The M.Sc. Environmental Science students (Batch 2024–2025) of Sacred Heart College (Autonomous), Thevara, conducted a multi-semester case study on the Perandoor Canal, Kochi, a once-vibrant freshwater ecosystem now severely degraded due to rapid urbanization, solid waste dumping, and ecological neglect. Initiated in the first semester, the study assessed the canal’s physical, chemical, and biological parameters to evaluate its environmental status. The subsequent semesters extended this monitoring, generating valuable temporal data on pollution trends, nutrient loading, and ecosystem vulnerability.
During the third semester, the focus expanded from monitoring to developing laboratory-scale restoration strategies and reviewing successful national and international case studies to identify applicable best practices. Analyses of water, soil, and sediment provided crucial insights into heavy metal contamination, microbial pollution, and invasive vegetation spread.
In addition to scientific research, students actively engaged in community awareness campaigns, distributing pamphlets to sensitize local residents on waste management and canal conservation. The study highlights the importance of integrating science, governance, and community participation for sustainable restoration. Through this initiative, the students demonstrated a strong commitment to reviving urban freshwater ecosystems and promoting environmental stewardship in Kochi.
