The community water quality monitoring program called Jaladarpanam was formally inaugurated by Dr. K.S. Manoj, Member of Parliament of Alappuzha on 27th March 2008.  The function was presided over by the environmentalist Sri. K. V. Dayal. Panchayat Presidents, representatives of NGOs, and volunteers from fourteen Basin stations set up around the Lake, academicians, professionals and general public participated in the event. In his inaugural address, Dr. Manoj appreciated the efforts of ATREE to lead this unique Water Quality monitoring program.  Jaladarpanam. He mentioned that the name Jaladarpanam is appropriate as the water has to be as so that it can reflect like a mirror. He also shared his concern about various cancerous diseases affecting the people around the lake which may be caused by heavy pollutants that accumulate in the lake. He assured all support to ATREE’s efforts in this venture.

Delivering his presidential address, Sri. K. V. Dayal emphasized the significance of intricate relationships between man and nature. It is a thumb rule that we will have to repay for our misbehaviors. He emphasized the same quoting examples of tsunami and the summer rains which destroyed the dreams of Kuttanadan farmers mercilessly.  The dignitaries like Shri. K. K. Chellappan, Thanneermukkom Panchayat President, Shri. R Visakhan, Kainakary Panchayat Vice President, and Shri V. J. Jose, Periyar River keeper felicitated the programme. The Panchayat representatives highlighted the issues of pollution and explained their helplessness, unless people’s support is extended. Panchayts have many limitations in handling pollution issues, in spite of the existing rules. They expressed their hope in joining hands with ATREE’s efforts in this connection through participatory interventions. Mr. Jose explained his painful experience in up keeping the Periyar River and how he overcomes such issues through determined and committed efforts. He extended his willingness to associate with the caretakers of Vembanad in this effort and assured all support.  Dr. Latha Bhaskar, CERC-ATREE explained the details of the project implementation and Dr. Priyadarsanan Dharmarajan, ATREE emphasized the need and significance of collective action in this connection.

In the seminar session that followed, Dr. B. Padma Kumar, Associate Professor, T. D. Medical College, Alappuzha lead a session on “ water, sanitation and health related issues of Vembanad Lake “. He spotted examples of water born diseases prevalent among the people around the lake and emphasized the need for remedial interventions.

The afternoon session was marked by the demonstration of testing the water quality using the field test kit. Smt. Smitha Chandran, Faculty, School of Environmental Sciences M. G. University, Kottayam conducted the session with the active participation of the representatives from basin stations. The results of the microbiological analysis of the water samples from six basin stations of Vembanad Lake  by the student team of Mar Athenecious College was presented to the participants by Shri. Sandeep. He explained the results which showed the heavy presence of pathogens, especially E-coli and disease causing organisms in the samples.

The future plan of action was discussed in the concluding session. The need for collective action was emphasized and the members of the basin stations as well as the panchayat representatives expressed their commitment to the cause. All Prominent News papers covered this event with reports. Surya TV telecasted the news and All India Radio broadcasted a 20 minute radio report about the event.