2026-01-24

Odonates, including dragonflies and damselflies, are vital indicators of freshwater ecosystem health. They help control insect populations and maintain ecological balance. The Meenachil River, originating from the Western Ghats in Kerala and flowing through Kottayam to Vembanad Lake, is renowned for its biodiversity and cultural significance—but today it faces severe pollution challenges.

Under the aegis of TIES, multiple pollution studies, research initiatives, and restoration projects are underway to rejuvenate the river. As part of these efforts, annual odonate surveys are conducted to monitor dragonfly and damselfly populations, engaging experts, students, academicians, researchers, and local communities.

The 10th Meenachil Odonate Survey concluded with notable findings. While overall odonate diversity remains stable, the survey revealed a significant decline in dragonfly populations compared to damselflies over the past decade, highlighting the impacts of climate change and pollution.

The survey, conducted in partnership with the Kerala Forest Department’s Social Forestry Division, began with a training session inaugurated by K.B. Subash, ACF, and led by Dr. Abraham Samuel, President of TIES, and Dr. Punnen Kurian, Secretary of TIES, both experts in odonates.

This year, researchers identified 44 species—24 dragonflies and 20 damselflies. Common species such as the Pied Paddy Skimmer, Blue Grass Dart, and Trumpet-tail were sighted along the riverbanks.. Rare species such as the Black and Yellow Bambootail and Little Blue Marsh Hawk were observed in Kidangoor and Illikkal, while the Black Torrent Dart and Stream Ruby appeared in the river’s headwaters.

Despite unexpected rain disrupting fieldwork, experts emphasized that the destruction of aquatic habitats is a major threat—not just to odonates, but also to human health, animals, and crops.

The survey saw the active participation of 44 students from 16 institutions, guided by an expert team including Dr. Punnen Kurian, Dr. Nelson P. Abraham, M.N. Ajayakumar, Sarath Babu N.B., Ranjith Jacob Mathew,  Tony Antony, M. Thomas Yakoob, Amritha V. Raghu, and Giri K.M.