Latest news with #Chera
Time of India
18-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
Aralam named butterfly sanctuary, rat snake proposal put on hold
Kochi: The state wildlife board, chaired by the chief minister, has on Wednesday approved the renaming of Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary as Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary, recognizing it as Kerala's first butterfly sanctuary. The board, However, deferred a decision on declaring the Indian rat snake (Ptyas mucosa), locally known as Chera, as the official state reptile. Some members opined that more detailed research is necessary before making such a designation. The renaming of Aralam Sanctuary honours its role as a major destination during the annual mass migration of butterflies, particularly the Albatross species, which arrive in large numbers. Experts attribute this phenomenon to the sanctuary's unique climate and the presence of host plants. Situated in the valley of the Brahmagiri mountain ranges, Aralam benefits from mineral-rich water flowing from the hills, which collects along the riverbanks. These minerals are vital for butterflies before breeding. "We have recorded 5,000 to 12,000 butterflies passing a single point in just five minutes," said a forest department official. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like One of the Most Successful Investors of All Time, Warren Buffett, Recommends: 5 Books for Turning... Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Click Here Undo "More studies are needed on their migration routes and whether they return." Several other proposals were also discussed at the meeting. The board agreed to approach the Union govt to provide legal heirs an additional opportunity to declare wildlife trophies that remained undisclosed following the death of certified owners. A proposal will be submitted for the construction of a ropeway to transport goods from Pamba to the Sabarimala shrine. Approval was also granted for 21 quarries and several integrated production units located outside but within 10km of various wildlife sanctuaries and eco-sensitive zones across Kerala. As part of ongoing tribal development efforts, the board decided to recommend five community centres and five roads within the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary under the Forest Rights Act.
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
'Rat Snake': Kerala Wildlife Board considers proposal to declare Ptyas mucosa official state reptile; helps control crop-damaging rats in farmlands
KOCHI: The state board for wildlife will consider the proposal for declaring the Rat Snake (Chera in Malayalam) as the official reptile of the state, considering its ecological importance. The Rat Snake, Ptyas mucosa, is a non-venomous snake that plays a key role in controlling the population of rats that damage agricultural crops in farmlands. As a carnivore, the Rat Snake also consumes young venomous snakes. Known as the 'friend of farmers', Rat Snakes have great conservation importance, notes the proposal at the board meeting to be convened on Wednesday. By declaring it as the official reptile of the state, it will help this species to be brought under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, which will give it the highest level of protection with the harshest penalties for violation. Currently, it is under Schedule 2 of the act, which gives the species a slightly lower level of protection. "There is a misconception that snakes are dangerous to humans and cause hardships for us. However, in reality, snakes control the rat population, which is itself caused by our mismanagement of waste disposal. Humans do not come under the food chain of snakes. They bite people for defence when they feel threatened. Regarding Rat Snakes, common people know Chera is not dangerous and is beneficial to them. Kerala witnesses over 100 to 200 snake bite incidents. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cardiologists Recommend: Eat 1 Teaspoon Tonight – Wake Up With a Flatter Stomach Hollywood News | USA Click Here Undo But casualties are very few as we have a good healthcare system with better access to antivenom treatment. Despite this awareness, some people resort to unscientific treatment for poisoning, which eventually results in the deaths of patients every year. Nowadays, the SARPA program of the Forest Department plays a big role in creating awareness of the importance of conserving snakes, and they soon call a rescuer for catching snakes," says Sandeep Das, Biologist. "We have an official state animal, state bird, state fish, butterfly, tree, and so on. But we do not have an official state reptile, and that's why we proposed the Rat Snake to be declared as the official state reptile. It will give more conservation value to that species, which in reality plays a high ecological value. Its habitat is human habitations, not forests," said a forest official. Besides this, the board will also consider a proposal to rechristen the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary to Aralam Butterfly Sanctuary on the 25th anniversary of the sanctuary. The renaming is considering its vital role in serving as a major host of migrating Albatross butterflies every year. The sanctuary witnesses a mass migration of butterflies between December and February because of the unique ecosystem.
The Hindu
15-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Indian Rat Snake vying for official reptile of Kerala status
Indian Rat Snake (Ptyas mucosa), regionally known as Chera, may be notified as the Official Reptile of Kerala. The State Board for Wildlife, which will meet next week, will consider a proposal for notifying the snake, also known as Manja Chera and Karinchera as the official reptile. Only 25% of all snakes are poisonous, and it's important to protect them, say snake lovers The non-venomous snake, which has been included in Schedule One of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, has been accorded the highest legal protection. The species, which is commonly found in human habitations, plays a major role in controlling the rodent population that damages agricultural crops including grains and tubers in fields and farmlands that spread infectious diseases. Rat Snakes, which are carnivorous, also consume the hatchlings of venomous and dangerous snakes, such as cobras, according to the proposal for notification. Rat snakes, also known as friends of farmers, have great conservation value and shall be protected by declaring it as the State Reptile. The species is found in most parts of the country including Andaman Island. Also read | How to make space for snakes The campaign also highlighted the aspect that most deaths in human-wildlife conflicts were owing to snake bites. The Forest Department has been utilising the service of trained and certified volunteers for handling snakes and has popularised a mobile application SARPA to prevent incidents of snakebite. Though the species has been categorised as a species of Least Concern in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species owing to its wide geographic range and relatively large population, 'it is heavily exploited for various uses throughout its range and has experienced high rates of decline in parts of its range.' The species may be threatened by overexploitation for food, skins, and medicinal purposes, as it is heavily traded and used throughout its range and is considered to have undergone significant population decline. 'The global population trend of the species is decreasing,' noted the assessment report. The snake is found in diverse habitats, including forests, forest clearings and edges, open tropical dry forests, savannas, scrublands, plantations, villages and cultivated areas. 'It feeds on rodents, but also eats birds, lizards, frogs and other snakes. It lays several clutches per year of up to 18 eggs,' according to the assessment report. The large-bodied snake, which is commonly found near human habitation, is consumed locally in parts of its range, especially in northeastern Thailand, Lao PDR, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It is also sold alive in markets and used in the snake wine industry in Vietnam and traded for food, skins, and medicinal purposes in Indonesia, according to the Red List.
Time of India
30-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Renovation of Thiruvithamcode Arappally: One of the Oldest Churches in the World
The church is believed to have been consecrated by the apostle St Thomas Nanjinad, a historic region once described as the rice bowl of Thiruvithamcode, encompasses the present day villages of Agastheeswaram, Thovalai and Kalkulam in Kanyakumari district. And it is home to, arguably, one of the oldest churches in the world, which is now undergoing a renovation. The Thiruvithamcode Arappally, or Thomayar Kovil, believed to have been consecrated by the apostle St Thomas, circa AD 63, is an almost 2,000-year-old church, officially known as St Mary's Church. The apostle is said to have arrived in India at Muziris Port circa AD 52 and embarked upon his evangelical quest of south India, covering Palayur, Niranam and Kollam, and eventually landing in Thiruvithamcode. Legend has it that the King of Venad, Nedum Cheralathan, a Chera ruler, had supported the apostle and 64 of his disciples with land to build settlements in these parts. At their request, they were offered a patch of land near the palace, to serve as the site for a place of worship. The original church, built under the king's patronage, had undergone rebuilding over many centuries, but retained the architectural sensibilities prevalent at the time of its creation. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like ¡Trading con IA en Chile ayuda a usuarios a obtener ganancias potenciales! Mainhubfb Más información Undo It was built using granite (karingal) blocks, and during reconstruction, crafted with a multi-tipped chisel — a technique believed to be introduced to Kerala following the arrival of foreign explorers in the 16th century. The church, where daily prayers are held, mirrors the aesthetics of traditional Hindu temples – replete with a Sreekovil i.e. sanctum sanctorum or innermost chamber where a deity's idol is enshrined, and a mandapam (foyer). The exteriors feature terracotta roof tiles, while the mandapam is framed with latticework, and there are super-sized oil lamps carved out of stone nearby. This site is believed to be part of the Ezharappallikal (seven churches and four half-churches) grouping, founded by St Thomas, in the first century. Making sense of the origin of the shrine's name Arappally – it's not exactly a half-church, literally – takes a little bit of digging around. ' The shrine is called a royal church, as it has connotations with the Tamil word Arasan, which means king,' says Reverend Barsleebi Ramban, the vicar and manager of the church. 'It was built with the support of the royals. It is also known as Tharusayikkal Church, and refers to the Tarissa Chettikal, a Christian trader community of Thiruvithamcode that had sought the reconstruction of the church many centuries ago. ' Apart from the Thiruvithamcode Arappally in Tamil Nadu , there are three royal churches (Arappallikal) located in Malayattoor, Mylacombu, and Aruvithura in Kerala. Like many historic sites, the Arappally has not been immune to the ravages of time and neglect. Many artefacts that had been part of the church have been lost over the years. In 1941, when the church was found in an almost ruined state, the late Reverend Koottumkal Geevarghese Ramban took it upon himself to restore it to a state of prayer-worthiness. 'All that remain are the baptismal font (a receptacle for holy water) made of granite, which dates back to the days of the original church, located within the antechamber; a stone trough near the exit on the western wall, which served as a spot for the priests to wash their feet before entering the church; a holy casket; a Portuguese hanging lamp; and a panchaloha thurible (censer to burn incense). On the southern wall, a cross said to be carved by St Thomas is fixed. There is also a two millennia old well, which never dries up,' says the Vicar, who adds water from the well is said to be holy by the devout. Renovation of the Thiruvithamcode Arappally at 1 crore has begun, funded by the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, which maintains the site. 'There are no structural changes being made to the church, but there are plans for expansion of the museum located within the heritage centre adjacent to it, which houses ancient coins, a mill stone, and gifts to the church such as a 15th century wooden table.' The church was proclaimed an international St Thomas Pilgrim Centre in 2007. But there's also the question of why such heritage sites are not designated protected monuments. The answer lies in the fact that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has certain criteria when it comes to designating monuments historically important. 'The monuments or buildings should not have undergone any structural modifications. Many places of worship like temples, churches and mosques lose their historical relevance owing to constant renovations and modifications, a result of these sites being continuously used by the public,' says D Dayalan, former director of monuments at ASI. Email your feedback with name and address to
The Hindu
12-05-2025
- The Hindu
State govt. taking steps to enable devotees to visit Kannagi temple on every pournami day, says HR&CE Minister
The annual Chitra Pournami festival was celebrated with gaiety and fervour at the Mangaladevi Kannagi Temple by a large number of devotees from Theni (Tamil Nadu) and Idukki (Kerala) districts on Monday. Participating in the celebrations, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Minister P.K. Sekar Babu said the department would make all arrangements for the devotees to visit the Kannagi temple without any hassles. 'We have already initiated talks with Kerala government officials, and a letter too was handed over to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan,' he said. The temple, which is situated between Tamil Nadu and Kerala, attracts devotees from far and near, and Chitra Pournami is celebrated in a grand manner every year. Forest Department officials from both the States make arrangements during this period by fencing the forest areas and ensure that the devotees have no threat from wild animals. With the ever-increasing number of devotees visiting the temple, it has been proposed to build infrastructure facilities in a permanent manner, so that devotees may visit the temple on Pournami days throughout the year. The HR&CE Department is contemplating to build rest rooms (yatri nivas) for the people and also maintain the spot. According to the legend, Chera King Senguttuvan built the shrine, and Chitra Pournami is being celebrated at the temple during the Tamil month of Chitirai by the people. The Minister was confident of smoothening the visit to the shrine without hassles for the devotees in the coming year. He said the HR&CE Department and the Theni district administration had arranged food for 25,000 people in view of the festival. Apart from this, the devotees who reached the Kannagi temple on foot were provided food in Uthamapalayam and Kumily. HR&CE Commissioner P.N. Sridhar, Theni District Collector Ranjith Singh, Superintendent of Police R. Shiva Prasad, Srivilliputtur Megamalai Tiger Reserve Deputy Director Anand, MP Thanga Tamil Selvan, MLAs N. Ramakrishnan, A. Maharajan, K.S. Saravana Kumar, and senior officials from the HR&CE, Forest, Revenue Departments participated.
