Rare squirrel rescued

A male Indian Giant Flying Squirrel (Petaurista philippensis) found with injuries in the Silent Valley National Park was admitted to Kerala Agricultural University's College of Veterinary Sciences Hospital in Mannuthy on Monday. Wildlife officers found the squirrel lying in a semi-conscious state under an electricity line in the park. Assistant Wildlife Warden A. Nagarajan got it admitted to the hospital.Aravind Ghosh, professor and head of the hospital, said the animal must have suffered an electric shock.

 

The Hindu, 30^th September 2008

Paddy gardens for food security

Veteran settler-farmer K.R. Kuriakose at Cheerakuzhy in Karimpuzha panchayat in Mannarkad taluk is continuing with his experiments in agriculture practices. Winner of a national award for development of 'young bud' rubber plants in 2005, and the Karshakasree award in 1998 for inter-crop farming, Mr. Kuriakose's new innovation promotes paddy cultivation in the highland areas by using waste water from houses. Water from bathrooms and kitchens is collected in a main pond or head pond ('thalakulam') along with rainwater. A patch of dry land is prepared below the pond for paddy cultivation. In each homestead, a piece of land, of 25-50 cents, is readied with organic manure for paddy cultivation. The water stored in the head pond is utilised to irrigate paddy. "Like a kitchen vegetable garden, each family can develop a 'paddy garden' near their house. This will make a big contribution towards food security." he says.He says the system of head pond, which protected paddy and other farm land, was destroyed with the fragmentation of agriculture land. The new owners reclaimed the head pond and virtually destroyed paddy field and other fertile land. This was one of the major reasons for the food shortage in the State.Mr. Kuriakose says he has prepared 30 cents of land for paddy cultivation near his house by storing waste water in a head pond. The pond can also be used for fish cultivation if water is available round the year.An average of 500 to 1,000 litres of waste water can be collected from each house daily. This can make the pond a permanent water reservoir.If this experiment can be practised in all houses, it will give a big boost to the food security programme the government is implementing, he says.He had cultivated pineapple and gram as inter-crop in rubber plantations. He has taken up several other innovative farming practices in vegetable cultivation.At 75, he has more than half-a-century experience and local wisdom to guide him.

The Hindu, 29^th September 2008

Stress on sustainable development policies

Minister for Water Resources N.K. Premachandran has stressed the need for sustainable development policies to combat the ecological and environmental impact of climate change. Inaugurating the valedictory function of a global meet organised by OISCA (Organisation for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement) here on Saturday, he said the "blind pursuit" of development was playing havoc with the environmental equilibrium.  "There is no doubt that the present condition of climate change has been caused entirely due to human activities. We have only ourselves to blame. It is high time we replaced our concept of development and adopted a sustainable approach with social commitment and futuristic vision," he said.The Minister added that society's change in attitude towards nature was also connected with globalisation and liberalisation which had made people more selfish and competitive. "Our attitude towards agriculture in an example. An agriculture-oriented economy will automatically take care of nature," he said.As many as 260 delegates, including 20 delegates from Japan, Thailand, Sri Lanka and school students from Ethiopia, participated in the global meet held on the theme 'Human activities and climate change.' A seminar was also organised jointly by OISCA and the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) as part of the meet. In its Thiruvananthapuram declaration, the OISCA Global Meet recommended the formulation of a comprehensive scheme to encourage afforestation and create awareness among school children of the need to protect the environment.The declaration also proposed the involvement of vulnerable communities in conservation programmes and promoting traditional knowledge and practices in agriculture and soil conservation. It observed that food security of communities across the world was being compromised by low productivity, pollution, excessive consumption and wastage. Additional chief secretary to the Government of Kerala K. Jayakumar; Centre for Earth Science Studies director M. Baba; and KSCSTE principal officer Kamalakshan Kokkal; were among the invited speakers for the seminar.OISCA International executive vice-president Toshihiro Nakano; Chief Conservator of Forest and OISCA Kazhakuttam chapter president K.P. Ouseph; OISCA Kerala South Zone president P.P. Nair; and South India Chapter Women's Forum president Parvathy Warrier; were also present at the valedictory function.

The Hindu, 28^th September 2008

State to lose control over water bodies

Minister for Water Resources N.K. Premachandran said here on Saturday that the Regulatory Framework for Wetlands Conservation proposed by the Union government could force the State to give up administrative control over water bodies like the Sasthamcotta, Vembanad and Ashtamudi freshwater lakes.Delivering the inaugural address at a discussion on the draft notification issued by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests, he said many provisions in the proposed framework were cause for concern. The Minister said the proposal to bring wetlands listed in Category A under a Central Wetlands Conservation Committee would force the State to relinquish administrative control over the three major freshwater lakes. "Regulation and administration of wetlands is a State subject. The State government is working on an action plan for wetland conservation involving various departments. Moves are on to constitute a statutory authority for the purpose," he said. Mr. Premachandran said the need for a Central agency to manage wetlands in Kerala was questionable in this context. "The State may have to comply with the regulatory framework if it is made a condition for release of funds from the Union government. But it will be a serious setback to Centre-State relations and the decentralisation process," he said.The Minister pointed out that Kerala may not be represented in the proposed Central Wetlands Conservation Committee. "It will be impossible to include all States in the 17-member committee. If so, it will be a denial of natural justice." He said States must retain control over wetlands. "The Centre can provide funds and monitor their management," the Minister added.He said the enabling provisions in the draft notification for conversion or reclamation of wetlands could not be seen as a positive message. "The draft of the State legislation on the subject has more prohibitive and restrictive provisions."Executive Vice-President of the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) E.P. Yesodharan presided.

The Hindu, 28^th September 2008

Project for mapping of water resources

A project for mapping of water resources has been envisaged to chalk out programmes for optimum utilisation of the available resources and prepare data of the resources, Kerala Water Resources Minister N.K. Premachandran said here on Friday.Inaugurating a workshop on the water policy, Mr. Premachandran said in spite of the depletion of water resources, Kerala was still considered a State that wasted its surplus water resources. Hence, it is imperative to prepare data about the available resources to plan for the future.The Minister said the government had decided to amend the Groundwater Regulation Act to check exploitation of groundwater resources. A draft law for the conservation of rivers and water-bodies was on the anvil, he added.While formulating the water policy, the State was focussing on providing drinking water to those below the poverty line. While the Centre had directed to revise the tariff to meet capital expenses, the State had revised the tariff to meet the operational and maintenance expenses. The government decided to bear the financial burden of supplying drinking water to BPL families.He said following the decentralisation of powers to local self-government institutions, panchayats were expected to take up drinking water schemes in their respective areas. This was expected to go on stream by the end of the Eleventh Plan period. However, many panchayats had not taken up the responsibility.He said due importance was not being given to rainwater harvesting. The State could not afford to take up major projects. Small and medium projects were most suited for the State. While encouraging minor and lift irrigation projects, revival and capacity enhancement of the existing projects were also needed. Additional Chief Secretary K. Jayakumar, who is in charge of the Water Resources Department, presided over the inaugural function.

The Hindu, 27^th September 2008

Debate on climate change: Minister

Forest Minister Benoy Viswom has called for a general debate on globate warming, climate change and conservation of forests. Inaugurating a two-day global meet on Human Activities and Climate Change which took off here on Friday under the auspices of the Organization for Industrial, Spiritual and Cultural Advancement (OISCA), International, he said climate change and its impact was a subject that had to be discussed not only by scientists and experts but the general public also. He exhorted political parties also to discuss these issues. General secretary of the South India chapter of OISCA M.Aravinda Babu, Tourism Secretary V..Venu and Executive Vice President of OISCA-International Toshihiro Aakano spoke.The discussions focused on reasons for climate change, its impact on the environment and steps to reduce the consequences. One of the interesting observations was that methane emissions in Kerala were coming down as against the rising trend in other parts of the world. Minister for water Resources N.K. Premachandran is schedules to address the valedictory session on Saturday.

The Hindu, 27^th September 2008

Vegetarian fish find the seaweed greener in south

Goa, it seems, has drawn the territorial line between domains of herbivorous and carnivorous fishes in the Arabian Sea.The preparation of an atlas on environmental parameters and productivity of the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone and adjoining areas has thrown up interesting factors such as the predominant habitats of carnivorous and herbivorous fishes.Studies reveal that carnivorous fish, such as Bombay duck and ribbonfish, mostly choose to stay in waters to the north of Goa.Herbivorous varieties, such as sardine and anchovy, prefer to stay in waters to the south of that State, says K.K.C. Nair, project leader.The studies shatter the belief that phytoplankton is produced mostly in parts of the seas which receive the most sunlight. It has been found out that the production takes place at a depth of 40 to 60 metres, he said.The productivity of phytoplankton in the Bay of Bengal is nearly half that recorded in the Arabian Sea. This is directly linked to fish productivity as it forms the first link in the food chain, he said.The scientists have identified environmental hotspots in the sea off Kochi, Kollam and Kozhikode.The relative abundance of toxic elements, such as nitrous oxide, has been recorded in the coastal belts of these areas, indicating pollution from agricultural waste and effluents from industrial units.The studies have identified some new promising fish breeding grounds off the Kerala waters. During the southwest monsoon, breeding grounds of sardine have been identified off Kannur.During the winter months, sardines breed off Kochi, 15 nautical miles on the seaward side at a depth of 20 metres, says Dr. Nair, who led the research team consisting of 14 scientists and 25 research fellows.The scientific relevance of the atlas is that it is the most exhaustive study on the nvironmental parameters and productivity of the Indian waters since the one done during 1960-65 under the auspices of UNESCO. The scientific research vessel Sagar Sampada was used for the 41 cruises that were conducted and various parameters pertaining to the environment and productivity were continuously monitored for eight years, Dr. Nair adds.

The Hindu, 24^th September 2008

Parambikulam to become tiger reserve

The formalities connected with the declaration of the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary in the State as a tiger reserve are nearing completion, Forest Minister Benoy Viswom said here on Friday.Parambikulam will be the second tiger reserve in the State after the Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR), which was given that status way back in 1978.The Minister said this while releasing a book of photographs, titled 'Periyar in her Elements,' published jointly by the Periyar Foundation and the Kerala Forest Department. The book contains more than 80 breathtaking photos from the PTR, taken by 15 well-known wildlife photographers from Kerala and outside.A black-and-white photo of an elephant in the Periyar forests by the renowned ornithologist Salim Ali and another of a majestic tusker virtually posing for the camera against the backdrop of Thekkady Lake by the famous Indian wildlife photographer T.N.A. Perumal, included in the pages of the book, add to the value of the book to those interested in the conservation history of the country.Principal Chief Conservator of Forests T.N. Manoharan said the book was an attempt to lift the concept of conservation to spiritual levels, the oneness of existence and the interdependence of all species of life. Art and poetry are combined in the book to awaken conservation consciousness.The book was published in the context of the 75th anniversary of the declaration of the Periyar area as a game reserve. It was then known as Nellikkampetty Game Reserve. More wildlife areas were added to Nellikkanpetty to turn the region first into a sanctuary and then into a tiger reserve.The head of the Forest Department R.P. Sharma, the Forest Secretary P.K. Mohanty and Chief Wildlife Warden J.K. Tiwari also addressed the function, held at the Forest Headquarters here.

 

The Hindu, 21^st September 2008

Forest Dept to start ‘Sabaritheertha’

Forest Minister Binoy Viswom has said that the Forest Department will start a potable water project for Sabarimala named 'Sabaritheertha.' Binoy Viswom told reporters here on Friday after the meeting convened for discussing the arrangements made by the Forest Department for Sabarimala season that the project was part of the efforts to curb the use of plastics in Sabarimala. A study had revealed most of the plastic waste was the results of packaged water. He said that the project also envisages the distribution of potable water in bottles. But, as per the project, the price of the bottles will be reimbursed if the bottles are returned. This project has found to be a a success when implemented in Parambikulam. Forest Development Councils have been entrusted with the implementation of the project. He said that the Forest Department was also planning to install dust bins in selected places from Pampa to Sannidhanam. The Forest Department will also start forest information room in Sabarimala with all communication facilities. Guards and other Forest officials will be posted at 10 selected centres during the pilgrim season. He said that the facilities will be enhanced at the two forest houses and the Prakrithi Padana Kendram at Sabarimala. Eco Development Societies under the Forest Department has been asked to take steps for providing maximum facilities for Sabarimala pilgrims, he said.

 

The New Indian Express, 20^th September 2008

CMZ Act: More discussions sought

As the last date for giving feedback on the draft of newly proposed Coastal Management Zone (CMZ) Act ended on August 31, the Centre for Environment Education (CEE), which was entrusted with the task of getting reaction from the ten states, has readied the draft based on the reaction from the general public. The general opinion that came out of the feedback was that the CMZ Act in its present form could not be taken forward without any grass root-level discussions with the fishing community and the panchayaths. The CMZ Act is vague and liable to misinterpretation to the detriment of both the  fisher community and the environment, was the general reaction. Around 260 people attended the meeting which included politicians, social activists, fishermen, environmentalists, scientists, legal expert and the general public. The law like CMZ Act should not be uniformly enforced across the coastal states as each of which has its own distinct identity and hence requires a different a kind of plan for its development and protection. There is a strong apprehension among most of the people that the rights of the local self-government and sometimes even the state government were being transgressed upon or diluted as large investment projects would require the endorsement or approval of the Union Ministry.But the strong issue of debate is the lack of clarity in the setback line. While the concept of the setback line was because of Tsunami, indigenous knowledge of the coastal community should be taken into account. With the climatic, changes, data related to various factors will vary considerably; hence instead of fixing the setback line, many suggested that it be reviewed periodically and should not be come a rigid line for the fisher community. The message was clear. Tourism, industry, mining and SEZs should not be promoted at the cost of the local population. Scrap CMZ and implement the earlier Coastal Regulation Zone without diluting it. Punish violators of the CZR and do not regularize them. Ensure protection of the coastal environment, marine biodiversity and coastal ecosystems through stringent measures.

 

The New Indian Express, 19^th September 2008

Kurinji blooms near Mathikettan park

The legendary kurinji flower has bloomed again in Idukki, this time on the 'shola' grasslands at Thalakkulam near the Mathikettan Shola National Park.The kurinji plant (Strobilanthes kunthiana) follows a flowering cycle of 12 years. However, plants at specific locations may complete their cycles in different years. The season usually lasts months. The last major flowering of kurinji was in 2006 at different locations from the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu to Munnar in Kerala. The bloom had then covered several high-elevation knolls in the Eravikulam National Park and vicinity like a carpet.Compared to that, the flowering this year is less spectacular. It covers only a small area. The lower portion of the hill, close to the Kochi-Madurai highway is in private hands. The rest is forest land. The area is not far from the Anayirankal reservoir and is only three kilometres from Pooppara along the national highway.The height of kurinji plants is different from place to place. The size of the flowers also varies. The flowers seen at Thalakkulam are smaller and interspersed with wild grass. Studies will be required to determine whether they can be classified as a different species of the genus Strobilanthes (family of Acanthaceae). More than 50 Strobilanthes species occur in India and these have flowering cycles ranging from one to 16 years. Some of these have bloomed in the Eravikulam National Park this year in smaller numbers. However, Strobilanthes kunthiana is the most popular among the species.Many tribal lore and customs are associated with kurinji, which is believed to be the flower of Lord Muruga. Legend has it that Muruga married a tribal girl Valli with a garland of kurinji flowers. The black-stalked kurinji finds mention in the Sanghom literature and several poems had been written about that. The Kurinjimala Sanctuary near Munnar was formed in 2006 to protect the shola grasslands and kurinji.

 

The Hindu, 18^th September 2008

Debate on draft framework for wetland conservation

The Wetland Technical Unit of the State Council for Technology and Environment is organising a discussion on the draft 'Regulatory Framework for the Conservation of Wetlands' issued by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF)on September 27 at Sasthrabhavan Auditorium, Pattom.The draft notification categorises wetlands to three different classes and includes several prohibited and regulated activities, which may have far reaching effects on the conservation and the management of wetlands. Therefore the KSCSTE has created a platform to discuss various aspects and provisions of the draft notification.The programme includes group discussions, and presentations. Those who are interested to take part in the discussion may register their names and details by mail to the Co-ordinator, Wetland Technical Unit, KSCSTE, Sasthrabhavan, Pattom, Thiruvananthapuram - 695004, on or before September 23 by e-mail at wtukscste@gmail.com, or over phone 0471-2543701. The number of participants has been limited to 60 persons, on first come- first serve basis. The programme will start at 10.30 am. The draft notification is available on the website of MoEF (www.moef.nic.in).

The New Indian Express, 18^th September 2008

Scientist in National Panel

Kamalakshan Kokkal, Principal Scientific Officer with Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment, has been nominated to the national technical committee on the Status of Environment and Related Issues (North) to guide and monitor the ENVIS Centre. These ENVIS Centres of the Ministry of Environment and Forests have been set up in the areas of pollution control, toxic chemicals, central and offshore ecology, environmentally sound and appropriate technology, bio-degradation of wastes and environment management. The committee has to submit a report in the performance of the objectives of ENVIS Centres set up in the said area after their visit every year. The national technical committee is headed by Jagdish Kishwan, director general of the Indian Council fir Forestry Research and Education. The other members on the committee include R.Tuli of the National Botanical Research Institute, S.S.Gahlout, senior technical director of the National Informatics Centre,M.Homeshowor Singh, Senior Scientific Officer of the Environment and Ecology wing, V.K.Gupta, director of NISCAIR and S.P.Sharma, Statistical Advisor of the Ministry of Environment and Forests. The tenure of the committee is one year. The shall also review the proposals for consideration for the best ENVIS Centre Award and issue letters of appreciation for ENVIS co-ordinators.

 

The New Indian Express, 18^th September 2008

Scientists record reduction in ozone depletion-level

There is a reason to cheer on the International Ozone Day. The scientists have recorded a perceptible reduction in the ozone depletion levels in the atmosphere.It is generally believed that the preventive measures taken by the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) by cutting down the CFCs emission have had its effect on the atmosphere. "The ozone-level variation may not have much to do with the CFCs but with factors like El Nino, sea surface changes, cyclones and temperatures which were varying in the 70s when the ozone-level changes were first detected," says Prof K Mohan Kumar, Dean, Faculty of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology.Mohan Kumar presented a paper on these findings at the just-concluded 'Stratospheric Processes And their Role in Climate' (SPARC), 4th General Assembly, organised at Bologne, Italy, from August 31 to September 5. "There was a lot of discussion and it was decided that more studies and data would be collected." SPARC is the core project of the World Climate Research Programme.About 16 scientists from India participated in the week-long conference which debated extensively on issues that affected the stratosphere."My paper questioned whether a climatic shift has an impact on the ozone hole and whether the ozone hole is a real one or an indicator of the climate shift?" Mohan Kumar, who released his book on 'Stratosphere Troposphere Interaction,' said that all the data used in his study was published in the book.He said that one other factor that needs to be looked into was that there had been no major volcanic eruptions since 1994. Volcanic eruptions lead to the discharge of large chlorine molecules in the lower level of the stratosphere which destroy large amounts of ozone molecules thus causing a depletion.He said that unlike what is popularly believed, Asia is not the largest polluter of the CFCs, but US and Europe are the main culprits. "We strongly defended the charge that India are a major polluter of the ozone layer." Ozone depletion is more in the mid-latitudes like the Antartica rather than in tropical climates like ours, he said.

 

The New Indian Express, 17^th September 2008

Kerala Science Congress in January

The 21st session of the Kerala Science Congress will be held in Kollam from January 28 to 31. The theme is "Role of science and technology in the industrial development of Kerala."The congress will be sponsored by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) and co-sponsored by the Industries Department, Kerala Minerals and Metals Ltd. (KMML) and the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Biotechnology and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research of the Union government. It will be organised by the KSCSTE, in association with the Industries Department and the KMML. The events proposed for the congress include presentation of papers, invited talks, presentations by experts on the focal theme, poster presentations and exhibition, presentations by the State-level winners of the Children's Science Congress and so on. Over 400 scientific papers are expected to be presented and discussed. The Young Scientist Award will be given to the best paper in each of the subject areas to encourage young scientific talent. The State-level winners of the congress will be felicitated. They will be given an opportunity to present their project works before the scientific forum. There will be three memorial lectures in honour of the S&T visionaries of the State P.T. Bhaskara Panicker, P.K. Gopalakrishnan and P.R. Pisharoty. Showcasing of various institutions and exhibitions demonstrating the achievements of S&T institutions will be organised. The last date for submission of extended abstracts is October 31. Details may be had on www.ksc.kerala.gov.in  

The Hindu 17^th September 2008

On a mission to save a misunderstood amphibian

Amphibian populations all over the world face the threat of extinction due to the pressure on environment. Kerala is home to a little-known amphibian species that is killed in large numbers simply because it resembles a snake. Oommen V. Oommen, head of the Department of Zoology, University of Kerala, and Ramachandran Kotharambath, a doctoral student, have embarked on a mission to save the caecilian amphibian. The latest issue of Froglog, bimonthly newsletter of the Amphibian Specialists Group under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), carries a paper authored by the two academicians. Highlighting the challenges to the caecilian population in the Western Ghats, the researchers argue the need for field studies, especially in the north Kerala region, to remove the myths that have made the amphibian species much-feared creatures. They point out that a significant number of caecilians are succumbing to pesticide use, changing land use pattern and accidental death during cultivation in farms. Field visits revealed that the caecilian is considered deadly by the common man. A tribal man in the Agasthyavanam Biological Reserve informed them that one particular species was more poisonous than a King Cobra. "When questioned, the man admitted that he had no personal knowledge of any casualties but was steadfast in his belief that it is dangerous," the paper says.In another village in north Kerala, a house owner admitted that he had killed one and burned it using salt and kerosene. In some areas, caecilians are known as double-headed animals or blind snakes. In 2007, November, Natural History Museum, London, had named a species of caecilian amphibian after Dr. Oommen. The species, Uraeotyphlus oommeni, was discovered in the Western Ghats in 1987.The intrinsic biology of caecilians makes their study challenging. The Indian caecilian amphibian burrows the soil and a special digging effort is required to bring it out. "Wading in muddy fields to fish out slimy creatures will put off all but the most dedicated researcher," Dr. Oommen says."The caecilian amphibians are legless and have a subterranean lifestyle. The elusive life of this poorly documented amphibians has given them a bad image among the layman. They are absolutely harmless. People have to be educated to prevent them from killing these snake-like frogs," says Mr.Ramachandran. Currently, 16 species of caecilians have been reported from Kerala. "With the recent surge in field work, the number will hopefully go up," the paper says. Interestingly, only a few caecilians have been reported from protected areas like wildlife sanctuaries, tiger reserves and forests. Most of the sightings are from inhabited areas, mainly fields and plantations.

The Hindu, 16^th September 2008

A case for decentralised green energy

India is a country in transition with recent high rates of economic growth propelling it towards being a global economic power. The sustenance of this economic growth would depend on how the country is able to take the fruits of development to the deprived sections of society. Deprivation is borne out by the fact that over 50 per cent of the households in the country are yet to be electrified. These households depend on subsidised kerosene for lighting. The kerosene is bur nt in highly inefficient devices that do little for illumination and contribute more towards increasing health problems. Similarly for meeting cooking energy needs, over 80 per cent of the rural households directly burn biomass. Meanwhile, the relatively affluent — particularly 25 per cent of urban households — garner 80 per cent of the subsidy on LPG. The scenario demands a path that is distinctly different from the current approach to solving rural energy problems. It is to this end that the emphasis on the promotion of biofuels can be useful.While the debate continues on the benefits and impact of Jatropha plantation, there is close to 24 million hectares of culturable fallow land that is lying unutilised. The ownership of this type of land is often with marginal and small farmers. Lack of a proper income often traps these farmers in a vicious circle of debt and poverty. In such cases, the issue of the impact of Jatropha plantation on food security becomes meaningless. Further, the debate on the production of biodiesel for blending with petrodiesel has overlooked the possible use of Jatropha seed oil for meeting energy needs at the local level. Straight vegetable oils (SVO) are used in several countries in Africa and South East Asia for meeting local energy needs. SVO-based generators that produce electricity and cookstoves that operate on plant oils are already being used. Engines based on SVO for operating irrigation pumpsets are also available and being used. Thus the plantation of Jatropha has the potential to contribute significantly to the creation of a local economy based on the production and use of SVO for meeting decentralised energy needs. One hectare of Jatropha plantation would provide at least 1.5 tonnes of oil per annum. Farmers can individually use the oil at the household level or can join hands to find productive use of oil for meeting collective energy needs. They can further market the excess oil either for local consumption or for the production of biodiesel. In this context the focus needs to be on promoting plantations on the boundary, fallow land and in inter-crop mode. In these modes, the plantation would minimally interfere with the existing cropping pattern. In such a scenario, rather than conflicting with food security the effort would strengthen and enhance the current production. The farmer's income from the sale of oil or enhanced economic opportunities through energy production will be ploughed back into improving the production of regular crops. The winds of change that the effort on biofuels production are bringing can help in blowing away the scourge of poverty, including deprivation of modern energy, for the rural masses. Hope is reflected by the amazement and pride with which Appa Rao, a marginal farmer in a remote village of Andhra Pradesh, looks at his lush green agriculture field of one hectare in which Jatropha curcas has been planted. Not long ago, it was barren and Appa Rao used to bemoan his luck for having a useless piece of land. The land had been lying fallow for quite some time due to low productivity of soil and lack of irrigation facilities. There are hundreds of such farmers who have adopted the initiative for Jatropha plantation in the West Godavari, East Godavari, Khammam and Krishna districts of Andhra Pradesh. The farmers have entered into a buyback arrangement with Project Green, a joint initiative of The Energy and Resources Institute and BP. They are being provided elite planting material, technical help and training. They are also being organised into groups for local decentralised expelling of oil. The oil is proposed to be used both locally and for the production of biodiesel. By the third year of the project, close to seven million plants have been planted and a decentralised expeller is all set to produce oil. Such efforts would require support and incentives from the government. It is to this end that some of the subsidy of close to Rs.30,000 crore on kerosene and LPG can be directed. Currently, the subsidy is largely appropriated by the relatively affluent and a significant part is diverted for the adulteration of diesel with kerosene. The use of subsidy for sustainably resolving energy problems and contributing to the economic uplift of the poor would lead to the optimal utilisation of resources. The initiative would also require facilitation in making available low-cost SVO-based cook stoves, generators and pumpset engines that small farmers and other rural households can afford. Since it is still early days for biofuels and the Jatropha-based biodiesel programme, the constraints with regard to production and direct use can be further resolved. Specifically, effort is required to make the small-scale production processes first secure their own energy interests and then enter into a partnership with large-scale producers.

The Hindu, 16^th September 2008

Kozhikode gets Hospitality Management Institute

Another glorious chapter has been added to the hospitality sector of Kozhikode, with Mr. Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, Minister for Tourism, inaugurating the State Institute of Hospitality Management at the Yatri Nivas here. There are 50 seats for the three year BSc programme, and the students are selected through an all India entrance test. There are also 10 additional seats, reserved solely for students from Kerala.
Source: http://www.keralatourism.org/news/181/kozhikode-management-institute.php?issueid=181

Dam Tourism on the anvil: eco-tourism initiatives of Kerala Tourism Dept

The dams and water reservoirs of Kerala will be turned into tourist hotspots under the eco-tourism initiatives of Kerala Tourism. A committee has been formed for this purpose, with Mr. K. Jayakumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Water Resources, in the lead. The plan proposes to the development of basic facilities in fifty odd centres. The quarters near such reservoirs and dams will be modified into hotels with all modern amenities.
Source: http://www.keralatourism.org/news/181/dam-tourism.php?issueid=181

Peruvannamuzhy eco-tourism project launched

Peruvannamuzhy, a scenic village in Kozhikode, has been included in the list of eco-tourism destinations in Kerala with Mr. Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, Minister for Tourism, inaugurating the eco-tourism project here on August 10, 2008. This 130.70 million rupee project is being implemented by Pannikkottur Vana Samrakshana Samiti and is funded by Kerala Tourism.
Source: http://www.keralatourism.org/news/181/peruvannamuzhy.php?issueid=181

Mascot hotel raised to exclusive heritage hotel

Mascot Hotel, a five star venture by Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) has been raised to an exclusive heritage business hotel with Mr. Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, Minister for Tourism, reopening the heritage block of the hotel. The heritage block of this 90-year old hotel is being renovated by retaining the traditional ambience and architecture style of the building.
Source: http://www.keralatourism.org/news/181/mascot-hotel.php?issueid=181

Highlighting the perils of climate change

The increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters like floods, drought and cyclones have focussed global attention on issues like climate change and global warming and prompted a second look at government policies. Countries across the globe are embarking on massive campaigns and programmes to reduce their carbon footprint and minimise environmental impact.In a bid to highlight the factors responsible for climate change and the challenges posed by unchecked exploitation of the environment, the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) has brought out a book in Malayalam carrying papers by scientists, researchers and public health experts. Titled 'Kaalaavastha Vyathiyanam' the book provides an insight into current issues like greenhouse gas emissions and the problems caused by tampering with the environment and over-extraction of various natural resources. The papers highlight the emerging challenges to solid waste management. One of the papers is on the Kyoto Protocol.Contributors to the compilation include Dr. C.K. Rajan, Monsoon Study Centre, Cochin University of Science and Technology; Dr. Thrivikramji, Retired Professor, Department of Geology, University of Kerala; Dr. Kamalakshan Kokkal, Principal Scientific Officer, KSCSTE; P. Sreekantan Nair, Assistant Environmental Scientist, Kerala State Pollution Control Board; Dr. E.J. Zacharia, Centre for Earth Science Studies; Dr. E.J. James, former director, Centre for Water Resources Development and Management and Dr. Jose Kallarakkal, Kerala Forest Research Institute.

The Hindu, 13^th September 2008

Project to implement coconut-based agro system

The Kochi-based Peekay Tree Crops Development Foundation has embarked on a programme to promote coconut-based agro ecosystem. The project is being implemented in eight panchayats involving a population of over two lakh.Adoption of integrated agricultural practices, establishment of community nurseries for coconut and medicinal species, setting up of eco-friendly processing plant for producing coir fibre are among the objectives of the programme. It also intends to promote women's self help groups. The project is assisted by UNDP, Ministry of Environment & Forests and Centre for Environment Education.The project was initially sanctioned under a UNDP programme for a single panchayat. It was later extended to eight panchayats. The programme will be operational till December 2009, according to P.K. Thampan, its coordinator. About 40,000 saplings of medicinal species have been planted on the premises of over 9,000 houses. The saplings were raised by self-help groups. These medicinal species, when planted over a large area, minimises the hazards of soil and water erosion apart from stimulating productive capacity of the soil resource and strengthening biodiversity.Processing of coconut husk is being taken up in association with 26,000 households. Fresh coconut husk is procured from these households. A fibre mill unit is being operated by a society, promoted by a 10-memebr self-help group having 270 households as shareholders. The average daily output of coir fibre from the mill is over 1,700 kg. Training camps have also been held for households for making paper carry bags, soap and detergent. Seminars and conventions on organic farming are also organised as part of the scheme.

The Hindu, 12^th September 2008

Three-wheeler taps the sun to run

It may not turn heads or set the roads on fire, but it promises to revolutionise inner city commuting. A group of students of the Mary Matha College of Engineering, Paliyode have developed a three-wheeler that harnesses solar energy to power its wheels. Named Taurus, the solar-powered vehicle is driven by an electric motor. The three-wheeler has a revolving driver's seat that can be turned 180 degrees. Titto B.S., Ajith C.G., Unnikrishnan M.A., Rahul S.L., Aristotle Ashok and Saji M.P developed the vehicle with the help of their lab instructor S. Shyamkumar. Taurus uses a 500 watt hub motor for propulsion. The accelerator, reverse switch and battery protection are controlled by a microcontroller in the control unit. Mounted on an acrylic sheet, the solar panel does double duty, as a roof providing protection from the sun and charging the battery. The vehicle is built on a steel chassis. Two tapered roller bearings are used to rotate the seat assembly by 180 degrees. Cables control the brake and steering system. "The students have succeeded in developing a model that promises an eco-friendly mode of urban transport. Taurus is a zero-pollution, noiseless, highly manoeuvrable vehicle using simple technology. It can be parked even in crowded places," says Mr. Shyamkumar.The students claim that Taurus is ideal for daily commuting up to a distance of 10 km. "It can also transport employees across a factory floor or be used and in forest areas for viewing wild animals without disturbing them. With a little modification, the vehicle can also be used by the physically challenged," Mr. Shyamkumar said.

The Hindu, 12^th September 2008

Organic farming brings rich dividend to paddy growers

A group of farmers in Vadakkencherry, near here, is elated by the high yield from their farms after they switched over to organic paddy cultivation last year. The crops are more resistant to pest attack and water usage is less.The jubilant mood among the farmers was evident at the Vadakkencharry padasekharam, comprising a group of 40 farmers, as their second organic paddy harvest festival began on Friday on a 75-acre farm land, which has secured 'C-1,' the first stage certification, of Indocert, the Indian organic certification agency.The initiative promoted jointly by the Vadakkencherry grama panchayat and the State Agriculture Department and backed by technical assistance from the POABS Group which introduced a buy-back scheme ensuring a premium price for the growers, has already spread to over 200 acres covering Palakkad and Alappuzha districts, the granaries of Kerala. The POABS Group expects to bring at least 500 acres under organic paddy cultivation in Kerala in a phased manner, said POABS Group director Joseph Jacob.Promotion of large-scale organic paddy cultivation in Kerala is part of the efforts of the Group, which owns the country's largest multi-crop organic plantation at Nelliampathy in the district, to ensure a buffer zone to support its policy of organic product exports to the world market.The harvest festival was inaugurated by M. Chandran, MLA. Principal Agriculture Officer A.K. Sivanandan; K.E. Usha of Kerala Agricultural University, Mannuthy; and Mr. Jacob, among others, attended the festival. Vadakkencherry Padasekhara Samithi treasurer R.N. Sankaran presented the report and secretary P.K. Madhavan welcomed the gathering.Mr. Chandran handed over the harvested paddy to Mr. Jacob, as part of the latter's paddy buy-back scheme. The farmers are offered Rs.12.50 a kg, which is 25 per cent above the market price.Vadakkencherry grama panchayat president P. Gangadharan presided over the event.

The Hindu, 6^th September 2008

Periyar Tiger Reserve turns 75

 
Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR), the first wildlife sanctuary in Kerala, has turned 75. the year-long platinum jubilee celebrations of the sanctuary eill begin with a two-day national seminar on "people and Tigers Shifting Trajectories of Ecology and Co-existence" at the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for nature Education and Research in Thekkady on September 22 and 23. The subject to be discussed at the seminar are: Status and distribution of Tigers and co predators at national and regional and local levels, threat to ti tiger conservation at national regional and local levels abd technology for investigation of wildlife crimes and related trade, emerging trends and recet advances in estimation techniques of monitoring tigers, co-presators and prey and their habitat, participatory management of tiger reserve, eco-tourism, its livelihood potentials and conservation significance and critical tiger habitats and conservation at the level of landscape. The seminar being organized jointly by the PTR and the Periyar Foundation Society, will be addressed by national and international experts on the subjects. Around 200 delegates from across the country will attend the seminar. The other highlights of the celebrations are: Workshops, nature camp, conservation campaigns, research activities and community-centered initiatives. It was a gentile revolution brought about by hard-work, innovation and dedication of three generations if foresters and individuals who strove hard to maintain the unique identity of the Periyar. But the present changes and potentials arising out of globalization, peopl'es movement, global-warming and food security can be effectively managed only by collective thinking and action, say the PTR and the Foundation.

The New Indian Express, 2nd September 2008

Climate change affecting cardamom hills: study

 
The Cardamom Hill Reserve (CHR), a 2,800 sq. km. mountainous terrain with deep valleys and rivers where spices like cardamom, pepper and coffee are grown, is witnessing climate change. A part of this reserve, which spreads across the Western Ghats, lies in Tamil Nadu.According to a study conducted by M. Murugan, assistant professor, agro-climatology, Pampadumpara Cardamom Research Station (CRS), the maximum temperature in the region has declined and the minimum temperature has risen.The study was conducted on the basis of data provided by the Automatic Weather Station, Soil Thermometer and Evaporation Metre at the CRS since 1978. "The weather station, one of the oldest of its kind, was set up by the ISRO," said Mr. Murugan.The study found that the southwest monsoon (June-September) has weakened and the northeast monsoon (October-December) has gained in strength in the region. Mr. Murugan said that though the quality and weight of cardamom has improved due to the climate change, new weeds and pest attack has also increased, pushing up the production cost.According to the date supplied by the weather station, the relative humidity in the cardamom hills in Idukki has fallen by 12 per cent, and the days have become warmer. The cloudiness over the hills has fallen by an hour, and the difference between the warmest and coolest months have narrowed . "As a result of increase in soil temperature, many small streams have dried up," he said,According to the study, Elappara, receives the largest rain fall in the CHR region, followed by Palkulam Medu and Vennimala. The rainfall has fallen in Karunapuram, which on the border with Tamil Nadu and records the lowest rainfall. The report said that the intensity of climatic change in the cardamom hills is higher than in plains . The study found that the climate change has resulted in a change in the flowering and harvesting seasons. Except for cardamom, the climate change has affected crops like pepper and coffee. The quantity and quality of both the crops have fallen," he said.

The Hindu, 1st September  2008

Fillip for Social forestry project

 
Forest Minister Benoy Viswom said here on Thursday that the government would ensure public participation to extend its social forestry programme to all parts of the State. He was speaking after inaugurating the second phase of the Harithatheeram project at Thumba. The Minister said 55 lakh saplings were planted over the last two years. " As many as 1.25 lakh man days have been created under the Harithatheeram  project", he said. M.A.Wahid, MLA, presided over the function. The project involves the planting of saplings along the vulnerable stretches of the coastline and in farmlands and homesteads. The participatory project will be managed by the Theera Samrakshana Vanavalkarana Samithi s(Coastal protection and afforestation committees) comprising representatives of families living with in 200 metres of the shoreline. Apart from the creation of a green barrier against tidal surge and strong wave action, the scheme envisages rehabilitation, planting and supply of saplings and awareness campaigns. The Fisheries Department is supporting the project.  The project had also earmarked funds for the protection and maintenance of mangrove forests. The Forest Department had identified 29.5 hectacres of land in Thiruvananthapuram district for the project. An official survey has found that some parts of the Kottukal , Kadhinamkulam, CHirayinkeezh, Anchuthengu, Vettoor and the city wards of Panathura, Poonthura, Beemapally, Manikyavilakam,Shanghumughom, Valiathura, Kannanthura, Pallithura and Vettukad were ideal for planting trees. The species that are being supplied include bamboo, mangroves, almond, casuarinas, 'punna' and 'poovarasu'. The project will conclude in  December 2009.

The Hindu, 30th August 2008

Elephant patrol introduced in sanctuary

 
The Forest Department has tightened security measures in the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary with a view to curbing poaching of wild animals during Onam. An elephant patrol was introduced on Monday. The move for a patrol was taken at a meeting of the forest personnel of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu at Theppakkadu, headquarters of the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, in Tamil Nadu on August 20, K. Radha Krishna Lal, Assistant Wildlife Warden, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, told The Hindu. "The elephant patrol will enable forest personnel to easily search the forest interior, where vehicle and foot patrols are impossible," Mr. Lal said. Three tuskers, Dineshan, Kunju and Suryan of the Muthanga Elephant Camp, will lead the team. Apart from the tuskers, an anti-poaching team comprising a forester, four forest guards, four watchers and six mahouts will be on duty. The elephant patrol starts at 8 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. The Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary stretches 344 sq km.

The Hindu, 27th August 2008

Irrigation management for farmers in Kerala

 
The Kerala government is planning to introduce a participatory system of irrigation management, under which farmers will be entrusted with the operation and maintenance of canals in the State.Minister for Water Resources N.K. Premachandran told The Hindu on Tuesday that the Kerala Irrigation and Water Conservation Act 2003 would be amended to legitimise the role of water users' associations in participatory management of irrigation systems. "The draft amendment is ready to be sent to the Law Department. We hope to present it in the next session of the Assembly." He said participatory irrigation management (PIM) could play a pivotal role in improving agriculture production in Kerala. "The existing mechanism of design, construction, maintenance and operation of irrigation systems is a heavy burden for the government machinery." Pointing out that many irrigation canals in Kerala were badly in need of repair, he said water users' associations could prove to be an effective system for operation and maintenance of the canal network. The associations are conceived as a mechanism to ensure the participation of farmers, the primary stakeholders. The participatory system involves a three-tier mechanism comprising sluice-level water users' associations at the primary stage, branch canal associations acting as the secondary tier and project management committees at the third. Officials say the new system is designed to promote group farming and protect water bodies to make agriculture sustainable in the long run. Group farming is seen as the only solution to the agriculture crisis in Kerala, that is attributed largely to the fragmentation of landholdings.

The Hindu,  27th August 2008