Environment monitoring begins

The Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) has taken up a State-wide environment monitoring programme to keep a strict tab on pollution of air, soil and water sources. The project is expected to generate data for corrective action including legislation to check pollution. The monitoring of water resources has already commenced. The first phase of the programme has been taken up in the Kabani, Periyar and Neyyar basins re presenting three distinct agro -climatic regions of the State. The project involves complete chemical and biological analysis of surface and ground water samples collected from the three regions. Test stations will be set up at the river basins for periodic monitoring. Sources at the KSCSTE headquarters here said colleges in the respective areas would be involved in the massive data generation exercise. The council will equip college laboratories with modern testing equipment for analysis of samples. Sources said the project would also provide scientific exposure to teachers and students. The Valapattanam, Kannur and Chaliyar river basins have been selected for the second phase of the exercise.
Soil monitoring
The programme to monitor soil resources is slated to take off by December this year. The council has drawn up an action plan to ensure the participation of local self-government institutions in the effort. The test sites for the pilot project will represent the northern, central and southern regions of the State. The Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM), Kera la Forest Research Institute (KFRI) and the Soil Survey Department will coordinate the pilot project which aims at periodic monitoring of physical, chemical and biological parameters and the presence of pesticide residue in agricultural land.
The three coordinating institutions have been equipped with modern facilities for soil testing. Officials at the KSCSTE said the ultimate aim of the objective was to prepare GIS (Geographical Information System) survey maps on the soil and water resources in the target areas. The maps are expected to become key tools for decision-making on environmental issues. The air monitoring programme is scheduled to begin next year. The data generated by the monitoring of the three key natural resources would be included in the annual report on the State of the Environment in Kerala, published by the council.

The Hindu sep 26