Following the informative sessions, the seminar transitioned into a pivotal phase – group discussions. Attendees were divided into three groups, each tasked with exploring and presenting their unique perspectives on the challenges and solutions in waste management within the backwater tourism industry.

The first group articulated a pressing need for waste collection facilities strategically positioned at various finishing points of the boats. An Assistant Engineer from the Pollution Control Board (PCB) shed light on a noteworthy statistic—only 634 houseboats had obtained pollution certificates from the PCB, highlighting a significant gap in regulatory compliance. A proactive proposal emerged from a houseboat owner within the group, involving affixing stickers to plastic bottles brought on board by tourists. To encourage responsible disposal, tourists would pay a specified amount, reimbursed upon returning the bottle with the sticker. This innovative approach aimed not only to track disposed bottles but also to instil a sense of responsibility among visitors.

Challenges in waste segregation were brought to the forefront by a Haritha Karma Sena (HKS) member. Some houseboat owners were observed mixing onion peels, kitchen waste, and plastic, making waste management for HKS more intricate. The improper cleaning of food packets, such as those containing curd and dosa batter, led to the presence of worms in the collected plastics, further complicating the disposal process. Moreover, the group highlighted the inadequate disposal methods for certain types of waste, proposing practical solutions such as forming controlled groups of around 50 houseboats, each led by a designated leader.

The second group emphasised a holistic approach to address environmental concerns, asserting that accountability should extend beyond houseboat owners. They conveyed their willingness to invest in waste management solutions but underscored the necessity for authoritative involvement in finding viable, long-term resolutions. Houseboat owners articulated a pressing need for an incineration plant to manage plastic waste effectively. Despite their readiness to invest, the scarcity of available land became a crucial hurdle, prompting a plea for municipal intervention. They contended that the volume of waste from houseboats was not substantial when compared to other contributors, such as agricultural pesticide use and sewage outlets into canals, implying shared responsibility for lake pollution.

Organic waste, primarily comprising food waste, was acknowledged as a concern with an assurance that segregation practices were in place. However, the absence of mechanisms for organic waste collection was flagged as a potential threat to the river’s aesthetics, impacting the tourism industry. Houseboat owners proposed a collaborative effort between the government and themselves, suggesting government-led initiatives like seminars, workshops, and infrastructural support for effective organic waste management. In terms of inorganic waste, particularly plastic water bottles, the group highlighted a daily disposal rate of approximately 12 bottles per boat.

According to the third group, waste generation rates varied based on waste type, guest type, and guest numbers. They highlighted the absence of bins for segregating biodegradable and plastic wastes, leading to the dumping of biodegradable waste into the lake and causing eutrophication. Houseboat owners faced fines from the Pollution Control Board, resulting in a strike. Active coordination with Haritha Karma Sena for non-biodegradable waste collection existed, but challenges arose due to the lack of bins. The decreasing depth of Vembanad lake, attributed to improper management and insufficient dredging activities, was a cause of concern. Houseboat owners expressed frustration with the lack of coordination from PCB officials.

The group pointed out that no waste-to-fertiliser activities were currently taking place, and if implemented, it could positively impact the tourism industry. The houseboat owners claimed responsibility for lake preservation, asserting that these lakes are their financial assets. They blamed pollution on resident activities near Vembanad lake banks. The absence of bins at boarding points for passengers and the disposal of waste in the banks and lake were raised as issues. Proper dustbins in boat jetty areas were deemed necessary, and there was a call for authorities to raise awareness among residents and guests.