KATTAPPANA: The District Planning Council has cleared 205 watershed projects to be implemented through the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in the 30 grama panchayats of the district. An official with the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA), which is the implementing agency, said that about 30 projects, including digging of ponds in farmlands, weed clearance and construction of bunds to prevent soil erosion and rain water collection could be taken up under the scheme.
It is expected that projects under MGNREGS could be implemented in around 1,83,000 hectares of land in the district and the watershed projects will turn to be one of the major employment creating areas under the scheme, he said. Konnathady, Peruvanthanam, Nedumkandam and Adimaly grama panchayats will take up more than 10 watershed programmes, as per the list cleared by the council.
According to the official, MGNREGS will be implemented in a way to provide support to the farm sector in the High Range areas where labour shortage is a major problem. In Kanjikuzhy, Rajakumari, Vathikudy and Nedumkandam grama panchayats, where watershed projects have already started, focus will be on the completion of projects and spreading of them to more areas, he said.
Source: The Hindu
Online edition
Thursday, Feb 25, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Campaign against lead poisoning
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Quality Council of India (QCI) has decided to launch campaigns in schools and hospitals in the State to create awareness on lead poisoning, QCI principal adviser Thuppil Venkatesh has said. At a press conference here on Wednesday, he said representatives of the QCI had met Education Minister M.A. Baby and Health Minister P.K. Sreemathy to discuss the implementation of the programme, focusing on the area of lead poisoning amongst women and children. — Staff Reporter
Source: The Hindu
Online edition
Thursday, Feb 25, 2010
Source: The Hindu
Online edition
Thursday, Feb 25, 2010
State to go ahead with Athirappilly project
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Governor R.S. Gavai has said the State government would go ahead with the Athirappilly hydro-electric project and the SmartCity project.
“The Athirappilly hydro-electric project with an installed capacity of 163 MW will be taken up after clearing all legal issues,” the Governor said while delivering the policy address to the Assembly here on Wednesday. The Governor said the government also proposed to set up more wind energy projects with private participation and added that Cheemeni village in Kasaragod district had been identified as the end use project for utilising the Kerala State Electricity Board’s (KSEB) share of coal from the Baitarni West coal block. A coal-based thermal power plant with capacity of 1320 MW was being implemented there jointly by the KSEB and KSIDC. The government also proposed to set up a gas-based power plant of 1,000-1,100 MW capacity at Cheemeni. The KSEB was also planning to replace all incandescent bulbs by distributing 1.5 crore CFL bulbs to make Kerala the first 100 per cent CFL using State in the country.
Mr. Gavai said the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) would start parcel services during the coming financial year and begin issuing season tickets. The State Water Transport Corporation planned to construct a modern shipway at Ponjikkara in Alappuzha district. The Motor Vehicles Department will introduce e-payment facility. Work on the proposed Kannur international airport and that on the first phase of the Vizhinjam International Container Trans-shipment Terminal (VICTT) will commence during the current year. A Maritime Development Board will be set up by merging the Ports Department, the Hydrographic Survey Wing and the Kerala Maritime Development Corporation Ltd.
Source: The Hindu
Online edition
Thursday, Feb 25, 2010
“The Athirappilly hydro-electric project with an installed capacity of 163 MW will be taken up after clearing all legal issues,” the Governor said while delivering the policy address to the Assembly here on Wednesday. The Governor said the government also proposed to set up more wind energy projects with private participation and added that Cheemeni village in Kasaragod district had been identified as the end use project for utilising the Kerala State Electricity Board’s (KSEB) share of coal from the Baitarni West coal block. A coal-based thermal power plant with capacity of 1320 MW was being implemented there jointly by the KSEB and KSIDC. The government also proposed to set up a gas-based power plant of 1,000-1,100 MW capacity at Cheemeni. The KSEB was also planning to replace all incandescent bulbs by distributing 1.5 crore CFL bulbs to make Kerala the first 100 per cent CFL using State in the country.
Mr. Gavai said the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) would start parcel services during the coming financial year and begin issuing season tickets. The State Water Transport Corporation planned to construct a modern shipway at Ponjikkara in Alappuzha district. The Motor Vehicles Department will introduce e-payment facility. Work on the proposed Kannur international airport and that on the first phase of the Vizhinjam International Container Trans-shipment Terminal (VICTT) will commence during the current year. A Maritime Development Board will be set up by merging the Ports Department, the Hydrographic Survey Wing and the Kerala Maritime Development Corporation Ltd.
Source: The Hindu
Online edition
Thursday, Feb 25, 2010
Safety awards announced
Thiruvananthapuram: FACT Ltd., Udyogamandal; BPCL, Kochi; ITI Ltd., Kanjikode; Vijayalaxmi Cashew Company, Kollam; HLL Life Care Ltd., Thiruvananthapuram, and Terumo Penpol Ltd., Thiruvananthapuram, have bagged the first prize in the safety awards instituted by the Department of Factories and Boilers for the year 2009 in the very large factories category employing more than 500 people.
Hindustan Organic Chemicals Ltd., Ambalamugal; Kerala Agro Machinery Corporation, Ernakulam; Krishna Food Processors, Kollam, and Vaidyaratnam P.S. Warrier’s Kottakkal Arya Vaidyasala, Malappuram, bagged the top honours in the large factories category (employing 250 to 500 workers).
Among medium factories employing 100 to 250 workers, the first prize went to Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd., Ernakulam; BPCL Ltd., LPG filling plant, Kazhakuttom; United Electrical Industries Ltd., Kollam, Rubfila International Ltd., Palakkad, and Rajiv Gandhi Combined Cycle Power Project, NTPC Ltd., Choolatheruvu.
The first prize winners among small factories employing 10 to 100 workers include Carborandum Universal Ltd., Thrissur; HPCL LPG bottling plant, Kanjikode; Minar Ispat Pvt. Ltd., Kozhikode; Diamond Food Products, Ernakulam; Prime Veneers Ltd., Kannur; Safa Enterprises, Kodungalloor; Comtrust Super Designer Tiles, Palakkad; William Goodacre and Sons Pvt. Ltd., Alappuzha; Mathrubhumi Printing and Publishing Company, Palakkad; T.V. Sundaram Iyengar and Sons Ltd., Kollam; Malankara Rubber Factory, Thodupuzha, and MRCMPU Ltd., Peringalam.
Steel Tech, Koyilandy; Mayilvahanam Marketing, Shoranur; Gayathri Motors, Palakkad; Krishna Ojus Saw Mill, Kochi; Colornet, Feroke; Sabari Rubber Pvt. Ltd. and Indus Speciality Oils, Palakkad, were adjudged the first prize winners in the very small factories category (less than 10 workers).
Individual prizes for best safety committee and safety officer were also announced at a press conference here on Wednesday.
Source: The Hindu
Online edition
Thursday, Feb 25, 2010
Hindustan Organic Chemicals Ltd., Ambalamugal; Kerala Agro Machinery Corporation, Ernakulam; Krishna Food Processors, Kollam, and Vaidyaratnam P.S. Warrier’s Kottakkal Arya Vaidyasala, Malappuram, bagged the top honours in the large factories category (employing 250 to 500 workers).
Among medium factories employing 100 to 250 workers, the first prize went to Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd., Ernakulam; BPCL Ltd., LPG filling plant, Kazhakuttom; United Electrical Industries Ltd., Kollam, Rubfila International Ltd., Palakkad, and Rajiv Gandhi Combined Cycle Power Project, NTPC Ltd., Choolatheruvu.
The first prize winners among small factories employing 10 to 100 workers include Carborandum Universal Ltd., Thrissur; HPCL LPG bottling plant, Kanjikode; Minar Ispat Pvt. Ltd., Kozhikode; Diamond Food Products, Ernakulam; Prime Veneers Ltd., Kannur; Safa Enterprises, Kodungalloor; Comtrust Super Designer Tiles, Palakkad; William Goodacre and Sons Pvt. Ltd., Alappuzha; Mathrubhumi Printing and Publishing Company, Palakkad; T.V. Sundaram Iyengar and Sons Ltd., Kollam; Malankara Rubber Factory, Thodupuzha, and MRCMPU Ltd., Peringalam.
Steel Tech, Koyilandy; Mayilvahanam Marketing, Shoranur; Gayathri Motors, Palakkad; Krishna Ojus Saw Mill, Kochi; Colornet, Feroke; Sabari Rubber Pvt. Ltd. and Indus Speciality Oils, Palakkad, were adjudged the first prize winners in the very small factories category (less than 10 workers).
Individual prizes for best safety committee and safety officer were also announced at a press conference here on Wednesday.
Source: The Hindu
Online edition
Thursday, Feb 25, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Insurance cover for coconut palms
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala tree insurance scheme for providing insurance cover to coconut palms will be launched here on Wednesday.
The scheme to be implemented this year under the joint aegis of the Department of Agriculture, Coconut Development Board and the Agriculture Insurance Company of India will be first implemented in Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha, Ernakulam and Kozhikode districts.
A sum of Rs.25 lakh had been earmarked in the budget for implementing the scheme, which will provide insurance cover to coconut palms in 13,935 hectares under the scheme.
Farmers who have at least 10 palms will get the benefit of the scheme. Those palms which are 60 years old and have an annual yield of 30 coconuts will be covered. Depending on the age of the palm, the premium will vary from Rs.4.69 to Rs.6.35.
The board will bear 50 per cent of the premium and the State government 25 per cent. The farmer will have to pay the remaining 25 per cent.
The insurance benefit will be given to the farmers whose palms become unproductive due to fire, lightening, flood, landslip, drought and such other natural calamities.
A palm which is 15 years old will get Rs.600 and those from 16 to 60 years will get Rs.1,160 each. Agriculture Minister Mullakkara Ratnakaran will inaugurate the scheme at function at the Institution of Engineers here on Wednesday.
Source: The Hindu, Online edition
Wednesday, Feb 24, 2010
The scheme to be implemented this year under the joint aegis of the Department of Agriculture, Coconut Development Board and the Agriculture Insurance Company of India will be first implemented in Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha, Ernakulam and Kozhikode districts.
A sum of Rs.25 lakh had been earmarked in the budget for implementing the scheme, which will provide insurance cover to coconut palms in 13,935 hectares under the scheme.
Farmers who have at least 10 palms will get the benefit of the scheme. Those palms which are 60 years old and have an annual yield of 30 coconuts will be covered. Depending on the age of the palm, the premium will vary from Rs.4.69 to Rs.6.35.
The board will bear 50 per cent of the premium and the State government 25 per cent. The farmer will have to pay the remaining 25 per cent.
The insurance benefit will be given to the farmers whose palms become unproductive due to fire, lightening, flood, landslip, drought and such other natural calamities.
A palm which is 15 years old will get Rs.600 and those from 16 to 60 years will get Rs.1,160 each. Agriculture Minister Mullakkara Ratnakaran will inaugurate the scheme at function at the Institution of Engineers here on Wednesday.
Source: The Hindu, Online edition
Wednesday, Feb 24, 2010
Kalaripayattu stuns Europeans
The stunning strikes, kicks and the awe-inspiring body contortions and choreographed sparring of Kalaripayattu, the celebrated martial art of Kerala, are receiving 'genuine fanfare' from European audiences. S.K. Rajesh Gurukkal, chief of a six-men Kalari squad from Kozhikode, which is part of an ongoing ‘Incredible India' European tour, told The Hindu that the martial art is proving a real stunner in the West. Gurukkal, who is back home on a week's break from the show, which finished its German itinerary last week and was readying to move on to the next destination, Austria, said the tour was a year-long event in collaboration with the Prime Time Entertainment group.
The 82-member team of artistes selected from different States of India first landed in Germany in October and finished three months' rehearsals and "creation works" before they launched the show in Frankfurt in January. Other than Gurukkal and his five disciples there are also six others from Kerala with different dance forms to perform as part of the show.
The two-hour theme-based show, which is meant to give a feel of the incredible variety of Indian culture and art forms to a European audience, comprises Bollywood dances, music, magic and shadow play. "Kalaripayattu has a rare appeal to the audience there," Gurukkal said. He had received several enquiries from the Europeans seeking to learn the art and perform elsewhere after the show.
Gurukkal, who has worked as Kalari fight-director for nearly 20 films in different south Indian movies, is the chief of one of the leading Kalari groups in Malabar, Bhargava Kalari Sangham.
He said that his blindfold fighting with two men won him the most admiration from the Europeans during the show. "It's hard to perform, but a real sensation on stage," he said. The accomplished fighter, who found the European exposure "quite handy to learn a lot of new things" also shared some of the interesting experiences he had in Europe. He said the German authorities did not allow his team to use even a single item of Kalari weaponry of more than 200 kg, including sword, shield and spear, which they had shipped from India for the show. Instead, they insisted on making "stronger and smarter" versions of all the weapons by experts there. "Our weapons did not meet their safety standards," said Gurkkal who was quite impressed by the gesture.
After Austria, the "incredible" Indian squad would move towards London by April.
Jabir Mushthari
Source: The Hindu, online edition
Wednesday, Feb 24, 2010
The 82-member team of artistes selected from different States of India first landed in Germany in October and finished three months' rehearsals and "creation works" before they launched the show in Frankfurt in January. Other than Gurukkal and his five disciples there are also six others from Kerala with different dance forms to perform as part of the show.
The two-hour theme-based show, which is meant to give a feel of the incredible variety of Indian culture and art forms to a European audience, comprises Bollywood dances, music, magic and shadow play. "Kalaripayattu has a rare appeal to the audience there," Gurukkal said. He had received several enquiries from the Europeans seeking to learn the art and perform elsewhere after the show.
Gurukkal, who has worked as Kalari fight-director for nearly 20 films in different south Indian movies, is the chief of one of the leading Kalari groups in Malabar, Bhargava Kalari Sangham.
He said that his blindfold fighting with two men won him the most admiration from the Europeans during the show. "It's hard to perform, but a real sensation on stage," he said. The accomplished fighter, who found the European exposure "quite handy to learn a lot of new things" also shared some of the interesting experiences he had in Europe. He said the German authorities did not allow his team to use even a single item of Kalari weaponry of more than 200 kg, including sword, shield and spear, which they had shipped from India for the show. Instead, they insisted on making "stronger and smarter" versions of all the weapons by experts there. "Our weapons did not meet their safety standards," said Gurkkal who was quite impressed by the gesture.
After Austria, the "incredible" Indian squad would move towards London by April.
Jabir Mushthari
Source: The Hindu, online edition
Wednesday, Feb 24, 2010
Kerala power board plans to develop 5 small hydel projects
Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) on Tuesday announced its plans to develop five small hydro electric projects as carbon credit projects under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
In a statement here, the power board said it proposed to utilise the financial assistance extended by the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy for small hydel projects in addition to getting the registration of the UNFCCC for carbon credit projects.
This would help it cover the huge financial outlay for the small hydel projects.
Source: The Hindu, Online edition
Wednesday, Feb 24, 2010
In a statement here, the power board said it proposed to utilise the financial assistance extended by the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy for small hydel projects in addition to getting the registration of the UNFCCC for carbon credit projects.
This would help it cover the huge financial outlay for the small hydel projects.
Source: The Hindu, Online edition
Wednesday, Feb 24, 2010
Medicinal plant farms in schools by next year
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Agriculture Minister Mullakkara Ratnakaran said here on Tuesday that though there was huge demand for medicinal plants, its production was not getting enough boost. There is a need to go back to the old age where everybody has a basic knowledge of medicinal plants, he said.
"Medicinal plant farms will be introduced in every school by next year. There will be another scheme in 100 selected panchayats to have at least one medicinal plant in every house," he said while inaugurating a workshop on medicinal plant cultivation.
The Minister announced two schemes for the promotion of medicinal plant farming and said that the environment in the State was suitable for the growth of medicinal plants. Mullakkara said that he would initiate the projects in schools as creating basic knowledge among children was essential. "Since ayurveda is gaining acceptance at the global level, the demand for medicinal plants is on a rise," he said.
The workshop, jointly organised by the National Medicinal Plants Board, Kerala Agriculture University and State Horticulture Mission, was meant to create awareness among farmers and industrialists on the prospects of medicinal plant farming. The State Horticulture Mission had introduced a project - National Mission on Medicinal Plants - to train farmers on medicinal plant farming methods in April, 2008, funded by the National Medicinal Plants Board.
The three-year project had covered 10 districts and almost 300 farmers had participated in the workshops. The farmers were given information on subsidies, availability of seeds, small-scale industries etc. The project also aims at market promotion by facilitating interaction of farmers with industrialists. Around 300 farmers and 25 industrialists participated in the one-day workshop at the Kanakakunnu Palace. V.Sivankutty MLA, presided over the function. Kerala Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor K.R.Viswambharan, Spices Board director J.Thomas and Dean of College of Agriculture, Vellayni, K.Harikrishnan Nair were among those spoke at the function.
Express News Service
First Published : 24 Feb 2010 02:14:00 AM IST
Expressbuzz
"Medicinal plant farms will be introduced in every school by next year. There will be another scheme in 100 selected panchayats to have at least one medicinal plant in every house," he said while inaugurating a workshop on medicinal plant cultivation.
The Minister announced two schemes for the promotion of medicinal plant farming and said that the environment in the State was suitable for the growth of medicinal plants. Mullakkara said that he would initiate the projects in schools as creating basic knowledge among children was essential. "Since ayurveda is gaining acceptance at the global level, the demand for medicinal plants is on a rise," he said.
The workshop, jointly organised by the National Medicinal Plants Board, Kerala Agriculture University and State Horticulture Mission, was meant to create awareness among farmers and industrialists on the prospects of medicinal plant farming. The State Horticulture Mission had introduced a project - National Mission on Medicinal Plants - to train farmers on medicinal plant farming methods in April, 2008, funded by the National Medicinal Plants Board.
The three-year project had covered 10 districts and almost 300 farmers had participated in the workshops. The farmers were given information on subsidies, availability of seeds, small-scale industries etc. The project also aims at market promotion by facilitating interaction of farmers with industrialists. Around 300 farmers and 25 industrialists participated in the one-day workshop at the Kanakakunnu Palace. V.Sivankutty MLA, presided over the function. Kerala Agricultural University Vice-Chancellor K.R.Viswambharan, Spices Board director J.Thomas and Dean of College of Agriculture, Vellayni, K.Harikrishnan Nair were among those spoke at the function.
Express News Service
First Published : 24 Feb 2010 02:14:00 AM IST
Expressbuzz
'Kerala Sandals' to hit shelves tomorrow
KOZHIKODE: After a long wait, the fragrance of ‘Kerala Sandals’ manufactured by Kerala Soaps Ltd will hit the market on Wednesday. The premium soap will be available both through the public distribution systems and the open market.
In the first phase of production, Kerala Soaps is aiming to sell Kerala Sandals through wholesale, retail and small shop network, said P P Bhaskaran, general manager of Kerala Soaps. Ten metric tonnes of soap will be produced everyday. The product will be introduced to the market through a wide marketing network, he added.
The Unit has a capacity to produce 20 metric tonnes of soap per day once full-fledged production starts. A total of 6,000 metric tonnes will be produced a year. This is excluding Sundays and other holidays, said the officials.
However, in the first phase, the targeted production is only 50 percent of the maximum capacity, said Bhaskaran.
The Kerala Soaps management on Monday tested the line capacity of the machines installed by the contractors. "The machines and other equipment will be handed over by the contractors to Kerala State Industrial Ltd on February 26," said the GM.
Express News Service
First Published : 23 Feb 2010 01:52:00 AM IST
Expressbuzz
In the first phase of production, Kerala Soaps is aiming to sell Kerala Sandals through wholesale, retail and small shop network, said P P Bhaskaran, general manager of Kerala Soaps. Ten metric tonnes of soap will be produced everyday. The product will be introduced to the market through a wide marketing network, he added.
The Unit has a capacity to produce 20 metric tonnes of soap per day once full-fledged production starts. A total of 6,000 metric tonnes will be produced a year. This is excluding Sundays and other holidays, said the officials.
However, in the first phase, the targeted production is only 50 percent of the maximum capacity, said Bhaskaran.
The Kerala Soaps management on Monday tested the line capacity of the machines installed by the contractors. "The machines and other equipment will be handed over by the contractors to Kerala State Industrial Ltd on February 26," said the GM.
Express News Service
First Published : 23 Feb 2010 01:52:00 AM IST
Expressbuzz
Shining stars of power-saving
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Four office buildings in the state - two each in Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi - are among the first 49 buildings nationwide that have been awarded star rating by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), a statutory body under the Union Power Ministry.
The Kochi offices of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Wipro Ltd have received fivestar ratings, the highest, while the RBI office and the Southern Railway Deputy Regional Manager’s Office in Thiruvananthapuram have received four stars and three stars respectively.
The ratings are indicators of how well energy is managed in office buildings. Similar to that given to hotels, the ratings count from one star to five depending on the degree of energy efficiency. Star ratings are part of a BEE campaign to promote energy conservation in office buildings across the country.
Energy management and conservation are once again top news with the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) predicting an impending power crisis. Daily power consumption, according to the KSEB, has hit unprecedented levels even before the summer season has officially begun.
Twenty-one RBI buildings have made it to the BEE list with varying levels of energy efficiency, while only two buildings connected to electricity - the Vidyut Bhavan in Jaipur and the APTRANSCO Vidyut Soudha, Hyderabad, are on the list.
Star ratings are determined by an Energy Performance Index (EPI) calculated through the formula Kilowatt Hour per square meter per year (kWh/sqm/year). Building owners can apply to BEE by paying Rs 1 lakh as registration fee. Office buildings with more than 50 percent air conditioned built-up area and buildings with less than 50 percent AC built-up area are rated separately. Periodical reviews by the BEE ensure that the conditions are adhered to.
"The country is divided into different climatic zones for the purpose of rating - composite, warm and humid; and hot and dry. The idea’s catching up. A lot of people are calling us up to know how to apply," said A.M. Narayanan, head, Energy Efficiency Division, Energy Management Centre (EMC). In Kerala, EMC represents BEE.
Tiki Rajwi
First Published : 24 Feb 2010 02:10:00 AM IST
Expressbuzz
The Kochi offices of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Wipro Ltd have received fivestar ratings, the highest, while the RBI office and the Southern Railway Deputy Regional Manager’s Office in Thiruvananthapuram have received four stars and three stars respectively.
The ratings are indicators of how well energy is managed in office buildings. Similar to that given to hotels, the ratings count from one star to five depending on the degree of energy efficiency. Star ratings are part of a BEE campaign to promote energy conservation in office buildings across the country.
Energy management and conservation are once again top news with the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) predicting an impending power crisis. Daily power consumption, according to the KSEB, has hit unprecedented levels even before the summer season has officially begun.
Twenty-one RBI buildings have made it to the BEE list with varying levels of energy efficiency, while only two buildings connected to electricity - the Vidyut Bhavan in Jaipur and the APTRANSCO Vidyut Soudha, Hyderabad, are on the list.
Star ratings are determined by an Energy Performance Index (EPI) calculated through the formula Kilowatt Hour per square meter per year (kWh/sqm/year). Building owners can apply to BEE by paying Rs 1 lakh as registration fee. Office buildings with more than 50 percent air conditioned built-up area and buildings with less than 50 percent AC built-up area are rated separately. Periodical reviews by the BEE ensure that the conditions are adhered to.
"The country is divided into different climatic zones for the purpose of rating - composite, warm and humid; and hot and dry. The idea’s catching up. A lot of people are calling us up to know how to apply," said A.M. Narayanan, head, Energy Efficiency Division, Energy Management Centre (EMC). In Kerala, EMC represents BEE.
Tiki Rajwi
First Published : 24 Feb 2010 02:10:00 AM IST
Expressbuzz
Gag on anti-GM voice
The new proposal to jail anyone questioning the safety of genetically modified (GM) crops has yet to become a law. But the government appears to have already started muzzling anti-GM voices, environmental activists have alleged.
A regional government official and a professor of genetics from Italy - both important members of the GM-free movement - have been allegedly denied visa by the Indian government.
The two were supposed to speak at an international conference on "genetically modified organism-free movement" organised by the Research Foundation for Science, Technology and Ecology in Delhi on Tuesday.
Maria Grazia Mammucini is the director of the regional government of Tuscany's agency for agriculture, while Marcello Buiatti is a professor of genetics at the University of Florence and a member of the European Network of Independent Scientists.
They have played a key role in getting regions in Europe declared GM-free and were supposed to share their experience at the meeting.
The agriculture agency of the Region of Tuscany headed by Mammucini was listed as one of the co-hosts of the event. Tuscany is one of the 49 regions in Europe that have officially declared themselves GM-free. In India, 13 states have so far said no to Bt brinjal and only Kerala has declared itself
GM-free.
Vandana Shiva, who heads the organisation hosting the meeting, alleged: "The visa has been denied at the behest of the agriculture ministry which is headed by pro-GM politician Sharad Pawar. Both Mammucini and Buiatti have valid papers, including an invitation from us. There was no reason they should have been denied entry into India." "When I contacted the Indian embassy, the official there told me that he needed permission from the agriculture ministry for issuing the visas," Shiva added.
"This arbitrary action has denied the Indian public a chance to hear Prof. Buiatti who has shown how genetic engineering is unreliable and risky."Shiva criticised Pawar for his alleged move to get the recent moratorium on Bt brinjal lifted.
"It seems the PM (Manmohan Singh) has said (environment minister) Jairam Ramesh can't have the last word on Bt brinjal. The fact is that the people have had the last word on this subject and politicians can't be allowed to undo that,"she said.
Shiva said the proposal to set up the Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India was aimed at deregulating the biotech industry and not at safeguarding biosafety. The existing biosafety framework, she said, was good enough. It only needed transparent implementation.
Benedikt Haerlin, a former member of the European parliament, said that while cultivation of GM crops was legal in many regions of Europe, it was the public pressure that was keeping the regions free of GM foods.
Debi Barker of the Center for Food Safety in Washington said it was a myth that GM crops in the US had brought down pesticide use or increased yields.
India Today, Dinesh C. Sharma New Delhi, February 24, 2010
A regional government official and a professor of genetics from Italy - both important members of the GM-free movement - have been allegedly denied visa by the Indian government.
The two were supposed to speak at an international conference on "genetically modified organism-free movement" organised by the Research Foundation for Science, Technology and Ecology in Delhi on Tuesday.
Maria Grazia Mammucini is the director of the regional government of Tuscany's agency for agriculture, while Marcello Buiatti is a professor of genetics at the University of Florence and a member of the European Network of Independent Scientists.
They have played a key role in getting regions in Europe declared GM-free and were supposed to share their experience at the meeting.
The agriculture agency of the Region of Tuscany headed by Mammucini was listed as one of the co-hosts of the event. Tuscany is one of the 49 regions in Europe that have officially declared themselves GM-free. In India, 13 states have so far said no to Bt brinjal and only Kerala has declared itself
GM-free.
Vandana Shiva, who heads the organisation hosting the meeting, alleged: "The visa has been denied at the behest of the agriculture ministry which is headed by pro-GM politician Sharad Pawar. Both Mammucini and Buiatti have valid papers, including an invitation from us. There was no reason they should have been denied entry into India." "When I contacted the Indian embassy, the official there told me that he needed permission from the agriculture ministry for issuing the visas," Shiva added.
"This arbitrary action has denied the Indian public a chance to hear Prof. Buiatti who has shown how genetic engineering is unreliable and risky."Shiva criticised Pawar for his alleged move to get the recent moratorium on Bt brinjal lifted.
"It seems the PM (Manmohan Singh) has said (environment minister) Jairam Ramesh can't have the last word on Bt brinjal. The fact is that the people have had the last word on this subject and politicians can't be allowed to undo that,"she said.
Shiva said the proposal to set up the Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India was aimed at deregulating the biotech industry and not at safeguarding biosafety. The existing biosafety framework, she said, was good enough. It only needed transparent implementation.
Benedikt Haerlin, a former member of the European parliament, said that while cultivation of GM crops was legal in many regions of Europe, it was the public pressure that was keeping the regions free of GM foods.
Debi Barker of the Center for Food Safety in Washington said it was a myth that GM crops in the US had brought down pesticide use or increased yields.
India Today, Dinesh C. Sharma New Delhi, February 24, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Virtual maps to help in disaster management
Hyderabad: The set-up is straight out of a sci-fi movie. But its applications are for real disasters. Taking a cue from the tsunami that hit the Indian shores on December 26, 2004, the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) virtually mapped Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu to study levels of inundation in the area for future use in case of natural disasters. The pilot project, which was initiated by the Government of India during 2007, involved creating 3D maps of coastal areas which provide basic details that can be used during emergency situations. Information on buildings, roads and population can be seen on the maps which are accessed by the Tsunami Warning Centre (TWC) on the INCOIS campus in Hyderabad.
“Since it was one of the worst-hit areas during the tsunami, we decided to map Nagapattinam. The mapping is done based on hi-resolution mathematical and topographic information. These facts and figures are combined and programmed to be displayed on 3D geographical information system (3D-GIS), meaning one can see the buildings as they are in real,” says TWC in-charge Srinivas Kumar. Details of coastal areas between Nagapattinam and Cuddalore districts were collected to assemble a 3D map covering an area of 100 km along the coast. The mapping area included areas about three km from the coast. “We chose this stretch as it was most populated and damaged area during the tsunami. Studies were conducted to identify the elevation of ground level, population and based on those results, the maps were made,” points out Dr. Kumar.
In case of another natural disaster, the team manning the warning centre can ascertain the extent of inundation, building damage and in due course help chalk out an action plan by accessing information such as road networks, buildings and population. “A lot of ‘priority’ areas which are prone to inundation have also been tagged on the maps which will be useful in disaster management. Based on these applications, mapping can be done for highly populated areas on the coast,” informs a scientist from the TWC. With the pilot project complete, INCOIS is planning to start a full-fledged survey of the Indian coastline and begin working on 3D maps later this year.
Source: the Hindu, dated: 23.02.2010
“Since it was one of the worst-hit areas during the tsunami, we decided to map Nagapattinam. The mapping is done based on hi-resolution mathematical and topographic information. These facts and figures are combined and programmed to be displayed on 3D geographical information system (3D-GIS), meaning one can see the buildings as they are in real,” says TWC in-charge Srinivas Kumar. Details of coastal areas between Nagapattinam and Cuddalore districts were collected to assemble a 3D map covering an area of 100 km along the coast. The mapping area included areas about three km from the coast. “We chose this stretch as it was most populated and damaged area during the tsunami. Studies were conducted to identify the elevation of ground level, population and based on those results, the maps were made,” points out Dr. Kumar.
In case of another natural disaster, the team manning the warning centre can ascertain the extent of inundation, building damage and in due course help chalk out an action plan by accessing information such as road networks, buildings and population. “A lot of ‘priority’ areas which are prone to inundation have also been tagged on the maps which will be useful in disaster management. Based on these applications, mapping can be done for highly populated areas on the coast,” informs a scientist from the TWC. With the pilot project complete, INCOIS is planning to start a full-fledged survey of the Indian coastline and begin working on 3D maps later this year.
Source: the Hindu, dated: 23.02.2010
Monday, February 22, 2010
Call for a carbon budget perspective on environmental governance
KOTTAYAM: T. Jayaraman, professor at Centre for Science, Technology and Society, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, has called for formulating a carbon budget perspective for equity-based global environmental governance. Addressing the first plenary session of the international conference on ‘Climate Change and Developing Countries,’ Prof. Jayaraman pointed out the limitations of the current approach to global target setting by developed nations which provides them with disproportionate access to carbon space.
The conference was organised by the Centre for Environmental Education and Technology (CEET), Kottayam, in association with the School of Environmental Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, and the Centre for Rural Management. Taking a critical look at debates over the absence of quantitative emission reduction targets in the Copenhagen Accord, Prof. Jayaraman said that time has come that the carbon budget perspective in international climate negotiations should be realistic enough to address the issues raised by developing countries.
According to him, the basic question was “equal entitlement and that must be the basis for sharing the global commons,” he said. Who has contributed the most carbon dioxide stock in the atmosphere and who has taken how much carbon dioxide space are the issues in focus. Current statistics reveal that the actual US share in carbon space is 29 per cent while that of India was two per cent and that of China, nine per cent. However, the fair-share of the US was five per cent in carbon space while that of India can be 17 per cent and that of China, 20 per cent. Those below the fair-share can increase emissions and those above must cut. However, the total must stay within the carbon budget, he said.
Irreversible path
He pointed out that the world cannot realistically think of a future scenario based on agrarian development pattern. Industrialisation is an irreversible path of human progress and in this trajectory of development the question was how much we could reduce carbon emissions and not the total capping on emissions. Prof Benny Peiser of Liverpool John Moores University, UK, and James Jacob, director, Rubber Research Institute of India, also spoke. Michael Hoffman of California Institute of Technology chaired the session.
Source: The Hindu, Dated: 22.02.2010
The conference was organised by the Centre for Environmental Education and Technology (CEET), Kottayam, in association with the School of Environmental Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, and the Centre for Rural Management. Taking a critical look at debates over the absence of quantitative emission reduction targets in the Copenhagen Accord, Prof. Jayaraman said that time has come that the carbon budget perspective in international climate negotiations should be realistic enough to address the issues raised by developing countries.
According to him, the basic question was “equal entitlement and that must be the basis for sharing the global commons,” he said. Who has contributed the most carbon dioxide stock in the atmosphere and who has taken how much carbon dioxide space are the issues in focus. Current statistics reveal that the actual US share in carbon space is 29 per cent while that of India was two per cent and that of China, nine per cent. However, the fair-share of the US was five per cent in carbon space while that of India can be 17 per cent and that of China, 20 per cent. Those below the fair-share can increase emissions and those above must cut. However, the total must stay within the carbon budget, he said.
Irreversible path
He pointed out that the world cannot realistically think of a future scenario based on agrarian development pattern. Industrialisation is an irreversible path of human progress and in this trajectory of development the question was how much we could reduce carbon emissions and not the total capping on emissions. Prof Benny Peiser of Liverpool John Moores University, UK, and James Jacob, director, Rubber Research Institute of India, also spoke. Michael Hoffman of California Institute of Technology chaired the session.
Source: The Hindu, Dated: 22.02.2010
Pollution has affected wetlands: VC
KOCHI: Climate change and global warming and impact of climate change on the agricultural sector were some of the topics of discussion at the symposium on impact of climate change on aquatic ecosystems held at School of Marine Sciences at Cochin University of Science and Technology on Friday. Delegates also presented papers on themes like climate change and biodiversity and global warming and its impact on the climatic conditions in various regions. In his inaugural address on Thursday, Ramachadran Thekkedath, Vice-Chancellor of Cochin University of Science and Technology, said that climate change caused by the indiscriminate human interference is posing a grave threat to the biodiversity. He said that unchecked pollution had affected the natural lifeline of wetlands in the country. Dr. Thekkedath pointed out that climate change will adversely affect the production of rice. It will also harm the biodiversity and quality of soil, he said.
Source: The Hindu, Dated: 22.02.2010
Source: The Hindu, Dated: 22.02.2010
‘Effective management of aquaculture waste needed’
KOCHI: Effective management of waste from aquaculture was required for achieving ecological and environmental sustainability in the sector, said Ramachandran Thekkedath, Vice-Chancellor of the Cochin University of Science and Technology. He was speaking after inaugurating the Indo-European workshop on managing fish waste here recently. Fisheries and aquaculture have a significant role in food production and providing employment opportunities, he said.
Low-cost technology
Low-cost technologies for treating waste from the aquaculture farms and reuse of water were the present day requirements of the aquaculture sector, said Vincenzo Zonno of the University Del Salento, Italy, in his keynote address.
Untreated effluents
The release of untreated effluents from fish farms into water bodies would affect the water quality. The contamination of groundwater, as a result of land-based fish farming activity, is also an area of concern, he said.
The aqua culture sector was operating on low margins and it was not possible to introduce expensive technologies in the sector.
Scarce commodity
Optimisation of use of water is essential, as water has become a scarce commodity. Waste generation from the aqua farms should be reduced. At the same time, waste should be considered as a resource for generation of revenue.
Revenue stream
The reuse of waste and byproducts will bring in sufficient revenue to cover the operational and management costs, he suggested. In his presidential address, B. Madhusoodana Kurup, director, School of Industrial Fisheries of the Cochin University of Science and Technology, said that the consumer demand for food produced from environment-friendly production systems was increasing. Aquaculture may generate considerable amount of effluents which can have unacceptable impact on environment, he said. The workshop was organised as part of the European Union Sixth Framework Programme project on environmental management reform for sustainable farming, fisheries and aquaculture. It was hosted by the School and the National Institute of Oceanography, Goa.
C.T. Samuel, former director of the School, Anwar Hashim, president, Seafood Exporters Association of India, Mohanachandran, member, syndicate, Cochin University of Science and Technology, A.B. Ponniah, director, Central Institute for Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai, and Kesavan Nair, Managing director, Matsyafed, spoke at the workshop. A. Ramachandran, professor, School of Industrial Fisheries, welcomed the gathering and M. Harikrishnan, convener of the conference, proposed a vote of thanks.
Source: 22.02.2010
Low-cost technology
Low-cost technologies for treating waste from the aquaculture farms and reuse of water were the present day requirements of the aquaculture sector, said Vincenzo Zonno of the University Del Salento, Italy, in his keynote address.
Untreated effluents
The release of untreated effluents from fish farms into water bodies would affect the water quality. The contamination of groundwater, as a result of land-based fish farming activity, is also an area of concern, he said.
The aqua culture sector was operating on low margins and it was not possible to introduce expensive technologies in the sector.
Scarce commodity
Optimisation of use of water is essential, as water has become a scarce commodity. Waste generation from the aqua farms should be reduced. At the same time, waste should be considered as a resource for generation of revenue.
Revenue stream
The reuse of waste and byproducts will bring in sufficient revenue to cover the operational and management costs, he suggested. In his presidential address, B. Madhusoodana Kurup, director, School of Industrial Fisheries of the Cochin University of Science and Technology, said that the consumer demand for food produced from environment-friendly production systems was increasing. Aquaculture may generate considerable amount of effluents which can have unacceptable impact on environment, he said. The workshop was organised as part of the European Union Sixth Framework Programme project on environmental management reform for sustainable farming, fisheries and aquaculture. It was hosted by the School and the National Institute of Oceanography, Goa.
C.T. Samuel, former director of the School, Anwar Hashim, president, Seafood Exporters Association of India, Mohanachandran, member, syndicate, Cochin University of Science and Technology, A.B. Ponniah, director, Central Institute for Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai, and Kesavan Nair, Managing director, Matsyafed, spoke at the workshop. A. Ramachandran, professor, School of Industrial Fisheries, welcomed the gathering and M. Harikrishnan, convener of the conference, proposed a vote of thanks.
Source: 22.02.2010
Ombudsman unhappy over situation at waste plant
KOCHI: Ombudsman for Local Self-government Institutions M.R. Hariharan Nair has expressed concern at the present state of affairs at the solid waste treatment plant of the Kochi Corporation at Brahmapuram. Though his visit to the plant on Saturday was immediately related to the recent fire breakout among the plastic waste at the plant and to look at remedial measures to face similar incidents in future, the Ombudsman inspected the functioning of the plant and left the civic authorities, who accompanied him, in no doubt as to what he thought of the issue. He observed the situation had worsened pointing at the piled-up waste all around. When the Corporation Secretary P.G. Thomas tried to put the blame on the huge inflow of waste, the Ombudsman reminded him that only a fraction of the installed capacity of the plant was being utilised. Mr. Nair said the accumulated waste should be cleared in a time-bound manner. Mr. Thomas said talks were on with cement manufacturers ACC for the disposal of bio-degradable waste for fuel generation at the company’s factory.
The cement producers had reportedly asked the civic body to transport the waste to their factory site. If an understanding was reached, the entire waste could be cleared in a couple of weeks since they had a huge capacity, Mr. Thomas said. The corporation seems to fall back on the impending upgradation of the plant as a solution to all the present shortcomings in its functioning. However, Mr. Nair observed that the original plans for upgradation had gone awry and that there had been no progress for the last six months or so ever since FACT Engineering & Design Organisation had withdrawn from the scene. He said the floor of the plant had caved in at many places to which the Corporation Secretary again mentioned the upgradation plans as a solution.
Mr. Nair said that if the reports of the civic body were to be believed, the proposed Refuse Derived Fuel plant would be ready within two months. The fabrication of the machinery had been completed and would be installed once the floor was ready, Mr. Thomas said. Mr. Nair asked the secretary to hold discussions with all stakeholders and submit a report on the progress made at each level during his next sitting in March. To an inquiry on the installation of incinerator, the civic officials said that it was ready to be installed. The Ombudsman, however, said that the corporation alone was not to be blamed but the delay on the part of the State government in sanctioning funds for the relocation of families near the plant also had a cumulative effect on its ineffective operation. The funds were made available to the District Collector for the relocation of 54-odd families only recently. A lot of work needs to be done which could be carried out only after the families were resettled and a compound wall was erected, Mr. Nair said.
On the fire incident, Mr. Nair issued instructions to the civic authorities on precautionary measures to be adopted to prevent such accidents in the future. The purpose of the visit was to find ways to deal with a future fire breakout without any confusion or delay, Mr. Nair told The Hindu. It took days for the civic body to douse the fire that broke out in the piled-up plastic waste in the plant last month. The Ombudsman was accompanied also by C.P. Subramanian, station officer at the Thrikkakkara Fire Station, and K.R. Sajeev, managing director of Aag India Private Limited, a private company providing fire safety solutions. Mr. Nair said that he had gone through reports by the fire officer concerned and Aag India Private Limited. The company had already carried out an inspection earlier this month. A second inspection was undertaken alongside the Ombudsman’s visit to identify the location for setting up fire fighting system. Mr. Sajeev told the Ombudsman that the location had been identified for an underground water tank to fight fire. He said a primary sketch of the proposed system would be submitted to the fire force department for approval. Mr. Nair said the plan should be part of any future upgradation works at the plant.
Source: the Hindu, Dated: 21.02.2010
The cement producers had reportedly asked the civic body to transport the waste to their factory site. If an understanding was reached, the entire waste could be cleared in a couple of weeks since they had a huge capacity, Mr. Thomas said. The corporation seems to fall back on the impending upgradation of the plant as a solution to all the present shortcomings in its functioning. However, Mr. Nair observed that the original plans for upgradation had gone awry and that there had been no progress for the last six months or so ever since FACT Engineering & Design Organisation had withdrawn from the scene. He said the floor of the plant had caved in at many places to which the Corporation Secretary again mentioned the upgradation plans as a solution.
Mr. Nair said that if the reports of the civic body were to be believed, the proposed Refuse Derived Fuel plant would be ready within two months. The fabrication of the machinery had been completed and would be installed once the floor was ready, Mr. Thomas said. Mr. Nair asked the secretary to hold discussions with all stakeholders and submit a report on the progress made at each level during his next sitting in March. To an inquiry on the installation of incinerator, the civic officials said that it was ready to be installed. The Ombudsman, however, said that the corporation alone was not to be blamed but the delay on the part of the State government in sanctioning funds for the relocation of families near the plant also had a cumulative effect on its ineffective operation. The funds were made available to the District Collector for the relocation of 54-odd families only recently. A lot of work needs to be done which could be carried out only after the families were resettled and a compound wall was erected, Mr. Nair said.
On the fire incident, Mr. Nair issued instructions to the civic authorities on precautionary measures to be adopted to prevent such accidents in the future. The purpose of the visit was to find ways to deal with a future fire breakout without any confusion or delay, Mr. Nair told The Hindu. It took days for the civic body to douse the fire that broke out in the piled-up plastic waste in the plant last month. The Ombudsman was accompanied also by C.P. Subramanian, station officer at the Thrikkakkara Fire Station, and K.R. Sajeev, managing director of Aag India Private Limited, a private company providing fire safety solutions. Mr. Nair said that he had gone through reports by the fire officer concerned and Aag India Private Limited. The company had already carried out an inspection earlier this month. A second inspection was undertaken alongside the Ombudsman’s visit to identify the location for setting up fire fighting system. Mr. Sajeev told the Ombudsman that the location had been identified for an underground water tank to fight fire. He said a primary sketch of the proposed system would be submitted to the fire force department for approval. Mr. Nair said the plan should be part of any future upgradation works at the plant.
Source: the Hindu, Dated: 21.02.2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
International meet on climate change begins today
KOTTAYAM: A four-day international conference on climate change and developing countries will begin here on Friday. The main thrust of the conference, being organised by the Centre for Environment Education and Technology (CEET) Kottayam, School of Environmental Sciences, MG University, and Centre for Rural Management (CRM), will be post-Copenhagen issues, climate change in the atmosphere, ocean and rainfall patterns, according to C.T. Arvind Kumar of CEET.
The conference will be inaugurated by Rajan Gurukkal, Vice-Chancellor, MG University. M.K. Prasad, president, CEET, will chair the inaugural session. Michael R. Hoffman, California Institute of Technology, will release the conference proceedings. Benny Pieser, John Moores University, Liverpool, UK, will deliver the keynote address. According to Mr. Arvind Kumar, nearly 100 articles will be presented during the deliberations in which nearly 30 international experts and 100 delegates from the country would participate. The three plenary talks scheduled during the conference would be given by T. Jayaram (TISS, Bombay), James Jacob (director Rubber research Institute of India, Kottayam) and Benny Pieser, U.K.
Source: The Hindu, Dated: 19.02.2010
The conference will be inaugurated by Rajan Gurukkal, Vice-Chancellor, MG University. M.K. Prasad, president, CEET, will chair the inaugural session. Michael R. Hoffman, California Institute of Technology, will release the conference proceedings. Benny Pieser, John Moores University, Liverpool, UK, will deliver the keynote address. According to Mr. Arvind Kumar, nearly 100 articles will be presented during the deliberations in which nearly 30 international experts and 100 delegates from the country would participate. The three plenary talks scheduled during the conference would be given by T. Jayaram (TISS, Bombay), James Jacob (director Rubber research Institute of India, Kottayam) and Benny Pieser, U.K.
Source: The Hindu, Dated: 19.02.2010
3 rainwater harvesting structures come up in city
COIMBATORE: As many as 133 rain water harvesting structures have come up on open spaces and along roads in the city, out of the 215 planned under a Rs.1-crore project promoted by Central Ground Water Board of the Union Ministry of Water Resources. Siruthuli, a public initiative to conserve water resources, has teamed up with the district administration in implementing the rain water harvesting programme to raise the ground water level in the city. District Collector P. Umanath is the chairman of the District-level Technical Committee. The 150 structures put up already by Siruthuli in the city have served as a model for the ongoing project. The marked improvement in the ground water level following the earlier project led to the Board asking Siruthuli to partner the district administration in replicating the model across the city.
“So far, we have put up 126 harvesting structures at open spaces and seven along roads,” Siruthuli Managing Trustee Vanitha Mohan told presspersons on Wednesday. The Collector was reviewing the project and works were on to meet the March 31 deadline for the completion of all the 215 structures, Ms. Mohan said. Coimbatore city was actually in need of 600 rain water harvesting structures at locations identified as rain water stagnation points. The Board had promised assistance in establishing more structures. It had also called upon Siruthuli to implement a similar project in Chennai.
Source: The Hindu, Dated: 19.02.2010
“So far, we have put up 126 harvesting structures at open spaces and seven along roads,” Siruthuli Managing Trustee Vanitha Mohan told presspersons on Wednesday. The Collector was reviewing the project and works were on to meet the March 31 deadline for the completion of all the 215 structures, Ms. Mohan said. Coimbatore city was actually in need of 600 rain water harvesting structures at locations identified as rain water stagnation points. The Board had promised assistance in establishing more structures. It had also called upon Siruthuli to implement a similar project in Chennai.
Source: The Hindu, Dated: 19.02.2010
Parambikkulam in Kerala declared Tiger reserve
Parambikkulam, Feb 19 (PTI) Parambikkulam wildlife sanctuary in central Kerala was today declared the country?s 38th Tiger reserve as part of efforts to protect the big cat. Spread over 643.65 sq km in Palakkad and Thrissur districts, Parambikkulam is the second tiger reserve in Kerala after Periyar in Idukki district. Formally declaring the area as a tiger reserve, Union Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said Rs two crore would be allotted for tiger preservation in Kerala. Government would also pay Rs ten lakh each to 73 families of the 240 in the area who have opted to move out for their rehabilitation. Of the total area of Parambikkulam reserve, 390.88 sqkm would comprise core area and rest buffer area.The reserve is spread over forest divisions of Chalakkudy, Vazhachal and Nenmara. Wildlife officials said Periyar and Parambikkulam tiger reserves together have the most conducive and healthy environment for growth and sustainability of tiger population. - Press Trust of India, 19 Feb 2010.
Source: Mathrubhumi, Dated: 19.02.2010
Source: Mathrubhumi, Dated: 19.02.2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
Eco concerns raised at Maramon Convention
PATHANAMTHITTA: The week-long Maramon Convention, organised by the Mar Thoma Evangelistic Association (MTEA) attached to the Mar Thoma Syrian Church of Malabar on the riverbed of the Pampa at Maramon near Kozhencherry, began on Sunday afternoon with a fervent plea to conserve environment. Inaugurating the meet, Joseph Mar Thoma Metropolitan, head of the church, laid emphasis on the grave need to protect environment at a time when climate change was causing grave concerns. He said nature had been exposed to the worst kind of exploitation in the modern times.
Global warming and frequent earthquakes were the resultant ill effects of man’s excessive exploitation of nature, he added. The Metropolitan called upon the faithful to practice evangelism in life. Philipose Mar Chrysostum, Senior Metropolitan, led the prayers. Presiding over the inaugural function, MTEA president Zacharias Mar Theophilus Suffragan Metropolitan said turning to the gospel of Jesus Christ was the need of the hour. He said society should wake up to stop violence and the church was willing to work for the deliverance of those addicted to liquor. He added that the government too should make necessary intervention in this regard. Rev Martin Alphons, an evangelist from the U.S., delivered the religious discourse. The week-long convention concludes on February 21. The annual Christian religious congregation is billed as the largest Christian congregation in Asia.
Source: The Hindu, Dated: 15.02.2010
Global warming and frequent earthquakes were the resultant ill effects of man’s excessive exploitation of nature, he added. The Metropolitan called upon the faithful to practice evangelism in life. Philipose Mar Chrysostum, Senior Metropolitan, led the prayers. Presiding over the inaugural function, MTEA president Zacharias Mar Theophilus Suffragan Metropolitan said turning to the gospel of Jesus Christ was the need of the hour. He said society should wake up to stop violence and the church was willing to work for the deliverance of those addicted to liquor. He added that the government too should make necessary intervention in this regard. Rev Martin Alphons, an evangelist from the U.S., delivered the religious discourse. The week-long convention concludes on February 21. The annual Christian religious congregation is billed as the largest Christian congregation in Asia.
Source: The Hindu, Dated: 15.02.2010
Endosulfan: plea to pay compensation
KANNUR: The Indian Lawyers Congress (ILC) State unit demanded at a press conference in Kasaragod on Sunday that a Bhopal-model compensation claims commissioner be appointed for paying compensation to the victims of Endosulfan exposure in Kasaragod. ILC State president T. Asaf Ali said the State government and government-owned Kerala Plantation Corporation that had led the aerial spraying of the pesticide over its cashew plantations in Kasaragod should pay compensation to the victims of the Endosulfan tragedy. He demanded compensation for people suffering from physical and mental abnormalities and the families of the 486 victims, whose deaths were officially confirmed to have been due to health hazards caused by the pesticide. The government should either appoint the claims commissioner or utilise the services of the Kerala State Legal Services Authority to identify the victims of the Endosulfan tragedy, he said. He said that if the State government was not willing to initiate payment of compensation, the ILC would approach the High Court seeking justice for the victims of the tragedy.
Soutce: The Hindu, Dated: 15.02.2010
Soutce: The Hindu, Dated: 15.02.2010
Brahmapuram issue to dominate council meet
KOCHI: The Brahmapuram solid waste treatment plant issue will dominate the Kochi corporation council meeting scheduled for Monday. The Congress-led UDF had raised the issue in the last council meeting and its members staged a dharna before the Mayor’s chamber. The Opposition councillors had demanded a vigilance inquiry into the faulty construction and subsequent loss the civic body had sustained. “The Opposition will stick on to its demand for vigilance inquiry into the issues related to the Brahmapuram plant,” said A.B. Sabu, the UDF leader in the Corporation.
The councillors in the Opposition had been highlighting the defects in the construction of the plant for quite some time. However, the civic authorities refused to take note of it. The fire that recently broke out at the plant site is the latest incident related to the mismanagement and malfunctioning of the plant, he said. At the same time, some of the constituents of the ruling LDF have raised the demand for a through inquiry into the issues related to the plant at the recent LDF meeting. The representatives of a constituent party demanded that an inquiry should be held into the contractor-officials nexus which had the knowledge about the faulty construction of the plant and the resultant revenue loss the civic body may sustain.
The fire that recently broke out at the plant site demands a through inquiry as no one from outside would be able to enter the plant unnoticed and set the waste on fire. It must be the handiwork of some persons associated with the plant, said a ruling front leader. As the corporation has spent a considerable amount for setting up the plant, there should be proper follow-up and investigation regarding the loss the civic body has suffered. The plant site itself was in a bad shape and the machines have developed technical snags. One of the companies which came forward for taking over the operation of the plant suggested that the machinery should be replaced, he said. The plant should be registered under the Factories Act as it processes waste and produces organic manure. It should also be manned by the qualified officials, he said.
Source: The Hindu, Dated: 15.02.2010
The councillors in the Opposition had been highlighting the defects in the construction of the plant for quite some time. However, the civic authorities refused to take note of it. The fire that recently broke out at the plant site is the latest incident related to the mismanagement and malfunctioning of the plant, he said. At the same time, some of the constituents of the ruling LDF have raised the demand for a through inquiry into the issues related to the plant at the recent LDF meeting. The representatives of a constituent party demanded that an inquiry should be held into the contractor-officials nexus which had the knowledge about the faulty construction of the plant and the resultant revenue loss the civic body may sustain.
The fire that recently broke out at the plant site demands a through inquiry as no one from outside would be able to enter the plant unnoticed and set the waste on fire. It must be the handiwork of some persons associated with the plant, said a ruling front leader. As the corporation has spent a considerable amount for setting up the plant, there should be proper follow-up and investigation regarding the loss the civic body has suffered. The plant site itself was in a bad shape and the machines have developed technical snags. One of the companies which came forward for taking over the operation of the plant suggested that the machinery should be replaced, he said. The plant should be registered under the Factories Act as it processes waste and produces organic manure. It should also be manned by the qualified officials, he said.
Source: The Hindu, Dated: 15.02.2010
Kuttiadi project to be ready by March
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The 100 MW Kuttiadi additional extension power project will be ready for commissioning next month, Power Minister A.K. Balan has said. In a release here on Sunday, the Minister said the 25 MW Neriamangalam extension and 3.75 MW Kuttiadi tail race schemes had been completed taking the total quantity of power added to the grid by the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) to 90 MW. The Pallivasal extension, Thottiyar and Poozhithod schemes, forming part of various schemes aimed at additional generation capacity of 730 MW, were at different stages of implementation, Mr. Balan said. He said steps were being taken for a 2,400 MW mega power project at Cheemeni in Kasaragod district. Once the LNG terminal became a reality in Kochi, the 1,950 MW second stage of the Kayamkulam thermal power project would become a reality. Steps would also begin soon on a 1,000 MW project at Brahmapuram under the full ownership of the KSEB, the final goal being generation of around 3,000 MW power over the coming decade, he said. The Minister said work on 206 sub-stations had been taken up as part of the Rs.1,800-crore transmission master plan.
Of these, 71 sub-stations had been commissioned and 11 kV lines drawn across a distance of 8,500 km. As many as 12,100 transformers had also been set up over the last three years. The pace of work done in transmission and distribution segment should be clear from the fact that as much as one-fourth of the total distance of 11 kV lines and the total number of transformers were put in place after the present government came to power.
CFL distribution
The LDF government, he said, had also succeeded in bringing down transmission and distribution loss from 24.6 per cent to 18 per cent. The effort now was to pull it down further to 15 per cent. As part of the energy conservation efforts, the KSEB had distributed 10 lakh CFLs free-of-cost to SC/ST and BPL consumers. By March, the government would launch a massive programme to distribute two CFL lamps to each family in the State. Simultaneously, the Model Section programme was being extended to all section offices of the KSEB, Mr. Balan said.
Source: The Hindu, Dated: 15.02.2010
Of these, 71 sub-stations had been commissioned and 11 kV lines drawn across a distance of 8,500 km. As many as 12,100 transformers had also been set up over the last three years. The pace of work done in transmission and distribution segment should be clear from the fact that as much as one-fourth of the total distance of 11 kV lines and the total number of transformers were put in place after the present government came to power.
CFL distribution
The LDF government, he said, had also succeeded in bringing down transmission and distribution loss from 24.6 per cent to 18 per cent. The effort now was to pull it down further to 15 per cent. As part of the energy conservation efforts, the KSEB had distributed 10 lakh CFLs free-of-cost to SC/ST and BPL consumers. By March, the government would launch a massive programme to distribute two CFL lamps to each family in the State. Simultaneously, the Model Section programme was being extended to all section offices of the KSEB, Mr. Balan said.
Source: The Hindu, Dated: 15.02.2010
Schemes for paddy, coconut procurement
ALAPPUZHA: Consumerfed will formally launch its projects to procure coconut and paddy from farmers in the State on Saturday and Sunday respectively. Addressing a press conference here on Friday, Consumerfed Managing Director Rigi G. Nair said Coir and Cooperation Minister G. Sudhakaran would launch the coconut procurement project at Perambra in Kozhikode district at 3 p.m. on Saturday and the paddy procurement project at Thamarakulam here at 11.30 a.m. on Sunday. Paddy procurement is faced with various problems including non-payment of appropriate prices and delay as the Civil Supplies Department is the sole procurement agency. Under the scheme, paddy procurement would be done by Consumerfed in areas where the Civil Supplies Department lacks adequate network.
As many as 413 cooperative societies had been selected to procure paddy on behalf of Consumerfed, Mr. Nair said. The paddy thus procured would be processed and sold through Consumerfed’s Triveni and Neethi stores under the brand name ‘Triveni’ at less-than-market prices. Other cooperative sales outlets too would be part of the marketing network for Triveni rice, Mr. Nair said, adding that paddy would be procured at Rs.12 a kg. As for procurement of fresh coconut and copra, Consumerfed would be joining Kerafed and Marketfed. ‘Drier’ arrangements had been made in 10 districts to process fresh coconuts into copra and to hand over the same to Nafed. The prices would be from Rs.10 to Rs.12 a kg for unbroken fresh coconuts with water while cut pieces would fetch prices varying from Rs.12 to Rs.14 a kg. The prices could differ from district to district. A district-level monitoring committee with the District Collector as chairman and Joint Registrar as convener will be in place in all districts to decide on the prices, Mr. Nair said. Consumerfed would pay farmers either on the day of procurement or a day after. Steps were being taken to ensure that farmers would not have to complain of late payments and delayed procurement any more, he added.
Source: The Hindu, Dated: 13.02.2010
As many as 413 cooperative societies had been selected to procure paddy on behalf of Consumerfed, Mr. Nair said. The paddy thus procured would be processed and sold through Consumerfed’s Triveni and Neethi stores under the brand name ‘Triveni’ at less-than-market prices. Other cooperative sales outlets too would be part of the marketing network for Triveni rice, Mr. Nair said, adding that paddy would be procured at Rs.12 a kg. As for procurement of fresh coconut and copra, Consumerfed would be joining Kerafed and Marketfed. ‘Drier’ arrangements had been made in 10 districts to process fresh coconuts into copra and to hand over the same to Nafed. The prices would be from Rs.10 to Rs.12 a kg for unbroken fresh coconuts with water while cut pieces would fetch prices varying from Rs.12 to Rs.14 a kg. The prices could differ from district to district. A district-level monitoring committee with the District Collector as chairman and Joint Registrar as convener will be in place in all districts to decide on the prices, Mr. Nair said. Consumerfed would pay farmers either on the day of procurement or a day after. Steps were being taken to ensure that farmers would not have to complain of late payments and delayed procurement any more, he added.
Source: The Hindu, Dated: 13.02.2010
Work begins on water project for Vypeen
KOCHI: The drinking water augmentation project for the people in Vypeen Island started on Friday. This was the beginning of the much delayed Rs. 32-crore project that was planned at least three years ago for the islanders. With this project, Kerala Water Authority plans to augment water supply to Elamkunnappuzha, Njarackkal and Nayarambalam grama panchayats, where the shortage of water could not be solved even after a HUDCO project was completed. The Goshree Island Development Authority had sanctioned the funds to improve the water supply network to realise the full potential of the HUDCO project. The region has a severe supply-demand gap because of the poor network of pipes that are old and small in size. However, this project, expected to be completed by May 2011, will double the water supply.
The project is envisaged to cover the population growth for about 30 years with a supply potential of 10 million litres a day. GIDA has provided Rs. 5 crore to start the work. The work involves laying of pipes and construction of overhead tanks and it has been divided into three zones and sub-zones for easy implementation. Pipe laying has to be done in the zones of Fort Vypeen-Valappu; Valappu-Njarackkal and Njarackkal-Nayarambalam. Three overhead tanks with capacities 11.8 lakh litres, 13.8 lakh litres and 17.7 lakh litres would be constructed at Murikkumpadam, Malippuram and Njarackkal.
Source: The Hindu, Dated: 13.02.2010
The project is envisaged to cover the population growth for about 30 years with a supply potential of 10 million litres a day. GIDA has provided Rs. 5 crore to start the work. The work involves laying of pipes and construction of overhead tanks and it has been divided into three zones and sub-zones for easy implementation. Pipe laying has to be done in the zones of Fort Vypeen-Valappu; Valappu-Njarackkal and Njarackkal-Nayarambalam. Three overhead tanks with capacities 11.8 lakh litres, 13.8 lakh litres and 17.7 lakh litres would be constructed at Murikkumpadam, Malippuram and Njarackkal.
Source: The Hindu, Dated: 13.02.2010
‘Indian Ocean warming calls for in depth study’
KOCHI: The currents in Indian Ocean which have an impact on the monsoon system that determines the climate of Kerala and other States need to be studied in depth in view of the global climate change, a scientific workshop held at Cherayi has suggested. Over the past decade, Indian Ocean waters got 1.5 degree Celsius warmer than other ocean waters. This phenomenon would have massive impact on the monsoon systems, the workshop pointed out. The impact of sea level changes and increased incidence of algal blooms would affect the ecosystem of the region. The five-day workshop on “Indian Ocean: challenges in meteorology and oceanography,” attended by scientists and researchers from India and abroad, discussed various aspects of atmospheric and ocean circulation and variability in Indian Ocean.
Satellite data
Latest developments in satellite data and simulated ocean modelling could be of great help for those studying the ocean. The workshop was organised by Nansen Environmental Centre’s Indian branch, based in Kochi. Researchers and students from Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur; National Institute of Oceanography; Andhra University; Jawaharlal Nehru Technology University; Energy Research Institute and several other top scientific bodies attended the workshop. Climate scientists from Europe and the U.S. presented papers and answered questions from the Indian and Norwegian students and young researchers. Ola M. Johannessen, professor at University of Bergen; Johnny A. Johannessen, chairman of Earth Science Advisory committee of European Space Agency; Trevor Platt, executive director, Partnership for Observation of Global Oceans, U.K.; Satish Chandra Shenoi, director, Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, Hyderabad, and P.V. Joseph, monsoon expert, were among those who guided the students.
Source: The Hindu, Dated: 13.02.2010
Satellite data
Latest developments in satellite data and simulated ocean modelling could be of great help for those studying the ocean. The workshop was organised by Nansen Environmental Centre’s Indian branch, based in Kochi. Researchers and students from Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur; National Institute of Oceanography; Andhra University; Jawaharlal Nehru Technology University; Energy Research Institute and several other top scientific bodies attended the workshop. Climate scientists from Europe and the U.S. presented papers and answered questions from the Indian and Norwegian students and young researchers. Ola M. Johannessen, professor at University of Bergen; Johnny A. Johannessen, chairman of Earth Science Advisory committee of European Space Agency; Trevor Platt, executive director, Partnership for Observation of Global Oceans, U.K.; Satish Chandra Shenoi, director, Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, Hyderabad, and P.V. Joseph, monsoon expert, were among those who guided the students.
Source: The Hindu, Dated: 13.02.2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
New cabbage, cauliflower varieties identified
THRISSUR: Cabbage and cauliflower are vegetables traditionally grown in the winter season on the Northern plains and in the high altitude areas in the South. But, with the advent of tropical varieties which can form marketable 'heads and curds' even at temperatures as high as 35o C, cultivation of these crops is possible now even on the tropical plains of Kerala. Talking to Express, C Narayanan Kutty, Professor (Hort) at the Mannuthy Agricultural Research Station(ARS), under the Kerala Agricultural University, said that the ARS had initiated a research in 2003- 04 for identifying genotypes of cabbage and cauliflower which are suitable for cultivation on the plains of Kerala.
“The trials conducted in the last 5-6 years have been successful in identifying varieties of these vegetables which are suitable for cultivation in the November-February period in the state. The Basant, NS-60 and Pusa Meghna genotypes of cauliflower and the NS-183, NS-160 and NS-43 genotypes of cabbage gave very good results. On an average, cauliflower curds weighing between 750 gm and 1 kg and cabbage heads of 1 to 1.5 kg could be harvested,” Narayanan Kutty said. He said that the Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council, Kerala, had supplied around 14 lakh seedlings of these varieties to farmers in the current season.
“The ARS is now concentrating on identifying new genotypes for cultivation in the state. Around 14 varieties of cabbage and 17 varieties of cauliflower are currently being subjected to trials at the ARS, and a few of them have been found promising”, he said and added that the genotypes which showed good results would be further tested and popularised, so that the farmers would have a wider choice in the coming years. “Simultaneously, trials are also progressing at the ARS for identifying other cool-season vegetables like radish, palak, carrot and beetroot which are suitable for cultivation on the plains of the state, Narayanan Kutty said.
Source: Indian Express, Dated: 11.02.2010
“The trials conducted in the last 5-6 years have been successful in identifying varieties of these vegetables which are suitable for cultivation in the November-February period in the state. The Basant, NS-60 and Pusa Meghna genotypes of cauliflower and the NS-183, NS-160 and NS-43 genotypes of cabbage gave very good results. On an average, cauliflower curds weighing between 750 gm and 1 kg and cabbage heads of 1 to 1.5 kg could be harvested,” Narayanan Kutty said. He said that the Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council, Kerala, had supplied around 14 lakh seedlings of these varieties to farmers in the current season.
“The ARS is now concentrating on identifying new genotypes for cultivation in the state. Around 14 varieties of cabbage and 17 varieties of cauliflower are currently being subjected to trials at the ARS, and a few of them have been found promising”, he said and added that the genotypes which showed good results would be further tested and popularised, so that the farmers would have a wider choice in the coming years. “Simultaneously, trials are also progressing at the ARS for identifying other cool-season vegetables like radish, palak, carrot and beetroot which are suitable for cultivation on the plains of the state, Narayanan Kutty said.
Source: Indian Express, Dated: 11.02.2010
Mild quake in Palakkad
PALAKKAD: A mild tremor was experienced in and around Kollengode near here around 8.45 a.m. and 9 a.m. The quake measured 2.2 on the Richter scale as recorded by the Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi. The epicentre of the tremor was at Vadakke Challa. District Collector K V Mohankumar along with the officials of the Revenue and Geology departments visited Vadakkechalla. The quake was felt four kilometres away at Kambrathuchalla too. It lasted for four seconds and was felt in Kannimari, Kullamedu, Thandapalam, Poolamedu, Moolampallam, Nedumpalam and adjoining areas.Cracks developed on the walls of 20 houses and animals made strange noises.
Source: Indian Express, Dated:11.02.2010
Source: Indian Express, Dated:11.02.2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Eco-restoration plan will continue: Paloli
PALAKKAD: The government will implement a special scheme for continuing the Eco-restoration Programme at Attappadi, said Local Self-Government Minister Paloli Mohammed Kutty. The programme which is currently being undertaken by the Attappadi Hill Area Development Society (Ahads) and funded by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency, is set to end in March. He was speaking at a function held to hand over the keys of the houses built by Ahads, to its beneficiaries at Vetiyoor in Attappadi on Sunday. The minister added that the success of the ‘green scheme’ at Attappadi was due to public participation. Pudur panchayat president Prakash Thomas presided over the meet.
Later, Paloli inaugurated the stage built by Agali panchayat. He also released the working plan document for Scheduled Tribes proposed to be implemented under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS). Paloli also disbursed the scholarships to the children of workers who have registered under the NREGS. Paloli Mohammed Kutty said that schemes to improve the productivity of agriculture needed to be taken up under the NREGS.
Source: Indian Express, dated: 10.02.2010
Later, Paloli inaugurated the stage built by Agali panchayat. He also released the working plan document for Scheduled Tribes proposed to be implemented under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS). Paloli also disbursed the scholarships to the children of workers who have registered under the NREGS. Paloli Mohammed Kutty said that schemes to improve the productivity of agriculture needed to be taken up under the NREGS.
Source: Indian Express, dated: 10.02.2010
Eco seminar held
PATHANAMTHITTA: Waste, if properly managed, can be wealth, according to Fr. Abraham Mulamoottil, principal, Mar Athanasios College For Advanced Studies Thiruvalla (MACFAST). Fr. Mulamoottil was addressing a seminar on ‘Environmental awareness and waste disposal,’ organised jointly by MACFAST and the Thiruvalla municipality, at the municipal stadium in Thiruvalla on Tuesday. He said proper management of waste at its source was the best way to tackle the problem. Presiding over the seminar, municipal chairman Cherian Polachirackal stressed the need for making the people aware of their social responsibility to desist from polluting their surroundings by dumping wastes. He said the municipality would soon launch a public awareness campaign in association with MACFAST and various social organisations in the region in an effort to resolve the issue of waste disposal in and around Thiruvalla. Jose Philipose, attached to the Bodhana Social Service Society; Sasidharan Nair, environmentalist; Varkey Mathew from Kottayam; and Pampa Parirakshana Samiti general secretary N.K. Sukumaran Nair also spoke. Anto Antony, MP, inaugurated the seminar.
Source: the Hindu, dated: 10.02.2010
Source: the Hindu, dated: 10.02.2010
Committee to check coastal zone violations
KOCHI: The Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) violations in the State would be listed by the Kerala Coastal Zone Management Authority (KCZMA). A committee to be appointed by the authority would investigate into all the violations, and action would be initiated based on its findings, said E.P. Yesodharan, chairman of the authority. Incidentally, Jairam Ramesh, Union Minister for Environment and Forest, had stated at Kochi on Monday that there were rampant CRZ violations in the State. Mr. Ramesh had also stated that the violations in Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Goa would be recorded using satellite images.
Mr. Yesodharan, while admitting that there were widespread violations, said that the directives of the authority on instances of violations were not satisfactorily implemented by the district authorities and local bodies. There were also cases of procedural delay on the part of the district administrations and the local bodies in acting against the violations. In a few cases, the violators obtained stay orders from the courts, Mr. Yesodharan said. Though the CRZ Act empowers the Kerala Coastal Zone Management Authority to take suo motu action and even as authority members convinced about the violations in many cases, the authority has failed to invoke its powers even once.
“The committee has not initiated suo motu action so far. However we are planning to act in a few cases soon,” Mr. Yesodharan said. Kerala has a long coastal line and around 20 per cent of its population live along the coastal belt. There are practical difficulties in fully implementing the CRZ guidelines, he said. N.R. Menon, a member of KCZMA, said that the powers of the chairman were only on paper. The implementing agencies like the district collectors and the local bodies should be blamed for the failure in implementing the guidelines as the authority has only recommendatory powers, Mr. Menon said. B. Madhusoodana Kurup, a member of the committee, pointed out that the authority does not have a system to implement its orders. It can only issue the orders to the authorities concerned for proper implementation, Mr. Kurup said.
Kochi tops the list
Kochi tops the list of cities in Kerala that have violated the CRZ norms. Star hotels, luxury resorts, hospitals, apartment complexes and commercial ventures have come up along the water front areas of the city violating the guidelines. Recent violations were reported from Elamkulam, Chilavannur, Maradu and Kumbalam areas, according to a committee member. “With its large number of water bodies, there is the probability of Kochi topping the list. The authority has acted on cases that have come to its consideration,” Dr. Yesodharan said.
Source: The Hindu, Dated: 10.02.2010
Mr. Yesodharan, while admitting that there were widespread violations, said that the directives of the authority on instances of violations were not satisfactorily implemented by the district authorities and local bodies. There were also cases of procedural delay on the part of the district administrations and the local bodies in acting against the violations. In a few cases, the violators obtained stay orders from the courts, Mr. Yesodharan said. Though the CRZ Act empowers the Kerala Coastal Zone Management Authority to take suo motu action and even as authority members convinced about the violations in many cases, the authority has failed to invoke its powers even once.
“The committee has not initiated suo motu action so far. However we are planning to act in a few cases soon,” Mr. Yesodharan said. Kerala has a long coastal line and around 20 per cent of its population live along the coastal belt. There are practical difficulties in fully implementing the CRZ guidelines, he said. N.R. Menon, a member of KCZMA, said that the powers of the chairman were only on paper. The implementing agencies like the district collectors and the local bodies should be blamed for the failure in implementing the guidelines as the authority has only recommendatory powers, Mr. Menon said. B. Madhusoodana Kurup, a member of the committee, pointed out that the authority does not have a system to implement its orders. It can only issue the orders to the authorities concerned for proper implementation, Mr. Kurup said.
Kochi tops the list
Kochi tops the list of cities in Kerala that have violated the CRZ norms. Star hotels, luxury resorts, hospitals, apartment complexes and commercial ventures have come up along the water front areas of the city violating the guidelines. Recent violations were reported from Elamkulam, Chilavannur, Maradu and Kumbalam areas, according to a committee member. “With its large number of water bodies, there is the probability of Kochi topping the list. The authority has acted on cases that have come to its consideration,” Dr. Yesodharan said.
Source: The Hindu, Dated: 10.02.2010
It’s moratorium on Bt brinjal: Jairam
NEW DELHI: Bt brinjal will not make it to your dinner table for now. On Tuesday, the Environment Ministry announced its decision to impose a moratorium on the release of the transgenic brinjal hybrid developed by Mahyco, a subsidiary of global seed giant Monsanto. The moratorium will last “till such time independent scientific studies establish, to the satisfaction of both the public and professionals, the safety of the product from the point of view of its long-term impact on human health and environment, including the rich genetic wealth existing in brinjal in our country,” said Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh.
Public consultations
The Minister’s decision comes after a month of public consultations in seven cities, which were attended by approximately 8,000 people. They were organised after widespread protests against the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee’s (GEAC) recommendation of approval of Bt brinjal in October 2009. Mr. Ramesh attributed the decision to several factors: lack of clear consensus among the scientific community; opposition from 10 State governments, especially from the major brinjal-producing States; questions raised about the safety and testing process; lack of an independent biotechnology regulatory authority; negative public sentiment and fears among consumers and lack of a global precedent. “My decision is both responsible to science and responsive to society,” he said adding he did not come under pressure from any quarter in arriving at the decision.
Fresh studies
Mr. Ramesh said the moratorium period would be used to commission fresh scientific studies and reform the testing process. “If you need long term toxicity tests, then you must do it, no matter how long it takes… There is no hurry. There is no overriding urgency or food security argument for [release of] Bt brinjal,” he said. “Our objective is to restore public confidence and trust in the Bt brinjal product. If it cannot be done, so be it.” The moratorium period should also be used to operationalise an independent regulatory authority and hold a parliamentary debate on private investment in agricultural biotechnology. “I don’t believe India should be dependent on the private sector seed industry,” said Mr. Ramesh. “I believe seeds are as strategic to India as space and nuclear issues.” Bt brinjal, created by inserting a gene from the soil bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis – hence the Bt – is capable of resisting several insect pests and could reduce the use of pesticide
Source: The Hindu, dated: 10.02.2010
Public consultations
The Minister’s decision comes after a month of public consultations in seven cities, which were attended by approximately 8,000 people. They were organised after widespread protests against the Genetic Engineering Approval Committee’s (GEAC) recommendation of approval of Bt brinjal in October 2009. Mr. Ramesh attributed the decision to several factors: lack of clear consensus among the scientific community; opposition from 10 State governments, especially from the major brinjal-producing States; questions raised about the safety and testing process; lack of an independent biotechnology regulatory authority; negative public sentiment and fears among consumers and lack of a global precedent. “My decision is both responsible to science and responsive to society,” he said adding he did not come under pressure from any quarter in arriving at the decision.
Fresh studies
Mr. Ramesh said the moratorium period would be used to commission fresh scientific studies and reform the testing process. “If you need long term toxicity tests, then you must do it, no matter how long it takes… There is no hurry. There is no overriding urgency or food security argument for [release of] Bt brinjal,” he said. “Our objective is to restore public confidence and trust in the Bt brinjal product. If it cannot be done, so be it.” The moratorium period should also be used to operationalise an independent regulatory authority and hold a parliamentary debate on private investment in agricultural biotechnology. “I don’t believe India should be dependent on the private sector seed industry,” said Mr. Ramesh. “I believe seeds are as strategic to India as space and nuclear issues.” Bt brinjal, created by inserting a gene from the soil bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis – hence the Bt – is capable of resisting several insect pests and could reduce the use of pesticide
Source: The Hindu, dated: 10.02.2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Athirappilly another Silent Valley
KOCHI: Athirappilly is another Silent Valley rich in biodiversity that needs to be protected, said Jairam Ramesh, Union Minister for Environment.
Talking to mediapersons here on Monday, Mr. Ramesh said the State should look for alternative proposals for power generation, thereby indicating that clearance would not be issued for hydel projects. Incidentally, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) had proposed to set up a power project at the Athirappilly waterfalls and the move drew protests from environmentalists. Similarly, the Board’s proposal to set up a power project in the Silent Valley 25 years ago had to be shelved following stiff resistance from nature lovers and environmentalists.
Mr. Ramesh said the permission issued earlier for the Athirapally project was withdrawn after he assumed the office of the Union Minister for Environment. The State government had also been told to stop all work related to the project till an expert committee for approval looked into the issue, he said. “I was flooded with representations from various sections of society, including environmentalists, against the project. I had also been to the area earlier,” Mr. Ramesh said. The representations filed against the project and the stand of the Board favouring it has been forwarded to the committee, he said. The Ministry had earlier received a reply from the Board on the showcause issued to it asking why the permission issued for the project should not be revoked. All these matters have been referred to the committee. However, the final decision will be taken by the Minister, Mr. Ramesh said.
The revoking of the permission for the project was resented by the State authorities, including Power Minister A.K. Balan who had come out in the open against the Union Minister’s stand.
Encroachments
The Environment Minister said his Ministry would interfere in the Munnar issue if there were any instances of encroachment of forest land. If any forest land is used for non-forest purposes, there will be action. The Forest Protection Act is a Central legislation applicable to the whole of country, he said. “It is my responsibility as the Minister of Forest and Environment to protect the environment and the Forest Protection Act is my Bible,” Mr. Ramesh said.
Source: The Hindu, Dated: 9.02.2010
Talking to mediapersons here on Monday, Mr. Ramesh said the State should look for alternative proposals for power generation, thereby indicating that clearance would not be issued for hydel projects. Incidentally, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) had proposed to set up a power project at the Athirappilly waterfalls and the move drew protests from environmentalists. Similarly, the Board’s proposal to set up a power project in the Silent Valley 25 years ago had to be shelved following stiff resistance from nature lovers and environmentalists.
Mr. Ramesh said the permission issued earlier for the Athirapally project was withdrawn after he assumed the office of the Union Minister for Environment. The State government had also been told to stop all work related to the project till an expert committee for approval looked into the issue, he said. “I was flooded with representations from various sections of society, including environmentalists, against the project. I had also been to the area earlier,” Mr. Ramesh said. The representations filed against the project and the stand of the Board favouring it has been forwarded to the committee, he said. The Ministry had earlier received a reply from the Board on the showcause issued to it asking why the permission issued for the project should not be revoked. All these matters have been referred to the committee. However, the final decision will be taken by the Minister, Mr. Ramesh said.
The revoking of the permission for the project was resented by the State authorities, including Power Minister A.K. Balan who had come out in the open against the Union Minister’s stand.
Encroachments
The Environment Minister said his Ministry would interfere in the Munnar issue if there were any instances of encroachment of forest land. If any forest land is used for non-forest purposes, there will be action. The Forest Protection Act is a Central legislation applicable to the whole of country, he said. “It is my responsibility as the Minister of Forest and Environment to protect the environment and the Forest Protection Act is my Bible,” Mr. Ramesh said.
Source: The Hindu, Dated: 9.02.2010
Need for cut in carbon emission to combat climate change stressed
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Children should lead a lifestyle aimed at reducing carbon emission to effectively combat climate change, member-secretary, Kerala State Pollution Control Board, D. Thankamony said. She was speaking after inaugurating an awareness programme organised as part of the National Environment Awareness Campaign 2009-10 organised jointly by WWF-India, Kerala, and Centre for Environment and Development with the support of the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests here on Monday. Dr. Thankamony commended the effort taken by students, who were also volunteers of the WWF, to protect the tree cover and natural flora and fauna on the College of Engineering campus in the capital city. A set of resource materials, including six colourful posters, a set of four stickers and a CD-ROM on the theme of energy conservation and climate change, was released by the secretary. As many as 165 students participated in the programme that had the theme ‘Climate Change — combating a global phenomenon through local initiative.’ State Director of WWF-India, Kerala unit, Renjan Mathew Varghese, presided. A.K. Sivakumar, education officer, State unit of WWF-India; Shilo K. Dev, programme coordinator (outreach) of Centre for Environment and Development, Thiruvananthapuram; and Gangadharan, education officer of Museum and Zoo; offered felicitations.
Source: The Hindu, Dated:9.02.2010
Source: The Hindu, Dated:9.02.2010
Kerala will have special place in coastal zone norms
KOCHI: “Kerala will be given special consideration when the new coastal zone regulations are framed,” Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh said here on Monday. Mr. Ramesh told presspersons that the unique features of the State, such as biodiversity, ecology and the population density, would be taken into account while framing the regulations. The Swaminathan Committee which prepared the Coastal Zone Management report had suggested that Mumbai be considered separately. The Minister was here to attend the final session of a public consultation with fishermen and the local communities on the Coastal Regulation Zone rules.
Issues plaguing State
Identifying the major issues plaguing the State, Mr. Ramesh said there were numerous instances of clear and visible violations of the Coastal Regulation Zone guidelines in the no-development zones. Indiscriminate reclamation of waterbodies, discharge of untreated effluents violating all the norms and the presence of a large fishermen population dependent on fisheries for livelihood security were the key concerns. Mr. Ramesh said the government proposed to bring in a Sustainable Coastal Zone Protection regulation (SCZP) and its draft would be published on the website of the Ministry on March 15. The stakeholders would be given 60 days to submit their comments and views on the draft. The new regulations would not disturb the traditional rights of fishermen and their families. The most important feature of the SCZP would be the protection of the rights of the traditional fishermen.
Source: The Hindu, Dated: 9.02.2010
Issues plaguing State
Identifying the major issues plaguing the State, Mr. Ramesh said there were numerous instances of clear and visible violations of the Coastal Regulation Zone guidelines in the no-development zones. Indiscriminate reclamation of waterbodies, discharge of untreated effluents violating all the norms and the presence of a large fishermen population dependent on fisheries for livelihood security were the key concerns. Mr. Ramesh said the government proposed to bring in a Sustainable Coastal Zone Protection regulation (SCZP) and its draft would be published on the website of the Ministry on March 15. The stakeholders would be given 60 days to submit their comments and views on the draft. The new regulations would not disturb the traditional rights of fishermen and their families. The most important feature of the SCZP would be the protection of the rights of the traditional fishermen.
Source: The Hindu, Dated: 9.02.2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
De-silting begins in Malampuzha dam
Express News Service
First Published : 08 Feb 2010 01:47:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 08 Feb 2010 07:09:22 AM IST
PALAKKAD: The desilting of Malampuzha dam has begun from the Onaampuzha area, even as precautions were being taken by the Kerala Water Authority that the drinking water to the municipality and six adjoining panchayats is not affected.
A 10-metre bund has been created to prevent the water from polluting the other waters in the dam.
In a petition filed by the secretary of the Malampuzha Dam Protection Council P S Panicker in the High court, the Bench consisting of acting Chief Justice Kurian Joseph and judge P R Raman has directed that the Kerala Water Authority should ensure desilting of the reservoir should not affect the drinking water supply.
The petition demanded that the government not to permit desilting till a comprehensive environmental impact assessment study and cost benefit analyses by an independent agency is conducted.
The silt removal will also be done in Kalampuzha, Aanakal and Andazhi.
The dam satisfies the drinking water needs of the residences in the Palakkad municipal i ty and the panchayats of Malampuzha, Marutharoad, Pudussery, Pirayiri, Pudupparaiyaram and Akkathethara.
At present, the water in the dam is being tested at the Kerala Water Authority divisional centre at Kalamandapam.
The samples were earlier tested at the filter plant and also at the booster station.
The process of silt removal which began on Friday was being undertaken by the Kerala State Mineral Development Corporation Limited (KMDCL). Since mechanised machines cannot be used under the NREGS scheme, the work is being undertaken by KMDCL.
A large pit is created using a JCB and slurry pumps are used to flush out the water.
The silt is then washed and the river sand is separated from it.
Tractors and large number of pumpsets will be used from Monday.
The river sand will be distributed to the public by the district administration by issuing pass and under the Kalavara scheme for the poor.
First Published : 08 Feb 2010 01:47:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 08 Feb 2010 07:09:22 AM IST
PALAKKAD: The desilting of Malampuzha dam has begun from the Onaampuzha area, even as precautions were being taken by the Kerala Water Authority that the drinking water to the municipality and six adjoining panchayats is not affected.
A 10-metre bund has been created to prevent the water from polluting the other waters in the dam.
In a petition filed by the secretary of the Malampuzha Dam Protection Council P S Panicker in the High court, the Bench consisting of acting Chief Justice Kurian Joseph and judge P R Raman has directed that the Kerala Water Authority should ensure desilting of the reservoir should not affect the drinking water supply.
The petition demanded that the government not to permit desilting till a comprehensive environmental impact assessment study and cost benefit analyses by an independent agency is conducted.
The silt removal will also be done in Kalampuzha, Aanakal and Andazhi.
The dam satisfies the drinking water needs of the residences in the Palakkad municipal i ty and the panchayats of Malampuzha, Marutharoad, Pudussery, Pirayiri, Pudupparaiyaram and Akkathethara.
At present, the water in the dam is being tested at the Kerala Water Authority divisional centre at Kalamandapam.
The samples were earlier tested at the filter plant and also at the booster station.
The process of silt removal which began on Friday was being undertaken by the Kerala State Mineral Development Corporation Limited (KMDCL). Since mechanised machines cannot be used under the NREGS scheme, the work is being undertaken by KMDCL.
A large pit is created using a JCB and slurry pumps are used to flush out the water.
The silt is then washed and the river sand is separated from it.
Tractors and large number of pumpsets will be used from Monday.
The river sand will be distributed to the public by the district administration by issuing pass and under the Kalavara scheme for the poor.
Eco-restoration plan will continue: Paloli
Express News Service
First Published : 08 Feb 2010 01:52:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 08 Feb 2010 06:59:56 AM IST
PALAKKAD: The government will implement a special scheme for continuing the Eco-restoration Programme at Attappadi, said Local Self-Government Minister Paloli Mohammed Kutty.
The programme which is currently being undertaken by the Attappadi Hill Area Development Society (Ahads) and funded by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency, is set to end in March.
He was speaking at a function held to hand over the keys of the houses built by Ahads, to its beneficiaries at Vetiyoor in Attappadi on Sunday.
The minister added that the success of the ‘green scheme’ at Attappadi was due to public participation. Pudur panchayat president Prakash Thomas presided over the meet.
Later, Paloli inaugurated the stage built by Agali panchayat.
He also released the working plan document for Scheduled Tribes proposed to be implemented under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS).
Paloli also disbursed the scholarships to the children of workers who have registered under the NREGS.
Paloli Mohammed Kutty said that schemes to improve the productivity of agriculture needed to be taken up under the NREGS.
First Published : 08 Feb 2010 01:52:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 08 Feb 2010 06:59:56 AM IST
PALAKKAD: The government will implement a special scheme for continuing the Eco-restoration Programme at Attappadi, said Local Self-Government Minister Paloli Mohammed Kutty.
The programme which is currently being undertaken by the Attappadi Hill Area Development Society (Ahads) and funded by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency, is set to end in March.
He was speaking at a function held to hand over the keys of the houses built by Ahads, to its beneficiaries at Vetiyoor in Attappadi on Sunday.
The minister added that the success of the ‘green scheme’ at Attappadi was due to public participation. Pudur panchayat president Prakash Thomas presided over the meet.
Later, Paloli inaugurated the stage built by Agali panchayat.
He also released the working plan document for Scheduled Tribes proposed to be implemented under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS).
Paloli also disbursed the scholarships to the children of workers who have registered under the NREGS.
Paloli Mohammed Kutty said that schemes to improve the productivity of agriculture needed to be taken up under the NREGS.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Monitor sea level rise: expert
Thiruvananthapuram: India needs a system of regular monitoring and mathematical modelling to study sea level rise and its impact on the coastal ecosystem and marine environment, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Shailesh Nayak said here on Friday. Delivering the keynote address at a national conference on Coastal Processes, Resources and Management organised by the Centre for Earth Science Studies (CESS), he said it was important to look at all the components of sea level rise like ocean temperature, salinity and density of sea water and shape of the ocean basin, apart from factors like melting of glaciers.
Key factors
“Ocean temperature has been rising at the rate of 0.1 to 0.2 degrees per decade. Temperature increase has been recorded at depths up to 2,000 metres. The shape of the ocean basin and the changes caused to it by earthquakes are other factors influencing sea level rise. Detailed studies are essential to remove the uncertainties in understanding coastal processes, ” Mr. Nayak said.
Blooms, a bane
Mr. Nayak stressed the need for a robust programme to monitor algal blooms that are appearing along the Indian coast at regular intervals. “These blooms deplete oxygen level and affect fish stocks.” He said rapid development and population growth in coastal areas had degraded the environment. “Ports and other infrastructure have developed all along the coast. This, consequently, has increased pressure on the environment. The country has plans to invest Rs.8,000 crore on the development of coastal areas over the next two decades.” Mr. Nayak said the population growth in coastal cities was twice that of other areas. Migration to coastal cities is also high, he noted. “The twin factors of development and population growth have led to salinity intrusion, groundwater depletion, sea level rise, coastal erosion and lower water quality. The situation needs a dynamic process integrating the efforts of the government, scientific community and the public for coastal zone management.”
Waste dumping
Water quality too was a matter of increasing concern in India. “Dumping of waste water has altered, fragmented or destroyed the ecosystem and resulted in the loss of biodiversity. As many as 100 to 1,000 species are being lost every year,” he said. He also highlighted the need to maintain the structural and functional integrity of ecosystems. “Half the coast of Kerala faces heavy erosion. One major reason for the erosion is the absence of mangroves. There is need to investigate whether mangroves were destroyed or whether they were not present at all.” He observed that Gujarat had a Rs.4,000-crore industry based on mangroves.
T. Radhakrishna, director-in-charge, CESS, former director M. Baba and N.P. Kurian, scientist, were present on the occasion.
Source: The Hindu, Dated: 6.02.2010
Key factors
“Ocean temperature has been rising at the rate of 0.1 to 0.2 degrees per decade. Temperature increase has been recorded at depths up to 2,000 metres. The shape of the ocean basin and the changes caused to it by earthquakes are other factors influencing sea level rise. Detailed studies are essential to remove the uncertainties in understanding coastal processes, ” Mr. Nayak said.
Blooms, a bane
Mr. Nayak stressed the need for a robust programme to monitor algal blooms that are appearing along the Indian coast at regular intervals. “These blooms deplete oxygen level and affect fish stocks.” He said rapid development and population growth in coastal areas had degraded the environment. “Ports and other infrastructure have developed all along the coast. This, consequently, has increased pressure on the environment. The country has plans to invest Rs.8,000 crore on the development of coastal areas over the next two decades.” Mr. Nayak said the population growth in coastal cities was twice that of other areas. Migration to coastal cities is also high, he noted. “The twin factors of development and population growth have led to salinity intrusion, groundwater depletion, sea level rise, coastal erosion and lower water quality. The situation needs a dynamic process integrating the efforts of the government, scientific community and the public for coastal zone management.”
Waste dumping
Water quality too was a matter of increasing concern in India. “Dumping of waste water has altered, fragmented or destroyed the ecosystem and resulted in the loss of biodiversity. As many as 100 to 1,000 species are being lost every year,” he said. He also highlighted the need to maintain the structural and functional integrity of ecosystems. “Half the coast of Kerala faces heavy erosion. One major reason for the erosion is the absence of mangroves. There is need to investigate whether mangroves were destroyed or whether they were not present at all.” He observed that Gujarat had a Rs.4,000-crore industry based on mangroves.
T. Radhakrishna, director-in-charge, CESS, former director M. Baba and N.P. Kurian, scientist, were present on the occasion.
Source: The Hindu, Dated: 6.02.2010
Behind the clouds: Decoding Climate Panel
Neha Sinha
Friday , Feb 05, 2010
The Indian Express
New Delhi
The organisation and its mandate
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is a scientific body, set up by the UN, working to assess the science behind climate change. The IPCC itself does not engage in any scientific research. Instead, its mandate is to go through all recent literature on climate science published anywhere in the world and make its conclusions based on them. These conclusions come out in the form of assessment reports. So far, IPCC, which was formed in 1989, has produced four assessment reports. The fourth one came out in 2007 after which the IPCC was given the Nobel Peace Prize. The fifth assessment report is in the making and is due in 2013-14. The first assessment report, released in 1990, resulted in the creation of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The Structure
The IPCC currently has 194 countries as members which are represented at the plenary and meet once in a year. The plenary elects a chairman whose term is made synchronous with the production of one assessment report, which is generally five-six years. The current chairman R K Pachauri is in his second term. He presided over the process of producing the fourth assessment report and is now in-charge of taking out the fifth as well. The plenary also elects a Bureau, presently comprising 31 member countries, which guides the scientific teams in the preparation of the reports. The Bureau has a similar tenure as the chairman. The IPCC secretariat, which has a small staff, plans and coordinates all.
Web: http://www.ipcc.ch/
Friday , Feb 05, 2010
The Indian Express
New Delhi
The organisation and its mandate
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is a scientific body, set up by the UN, working to assess the science behind climate change. The IPCC itself does not engage in any scientific research. Instead, its mandate is to go through all recent literature on climate science published anywhere in the world and make its conclusions based on them. These conclusions come out in the form of assessment reports. So far, IPCC, which was formed in 1989, has produced four assessment reports. The fourth one came out in 2007 after which the IPCC was given the Nobel Peace Prize. The fifth assessment report is in the making and is due in 2013-14. The first assessment report, released in 1990, resulted in the creation of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
The Structure
The IPCC currently has 194 countries as members which are represented at the plenary and meet once in a year. The plenary elects a chairman whose term is made synchronous with the production of one assessment report, which is generally five-six years. The current chairman R K Pachauri is in his second term. He presided over the process of producing the fourth assessment report and is now in-charge of taking out the fifth as well. The plenary also elects a Bureau, presently comprising 31 member countries, which guides the scientific teams in the preparation of the reports. The Bureau has a similar tenure as the chairman. The IPCC secretariat, which has a small staff, plans and coordinates all.
Web: http://www.ipcc.ch/
Beware of Rose river fever
Australia's Rose River Virus may be spreading viral fever in Tamil Nadu. It could spread easily to Kerala if preventive measures are not taken.
Source: Mathrubhumi
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Source: Mathrubhumi
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Friday, February 5, 2010
Salute to the Lake Vembanad Lake salute
Lake salute was a novel event, the first of its kind, organized by CERCATREE in collaboration with the Vembanad Nature Club and Vembanad Lake Protection Forums, to in the banks of the lake Vembanad at Shrayithodu in Muhamma Panchayth , in the evening hours. The fishermen of the Lake Protection forums paid homage to the lake, lighting lamps and floating the same in the lake .praying for the welfare of the lake. They also pledged to protect their lake by all possible means, realizing the significance and need for the same.
The event started at 5:00 pm with a Welcome speech by Krishnakumar, Program Officer, CERC. Sri. K.V. Dayal delivered the wetland message to the participants and urged the need for protecting this magnificent wetland. Sri. Ravindranath, Ward member and Standing Committee Chairman of Muhamma Grama panchayth inaugurated the event. In his inaugural address he specified the need for conserving wetlands in this era of Climate Change. He cherished his past memories and expressed his concern on the present situation of the lake while appreciating the efforts of the lake protection forums.
The participants had a very active discussion on the conservation and management of Lake Vembanad, especially by setting up fish sanctuaries.
At sunset, they gathered on the shore, lighting lamps and floating it on the lake paying homage to the lake. It was a very touching moment, as many of them commented they owe to this lake a lot, as it is the source of their subsistence. The event concluded with a wetland feast in which the fisher community served all with cooked tapioca and clam meat.
The event started at 5:00 pm with a Welcome speech by Krishnakumar, Program Officer, CERC. Sri. K.V. Dayal delivered the wetland message to the participants and urged the need for protecting this magnificent wetland. Sri. Ravindranath, Ward member and Standing Committee Chairman of Muhamma Grama panchayth inaugurated the event. In his inaugural address he specified the need for conserving wetlands in this era of Climate Change. He cherished his past memories and expressed his concern on the present situation of the lake while appreciating the efforts of the lake protection forums.
The participants had a very active discussion on the conservation and management of Lake Vembanad, especially by setting up fish sanctuaries.
At sunset, they gathered on the shore, lighting lamps and floating it on the lake paying homage to the lake. It was a very touching moment, as many of them commented they owe to this lake a lot, as it is the source of their subsistence. The event concluded with a wetland feast in which the fisher community served all with cooked tapioca and clam meat.
Wetland festival 2010
The World Wetland day 2010 was celebrated by CERC-ATREE with a number of programmes. As an Annual event ‘WETLAND FESTIVAL 2010’ involving the students and teachers from the wetland clubs of Jalapadom schools around the Lake, was held at Kalyani auditorium, Aleppey .The event was inaugurated by noted Environmentalist Shri.K.V.Dayal. Shri.Paravur George, famous drama writer and Sahithya academy award winner presided over the function. Dr.Latha Bhaskar, Program Coordinator of ATREE briefed about the significance of the day and tendered welcome and Shri.Jojo.T.D, Programme officer extended vote of thanks. Shri.Sivan Kutty, Teacher, gave the wetland message. And shri.Subrahmaniyam, General manager of the eco-friendly resort in Mararie beach felicitated on the occasion. Followed by these a video documentary film on the Agricultural practices of Kuttanad, produced by Shri Azeem Sait, a student from the Wetland study center of B.Ed college ,Porurkara was screened. Two student teams from Wetland study centers presented their project reports evolved through hypothesis testing methods. The forenoon session concluded with the wetland feast.
Afternoon session was dazzling with the colorful cultural presentations of the students. A variety show with traditional art forms and folklores including ottan thullal, skit, kol kali, solo songs, group music, nadan pattu, street plays, elocution, boat race songs etc made the event memorable. Prizes were distributed to the best high schools and U.P schools for their entries on ‘water album’ and hand written magazine, selected from 32 entries (each) from different schools. The evaluator of these entries (Mr. Joseph, Rtd Asst Director, Agri dept) noted that the entries in general were of high standards and remarked that his task for selecting the best entries was really tough as all of them were of good quality and standards. The amazing works behind these creations were appreciated by all. Wetland fest ended up at 4 pm singing the National Anthem.
Afternoon session was dazzling with the colorful cultural presentations of the students. A variety show with traditional art forms and folklores including ottan thullal, skit, kol kali, solo songs, group music, nadan pattu, street plays, elocution, boat race songs etc made the event memorable. Prizes were distributed to the best high schools and U.P schools for their entries on ‘water album’ and hand written magazine, selected from 32 entries (each) from different schools. The evaluator of these entries (Mr. Joseph, Rtd Asst Director, Agri dept) noted that the entries in general were of high standards and remarked that his task for selecting the best entries was really tough as all of them were of good quality and standards. The amazing works behind these creations were appreciated by all. Wetland fest ended up at 4 pm singing the National Anthem.
Endangered Kochi
Express News Service
First Published : 02 Feb 2010 12:20:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 02 Feb 2010 09:44:54 AM IST
KOCHI: Keep the option for future generations. This was a clause in the Rio De Janeiro meet that set the agenda for several environmental policies across the globe. But it’s a clause long forgotten by the city authorities who are steadfastly closing all roads of existence for the future generation..
Once a heartland of biodiversity, Kochi is thirsty for clean potable water with groundwater recharging turning salty..
According to environmental scientist C M Joy, rainwater which collects as freshwater in the land withstands the force from the sea water and continues to remain pure as it enters into the groundwater. But we don’t even have soak pits to collect rainwater..
The main biodiversity hubs like Mangalavanam and Vallanthacaud remain under the constant threat of annihilation by the real estate mafia which has the support of political bigwigs..
To add to this is the threat in the name of development. A thesis done by K P Suma had identified vegetation like jackfruit, cashew nuts, rain trees, coconuts, konna and drumsticks in 10 spots across the district including Mangalavanam, Kumbalangi, Kumbalam and Vallanthacaud among others. They have become few and far between..
"The mangroves have the ability separate salt from water. They crystallize the salt which comes and settles on the leaves. Since they are found between the low tide and high tide, they ensure that seawater doesn’t enter the land," says Joy..
Mangroves which keep the salt water from entering into ground water bodies like wells are being cut down and cleared in the name of development. Today nearly 70- 80 percent of the land in the city has been taken up by buildings and roads. Green activists have been asking for oxygen hubs in the city as in Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai. But that doesn’t look like becoming a reality in the near future. What Kochiites can do is to ensure that biodiversity points like Mangalavanam and Vallanthacaud remain untouched..
kochi@expressbuzz.com
First Published : 02 Feb 2010 12:20:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 02 Feb 2010 09:44:54 AM IST
KOCHI: Keep the option for future generations. This was a clause in the Rio De Janeiro meet that set the agenda for several environmental policies across the globe. But it’s a clause long forgotten by the city authorities who are steadfastly closing all roads of existence for the future generation..
Once a heartland of biodiversity, Kochi is thirsty for clean potable water with groundwater recharging turning salty..
According to environmental scientist C M Joy, rainwater which collects as freshwater in the land withstands the force from the sea water and continues to remain pure as it enters into the groundwater. But we don’t even have soak pits to collect rainwater..
The main biodiversity hubs like Mangalavanam and Vallanthacaud remain under the constant threat of annihilation by the real estate mafia which has the support of political bigwigs..
To add to this is the threat in the name of development. A thesis done by K P Suma had identified vegetation like jackfruit, cashew nuts, rain trees, coconuts, konna and drumsticks in 10 spots across the district including Mangalavanam, Kumbalangi, Kumbalam and Vallanthacaud among others. They have become few and far between..
"The mangroves have the ability separate salt from water. They crystallize the salt which comes and settles on the leaves. Since they are found between the low tide and high tide, they ensure that seawater doesn’t enter the land," says Joy..
Mangroves which keep the salt water from entering into ground water bodies like wells are being cut down and cleared in the name of development. Today nearly 70- 80 percent of the land in the city has been taken up by buildings and roads. Green activists have been asking for oxygen hubs in the city as in Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai. But that doesn’t look like becoming a reality in the near future. What Kochiites can do is to ensure that biodiversity points like Mangalavanam and Vallanthacaud remain untouched..
kochi@expressbuzz.com
Launch of Kuttanad package
Express News Service
First Published : 04 Feb 2010 01:29:09 AM IST
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The formal launch of the Rs 1,300-crore Kuttanad package will be held before March 31, a meeting of the Kuttanad Prosperity Council, presided over by Chief Minister V.S.Achutanandan, decided here on Tuesday.
The meeting approved the Rs 32-crore projects for the construction of bund, renovation of lake, canal etc. The Water Authority will take up the renovation works of water bodies.
The meeting gave approval for a Rs 22-crore project for the removal of water weeds in lagoons and decided to buy 165 harvesting machines for the purpose.
The meeting decided to submit a report on rehabilitation of inhabitants for the renovation of Alappuzha-Changanacherry canal before May 31.
G.Sudhakaran, T.M.Thomas Issac, Mullakkara Ratnakaran, S Sharma, N.K. Premachandran, MPs and MLAs were among those attended the meet.
First Published : 04 Feb 2010 01:29:09 AM IST
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The formal launch of the Rs 1,300-crore Kuttanad package will be held before March 31, a meeting of the Kuttanad Prosperity Council, presided over by Chief Minister V.S.Achutanandan, decided here on Tuesday.
The meeting approved the Rs 32-crore projects for the construction of bund, renovation of lake, canal etc. The Water Authority will take up the renovation works of water bodies.
The meeting gave approval for a Rs 22-crore project for the removal of water weeds in lagoons and decided to buy 165 harvesting machines for the purpose.
The meeting decided to submit a report on rehabilitation of inhabitants for the renovation of Alappuzha-Changanacherry canal before May 31.
G.Sudhakaran, T.M.Thomas Issac, Mullakkara Ratnakaran, S Sharma, N.K. Premachandran, MPs and MLAs were among those attended the meet.
Vegetable cultivation project launched
Express News Service
First Published : 04 Feb 2010 02:07:30 AM IST
KOLLAM: The Vegetable & Fruit Promotion Council Kerala (VFPCK) under the Agriculture Department has launched vegetable cultivation in the Laksham Veedu colonies.
The project, christened as ‘Laksham Veettil Lakshyam Pachakkari’, is aimed at producing vegetables, free from chemicals and pesticides.
In the first phase, the vegetables will be cultivated on the premises of the houses and then expanded to lands kept barren with the help of the panchayats.
The project also aims at making the residents of Laksham Veedu colonies self-reliant.
Those who are participating in the vegetable cultivation will be given ‘Cancer Care for Life’ certificates of the Regional Cancer Centre (RCC). A person will get the benefit of Rs 50,000 from the project.
NGOs will sponsor the cost for the cancer care certificates. Agriculture Minister Mullakkara Ratnakaran will inaugurate the distribution of cancer care certificates to 100 people at Chithara on February 5.
The VFPCK will honour Gews-Agro Service chairman Kollam Panicker, literary person, farm journalist and promoter of the bio-farming who has sponsored Rs 50 lakh for giving cancer care certificates to 100 people, by awarding Manava Seva Puraskar on the occasion.
First Published : 04 Feb 2010 02:07:30 AM IST
KOLLAM: The Vegetable & Fruit Promotion Council Kerala (VFPCK) under the Agriculture Department has launched vegetable cultivation in the Laksham Veedu colonies.
The project, christened as ‘Laksham Veettil Lakshyam Pachakkari’, is aimed at producing vegetables, free from chemicals and pesticides.
In the first phase, the vegetables will be cultivated on the premises of the houses and then expanded to lands kept barren with the help of the panchayats.
The project also aims at making the residents of Laksham Veedu colonies self-reliant.
Those who are participating in the vegetable cultivation will be given ‘Cancer Care for Life’ certificates of the Regional Cancer Centre (RCC). A person will get the benefit of Rs 50,000 from the project.
NGOs will sponsor the cost for the cancer care certificates. Agriculture Minister Mullakkara Ratnakaran will inaugurate the distribution of cancer care certificates to 100 people at Chithara on February 5.
The VFPCK will honour Gews-Agro Service chairman Kollam Panicker, literary person, farm journalist and promoter of the bio-farming who has sponsored Rs 50 lakh for giving cancer care certificates to 100 people, by awarding Manava Seva Puraskar on the occasion.
Thiruvananthapuram’s toxic lab
Reema Narendran
Indian Express
First Published : 04 Feb 2010 01:58:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 04 Feb 2010 11:39:45 AM IST
Citizens rejoice! Our city is developing at such a remarkable rate that the city ponds are becoming experimental grounds for pesticides and herbicides hitherto unknown in the country. And the cityfathers at the Corporation, either consciously or otherwise, have given a silent nod.
What we are talking about is the Charachira pond right in the heart of the city and the herbicide is hydrogel-D, the D standing for diquat dibromide.
Yes, the Charachira pond is infested with weeds. Yes, we need to clear it.
But with a chemical that is not registered in the country?
With a chemical whose safety standards have not been assessed in India?
That too without an environment impact assessment?
The Charachira experiment has been dubbed as a pilot project. The Australian company ‘Bettersafe’, which is clearing the weeds now at Charachira, is doing it free of cost. However, it is all set for a tie-up with the State Government for clearing up other water bodies in the State.
Peter Harper, the Australian who brought the technology to India, said that the herbicide is a broad spectrum one, effective against a number of aquatic plants such as Eichornia, pistia, azolla, salvinia, ceratophyllum and Elodea, among others, in a scientific meeting at the Sasthra Bhavan.
We asked him how can then it not harm the other living beings in the ecosystem like the phytoplanktons, zooplanktons, fish, frogs, ducks and other birds.
And he, in the same scientific forum said: "This herbicide is new to India but definitely it is safe. If it was not safe, how can I be using it for over 20 years? I have seen ducks wading in the treated water but I don’t know anything about what happens under water to phytoplanktons, zooplanktons and other organisms".
What was even more interesting was his confession that this herbicide is not effective against the seeds of the weed. This effectively means that every time the weeds grow, the company will spray chemicals and the cycle will go on. But no one knows whether this chemical has any long-term effect on the ecosystem.
But how did the company manage to bring into the country a herbicide that is not registered with the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee?
S. Krishnaprasad, Peter Harper’s partner in the city, said, "We didn’t register it as it was only a pilot project. The Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM) will help us get the registration."
The CWRDM director K. Jayakumar said that they had been monitoring the water quality of the pond after treatment and that the result was positive. "But we will have to look into the environmental aspects," he said.
The problem of such a large mass of vegetation sinking into the pond and decaying on its bed has been totally overlooked. Retrieval of this decayed matter would be more laborious than removal of the green live matter.
But isn’t applying a new herbicide in a country, without understanding what might happen to the ecosystem, a crime, we asked the Corporation officials.
"They had a consent from the State Government," said Health Officer Dr Sreekumar repeatedly. But he had not even the vaguest idea as to which department gave the permission. "The Pollution Control Board officials were monitoring the whole procedure," he said.
We asked S. Krishnaprasad if he could show us the environmental clearance that was given by the PCB for this and also the patent given to Peter Harper for hydrogel-D.
We are yet to see either of those.
When we contacted PCB chairman Jayaprasad, he said it was the district office that was monitoring the work.
Santhoshkumar, environmental engineer of the district office, said that all they were looking at were water-quality and fish-kill and that they had not given any clearance at all.
"There is no fish-kill but I can’t right now tell you about the water-quality," he said.
reema_narendran@expressbuzz.com
Indian Express
First Published : 04 Feb 2010 01:58:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 04 Feb 2010 11:39:45 AM IST
Citizens rejoice! Our city is developing at such a remarkable rate that the city ponds are becoming experimental grounds for pesticides and herbicides hitherto unknown in the country. And the cityfathers at the Corporation, either consciously or otherwise, have given a silent nod.
What we are talking about is the Charachira pond right in the heart of the city and the herbicide is hydrogel-D, the D standing for diquat dibromide.
Yes, the Charachira pond is infested with weeds. Yes, we need to clear it.
But with a chemical that is not registered in the country?
With a chemical whose safety standards have not been assessed in India?
That too without an environment impact assessment?
The Charachira experiment has been dubbed as a pilot project. The Australian company ‘Bettersafe’, which is clearing the weeds now at Charachira, is doing it free of cost. However, it is all set for a tie-up with the State Government for clearing up other water bodies in the State.
Peter Harper, the Australian who brought the technology to India, said that the herbicide is a broad spectrum one, effective against a number of aquatic plants such as Eichornia, pistia, azolla, salvinia, ceratophyllum and Elodea, among others, in a scientific meeting at the Sasthra Bhavan.
We asked him how can then it not harm the other living beings in the ecosystem like the phytoplanktons, zooplanktons, fish, frogs, ducks and other birds.
And he, in the same scientific forum said: "This herbicide is new to India but definitely it is safe. If it was not safe, how can I be using it for over 20 years? I have seen ducks wading in the treated water but I don’t know anything about what happens under water to phytoplanktons, zooplanktons and other organisms".
What was even more interesting was his confession that this herbicide is not effective against the seeds of the weed. This effectively means that every time the weeds grow, the company will spray chemicals and the cycle will go on. But no one knows whether this chemical has any long-term effect on the ecosystem.
But how did the company manage to bring into the country a herbicide that is not registered with the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee?
S. Krishnaprasad, Peter Harper’s partner in the city, said, "We didn’t register it as it was only a pilot project. The Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM) will help us get the registration."
The CWRDM director K. Jayakumar said that they had been monitoring the water quality of the pond after treatment and that the result was positive. "But we will have to look into the environmental aspects," he said.
The problem of such a large mass of vegetation sinking into the pond and decaying on its bed has been totally overlooked. Retrieval of this decayed matter would be more laborious than removal of the green live matter.
But isn’t applying a new herbicide in a country, without understanding what might happen to the ecosystem, a crime, we asked the Corporation officials.
"They had a consent from the State Government," said Health Officer Dr Sreekumar repeatedly. But he had not even the vaguest idea as to which department gave the permission. "The Pollution Control Board officials were monitoring the whole procedure," he said.
We asked S. Krishnaprasad if he could show us the environmental clearance that was given by the PCB for this and also the patent given to Peter Harper for hydrogel-D.
We are yet to see either of those.
When we contacted PCB chairman Jayaprasad, he said it was the district office that was monitoring the work.
Santhoshkumar, environmental engineer of the district office, said that all they were looking at were water-quality and fish-kill and that they had not given any clearance at all.
"There is no fish-kill but I can’t right now tell you about the water-quality," he said.
reema_narendran@expressbuzz.com
Govt to ban nailing of boards on trees
Express News Service
First Published : 02 Feb 2010 01:22:00 AM IST
KOCHI: Forest Minister Benoy Viswom on Monday said the government would ban the practice of nailing advertisement boards on wayside trees.
“The government has decided to ban the practice after considering various reports that it is causing severe damage to the trees. Palakkad District Collector has already started taking action in this regard,” said the Minister after evaluating an afforestation scheme here.
The Minister also directed the forest officials to plant tree guards within four weeks.
“The Indira Priyadarshini Vriksha Mitra scheme has been very successful and the paper works are on for entering the scheme in Guinness Book of World Records.
The saplings planted by over 25 lakh students three years ago have grown. After coming to power, the LDF Government has removed Acacia from the social forestry scheme,” the minister said.
First Published : 02 Feb 2010 01:22:00 AM IST
KOCHI: Forest Minister Benoy Viswom on Monday said the government would ban the practice of nailing advertisement boards on wayside trees.
“The government has decided to ban the practice after considering various reports that it is causing severe damage to the trees. Palakkad District Collector has already started taking action in this regard,” said the Minister after evaluating an afforestation scheme here.
The Minister also directed the forest officials to plant tree guards within four weeks.
“The Indira Priyadarshini Vriksha Mitra scheme has been very successful and the paper works are on for entering the scheme in Guinness Book of World Records.
The saplings planted by over 25 lakh students three years ago have grown. After coming to power, the LDF Government has removed Acacia from the social forestry scheme,” the minister said.
Coir doormat set to roll into Guinness records
Express News Service
First Published : 04 Feb 2010 04:54:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 04 Feb 2010 12:00:19 PM IST
ALAPPUZHA: Kerala’s own coir industry may soon find a place in the Guinness Book of World Records with the Travancore Cocotuft (P) Ltd, a 10-year-old export-oriented unit at the Coir Park in Thiruvizha here, unveiling a 333.3-ft-long handloom coir doormat, which the company claims is the world’s longest one.
At a press conference at the company here on Wednesday, CEO P Mahadevan said the doormat - 101.6 metres long, 1.2 metres wide and 30 mm thick and weighing 999 kg -- was produced by four workers over a span of four months, inserting 4,70,000 coir tufts between alternate wefts of coir yarn. The total cost of the work is over Rs 4 lakh.
The doormat was the brainchild of Mahadevan, who was inspired by SIDBI’s Alappuzha BDS project implemented by Cluster Pulse.
The mat will be displayed at the exhibition being held as part of the golden jubilee celebration of the Central Coir Research Institute (CCRI) at Kalavoor here.
The CCRI celebration will be inaugurated by Union Minister of State for MSME Dinsha Patel on Thursday in the presence of Coir Minister G Sudhakaran.
“In spite of the fact that the coir industry is facing a plethora of problems, including scarcity of raw materials and shortage of skilled workers, due largely to labour migration to the construction sector, our mission was to draw the authorities’ attention to this crisis-ridden traditional sector,” Mahadevan said.
He said he wished to exhibit the doormat, a dream come true for him, at the Buckingham Palace and before President Pratibha Patil.
Later, it will be handed over to the Coir Museum.
Cocotuft was set up in 2000 as a subsidiary of the Travancore Mats and Matting Company at Cherthala.
First Published : 04 Feb 2010 04:54:00 AM IST
Last Updated : 04 Feb 2010 12:00:19 PM IST
ALAPPUZHA: Kerala’s own coir industry may soon find a place in the Guinness Book of World Records with the Travancore Cocotuft (P) Ltd, a 10-year-old export-oriented unit at the Coir Park in Thiruvizha here, unveiling a 333.3-ft-long handloom coir doormat, which the company claims is the world’s longest one.
At a press conference at the company here on Wednesday, CEO P Mahadevan said the doormat - 101.6 metres long, 1.2 metres wide and 30 mm thick and weighing 999 kg -- was produced by four workers over a span of four months, inserting 4,70,000 coir tufts between alternate wefts of coir yarn. The total cost of the work is over Rs 4 lakh.
The doormat was the brainchild of Mahadevan, who was inspired by SIDBI’s Alappuzha BDS project implemented by Cluster Pulse.
The mat will be displayed at the exhibition being held as part of the golden jubilee celebration of the Central Coir Research Institute (CCRI) at Kalavoor here.
The CCRI celebration will be inaugurated by Union Minister of State for MSME Dinsha Patel on Thursday in the presence of Coir Minister G Sudhakaran.
“In spite of the fact that the coir industry is facing a plethora of problems, including scarcity of raw materials and shortage of skilled workers, due largely to labour migration to the construction sector, our mission was to draw the authorities’ attention to this crisis-ridden traditional sector,” Mahadevan said.
He said he wished to exhibit the doormat, a dream come true for him, at the Buckingham Palace and before President Pratibha Patil.
Later, it will be handed over to the Coir Museum.
Cocotuft was set up in 2000 as a subsidiary of the Travancore Mats and Matting Company at Cherthala.
10 state governments say no to Bt brinjal
Friday, February 05, 2010 08:00 IST
Food & Beverage News, Mumbai
Ten state governments have decided to wait for the end of controversy over whether genetically modified (GM) brinjal, or Bt brinjal, should be approved or not. They have decided not to allow it in their states anyway. Their representatives joined hands today at a conference called in Kerala by the state government and called their united stand the second war of independence. They were from political parties of different hues but united by the common cause of opposing Bt brinjal, the technology for which is owned by US company Monsanto.
The conference was called by the agriculture department and biodiversity board of the state government at Thiruvananthapuram. The representatives from 10 states ranging from Mizoram in the far east to Kerala's next door neighbour Tamil Nadu, and Naxal-ravaged Cchhattisgarh, besides Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, declared they would not rest until Bt brinjal and all GM food stuff "Quit India."
"Our motive was to send a strong message of opposition to Bt brinjal to the Centre," said V S Vijayan, chairperson of the Biodiversity Board of Kerala. The states made a joint declaration resolving against allowing Bt brinjal in their tetrritory. The agricultural ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Punjab recounted the losses incurred by their farmers who o[pted for Bt cotton and vowed not to allow Bt brinjal in their states
About imported products Vijayan said, "All we can do is to either insist on labelling of all imported food or like Mahatma Gandhi, not to buy imported food."
Pushpa Bhargava, member of the Union government's Genetic Engineering Approval Committee who differed with the majority, said the country did not have the technology to detect the Bt DNA.
Ramesh says PM will take the decision
Environment minister Jairam Ramesh, who is seeking public opinion on granting permission to cultivate Bt brinjal, sent a letter to Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar saying that the issue of human safety would not be decided in a rush and the matter would be eventually be taken to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. In a more direct attack on his ministerial colleagues, Ramesh said: "Bt brinjal is not just a farmer issue. We cannot ignore larger consumer groups."
He said he was acting on a very "limited mandate" of looking at the approval given to Bt brinjal. "I am not deciding on the future of genetically modified technology in agriculture."
Asked if differences had emerged in the UPA government on the issue, Ramesh said, "Differences are inevitable in a democracy."
Asked if he was dealing with a scientific issue in an emotional manner, he said: "This is not a scientific issue. There are larger social and political issues involved here." He said the issue involved around the entire food chain and needed to be looked at carefully.
Food & Beverage News, Mumbai
Ten state governments have decided to wait for the end of controversy over whether genetically modified (GM) brinjal, or Bt brinjal, should be approved or not. They have decided not to allow it in their states anyway. Their representatives joined hands today at a conference called in Kerala by the state government and called their united stand the second war of independence. They were from political parties of different hues but united by the common cause of opposing Bt brinjal, the technology for which is owned by US company Monsanto.
The conference was called by the agriculture department and biodiversity board of the state government at Thiruvananthapuram. The representatives from 10 states ranging from Mizoram in the far east to Kerala's next door neighbour Tamil Nadu, and Naxal-ravaged Cchhattisgarh, besides Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, declared they would not rest until Bt brinjal and all GM food stuff "Quit India."
"Our motive was to send a strong message of opposition to Bt brinjal to the Centre," said V S Vijayan, chairperson of the Biodiversity Board of Kerala. The states made a joint declaration resolving against allowing Bt brinjal in their tetrritory. The agricultural ministers of Andhra Pradesh and Punjab recounted the losses incurred by their farmers who o[pted for Bt cotton and vowed not to allow Bt brinjal in their states
About imported products Vijayan said, "All we can do is to either insist on labelling of all imported food or like Mahatma Gandhi, not to buy imported food."
Pushpa Bhargava, member of the Union government's Genetic Engineering Approval Committee who differed with the majority, said the country did not have the technology to detect the Bt DNA.
Ramesh says PM will take the decision
Environment minister Jairam Ramesh, who is seeking public opinion on granting permission to cultivate Bt brinjal, sent a letter to Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar saying that the issue of human safety would not be decided in a rush and the matter would be eventually be taken to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. In a more direct attack on his ministerial colleagues, Ramesh said: "Bt brinjal is not just a farmer issue. We cannot ignore larger consumer groups."
He said he was acting on a very "limited mandate" of looking at the approval given to Bt brinjal. "I am not deciding on the future of genetically modified technology in agriculture."
Asked if differences had emerged in the UPA government on the issue, Ramesh said, "Differences are inevitable in a democracy."
Asked if he was dealing with a scientific issue in an emotional manner, he said: "This is not a scientific issue. There are larger social and political issues involved here." He said the issue involved around the entire food chain and needed to be looked at carefully.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
National meet on coastal resources
Thiruvananthapuram: As many as 225 delegates from all over the country are expected to participate in a three-day national conference on coastal processes, resources and management, to be organised by the Centre for Earth Science Studies (CESS), here from Friday. Lead papers will be presented on themes such as coastal resources, coastal zone management, coastal hazards and pollution, coastal processes, coastal hydrodynamics and coastal engineering. A press note issued by the Centre for Earth Science Studies said the conference assumed significance because of the emergence of India as a major economic and scientific power among the Indian Ocean countries. Shailesh Nayak, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, is scheduled to inaugurate the conference. Eminent scientists, including A.D. Rao, Anjan Chakki, S.S.C Shenoi, Rajiv Nigam, P.V. Joseph, M.R. Ramesh Kumar and Kusala Rajendran, will participate in the sessions.
Source: The Hindu, Dated: 4.02.2010
Source: The Hindu, Dated: 4.02.2010
Sea level rise a threat: expert
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The coastal belt of Kerala, along with island groups like Lakshadweep and Maldives, will become vulnerable to rise in sea level caused by climate change, former Executive Director of the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM), E.J. James, said here on Tuesday. He was speaking on the topic ‘Caring for Wetlands: An answer to Climate Change’ at a seminar organised by the Kerala State Council for Science Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) and CWRDM to mark the World Wetlands Day.
Wetland’s import
“Wetland conservation and climate change are closely linked. The disappearance of wetlands in Kerala, especially coastal wetlands, will lead to climate change, which will in turn lead to temperature rise and submersion due to rise in sea level. The intensification of hydrological cycle caused by temperature rise will lead to the dangerous scenarios of intermittent floods and droughts,” Mr. James said. He said that disappearance of wetlands would also lead to salinity intrusion into rivers, extinction of a number of species and adverse impact on biodiversity and aqua tourism. Mr. James said that though the three wetlands in Kerala, Shasthamcotta, Ashtamudi and Vembanad, have been declared as internationally important under the Ramsar convention, no significant action had taken so far to protect them.
More serious issue
CSIR emeritus scientist Jose Kallarackal said that the disappearance of wetlands was a more serious issue in Kerala than climate change. “In the past 60 years, the total area of wetlands in our State has been reduced to one fourth,” he said. Poet and environmental activist Sugathakumari exhorted the scientific community to fight strongly for the cause of wetland conservation and environment. “The scientific community should be able to guide the government authorities and tell them boldly if a project will adversely affect the environment,” she said.
Source: the Hindu, Dated: 4.02.2010
Wetland’s import
“Wetland conservation and climate change are closely linked. The disappearance of wetlands in Kerala, especially coastal wetlands, will lead to climate change, which will in turn lead to temperature rise and submersion due to rise in sea level. The intensification of hydrological cycle caused by temperature rise will lead to the dangerous scenarios of intermittent floods and droughts,” Mr. James said. He said that disappearance of wetlands would also lead to salinity intrusion into rivers, extinction of a number of species and adverse impact on biodiversity and aqua tourism. Mr. James said that though the three wetlands in Kerala, Shasthamcotta, Ashtamudi and Vembanad, have been declared as internationally important under the Ramsar convention, no significant action had taken so far to protect them.
More serious issue
CSIR emeritus scientist Jose Kallarackal said that the disappearance of wetlands was a more serious issue in Kerala than climate change. “In the past 60 years, the total area of wetlands in our State has been reduced to one fourth,” he said. Poet and environmental activist Sugathakumari exhorted the scientific community to fight strongly for the cause of wetland conservation and environment. “The scientific community should be able to guide the government authorities and tell them boldly if a project will adversely affect the environment,” she said.
Source: the Hindu, Dated: 4.02.2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Filmi touch to anti-Bt brinjal campaign
Reema Narendran
First Published : 03 Feb 2010 02:55:11 AM IST
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: When the whole country is discussing the merits and demerits of Bt brinjal, celebrities from Kollywood - Revathy, Rohini and Cheran, have brought out a film on genetically modified brinjal titled ‘Kathereekkai’.
The short and crisp documentary has been shot in Tamil Nadu, which, Rohini says, has the highest number of brinjal consumers.
“In the three meals that we have a day, at least one would have brinjal in some form or the other. The Bt brinjal manufacturers are playing against nature. How can they force this sort of genetically modified brinjal on us?,’’ asks Rohini, who is in the city to judge a reality show for a television channel. Rohini, disturbed by the possible long-term implications of Bt brinjal on the soil and the health of millions, talked about this to Revathy. “Of course, Cheran already knew about Bt brinjal and said that he would be part of the venture,’’ said Revathy.
The film talks not just about the dangers of Bt brinjal, but also about the Bt cotton, that was released in the country much earlier. "The films talk to a number of farmers across Tamil Nadu who had cultivated Bt cotton, who lost their money and was finally compensated by the multinational seed company itself," said the actor.
The CDs of the film is being sent to different centres in Tamil Nadu to be distributed among the farmers. Why not Kerala?, ‘Express’ asked. "Well, Kerala was one of the first states to realise the dangers of genetically modified crops and ban it. In Tamil Nadu, we need to create a lot more awareness on this topic. We met our Chief Minister and briefed him on the need to ban GM crops. He was very patient, asked a lot of questions and I thought he was very positive," she said.
These film personalities do not intend to stop their campaign against GM crops with just the film. "We have an umbrella organisation called Safe Food Alliance in Tamil Nadu. We intend to take out marches and we are going to make children write to the concerned ministers. We want the youngsters to decide if they want to be labrats," said Rohini.
And, when they went to meet the CM and the Agriculture Minister of Tamil Nadu, they took a bag full of native brinjals with them.
Source: Expressbuzz
First Published : 03 Feb 2010 02:55:11 AM IST
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: When the whole country is discussing the merits and demerits of Bt brinjal, celebrities from Kollywood - Revathy, Rohini and Cheran, have brought out a film on genetically modified brinjal titled ‘Kathereekkai’.
The short and crisp documentary has been shot in Tamil Nadu, which, Rohini says, has the highest number of brinjal consumers.
“In the three meals that we have a day, at least one would have brinjal in some form or the other. The Bt brinjal manufacturers are playing against nature. How can they force this sort of genetically modified brinjal on us?,’’ asks Rohini, who is in the city to judge a reality show for a television channel. Rohini, disturbed by the possible long-term implications of Bt brinjal on the soil and the health of millions, talked about this to Revathy. “Of course, Cheran already knew about Bt brinjal and said that he would be part of the venture,’’ said Revathy.
The film talks not just about the dangers of Bt brinjal, but also about the Bt cotton, that was released in the country much earlier. "The films talk to a number of farmers across Tamil Nadu who had cultivated Bt cotton, who lost their money and was finally compensated by the multinational seed company itself," said the actor.
The CDs of the film is being sent to different centres in Tamil Nadu to be distributed among the farmers. Why not Kerala?, ‘Express’ asked. "Well, Kerala was one of the first states to realise the dangers of genetically modified crops and ban it. In Tamil Nadu, we need to create a lot more awareness on this topic. We met our Chief Minister and briefed him on the need to ban GM crops. He was very patient, asked a lot of questions and I thought he was very positive," she said.
These film personalities do not intend to stop their campaign against GM crops with just the film. "We have an umbrella organisation called Safe Food Alliance in Tamil Nadu. We intend to take out marches and we are going to make children write to the concerned ministers. We want the youngsters to decide if they want to be labrats," said Rohini.
And, when they went to meet the CM and the Agriculture Minister of Tamil Nadu, they took a bag full of native brinjals with them.
Source: Expressbuzz
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