Industries

* **Agriculture & Plantation**: Cultivation and processing of natural rubber, spices (black pepper, cardamom), and coconut. * **Tourism & Hospitality**: Houseboat operations (Kettuvallams), luxury backwater resorts, and eco-tourism initiatives primarily in Kumarakom. * **Fishing & Aquaculture**: Inland freshwater fishing and traditional prawn farming in the lower wetlands. * **Construction Materials**: Historically, the river was heavily mined for river sand used in construction, though this is now strictly regulated or banned to prevent ecological collapse. * **Healthcare & Education**: The towns along the river, notably Pala and Kottayam, are major regional hubs for medical care and higher education.