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

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

Peruvannamuzhy eco-tourism project launched

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

Mascot hotel raised to exclusive heritage hotel

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

Highlighting the perils of climate change

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

The Hindu, 13^th September 2008