Category Archives: Green Initiatives & Environment

Birds of Vellayani captured in a book

Arts,Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives & Environment, Nature, Records, All, Travel

Avian register:‘Feathers of Vellayani’ is part of a project launched by the KSBB to take up conservation of the Vellayani lake as a biodiversity heritage site.
Avian register:‘Feathers of Vellayani’ is part of a project launched by the KSBB to take up conservation of the Vellayani lake as a biodiversity heritage site.

KSBB initiative lists 133 species at the lake and nearby wetlands

With more than 100 species of native and migratory birds, the avian diversity of the Vellayani freshwater lake and the adjoining wetlands in Thiruvananthapuram district has always enthralled researchers, birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, and students.

Now, the Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB) has come out with a comprehensive register on these birds. Named ‘Feathers of Vellayani,’ the register is part of an attempt launched by the KSBB to take up the conservation of the Vellayani lake as a biodiversity heritage site.

Authored by KSBB chairman Oommen V. Oommen, member secretary K.P. Laladhas, and Principal Scientific Officer Linda John, the book, running into 180 pages, lists 133 species of birds spotted at the lake and surrounding wetlands. These include 23 species of migratory birds such as the Glossy ibis, Common teal, Spot-billed pelican, Painted stork, Eurasian spoonbill, and Pacific swallow.

Printed in colour, the register has devoted one page each to describe a species with its picture, physical features, sound, preferred habitat, feeding, nesting and breeding habits, conservation status and scientific and vernacular names. The book outlines the threats posed to the avian diversity and the ecosystem by land reclamation, use of pesticides and poaching of birds. Last year, the KSBB had submitted a proposal to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change for the conservation of the Vellayani lake as a biodiversity heritage site for birds. The Rs.75-crore project seeks to acquire the fallow land under private ownership and provide incentives for protecting the biodiversity of the area from further degradation. It moots a participatory programme to prevent poaching of birds and protect nests with the involvement of local communities.

The project also involves promotion of ecotourism, conservation of fish stocks, sustainable livelihood options for local communities and capacity building for wise use of wetlands. Dr. Oommen said the KSBB was dependent on Central funds for the project since a large portion of the lake and its catchment area belonged to private parties. The government, he said, would have to buy the land from the owners.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Thiruvananthapuram / by T. Nandakumar / Thiruvananthapuram – May 16th, 2016

Kerala’s farmers reap a rich plant genome saviour award harvest

Agriculture, Green Initiatives & Environment, Nature

Thrissur :

The Kerala farmers dominated the National Plant Genome Saviour Awards-2013 by winning seven out of fourteen rewards announced by the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPV & FR)  Authority, Government of India.

The seven farmers involved in conservation of traditional crop varieties were nominated for awards by Kerala Agricultural University (KAU).

FarmingTalesKERALA15may2016

K V Kannan ( Kannur), Benny Mathew (Agali, Palakkad), Melethil Beerankutty (Malappuram) and Muhammed Moopan (Malappuram) have been selected for Plant Genome Saviour farmer’s reward  which consists of a purse of `1.5 lakh, a memento and a citation, while K Raman (Cheruvayal, Wayanad), P Krishnan (Palakkad) and K Narendran (Kollam ) will receive Plant Genome Saviour recognition which consists of a purse carrying `1 lakh, a memento and a citation at a function to be held in Delhi shortly.

KAU Vice-Chancellor Dr P Rajendran described the seven awards as a significant acknowledgment for Kerala farming community as well as farm scientists. “Bagging seven out of fourteen awards is very special. The role of KAU in supporting such activists and helping them earn such recognition are often forgotten. I appreciate the efforts of our scientists, especially Dr C R Elsy, Coordinator, KAU IPR cell, Dr M C Narayanankutty, RARS, Pattambi and Dr M R Bindu, ORARS, Kayamkulam, who nominated these farmers,” he said.

The KAU had played a pivotal role in helping the Pokkali Rice farming Community (2011),  Akampadam Padasekhara Samithy (2012) and Ciby Kallungal of Thrissur and N Vasavan of Kannur ( 2012) win the Plant Genome Saviour Awards earlier.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Kerala / by Express News Service / May 11th, 2016

Students devise ways to conserve energy

Education, Green Initiatives & Environment, Science & Technology

ConserveEnergyKERALA22apr2016

Innovative ideas developed by students for energy conservation were on display at the Kerala State Student Energy Congress 2016.

Thirty-seven teams from various districts participated in the event organised as part of the ‘Smart Energy Programme’ of the Energy Management Centre (EMC) on the centre’s premises. Hundred-odd upper primary and high school students from all over the State attended the one-day congress held as part of the EMC’s energy conservation programme.

Aparna V.S. and Kavitha K.M., students of Holy Angels School, Thiruvananthapuram, came up with an idea of converting mechanical energy into electrical energy at a low cost.

They turned a bicycle into an exercise bike which can pump water and generate electricity. Arathy Ramesh and Sreekutty Udayakumar from the Aluva educational district bagged the first prize in high school section. Ayisha and Alsa Bin Shahul Hameed from Kozhikode got the first prize in upper primary section.

S. Somanath, Director, Liquid Propulsion System Centre, gave away the prizes at a function presided over by K.M. Dharesan Unnithan, Director of EMC.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Thiruvananthapuram / A Correspondent / Thiruvananthapuram – April 21st, 2016

Diagnostic kit for fish virus released

Agriculture, Green Initiatives & Environment, Nature, Science & Technology

The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute has released a virus diagnostic kit specific to betanoda virus that infects marine fish.

The kit was released during a function held at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute by Trilochan Mohapatra, secretary, Department of Agricultural Research and Education and director general of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.

Betanoda virus causes Viral Nervous Necrosis (VNN), also known as viral encephalopathy and retinopathy in larvae and juveniles of marine fin fish for which no effective treatments are available and those fish surviving the infection remain carriers of the virus, facilitating vertical and horizontal transmission.

Preventive steps

Hence, only preventive measures such as vaccination, regular screening of broodstock, eggs, larvae and fingerlings, besides effective disposal of positively diagnosed specimens, are options available to prevent disease outbreaks associated with betanodavirus in hatcheries and aquaculture farms, said a press release here.

Cost-effective

The kit is highly specific and cost-effective. Positive reaction is diagnosed by a green fluorescence that can be perceived by the naked eye under visible or UV light and there is no need for sophisticated equipment like a thermal cycler or trans-UV illuminator as in the case of other molecular diagnostic approaches.

The kit released on Monday is meant mainly to screen marine brood stock fish to ensure certified specific pathogen-free eggs and larvae in a sensitive and rapid way. It will also help timely identification of betanoda viral infections in fish hatcheries and aquaculture systems during routine screening of eggs, larvae, fingerlings as well as trash fish used as feed during culture operations.

Hatchery production of marine fish seeds is economically important in the context of enhanced marine fish seed requirements arising out of the increasing popularity of marine cage culture along the Indian coast, the press release issued here said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Kochi / Special Correpondent / Kochi – April 19th, 2016

On a mission to conserve sacred groves

Agriculture, Arts,Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives & Environment, Nature, Records, All

SacredGrovesKERALA18apr2016

The Rs.1.34-crore project involves bio-fencing, inventorisation of plant wealth and cleaning up of water bodies

In an attempt to arrest the depletion of the rich gene pool and protect the hotspots of local biodiversity, the State Medicinal Plants Board (SMPB) is embarking on a project for conservation of sacred groves in Kerala.

Funded by the National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), the Rs.1.34-crore project involves conservation and resource augmentation of sacred groves with medicinal plants in over 100 hectares.

The proposed activities include bio-fencing, inventorisation of plant wealth and cleaning up of water bodies.

The NMPB has released the first instalment of Rs.53.75 lakh for the three-year project. “The idea is to conserve the remaining patches of rich biodiversity and prevent further encroachments,” said SMPB Chief Executive Officer K.G. Sreekumar.

Healthy environment

The project seeks to conserve the diversity of indigenous medicinal plants, maintain ecological balance and enhance ground water resources. The other objectives are to ensure a healthy environment, besides creating awareness about conservation and tracing the history of vegetation in the locality.

Distinct and unique in biological diversity, sacred groves are valuable gene pools of immense ecological significance.

They are rich repositories of valuable medicinal plants including rare, endangered, and threatened species.

Most sacred groves also harbour a perennial water source. “Conserving sacred groves will help preserve these assets for future generations,” Mr. Sreekumar added.

Applications invited

The SMPB has invited applications from individuals and trusts with ownership rights to sacred groves. Physical verification of the groves to be included in the project is expected to begin shortly.

“Saplings of native species will be planted to augment the floral diversity, and name boards will be installed to identify each species,” he said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Thiruvananthapuram / T. Nandakumar / Thiruvananthapuram – April 18th, 2016

Organic agricultural fair a huge draw

Agriculture, Green Initiatives & Environment, Nature

FARM FRESH:Organically-grown vegetables on display at the Ernakulam Town Hall as part of the three-day Organic Kerala Agricultural Fair.— Photo: H. Vibhu
FARM FRESH:Organically-grown vegetables on display at the Ernakulam Town Hall as part of the three-day Organic Kerala Agricultural Fair.— Photo: H. Vibhu

Aims at creating awareness among people of the need to undertake cultivation in their backyards

The exhibition that got under way at the Ernakulam Town Hall on Monday as part of the 11th Organic Kerala Agricultural Fair has turned out to be a big draw. Hundreds of Kochiites are visiting the exhibition to get a whiff of the movement towards organic farming in the State.

The three-day programme, comprising an exhibition, interaction with experts on organic agriculture and honouring of farmers, was inaugurated on Monday morning at a brief function.

The aim of the annual show was to create awareness among people in the Kochi urban area and its surroundings of the need to undertake their own cultivation of fruits and vegetables in their own land or backyards, said the general secretary of Organic Kerala Charitable Trust M.M. Abbas.

The show and other programmes are being organised jointly by the Charitable Trust, Rajagiri Outreach programme, Kalamassery, and Sacred Heart College, Thevara.

The sections on organically-grown mangoes and tuber crops are particularly attractive as a large array of the fruits and vegetables are on show.

Organically-grown rice, specially the varieties grown in Kerala; safe-to-eat vegetables; derivatives like neera and neera honey tapped from coconut trees and organic inputs are also available at the exhibition. A section of the exhibition is dedicated to effective and practical disposal of waste at the household level.

Mr. Abbas said protection of bio-diversity and healthy food were the two key focus areas of the programme that is into its eleventh year now.

Beyond the exhibition and sale of organically grown produce, the organisers of the programme have conducted a day-long training programme on organic agriculture with the help of Vegetable and Fruit Promotion Council Keralam and the Palliakkal Service Cooperative Bank, near Paravoor.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Kochi / by Special Correspondent / Kochi – April 12th, 2016

Crab Breeding Begins in Ashtamudi Lake

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Green Initiatives & Environment, Nature

Crabs being deposited in the Ashtamudi lake near Kollam
Crabs being deposited in the Ashtamudi lake near Kollam

Kollam :

With the Ashtamudi lake facing depletion of crabs owing to indiscriminate fishing in the area, the government on Thursday began a programme of crab breeding in the lake near Kollam.

Under the programme, high quality crabs are brought from the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Aquaculture Centre at Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu and deposited in a special protective enclosure in the lake.

The mission is to prevent serious environmental problems.

The programme is being implemented by the Fisheries Department under the marine life protection programme.

Special nets have been set up in the lake to protect the crabs in the enclosure. A total of 3,657 crabs

have been deposited in the lake.

Each crab grows to have a weight of 8 kg with each kg costing `1,200.

The programme was inaugurated by district panchayat secretary K Anil Kumar. Fisheries Deputy Director Suresh was also present

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Kannada / by Express News Service / April 01st, 2016

Kochi techie takes challenge to Paris

Business & Economy, Green Initiatives & Environment, Science & Technology, World Opinion

Kiran Raphael with French President Francois Hollande.
Kiran Raphael with French President Francois Hollande.

Kiran Raphael’s diamond clean tech involves cleaning water using diamond micro electrodes

A young technopreneur from the city has bridged the gap between Kochi and Paris, hogging the limelight at the Paris French Tech Ticket entrepreneurship challenge announced by French President Francois Hollande in 2014 to attract technology start-ups from across the globe.

Kiran Raphael, 31, an alumnus of St. Aloysius School, Palluruthy, was among the 20 from across the globe and one of the three Indians selected from more than 1,300 entries in the technology challenge, which saw participants from Japan, China, Canada, Argentina, Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt, among others.

Mr. Raphael said from Paris on Sunday that he was invited to speak on behalf of the selected technopreneurs at the Elysee Palace on March 2.

No chemicals, no waste generation

Mr. Raphael, a bio-technology specialist, said the diamond clean tech he espoused involved cleaning water using diamond micro electrodes. “When cleaning water using diamond electrodes, we do not use any chemicals and there is no waste generation,” he said on Sunday describing the technology that would now receive funding from the French government.

He said his plan was to develop the technology company in France and then to expand it to India, where there was a big problem of water pollution. Industrial houses and urban authorities stood to gain from adopting the technology, he said. Boobesh Ramalingam and Mani Doraisamy from Bangalore, he said, were among the other successful technopreneurs from India in the Tech Challenge.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Kochi / by K.A. Martin / Kochi – March 07th, 2016

Milk and honey flow at Kulamavu

Agriculture, Arts,Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Green Initiatives & Environment, Inspiration/ Positive News and Features

Each member in this Kudumbasree team has four cows and the unit sells 300 bottles of milk daily — in an autorickshaw.

IdukkiKERALA28feb2016

They were just homemakers and their husbands were small-scale farmers. But now their lives have changed. Each member of the 11-member team of the Thanima Kudumbasree unit at Kulamavu is now making a monthly income of Rs.20,000 by selling milk.

The Ksheera Sagaram Scheme of the Kudumbasree district mission supported by the Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) gave them an opportunity to buy cows and locally distribute milk on the model of the Nature Fresh project implemented at Edavetti grama panchayat in the district.

Thanima members locally distribute the milk in bottles and the remaining milk is given to the dairy cooperative society at Arakulam.

“Each woman member has four cows and it is possible for the consumers to identify the milk supplied by each member through the number affixed to the bottles,” said Ancy Vinod, a member.

Fresh produce

They carry the milk in an autorickshaw to homes, tea shops, and hotels. “Fresh milk is locally made available in the morning and afternoon,” she said.

The self-help group president Thressiamma said they sell 300 bottles of milk every day at Kulamavu. The aim is to make available quality and fresh milk on the doorsteps, she said adding that they sell milk in 650- millilitre bottles at Rs.31 and 375-millilitre bottles at Rs.17.

They have no plans to increase the price. Instead, they want to make more value-added products available in the market. The team is also planning to buy more cows.

Expert advice

They follow scientific methods in growing the cows and took the advice of experts for building cow sheds.

The members were trained under the experts in the Government Veterinary College, Mannuthy.

The Agriculture Department also takes them for study tours to learn about model dairy farms outside the district.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Kerala / by Giji K. Raman / Idukki – February 28th, 2016

Floating solar plant at Banasura Sagar reservoir inaugurated

Green Initiatives & Environment, Records, All, Science & Technology

Kozhikode :

Power minister Aryadan Mohammed inaugurated the state’s first floating solar plant at Banasura Sagar reservoir in Wayanad on Thursday.

The 10-kilowatt-capacity plant, spread over 1,200 sq ft has been installed on concrete floaters with hollow insides. The platform can carry 45 tonnes and the power generated will be fed to the KSEB grid through cables drawn through the reservoir bed. KSEB officials said that it is the first floating solar plant to be set up inside a reservoir in the country.

The innovative power generation system, set up at a cost of Rs 20 lakh, is the brainchild of two young entrepreneurs from Wayanad – Ajay Thomas and V M Sudhin. The duo’s startup firm Vatsaa Energy Private Ltd has implemented the project with financial aid from KSEB under its Energy Open Innovations Zone.

Inaugurating the plant, Aryadan Mohammed said that KSEB was making a big push in the area of renewable energy. He added that the government has acquired 500 acres of land in Kasaragod to set up a 200 MW solar park. A further 1500 acres will be acquired for the project.

The KSEB also has plans to convert the largest earthen dam in the country to a hub of solar power generation with the launch of construction works for two other solar projects at the site.

The projects include a proposed 500-kW floating solar plant at the reservoir and a 400kW ‘dam- top’ solar power generation project. The former is a scaled-up version of the 10kW concrete floating plant. The Rs 9.25-crore project will be spread over the water surface of the reservoir across 1.25 acres.

The minister will also inaugurate the works of the 400-kW dam-top solar project by installing solar panel canopy over the walkway atop the dam at a cost of Rs 4.6 crore. Another hydel tourism development project is being envisaged near the dam premises.

Ajay Thomas, who had developed the indigenous technology for the floating plant, said the device has around 20% higher efficiency compared to ground-mounted units as the cooling effect of water helps in keeping the temperature of the solar panels low, thus boosting output.

“The low dust environment in the reservoir also aids in enhanced performance of the photo-voltaic panels. Water bodies in the state, including those in large hydroelectric projects, can be used for large-scale solar power generation through floating plants,” he said.

KSEB chief engineer (renewable energy and energy savings), Suku R, said the floating solar plant was designed for dam reservoirs in the state, also taking into consideration the seasonal water level variations, heavy rain and winds.

M V Shreyams Kumar MLA presided over the function. KSEB chairman and managing director M Sivasankar, academician RVG Menon among other spoke.

www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India /  News Home> City> Kozhikode / K.P. Rajeev / TNN / January 21st, 2016