Kuttanad is a low-lying region across three districts in Kerala, India, known for its vast rice paddy fields. Farming and fishing are the main occupations in Kuttanad. The Tottappilli Spillway was constructed in 1959 as a permanent solution to flooding in Kuttanad, diverting waters from nearby rivers to the sea before reaching Vembanad Lake. The Thanneermukkam Bund was built in 1974 across Vembanad Lake to prevent saltwater intrusion into Kuttanad's lowlands. Canals, rivers and lakes in Kuttanad are often used as dumping grounds, polluting the local water sources.