40   78.9   B  
19 .   Tirur   Thalakkadathur 
(Cheriyamundam 
Village) 7.5   6.4   6.77   6.4   3.1   4.75   2.1   0.2   1.35   160   44   88.33   E  
20 .   Chaliyar   Koolimadu 
(Chathamangalam 
Panchayath) 7.5   6.5   7.05   7.7   4.9   6.68   1.3   0   0.64   890   30   337.66   C  
Nilambur   7.9   6.5   7.33   7.5   6.4   6.97   1   0   0.532   1020   0   253.92   C  
Chungapally 
(Perumana 
Panchayath) 7.6   6.7   7.13   8.2   5.4   6.55   1.5   0   0.69   670   0   254   E  
21 .   Kabani   Muthankara 
(Mananthavadi 
Panchayath) 7.5   6.8   7.24   7.6   6   7.02   0.8   0.3   0.49   140   60   99.09   B  
22 .   Bhavani   Elaichivazhi  (Agali 
Panchayath) 8.2   6.5   7.5   9.2   6.2   7.6   1.9   0.4   1.009   170   0   85.45   B

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Department of Economics & Statistics   137  
 Sl.  
No.   Name of River   Name of Site   Quality Parameters  
pH   Dissolved Oxygen   B.O.D   Coliform bacteria  
Class  
Max   Min   Mean   Max   Min   Mean   Max   Min   Mean   Max   Min   Mean  
23 .   Kuttiyadipuzha   Estatemukku 
(Chakkittappara 
Panchayath) 7.3   6.5   6.7   7.9   6   7.2   1.1   0   0.58   400   8   119.26   B  
24 .   Mahe   Valayam  (Valayam 
Panchayath) 7.5   6.5   6.89   7.6   5.3   6.59   1   0   0.57   500   0   215.09   B  
25 .   Kallai Puzha   Kallai  Bridge 
(Kozhikode 
Corporation) 8   7   7.34   6.2   2.8   4.18   1.9   0   1.08   6200   60   1770   E  
26 .   Korapuzha   Kanayankode   7.8   6.8   7.15   7.8   4.6   5.35   1.5   0   0.8   2400   120   1160   E  
27 .   Kuppam   Taliparamba 
(Taliparamba 
Village) 7.6   6.5   6.83   8.6   4.5   6.13   3.1   0.1   1.25   1520   200   912.73   E  
Rayoram  (Alakkode 
Village) 7.7   6.4   7.06   8.9   5.5   7.45   3   .02   1.34   2400   120   898.91   C  
28 .   Thalassery   Pathipalam 
(Patyam)   7.6   6.5   6.55   7.3   4   6.02   1.17   0.15   0.39   2000   600   662.18   C  
29 .   Ancharakkandy   Ancharakkandy 
Village   7.7   6.5   6.73   8   4.6   6.55   2   0.3   1.12   1300   62   716   E  
Meruvamba 
(Vengad Village)   7.7   6.5   6.81   7.6   5   6.59   2.4   0.2   1.13   1500   256   680.55   C  
30 .   Ramapuram   Ramapuram  Bridge 
(Cheruthazham 
Village) 7.4   5.9   6.71   6.3   2.7   4.5   3.3   0.5   1.309   770   8   229.27   E

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Department of Economics & Statistics   138  
 Sl.  
No.   Name of River   Name of Site   Quality Parameters  
pH   Dissolved Oxygen   B.O.D   Coliform bacteria  
Class  
Max   Min   Mean   Max   Min   Mean   Max   Min   Mean   Max   Min   Mean  
31 .   Kavai   Kuttiyolpalam 
(Peralam Village)   7.3   5.9   6.53   8.7   4.2   6.25   3   0.4   1.53   970   40   400.36   E  
32 .   Valapattanam   Parassanikkadavu   7.6   6.6   7.2   8.6   4.3   6.5   2.1   0.2   1.6   1300   40   400.8   E  
33 .   Neeleswaram   Hosdurg 
(Neeleswaram 
Village) 7.6   6.3   7.009   7.7   4.8   6.09   2.1   0.3   1.24   2700   370   1009.09   E  
Nambiarckal 
(Hosdurg Village)   7.8   6   6.9   10.4   4.3   6.609   2.3   0.2   1.11   2000   100   868.18   E  
34 .   Karingode   Kakkadavu 
(Cheemeni Village)   8   6.5   7.2   8.7   6.6   7.56   1.8   0.2   1.03   2000   70   880.90   C  
35 .   Chandragiri 
Puzha   Padiayathadka   7.6   6.5   6.7   8.1   7.3   7.66   1.8   0.2   0.96   5000   40   1316   C  
36 .   Mogral   Mogral  Bridge 
(Mogral Village)   7.7   5.6   6.76   7.8   4.2   5.49   2.5   0.5   1.44   1800   80   727.27   E  
37 .   Shriya   Angadimogaru 
Village   7.4   6.5   6.51   8.5   6.7   7.73   2.7   0.4   1.28   4000   200   1156.7   C  
38 .   Uppala   Uppala  Bridge 
(Uppala Village)   7.7   5.4   6.98   8.3   4.2   6.4   2.7   0.7   1.609   2300   252   1158.36   E  
39 .   Manjeswaram   Bajrakkara  Bridge 
(Vorcadi  Village) 8.2   6.5   7.04   7.8   6.4   7.32   2.7   0.1   1.11   1120   100   452.85   C  
40 .   Peruvamba   Chandrapura 
(Kadanapally 
Village) 7.2   6   6.609   7.9   3.3   6   2.7   0.2   1.26   1200   100   575.63   E   
Source:  State  Pollution  Control  Board  P13

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Department of Economics & Statistics	 	139	 	
 
Coast Line of Kerala	  	
The  coastal  plain  of  Kerala  also  constitutes  a  special  ecological  mosaic. 	Kerala 	
(38,863 km²; 1.18% of India's landmass) is situated between the Arabian Sea to the west and 
the  Western  Ghats  to  the  east.  Kerala's  coast  runs  about	 590  km	 in  length,  while  th	e  state 	
itself varies between 35	–120 km	 in width.	 Kerala  is a coastal state bordered  on the west by 	
Arabian Sea. The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) extends up to 200 nautical miles far beyond 
the  continental  shelf,  which  covers  an  area  of  218536  Sq.Km.  prov	ide  opportunities  in 	
traditional  fishing  in  inshore  waters  from  ages.  Thus  fisheries  form  one  of  the  most 
important  sectors  of  Kerala's  economy.  A  chain  of  water  bodies,  locally  known  as  kayals 
running  parallel/  oblique  to  the  coastline  is  a  characteristic	 feature  of  Kerala.  These  are 	
mostly  interconnected  by  natural  or  man	-made  canals,  facilitating  internal  navigation 	
almost  for  the  entire  length  of  the  coast.  Numerous  perennial  rivers  discharge  into  these 
kayals	and  the  southern	 half  of  the  Kerala  coast  ha	rbours  more  of  larger  backwaters.  The 	
kayals  of  the  Kerala  coast  are  mostly  separated  from  the  sea  by  elongated  sandbars  and 
based  on  this  they  can  be  treated  as  "coastal  lagoons".  The  coast  is  well  known  for  several 
places  of  historical  importance,  herita	ge  areas  and	 areas  of  outstanding  natural  scenic 	
beauty.	 	
Table: 	6.14 District	-wise Distribution of Coast Line of Kerala	 	
Sl No.	 	District	 	Coast line length	 (in km)	 	Percentage of 	
Total	 	
1 	Thiruvananthapuram	 	78	 	13.22	 	
2 	Kollam	 	37	 	6.27	 	
3 	Alappuzha	 	82	 	13.90	 	
4 	Ernakulam	 	46	 	7.80	 	
5 	Thrissur	 	54	 	9.15	 	
6 	Malappuram	 	70	 	11.87	 	
7 	Kozhikode	 	71	 	12.03	 	
8 	Kannur	 	82	 	13.90	 	
9 	Kasaragod	 	70	 	11.86	 	
 	TOTAL	 	590	 	100.00	 	
Source:	ENVISCentre,	Kerala

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015 - 16  
 
Department of Economics & Statistics   140  
  
 
Table: 6.15   District wise Distribution of Fishermen Population in Kerala 2015 - 16 (Estimated)
Sl.No.   District   Marine   Inland   Marine & 
Inland ( 
Total )
Male   Female   Children   Total   Male   Female   Children   Total  
1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11  
1   Thiruvananthapuram   63248   55837   49616   168701   447   520   446   1413   170114  
2   Kollam   39859   33262   19901   93022   13513   12723   8144   34379   127401  
3   Pathanamthitta   0   0   0   0   932   810   377   2119   2119  
4   Alappuzha   52139   47620   28738   128497   25014   23954   12962   61929   190426  
5   Kottayam   0   0   0   0   9837   9327   5773   24937   24937  
6   Idukki   0   0   0   0   268   268   170   706   706  
7   Ernakulam   28706   26885   16935   72526   23721   23218   16874   63813   136339  
8   Thrissur   20976   21434   13561   55971   7927   7259   4594   19780   75751  
9   Palakkadu   0   0   0   0   863   854   873   2590   2590  
10   Malappuram   35574   28491   25803   89869   1809   1577   852   4238   94107  
11   Kozhikode   38937   33790   25813   98540   4178   4396   3412   11986   110526  
12   Wayanadu   0   0   0   0   76   82   77   235   235  
13   Kannur   17808   10771   9261   37840   2424   2563   1371   6359   44198  
14   Kasargod   17440   16162   9756   43358   412   392   185   989   44347  
    TOTAL   314687   274252   199384   788323   91421   87943   56110   235474   1023797  
Source: Fisheries Hand Book P3

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015 - 16  
 
Department of Economics & Statistics   141  
   
Table:  6.16   District wise details  of Fish   Production (   tones)  
Source: Fisheries Hand Book Sl.N
o.   District   2012 - 13   2013 - 14   2014 - 15   2015 - 16  
Inland   Marine   Total   Inland   Marine   Total   Inland   Marine   Total   Inland   Marine   Total  
1   2   3   4   5   6   7   8   9   10   11   12   13   14  
1   Thiruvananthapura
m   2720   42241   44961   3705   41836   45541   4944   33308   38252   5562   63518   69080  
2   Kollam   16787   107816   124603   21877   105009   126886   19447   72270   91717   19757   108686   128443  
3   Pathanamthitta   1640   0   1640   2025   0   2025   2888   0   2888   3525   0   3525  
4   Alappuzha   20290   120965   141255   24828   116159   140987   31081   108312   139393   34930   44388   79318  
5   Kottayam   6865   0   6865   8756   0   8756   11345   0   11345   12308   0   12308  
6   Idukki   979   0   979   1344   0   1344   2946   0   2946   3536   0   3536  
7   Ernakulam   35 03 8   52026   87064   41449   51997   93446   37674   95023   132697   38951   80394   119345  
8   Thrissur   18621   62386   81007   25564   63905   89469   26251   31164   57415   26781   21057   47838  
9   Palakkadu   16156   0   16156   22036   0   22036   21833   0   21833   22064   0   22064  
10   Malappuram   2778   26105   28883   3543   25155   28698   6517   20004   26521   6831   59920   66751  
11   Kozhikode   3905   80375   84280   4561   80050   84611   5264   94740   100004   6124   93443   99567  
12   Wayanadu   813   0   513   1005   0   1005   1988   0   1988   2274   0   2274  
13   Kannur   2601   22444   25045   3139   22320   25459   3991   43121   47112   4786   23254   28040  
14   Kasargod   19905   16280   36185   22505   15877   38382   25376   26526   51902   23333   22085   45418  
  Total   149098   530638   679736   186337   522308   708645   201545   524468   726013   210762   516745   727507

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Department of Economics & Statistics	 	142	 	
 	
Groundwater	 is  a  part  of  water  cycle. 	The  awareness  among  the  public  about  the 	
importance  of  the  groundwater  has  increased  during  the  recent  years.  The  need  for 
groundwater  being  felt  by  all  sectors  because  of  the  shortage  of  surface  water  sources	 to 	
mitigate  the  growing  needs  of  the  society.  Recently  the	 problems  of  decline  in  water  table, 	
contamination  of  groundwater,  seawater  intrusion  etc  are  being  reported  at  many  places. 
The shortage of rainfall in recent years and the increased 	utilisation	 of ground water caused 	
concern  among  the  public  that  water  may  become  scarce  commodity  in  future.  In  order  to 
assess  the  real  situation  of 	groundwater  conditions,  it  is  very  essential  to  monitor  the 	
groundwater  level  and  water  quality  over  time  and  space.  C	entral  Ground  Water  Board  is 	
monitoring  water  level  and  quality  through  a  network  of  Ground  Water  Monitoring  Wells 
distributed  throughout  the  State.  The  monitoring  started  from  the  year  1969  for  nine 
monitoring  wells  and  the  numbers  of  monitoring  wells  wer	e  increased  during  the 	
subsequent  years  and  became  224  by  the  year  1979  and  the  number  became  460  by  the 
year 1988. 	 	
Thick  zones  of  weathered  crystallines  are  seen  along  midland  region.  The  depth  to 	
water level in the weathered crystallines in the midland 	area ranges from 3 to  16 mbgl. The 	
midland  area  sustains  medium  capacity  dug  wells  for  irrigation.  Along  the  hill  ranges,  the 
crystalline  rocks  are  covered  by  thin  weathered  zone.  Mostly  dug  wells  that  can  cater  to 
domestic  needs  are  feasible  along  topogra	phic  lows.  Bore  wells  tapping  deeper  fractured 	
aquifer  are  feasible  along  potential  fractures  in  the  midland  and  hill  ranges.  Potential 
fractures are seen down to 240 mbgl and the most productive zone lies between 60 and 175 
mbgl and the discharge of bore 	wells range between 36,000 and 1,25,000 lph. 	 	
Laterites  are  the  most  widely  distributed  lithological  unit  in  the  State  and  the 	
thickness of the formation varies from a few meters to about 30m. The depth to water level 
in the formation ranges from less than	 a meter to 25 mbgl. Laterite forms potential aquifers 	
along valleys and can sustain medium duty irrigation wells with the yields in the range of 0.5 
- 6 m3 per day. 	 	
The  alluvium  forms  potential	 aquifer  along 	the	 coastal  plains  and  ground  water 	
occurs  under  phreatic  and  semi	-confined  conditions  in  this  aquifer.  The  thickness  of  this 	
formation varies from few meters to above 100 m and the depth to water level ranges from 
less than a meter to 6 mbgl. Filter  point we	lls are feasible wherever the saturated thickness 	
exceeds 5 m.

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	143	 	
 	
 The  occurrence  and  availability  of  ground  water  vary  considerably  from  place  to 	
place  within  the  State 	depending	 on  the  prevailing  climatic,  geomorphological  and 	
hydrogeological  conditions.  Ab	out  88  percent  of  the  total  geographical  area  of  the 	state  is 	
underlain  by  crystalline  rocks  devoid  of  any  primary  porosity,  with  limited  ground  water 
prospects. 	The  alluvial 	formations	 having  multiple  aquifer  systems,  quality  is  sometimes  a 	
constraint  in 	the  optimal  development  of  available  resources.  Increasing  population,  rapid 	
urbanization and industrialization resulted  in  increasing use of ground water  resources over 
the  last  few  decades  in  the  State.  Judicious  and  planned  development  of  ground  water  a	nd 	
its  scientific  management  have  become  necessary  to  ensure  long	-term  sustainability  of  this 	
precious  natural  resource  in  Kerala.  The  dynamic  ground  water  resources  of  the  State  are 
being  periodically  assessed  by  the  Central  Ground  Water  Board  (CGWB),  joi	ntly  with  the 	
State  Ground  Water  Department  and  other  Central  Government  as  well  as  State 
Government  agencies,  according  to  the  methodology  recommended  by  the  Groundwater 
Estimation Committee constituted by Govt. of India from time to time.	 	
 Groundwater  ha	s  been  the  mainstay  for  meeting  the  domestic  needs  of  more  than 	
80%  of  rural 	and	 50%  of  urban  population  besides,  fulfilling  the  irrigation  needs  of  around 	
50%  of  irrigated  agriculture.  The  ease  and  simplicity  of  its  extraction  has  played  an 
important  role	 in  its  development.  Recent  problems 	in  decliming	 in  water  table, 	
contamination of groundwater, seawater intrusion etc. are being reported at many places.	  	
Table: 	6.17 Physical	 Achievements under Ground Water Development Schemes	 	
Source: Economic Review 2016	 	
 	
Sl 
No	 	Items	 	Unit	 	2013	-14	 	2014	-15	 	2015	-16	 	
1 	2 	3 	4 	5 	6 	
1 	Detailed hydrological survey ( Site 
selection )	No.	 	9230	 	8829	 	7409	 	
2 	Sitting and providing technical assistance 
for open wells	 	
No.	 	904	 	553	 	563	 	
3 	Sitting and construction of different types 
of drilled wells	 	
No.	 	2130	 	1925	 	1622	 	
4 	Creating of additional irrigation facilities	 	ha.	 	1079	 	1076	 	1189	 	
5 	Training of personnel	 	No.	 	29	 	16	 	34	 	
6 	Water Sample analysis	 	No.	 	4400	 	2876	 	3310

Compendium of Environment Statistics  2015 - 16  
 
Department of Economics & Statistics   144  Table:   6.18 Ground   Water Resources of Kerala (as on 2011)
Sl  
No.   District   Total 
Annual 
Ground 
Water 
Recharge 
(Ha.m)   Provision 
for Natural 
Discharge( Net annual 
Ground 
Water 
availability 
(Ha.m)   Existing 
Gross 
Ground 
Water Draft 
for Irrigation 
(Ha.m)   Existing Gross 
Ground Water 
Draft for 
domestic and 
industrial 
water supply 
(Ha.m)   Existing 
Gross 
Ground 
Water Draft 
for All 
uses(Ha.m) Provision 
for 
domestic 
and 
industrial 
requiremen
t supply 
upto 2025 
(Ha.m)   Net annual 
Ground 
Water 
availability 
for future 
irrigation 
Dev t. (Ha.m)    Stage of 
Ground 
Water 
Devt. (%)
1   Thiruvananthapuram   35595.85   2724.39   32871.46   3984.99   13315.72   17300.71   14699.19   14187.28   52.63  
2   Kollam   46755.58   4534.58   42221.00   4014.94   11932.86   15947.83   13015.56   25190.47   37.77  
3   Pathanamthitta   27880.87   2469.45   25411.42   3462.72   6004.47   9467.20   6304.40   15644.29   37.26  
4   Alappuzha   48645.90   3355.78   45290.11   2991.87   1004.47   13032.34   10371.16   31926.64   28.78  
5   Kottayam   49182.06   4611.98   44570.08   3490.69   9214.29   12704.99   10704.21   30375.18   28.51  
6   Idukki   21838.47   2183.85   19654.62   2873.72   5495.94   8369.67   5985.83   10795.57   42.58  
7   Ernakulam   64499.47   6172.78   58326.69   10308.49   13931.32   24239.82   15295.83   32722.37   41.56  
8   Thrissur   75504.97   7352.16   68152.81   22167.50   13720.24   35887.73   15216.48   30768.84   52.66  
9   Palakkad   85814.18   7431.58   78382.60   35494.33   13151.26   48645.59   14197.15   28894.24   62.06  
10   Malappuram   54530.67   4975.66   49555.00   8166.41   20234.67   28401.08   24392.10   16996.50   57.31  
11   Kozhikkode   37903.86   3441.58   34462.28   5200.40   14023.92   19224.32   15792.55   13469.33   55.78  
12   Wayanad   30674.72   3067.47   27607.25   652.00   4318.70   4970.70   4815.96   22139.29   18.01  
13   Kannur   53231.51   5218.87   48012.65   10943.33   10939.17   21882.50   11932.23   25137.09   45.58  
14   Kasargod   36543.61   3654.36   32889.25   16704.82   6774.71   23479.53   7797.51   8386.91   71.39  
  Total   668601.72   61194.49   607407.22   130456.24   144061.74   283554.01   170520.10   306634.00   46.68  
Source: Economic Review 2016

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	145	 	
The  total  number  of  GWMWs  as  on  31.3.2016  is  1672.  Out  of  these,  1404  are  dug 	
wells tapping phreatic aquifers and 268 are borewells /tubewells tapping deeper aquifers of 
confined  /  semi	-confined  nature.  These  GWMWs  are  spread  over  all  the  physiographic 	
div	isions  of  the  State.  About  62%  of  the  GWMWs  fall  in  the  midland  region,  18%  in  coastal 	
plains,  15%  in  highlands  and  5%  in  Plateau  region.  Among  the  GWMWs  tapping  phreatic 
aquifer,  65%  are  tapping  laterite,  17%  tapping  weathered  and  fractured  crystallines, 	15% 	
tapping coastal alluvium and  3% tapping riverine alluvium. The data of 	these	 GWMWs were 	
analysed to understand the depth to water  level  scenario  in the State, annual  fluctuation in 
the  water  levels  due  to  the  monsoon  recharge,  long  term  trend  in  water 	levels  and  the 	
nature of the quality of ground water and the salient features are brought out in this report. 	 	
Table:	 6.19	 Ground Water Monitoring Wells in Kerala 2015	-16	 	
Sl.	 No.	 	Districts	 	
No. of GWMW	 	Density	 	
Dug Wells	 	Piezometers	 	Total	 	(Sq.Km)/ 
GWMW	 	
1 	Thiruvananthapuram	 	114	 	22	 	136	 	12.1	 	
2 	Kollam	 	109	 	20	 	129	 	12.4	 	
3 	Pathanamthitta	 	82	 	14	 	96	 	11.1	 	
4 	Alappuzha	 	81	 	22	 	103	 	12.6	 	
5 	Kottayam	 	99	 	8 	107	 	19.2	 	
6 	Idukki	 	69	 	8 	77	 	31	 	
7 	Ernakulam	 	124	 	18	 	142	 	15.1	 	
8 	Thrissur	 	120	 	20	 	140	 	13.7	 	
9 	Palakkadu	 	120	 	45	 	165	 	18.0	 	
10	 	Malappuram	 	121	 	21	 	142	 	17.3	 	
11	 	Kozhikode	 	84	 	20	 	104	 	18.2	 	
12	 	Wayanadu	 	75	 	9 	84	 	15.5	 	
13	 	Kannur	 	100	 	16	 	116	 	20.8	 	
14	 	Kasargod	 	106	 	25	 	131	 	14.5	 	
TOTAL	 	1404	 	268	 	1672	 	16.2	 	
Source: Dynamic Ground Water Resources of Kerala, Year Book, 2015	-16

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	146	 	
CHAPTER 	- VII	 	
Human Settlements	 	
 	
 Human  Settlement  is  defined  as  a  settlement,  locality  or  populated  place 	where	 	
people  live.  A  settlement  traditionly  includes  constructed  facilities  such  as 	rads,	 ponds,	 	
parks,	 wells and irrigation facilities for 	cultivation.	 Human 	Settlement can broadly be divided 	
into two types 	– rural and urban	 settlement.	 	
Rural  settlements  are  most  closely  and  directly  related  to  land.They  are  dominated 	
by  primary  activities  such  as 	agriculture,	 animal  husbandry,  fishing  etc.  Characteristics  are 	
namely	,  smaller	 in  size,	 lack  of  modern  facilities  and  density  of  population  is  not  very  high. 	
Urban  Settlements  are  densely  populated 	area	 in  which  people  are  engaged  mainly  in 	
secondary and tertiary 	activities. 	Characteristics are namely large in size	, population density 	
is very high, complex culture and equipped with modern facilities.	 	
 In  Kerala  there  exists  a  high  rate  of  urbanisation  with  Malappuram  District,  having 	
the  largest  upliftment  in 	urban	 content  with  in  a  decade2001	-2011  followed  by  Kozhikod	e. 	
The  population  density  of  urban  agglomerates  in  Kerala  is  less  compared  to  other  states  . 
The  analysis  of  population  growth  indicates  that  Kerala  is  likely  to  achieve  zero  population 
growth  in  the  coming  25  to  30  years  .The  low  population  growth  rate  wi	th  high  level  of 	
urbanisation	 will  increase  the  scarcity  of  labour  in  agriculture  and  related  activities  .  The 	
maximum  population  density  is  achieved  in  urban  areas  in  the  present  human  settlement 
pattern.Most  of  the  people  migrated  in  urban  area  for  avail	ing  employment  opportunities	 	
likely in industrial works,banking,	 IT field and other related activities.	 	
Population	 	
Kerala  is  the  leading  state  of  India  in  terms  of  social  development.  The  state  is 	
currently  home  to  about  2.76%  of  India's  total  population. 	Present  Population  of  Kerala  is 	
estimated  to  be  34  million.  A  large  number  of  populations  in  Kerala  belong  to  Malayali 
ethnicity.  In  terms  of  Population,  Keral	a is  the  twelfth  largest  state  of  India.  Kerala  is  the 	
only  state  in  the  country  which  has  the  lo	west  positive  population  growth  rate  in  India. 	
During  2001	-2011,  the  state  has  added  only  1.5  million  people  to  its  population.  Thus, 	
Kerala adds around 1.5 lakh human beings to its population each year which is considered to 
be descent in India. The state	 has shown major signs of improvement in social development

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Department of Economics & Statistics	 	147	 	
of the people living there. The state also tops the chart in maintaining a highest literacy rate 
of  95%  which  is  far  above  the  national  figure  of  74.04%  in  India.  There  are  1084  women 
available  fo	r every 1000 males in the state, thus its sex ratio is considered to be the best of 	
all Indian States.	 From 1951 to 1991, Population growth in Kerala was steady, from there on 	
there has been a decrease in the population growth rate. Between 1991 to 2001, t	here was 	
a  growth  of  9.4%  in  population  of 	Kerala;	 this  further  was  down  to  4.9%  in  last  finished 	
Census  of  2011.  Kerala  has  witnessed  a  slow  population  growth  rate  in  the  last  20  years. 
Census figures are detailed in the tables 7.1 to 7.11 	 	
Natural 	Resources	 	
Natural  Resources  play	ed	 important  role	 in  the  early  development  of  Human 	
settlements.The  greatest  resource  of  Kerala  is  her  natural  beauty  with  her  blue  mist 	- 	
capped  mountains,  undulating  hills  and  valleys  of  a  thousand  shades  of  green,  the  blu	e 	
spread of an endless stretch of lagoons and long seacoast blessed by world famous beaches 
coupled with an amiable  people of rich  culture, and art  forms which all together earned for 
her the sobriquet God's own country making her one of the biggest touris	t attractions of the 	
world.	 
 Kerala's  forests  are  rich  with  the  pristine  silent  valley  and  Agasthyavanam 	
biospheres home to a plethora of rare species of plants and animals making them one of the 
seven  biological  hot  spots  of  the  world.  Kerala  ranks  14th  a	mong  all  the  States/Union 	
Territories  in  respect  of  the  geographical  area  under  forest  cover  which  as  per  2003 
assessment  of  FSI  was  15577  sq.km  (dense  forest  334  sq.km  moderate  dense  forest  9294 
sq.km.  and  open  forest  5949  sq.km.)  Forest  plantation  consti	tutes  major  source  of  raw 	
materials  to  the  forest  based  industries.  Teak  is  the  major  species  planted  in  75767  ha. 
followed  by  eucalyptus  14274  ha.  softwood  species  28832  ha.  bamboo  and  reeds  5912  ha. 
Plantation crops 1712 ha. 	 	
Kerala  has  41  west  flowing  r	ivers  and  three  east	-flowing  rivers  namely  Pambar, 	
Bhavani and Kabani. The biggest river system among the west flowing rivers is Bharatapuzha 
with  most  of  its  water  impounded  in  the  Parambikulam	- Aliyar  dam  providing  irrigation  to 	
Tamilnadu  and  its  tributa	ry  Siruvani  providing  drinking  water  to  Coimbatore.  The  major 	
portion  of  water  of  the  second  biggest  river  system  Periyar  is  impounded  in  the 
Mullaperiyar dam providing water  for  irrigation in the neighbouring  districts  of Tamil Nadu. 
Other important river	 systems are the

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	148	 	
Chaliyar,  Pamba  etc.  Kerala  also  has  constructed  a  number  of  irrigation  dams  like 	
Malampuzha  for  irrigation  purposes.  There  are  24  hydel  projects  owned  by  Kerala  State 
Electricity  Board  with  an  installed  capacity  of  1883.60  M.W.  Kerala  ha	s  tremendous  wind 	
power with only a fraction  of  it tapped by the  2.25 MW wind farm at Kanjikode in Palakkad 
district and a 40 MW wind farm at Ramakkalmedu in Idukki district.	  	
 The  water  resources  in  the  State  are  not  abundant  but  over  exploited.  The  drink	ing 	
water projects of five corporations and most of the 53 municipalities are based on the water 
yielded by the west flowing rivers. Although Kerala gets a normal rain of 2360.6mm per year 
the topography of Kerala with undulating hills and valleys and deep	 rivers except the narrow 	
strip of the coastal  region allows poor  retention of water. So rainwater retention structures 
and  watershed  management  schemes  are  needed.  In  Kerala  ground  water  occurs  under 
phreatic,  semi	-confined  and  confined  conditions.  Ground	 water  is  largely  concentrated  in 	
the  sedimentary  aquifers  of  the  coastal  regions.  It  is  mainly  tapped  for  drinking  and  to  a 
lesser  degree  for  irrigation.  The  ground  water  potential  of  Kerala  is  very  low  compared  to 
that of other States. 	 	
 The  State  has  al	l  the  requisite  natural  endowments  for  building  a  strong  fisheries 	
economy with  590 km. Coastal belt and  inland water spread of over four lakh  hectares. The 
exclusive  economic  zone  lying  adjacent  to  the  coast  is  36,000  sq.km.  almost  equivalent  to 
the  land 	area  of  the  State.  The  State  has  a  fresh  water  area  of  158358  ha.  consisting  of 	
reservoirs 42890 ha. private ponds 21986 ha. irrigation tanks 1847 ha. and the area of rivers 
85000  ha.  The  brackish  water  resource  consists  of  65213  ha.  of  estuaries  and  backw	aters 	
and  12873  ha.  of  prawn  filtration  fields.  The  polders  of  Kuttanad  have  a  water	-spread  area 	
of  35,000  ha.  Another  17000  ha.  area  of  Kole  lands  of  Thrissur  is  also  ideal  for  aquaculture 
development activities.	  	
Kerala is endowed with a  number of  deposi	ts such as heavy mineral sand containing 	
mainly thorium, titanium, lithium, zircon etc, china clay, iron ore, graphite and bauxite, silica 
sand,  lignite,  lime	-shell,  granite  etc.  However  mineral  sand  and  china  clay  contribute  more 	
than 90 percent of the to	tal value of mineral production in the State.	 	
Human  use  natural  resources  to  meet  their  basic  needs  of  food,  clothing,  and  shelter.  As 	
they  do  so,  they  consume  natural  resources.  Each  time  a  resource  is  used,  its  supply  is  reduced.  If 
consumption  goes  unch	ecked,  the  availability  of  the  natural  resource  may  be  threatened  and  even 	
exhausted. Two practices that protect natural resources are conservation and preservation.

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	149	 	
Water Supply	 	
 Access  to  safe  drinking  water  plays  a  fundamental  role  in  economic  and  socia	l 	
development.  The  way  that  people  secure  their  drinking  water  has  a  direct  impact  on  their 
health.  Further,  it  is  also  central  to  human  right  and  personal  dignity.  With  high  density  of 
population and rapid urbanization on the one hand, as 	well	 as the impa	ct of climate change 	
on  the  other,  availability  of  different  user  groups.  Low  consciousness  about  the  scarcity  of 
water  and  its  life  sustaining  nature	 and  inadequate  comprehension  of  its  economic  value 	
results	 in  its  mismanagement,  wastage  and  inefficient  uses.  Geographically,  Kerala  has 	
plenty  of  water  resources  and  is  one  of  the  few  states  which  experiences  both  North  East 
and  South  West  Monsoon.  However,  due  to  large  spatial  and  temporal  variation  in  the 
rai	nfall system, the abundance of water resources and is one season leads to shortage in the 	
next  season.  Moreover,  the  undulating  topography  with  steep  terrain 	coupled	 with 	
deforestation and sand mining results in the  decline of ground water recharges, surfa	ce soil 	
erosion in water sheds, sedimentation in rivers and draught in summer. 	 	
 Kerala  is  the  most  vulnerable  state  in  the  country  in  terms  of  waer  quality 	
parameter.  People  in  Kerala  generally  depend  upon  well  water  system.  Around  75  percent 
of  rural  peo	ple  do  not  have 	access	 to  piped  drinking  water  system  and  lack  of  piped  water 	
connection  enhances  the  level  of  bacterial  and  chemical  contaminations  in  the  drinking 
water.	 It  is  indicated  that  39.9  percent  of  rural  drinking  water  in  Kerala  has  been 	
contami	ned  with  iron,  fluoride,  salinity,  nitrate,  arsenic,  faecal  coliform  and  other  multiple 	
contaminations.  Unscientific  waster  disposal,  unplanned  construction  of  toilets  in  highly 
populated  areas,  discharge  of  industrial  waster  etc,  are  the  major  reasons.  Mo	st  of  the 	
states  which  had  chemical  and  bacterial  contaminations  have  been  successful  in  reducing 
the contamination level. 	 	
Kerala  Water  Authority  and  Ground  water  Department  are  the  two  major 	
Government  Departments	 responsible  for  the  regulation  of  water 	supply  and  waste  water 	
management	 in  the  State.  Kerala  Water  Authority	 is  the  largest  entity  in  the  field  of  water 	
supply  and  implemented  thousands  of  small,  medium  and  large  urban	-rural  piped  water 	
supply  schemes.Ground  Water  Department  is  having  1672  no’
31.03.2016.Out  of  these  ,  1404  are  dug  wells  tapping  phreatic  aquifers  and  268  are 
borewells/tubewells tapping deeper aquifers of confined/semi confined nature .	 	
Life Expectancy

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015	-16	 	
 	
Department of Economics & Statistics	 	150	 	
Life expectancy at birth in Kerala is 	74 years	 where as it is	 63.5	 years in India. Female 	
life expectancy in Kerala exceeds that of the male, just as it does in the developed world and 
the maternal mortality rate 	is lowest	, compared to India	... 	
 Health Indicators	 	Kerala 	 	India	 	
Birth rate(per 1000 population)	14.6	 	22.8	 	
Death rate (per 1000 population)	6.6	 	7.4	 	
Infant mortality rate (per 1000 population)	5 	33.6	 	
Maternal mortality rate (per lakh live birth)	34	 	130	 	
Total fertility rate ( per women)	1.8	 	2.9	 	
Couple protection rate	 	62.3	 	52	 	
Life expectancy at birth ( 	Male)	71.4	 	62.6	 	
Life expectancy at birth (Female)	76.3	 	64.2	 	
Life expectancy at birth ( average)	74	 	63.5	 	
 	
Table:	 7.1 Population	 of Kerala	 	
Sl No.	 	Districts	 	Census 2011	 	
Male	 	Female	 	Population	 	Ratio	 	
1. 	Thiruvananthapuram	 	1581678	 	1719749	 	3301427	 	1088	 	
2. 	Kollam	 	1246968	 	1388407	 	2635375	 	1113	 	
3. 	Pathanamthitta	 	561716	 	635696	 	1197412	 	1129	 	
4. 	Alappuzha	 	1013142	 	1114647	 	2127789	 	1100	 	
5. 	Kottayam	 	968289	 	1006262	 	1974551	 	1040	 	
6. 	Idukki	 	552808	 	556166	 	1108974	 	1006	 	
7. 	Ernakulam	 	1619557	 	1662831	 	3282388	 	1028	 	
8. 	Thrissur	 	1480763	 	1640437	 	3121200	 	1109	 	
9. 	Palakkad	 	1359478	 	1450456	 	2809934	 	1067	 	
10	. 	Malappuram	 	1960328	 	2152592	 	4112920	 	1096	 	
11	. 	Kozhikode	 	1470942	 	1615351	 	3086293	 	1097	 	
12	. 	Wayanad	 	401684	 	415736	 	817420	 	1035	 	
13	. 	Kannur	 	1181446	 	1341557	 	2523003	 	1133	 	
14	. 	Kasaragod	 	628613	 	678762	 	1307375	 	1079	 	
  	Kerala	 	16027412	 	17378649	 	33406061	 	1084	 	
Source: Census 2011

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015 - 16  
 
Department of Economics & Statistics   151  Table :   7.2   District wise Sex - Ratio from 1901 - 2011  
Sl. 
No.   State/Districts   Sex - ratio (Number of Females per 1000 Males)
1901   1911   1921   1931   1941   1951   1961   1971   1981   1991   2001   2011  
1   Thiruvananthapuram   996   990   981   1003   1017   1010   1005   1008   1030   1036   1060   1087  
2   Kollam   987   988   989   1006   1013   997   996   1000   1022   1035   1069   1113  
3   Pathanamthitta   986   987   949   975   986   996   1011   1019   1056   1062   1094   1132  
4   Alappuzha   986   987   986   997   1003   1022   1026   1025   1043   1051   1079   1100  
5   Kottayam   965   969   947   966   966   987   988   991   1001   1003   1025   1039  
6   Idukki   839   842   850   834   875   909   914   937   963   975   993   1006  
7   Ernakulam   985   990   969   994   994   1008   999   988   997   1000   1019   1027  
8   Thrissur   1004   1009   1051   1075   1082   1105   1093   1081   1100   1085   1092   1108  
9   Palakkad   1042   1057   1069   1079   1079   1085   1077   1056   1056   1061   1066   1067  
10   Malappuram   1017   1020   1037   1059   1062   1055   1057   1041   1052   1053   1066   1098  
11   Kozhikode   1009   1022   1038   1032   1044   1019   1007   1004   1020   1027   1057   1098  
12   Wayanad   805   815   786   804   835   838   903   922   949   966   995   1035  
13   Kannur   1060   1079   1121   1106   1110   1074   1048   1033   1040   1049   1090   1136  
14   Kasaragod   1060   1053   1050   1040   1039   1046   1026   998   1020   1026   1047   1080  
  Total   1004   1008   1011   1022   1027   1028   1022   1016   1032   1036   1058   1084  
  Source: Census of India

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Department of Economics & Statistics	 	152	 	
 
 
 	
Table :	 7.3	 Density of Population (per Sq.Km) by residence : 	2001	-2011	 	
Sl. No.	 	State /Districts	 	Density of 
Population 	 	
(Per Sq .Km ) 	- 2001	 	
Density of Population 	 	
(Per Sq .Km ) 	- 2011	 	
1 	Thiruvananthapuram	 	1476	 	1508	 	
2 	Kollam	 	1038	 	1061	 	
3 	Pathanamthitta	 	468	 	452	 	
4 	Alappuzha	 	1492	 	1504	 	
5 	Kottayam	 	885	 	895	 	
6 	Idukki	 	259	 	255	 	
7 	Ernakulam	 	1012	 	1072	 	
8 	Thrissur	 	981	 	1031	 	
9 	Palakkad	 	584	 	627	 	
10	 	Malappuram	 	1021	 	1157	 	
11	 	Kozhikode	 	1228	 	1316	 	
12	 	Wayanad	 	366	 	384	 	
13	 	Kannur	 	812	 	852	 	
14	 	Kasaragod	 	604	 	657	 	
 	Total	 	819	 	860

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015 - 16  
 
Department of Economics & Statistics   153  Table :  7.4   Population Rural and  Urban break - up  –   2011 Census  
Sl no   State /District   Total   
Population   Rural   Urban  
Male   Female   Total   Male   Female   Total  
1   Thiruvananthapuram   3301427   724864   804967   1529831   856814   914782   1771596  
2   Kollam   2635375   680687   767530   1448217   566281   620877   1187158  
3   Pathanamthitta   1197412   499820   565979   1065799   61896   69717   131613  
4   Alappuzha   2127789   464713   514930   979643   548429   599717   1148146  
5   Kottayam   1974551   692673   716485   1409158   275616   289777   565393  
6   Idukki   1108974   527245   529684   1056929   25563   26482   52045  
7   Ernakulam   3282388   518510   529515   1048025   1101047   1133316   2234363  
8   Thrissur   3121200   488303   536491   1024794   992460   1103946   2096406  
9   Palakkad   2809934   1031466   1101658   2133124   328012   348798   676810  
10   Malappuram   4112920   1095308   1200401   2295709   865020   952191   1817211  
11   Kozhikode   3086293   484784   528937   1013721   986158   1086417   2072575  
12   Wayanad   817420   386283   399557   785840   15401   16179   31580  
13   Kannur   2523003   425682   456335   882017   755764   885222   1640986  
14   Kasaragod   1307375   387716   410612   798328   240897   268150   509047  
    Total   33406061   8408054   9063081   17471135   7619358   8315568   15934926

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015 - 16  
 
Department of Economics & Statistics   154  Table :   7.5   District wise Population in 5 yr age group  -   2011 Census (General Category)
Sl. 
No.   State/Districts   All ages   0 - 4   5 - 9  
Total   Male   Female   Total   Male   Female   Total   Male   Female  
1   Thiruvananthapura
m   3301427   1581678   1719749   216891   110287   106604   227143   115487   111656  
2   Kollam   2635375   1246968   1388407   178550   90349   88201   192036   97758   94278  
3   Pathanamthitta   1197412   561716   635696   67294   34022   33272   76061   38863   37198  
4   Alappuzha   2127789   1013142   1114647   134233   68661   65572   146499   75050   71449  
5   Kottayam   1974551   968289   1006262   120699   61477   59222   137235   69895   67340  
6   Idukki   1108974   552808   556166   73798   37443   36355   81682   41740   39942  
7   Ernakulam   3282388   1619557   1662831   214713   109407   105306   226293   115494   110799  
8   Thrissur   3121200   1480763   1640437   213202   109165   104037   213202   109165   104037  
9   Palakkad   2809934   1359478   1450456   214550   108923   105627   219514   111856   107658  
10   Malappuram   4112920   1960328   2152592   410106   208636   201470   407354   207693   199661  
11   Kozhikode   3086293   1470942   1615351   236427   119951   116476   247158   125979   121179  
12   Wayanad   817420   401684   415736   65082   33062   32020   69746   35656   34090  
13   Kannur   2523003   1181446   1341557   196829   99755   97074   196829   99755   97074  
14   Kasaragod   1307375   628613   678762   110718   56396   54322   110107   56329   53778  
Total   33406061   16027412   17378649   2453092   1247534   1205558   2555112   1303190   1251922

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015 - 16  
 
Department of Economics & Statistics   155   
Table :   7.6   District wise population in 5 yr age group  -   2011 Census( General Category)
Sl. No.   State/Districts   10 - 14   15 - 19   20 - 24  
Total   Male   Female   Total   Male   Female   Total   Male   Female  
1   Thiruvananthapuram   263246   134006   129240   255313   128688   126625   266969   128374   138595  
2   Kollam   212437   108388   104049   194497   98395   96102   199854   95208   104646  
3   Pathanamthitta   89315   45295   44020   84509   43388   41121   82770   41860   40910  
4   Alappuzha   165547   84279   81268   147508   75552   71956   146758   72479   74279  
5   Kottayam   155915   79113   76802   138696   72099   66597   129329   68170   61159  
6   Idukki   91858   46763   45095   79704   40943   38761   81667   41758   39909  
7   Ernakulam   252209   128742   123467   229573   118577   110996   235855   121109   114746  
8   Thrissur   250700   127773   122927   239833   121875   117958   239355   116293   123062  
9   Palakkad   244128   123988   120140   228471   115748   112723   246144   119819   126325  
10   Malappuram   424031   216411   207620   393009   198452   194557   406877   194357   212520  
11   Kozhikode   266107   136111   129996   245547   125167   120380   246515   116838   129677  
12   Wayanad   77418   39481   37937   63919   32424   31495   66417   31936   34481  
13   Kannur   207988   106226   101762   195500   99226   96274   199663   94983   104680  
14   Kasaragod   121871   62341   59530   114473   57765   56708   117636   55642   61994  
Total   2822770   1438917   1383853   2610552   1328299   1282253   2665809   1298826   1366983

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015 - 16  
 
Department of Economics & Statistics   156  Table :   7.7   District wise population in 5 yr age group  -   2011 Census  (General Category)  
Sl.  
No.   State/Districts   25 - 29   30 - 34   35 - 39  
Total   Male   Female   Total   Male   Female   Total   Male   Female  
1   Thiruvananthapuram   258879   120193   138686   245395   114711   130684   257169   117565   139604  
2   Kollam   199985   89590   110395   195866   88041   107825   210925   93671   117254  
3   Pathanamthitta   79258   36071   43187   78280   34401   43879   87475   37466   50009  
4   Alappuzha   150967   69517   81450   153465   70438   83027   168866   75029   93837  
5   Kottayam   129779   63724   66055   132945   63546   69399   152837   71558   81279  
6   Idukki   85747   43333   42414   83361   41198   42163   94420   45273   49147  
7   Ernakulam   238325   116775   121550   239287   116713   122574   262692   124545   138147  
8   Thrissur   226434   103198   123236   217204   97933   119271   242166   106832   135334  
9   Palakkad   242415   116092   126323   211243   100653   110590   217268   99958   117310  
10   Malappuram   364628   164498   200130   300552   132859   167693   281541   121166   160375  
11   Kozhikode   245890   109469   136421   234874   104571   130303   242221   106829   135392  
12   Wayanad   70224   33366   36858   65644   31334   34310   67856   32250   35606  
13   Kannur   197603   86704   110899   195261   85303   109958   194385   84138   110247  
14   Kasaragod   113958   51448   62510   102124   46516   55608   99852   45539   54313  
    Total   2604092   1203978   1400114   2455501   1128217   1327284   2579673   1161819   1417854

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015 - 16  
 
Department of Economics & Statistics   157  Table :   7.8   District wise population in 5 yr  age group  -   2011 Census (General Category)
Sl. No.   State/Districts   40 - 44   45 - 49   50 - 54  
Total   Male   Female   Total   Male   Female   Total   Male   Female  
1   Thiruvananthapuram   241071   110566   130505   245603   114946   130657   202305   96880   105425  
2   Kollam   194318   87448   106870   194136   89847   104289   159033   75188   83845  
3   Pathanamthitta   88083   38251   49832   92323   41026   51297   79426   36511   42915  
4   Alappuzha   163706   74902   88804   162485   75544   86941   134926   63861   71065  
5   Kottayam   156328   75162   81166   154192   74632   79560   132330   65223   67107  
6   Idukki   88118   43562   44556   86264   42405   43859   72116   36153   35963  
7   Ernakulam   266293   130357   135936   256448   126876   129572   215067   107761   107306  
8   Thrissur   239311   110044   129267   233160   109457   123703   194664   92929   101735  
9   Palakkad   188881   89633   99248   185219   89055   96164   145372   71048   74324  
10   Malappuram   241469   106628   134841   217799   98035   119764   172496   82690   89806  
11   Kozhikode   222484   102379   120105   210002   98203   111799   170780   82899   87881  
12   Wayanad   57693   28496   29197   55397   27117   28280   42987   21742   21245  
13   Kannur   179536   80011   99525   172802   78840   93962   142427   66823   75604  
14   Kasaragod   85207   39985   45222   82700   39615   43085   64216   31483   32733  
    Total   2412498   1117424   1295074   2348530   1105598   1242932   1928145   931191   996954

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015 - 16  
 
Department of Economics & Statistics   158  Table :  7.9   District wise population in 5 yr  age group  -   2011 Census (General Category)
Sl. No.   State/Districts   55 - 59   60 - 64   65 - 69  
Total   Male   Female   Total   Male   Female   Total   Male   Female  
1   Thiruvananthapuram   188288   92084   96204   147631   70801   76830   108793   51008   57785  
2   Kollam   151920   74390   77530   117038   56968   60070   85527   39780   45747  
3   Pathanamthitta   78078   37255   40823   64733   31189   33544   48508   22448   26060  
4   Alappuzha   128419   62876   65543   107060   51767   55293   73923   34042   39881  
5   Kottayam   120629   60260   60369   97534   47795   49739   70803   33301   37502  
6   Idukki   60796   31521   29275   42600   21778   20822   30790   14248   16542  
7   Ernakulam   192149   97746   94403   149443   73548   75895   103428   48357   55071  
8   Thrissur   168923   82900   86023   142384   67432   74952   99052   44405   54647  
9   Palakkad   130083   63772   66311   113415   53287   60128   81894   37059   44835  
10   Malappuram   148036   73341   74695   124191   60432   63759   87856   39659   48197  
11   Kozhikode   154449   77249   77200   127863   63245   64618   86813   39360   47453  
12   Wayanad   36277   18451   17826   28307   14181   14126   19045   8801   10244  
13   Kannur   129416   62516   66900   108136   51107   57029   73238   32424   40814  
14   Kasaragod   54945   27166   27779   44336   21606   22730   32464   14340   18124  
    Total   1742408   861527   880881   1414671   685136   729535   1002134   459232   542902

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015 - 16  
 
Department of Economics & Statistics   159  Table :   7.10   District wise population in 5 yr age group  -   2011 Census   (General  Category)
Sl. 
No.   State/  
Districts   70 - 74   75 - 79   80+   Age not specified  
Total   M   F   Total   M   F   Total   M   F   Total   M   F  
  Kerala   733372   326562   406810   501367   208317   293050   541849   204348   337501   34486   17297   17189  
01   Kasaragod   22162   9802   12360   14054   5958   8096   14798   5745   9053   1754   937   817  
02   Kannur   55799   24181   31618   38295   15248   23047   40770   14743   26027   5761   2935   2826  
03   Wayanad   12686   5737   6949   8542   3524   5018   9482   3741   5741   698   385   313  
04   Kozhikode   60549   27251   33298   41629   17021   24608   44026   16860   27166   2959   1560   1399  
05   Malappuram   57916   25771   32145   36779   15070   21709   35037   13043   21994   3243   1587   1656  
06   Palakkad   59901   26530   33371   39364   16215   23149   38937   14287   24650   3135   1555   1580  
07   Thrissur   77623   32997   44626   53997   21454   32543   55539   19501   36038   2963   1468   1495  
08   Ernakulam   79552   35457   44095   55915   23493   32422   62456   23351   39105   2690   1249   1441  
09   Idukki   22129   10163   11966   15168   6518   8650   17872   7510   10362   884   499   385  
10   Kottayam   54951   25011   29940   40020   17062   22958   48781   19500   29281   1548   761   787  
11   Alappuzha   56333   24960   31373   39785   16557   23228   45145   16581   28564   2164   1047   1117  
12   Pathanamthitta   37326   17014   20312   28439   12294   16145   34377   13761   20616   1157   601   556  
13   Kollam   61775   27341   34434   40849   17021   23828   44823   16696   28127   1806   889   917  
14   Thiruvananthapuram   74670   34347   40323   48531   20882   27649   49806   19029   30777   3724   1824   1900  
  ‘ F’ -   Femal, ‘M’  -   Male

Compendium of Environment Statistics 2015 - 16  
 
Department of Economics & Statistics   160     
 
 
Table : 7.11   Age Wise, Sex Wise Population   2011&Mid Year   2016  
age group   2011   census   Population   Mid year population 2016  
Male   Female   Total   Male   Female   Total  
0 - 4   1247534   1205558   2453092   1280159   1237084   2517243  
5to9   1303190   1251922   2555112   1337270   1284661   2621931  
10to14   1438917   1383853   2822770   1476546   1420043   2896589  
15to19   1328299   1282253   2610552   1363036   1315785   2678821  
20to24   1298826   1366983   2665809   1332792   1402731   2735523  
25to29   1203978   1400114   2604092   1235463   1436729   2672192  
30to34   1128217   1327284   2455501   1157721   1361994   2519715  
35to39   1161819   1417854   2579673   1192202   1454932   2647134  
40to44   1117424   1295074   2412498   1146646   1328942   2475588  
45to49   1105598   1242932   2348530   1134511   1275436   2409947  
50to054   931191   996954   1928145   955543   1023025   1978568  
55to59   861527   880881   1742408   884057   903917   1787974  
60to64   685136   729535   1414671   703053   748613   1451666  
65to69   459232   542902   1002134   471241   557100   1028341  
70to74   326562   406810   733372   335102   417449   752551  
75to79   208317   293050   501367   213765   300713   514478  
above80   204348   337501   541849   209692   346327   556019  
age not stated   17297   17189   34486   17749   17640   35389  
TOTAL   16027412   17378649   33406061   16446548   17833121   34279669  
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