Latest news with #HarithaKeralamMission
Time of India
01-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
KSRTC clears 104 tonnes legacy waste
Thiruvananthapuram: As part of the state govt's waste-free Nava Keralam people's campaign, KSRTC is promoting waste-free operations across all its units in collaboration with the Haritha Keralam Mission. So far, 86 depots have received recognition and certification from the Haritha Keralam Mission for their waste management practices. KSRTC has handed over 104 tonnes of accumulated waste—including rexine, plastic, and e-waste—from its depots and workshops to the Clean Kerala Company. To ensure accountability and transparency in waste removal, a gate pass system has been introduced. In addition to waste management, beautification efforts are also underway at bus stations. To monitor the type and volume of waste removed and to check for any remaining waste, KSRTC has developed and implemented an online data entry system. Awareness posters and training sessions have been organized for employees and the public in coordination with the Haritha Keralam Mission. To curb littering at bus stations, KSRTC has launched the 'Depot Security 360' project, which involves the installation of comprehensive CCTV surveillance systems—including coverage of blind spots—across all depots in the state. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice Grammarly Install Now Undo Waste bins are also being installed to encourage proper disposal of waste. Around 600 bins have been placed at various bus stations, and an additional 2,000 bins are being installed on KSRTC buses. This initiative is being implemented with the support of a private financial institution. The waste collected from these bins will be segregated and processed at bus stations before being handed over to the Haritha Karma Sena for disposal. KSRTC authorities said the waste-free drive—conducted in partnership with Haritha Keralam Mission, Sanitation Mission, Clean Kerala Company, and local self-government bodies—has received strong support from both employees and passengers. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!
The Hindu
24-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Anti-drug affidavits will soon become mandatory for students: Bindu
Higher education institutions will soon insist on sworn affidavits from students to affirm their commitment against drug use. The declarations, which will also be applicable for freshly admitted first-year students, will have to be co-signed by their parents or guardians. These will be mandated as part of an action plan formulated by the Higher Education Department as part of its efforts to intensify its 'Bodhapoornima' awareness programme aimed at combating substance abuse. A slew of State-wide events will be organised in connection with the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking that will be observed on June 26. Addressing a press conference here on Tuesday, Higher Education Minister R. Bindu said anti-drug pledges will be administered across all higher education institutions as part of the observance. The State-level observance will be inaugurated by the Minister at the Government College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram. Later in the day, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan will formally launch the State-wide campaign to mark the beginning of a year-long anti-drug initiative in college campuses across Kerala. All institutions have been instructed to prepare master plans for a drug-free campus, Dr. Bindu said. ASAAD (Agents for Social Awareness against Drugs) Sena, a volunteer force formed under National Service Scheme (NSS), will lead awareness efforts in campuses. Vimukthi clubs will also be formed in all campuses in association with the Excise Department. Prior to the campaign launch, a training programme for nodal officers will be held on Wednesday. The event will also include a declaration of 99 out of 101 polytechnic colleges as 'green campuses' under the Haritha Keralam Mission.
The Hindu
11-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
‘Oru Thai Nadaam' drive launched in Alappuzha
The Haritha Keralam Mission has launched its 'Oru Thai Nadaam' (sapling planting) drive in Alappuzha. The initiative aims at planting one crore saplings across the State by September 30. The district-level inauguration of the campaign was held earlier this week on the Komalapuram Spinning Mill premises. The event was inaugurated by Alappuzha district panchayat president K.G. Rajeshwari. As part of the campaign, saplings of various species, suitable for the region and facing the threat of extinction, will be planted in various local bodies across the district through initiatives like Pachathuruth, Ormathuruth and afforestation drives. In addition to the saplings provided by the Forest department, those required for creating Pachathuruths will be sourced from nurseries under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme and other local places. The plantation drive will also be carried out in areas declared as green streets and green towns under the Malinya Muktham Nava Keralam campaign. Officials said 17 new Pachathuruths had already been established on 149 cents of land in the district. In the coming days, saplings will be planted at various sites under 63 local self-government institutions, including the premises of government and private institutions, public spaces, vacant plots in urban areas, school campuses and office compounds. Various organisations, employees, and students will also take part in the campaign, said an official.
The Hindu
10-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Thrithala leads the way for sustainable rural development
Once facing severe groundwater scarcity despite being located on the banks of the Bharathapuzha river, the Thrithala constituency is now emerging as a model of groundwater recharge and sustainable rural development, thanks to the ambitious Susthira Thrithala project. Spearheaded by Minister for Local Self-Government M. B. Rajesh, this multi-sectoral initiative is demonstrating how local governance, community participation, and scientific planning can transform an ecologically stressed region into a replicable model for environmental governance. Covering 19,417 hectares across Pattambi taluk and encompassing 32 micro-watersheds, Thrithala's challenges were rooted in dwindling groundwater levels. Despite its proximity to Bharathapuzha, it falls under the semi-critical category for groundwater availability, noted A. Nizamudeen, Director General of Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA), which co-ordinated the initiative. 'Recognising this paradox, the Susthira Thrithala project adopted a watershed-based planning and execution model, bringing together the district administration, Haritha Keralam Mission, LSGs, scientific agencies, NGOs, and schools. A detailed action plan prepared by the State Land Use Board laid the foundation, with implementation gaining momentum from 2022 onwards.' A major achievement lies in its comprehensive water management strategy, Mr. Nizamudeen noted. Artificial groundwater recharge systems installed in 40 institutions now capture 8.39 million litres of rainwater annually. Water levels in observation wells improved from the depth of 11 m (2020) to 10.18 m (2025). The creation of 107 agricultural ponds and renovation of 64 public ponds collectively added to the water level. While renovation of 139 canals and over 650 household and Anganwadi well recharges boosted water availability further. 'Under the project, Agriculture is seeing a revival. Paddy cultivation was reintroduced across 556 hectares, yielding an additional 667 tonnes of rice. Coconut saplings (one lakh) were planted, and Thrithala became Palakkad's first mushroom village, with 100 farmers managing 100 beds. Integrated farming now spans 27 acres, with additional efforts promoting local vegetable cultivation for Onam,' he pointed out. As part of the initiative, over 53,000 fishlings were released into 85 public ponds. Additionally, 3,807 kW of rooftop solar capacity has been installed. Waste management has taken a leap, with 234 mini MCFs (Material Collection Facilities) established and 281 tonnes of non-biodegradable waste safely handled, reducing carbon emission by 16%. What makes Susthira Thrithala remarkable is its deep-rooted community involvement — from Kudumbashree workers and traders distributing 25,000 cloth bags, to school eco clubs and business support for green initiatives. With India's first constituency-level Water Budget and integrated departmental coordination, Thrithala is setting a replicable benchmark in sustainable governance. In its mission to utilise every drop of rain, Thrithala is leading the way for climate-resilient rural development.
The Hindu
05-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Greening programmes mark World Environment Day celebrations in Kochi
Planting of saplings, setting up of mini forests and green islets marked World Environment Day celebrations held in Ernakulam on Thursday. At a programme held in the headquarters of the Varapuzha Archdiocese here, Archbishop of Varapuzha Joseph Kalathiparambil handed over saplings of vetiver to Kochi Mayor M. Anilkumar. The saplings will be planted at the dumping site of the civic body at Brahmapuram, where biomining was carried out to remove waste heaps, according to a release issued here. The Mayor also inaugurated the clean-up and environmental initiatives of the Varapuzha Archdiocese on the occasion. The Maradu municipal authorities initiated works to set up a green islet comprising fruit trees to mark Environment Day celebrations. It was set up up near the material collection facility near the 16th division in the municipality. Antony Ashanparambil, chairperson, planted various fruit tree saplings. District Collector N.S.K Umesh inaugurated the green islet project at nearly four cents on the civil station premises at Kakkanad by planting saplings. Traditional fruit trees will be planted at the site as part of the joint project involving the district administration, Haritha Keralam Mission, Thrikkakara municipality and Rotary Club. 'Changathikkoru Maram' (a tree for a friend) project was inaugurated at the Don Bosco Senior Secondary School here as part of a programme organised by the Haritha Keralam Mission and the Kochi Corporation. Students exchanged tree saplings as part of the green initiative. 'YouCanHeal', a dashboard app by students of computer applications and recognised by the Department of Environment and Climate Change and the Kochi Corporation, was launched at a programme held at the St. Teresa's College here. The theme of the event, organised by the Bhoomitra Sena Club, Department of Zoology and NSS Unit 41, was 'Beat Plastic Pollution and Promote Renewable Energy'.
