The river Kabani is one of the most important east-flowing Rivers in Kerala, with its origins in the Western Ghats (Banasura hills). The back-to-back deluges of 2018 and 2019 have largely affected the biodiversity found on Kabani’s banks, in addition to giving momentum to various direct and indirect repercussions. Soil erosion is one. However, the floods have also ended up diverting the river’s natural path of flow, thereby, affecting agricultural lands to a great extent. Moreover, the erstwhile floral diversity is believed to have been a primary source of subsistence for several species of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds etc.
An immediate need was realized to restore the riparian landscape for micro-habitats and its dependent species to thrive. The restoration effort was given the name ‘Puzhayora Punarjeevanam’.
After multiple discussion sessions with local community members and experts, we decided upon the plant-species to re-introduce into the landscape. Some 5,000 saplings of 53 different species have been planted along the Kabani riverbank. A comprehensive monitoring plan has also been designed wherein the Thalir self-help group is to look after the plants of the upper region, while Akshayajyothi library will take up the responsibility for the lower part.
