Physical Geography of Edava - Nadayara and Paravur Backwaters, Kerala, India

Water is the important phenomenon that differentiates the Earth from other members in the Milky Way. Besides being the prominent life sustaining component in the ecosystem, water plays a versatile role in the functioning of the bio-geo-chemical cycles. A backwater means the network of interconnected lakes and they were formed by the actions of shore currents and sea waves constructing low depressions at the mouth of rivers. The backwaters of Kerala are located where the freshwater from rivers meet Lakshadweep Sea in the west. Man has been using the backwaters for ages for fishing, transportation, agriculture and other related activities. Edava- Nadayara and Paravur backwaters lies between Lakshadweep Sea and Western Ghats in the south-western part of Kerala, India and is well known for their scenic beauty. Ithikkara river is the main feeder of Paravur lake and Ayiroor River, which is the second smallest river in Kerala finally emptying into the Edava- Nadayara lake. The backwater system has a total area of 101.026 sq. kms including the lakes which covers 10.325 sq. kms. The main objective of this study is to analyse the physical settings and characteristics of Edava- Nadayara and Paravur backwaters by inventorying the geomorphology, geology, climate, soil, slope, flora and fauna with the help of primary and secondary data sources. The finalised information is depicted through maps with technical supports.