Latest news with #TechnologyandEnvironment
The Hindu
09-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Faecal coliform in Puducherry's Thengaithittu, Kuruchikuppam beaches exceeds safe limits
Levels of faecal coliform at Thengaithittu, Kuruchikuppam and Kalapet beaches in Puducherry have been found to be 10 times more than the prescribed safe limit, according to the Annual Environment Survey report 2024, released by the Department of Science, Technology and Environment (DSTE). The Puducherry Pollution Control Committee (PPCC) said the water samples collected from Thengaithittu beach, Kuruchikuppam beach and Kalapet beach in January, July and October 2024 showed high levels of faecal coliform at 1600 MPN/100 ml, which is far exceeding the permissible limit of 100 MPN/100 ml. MPN is Most Probable Number, an estimation used to measure microorganisms in water. Kuruchikuppam beach recorded the highest level of faecal coliform at 1600 MPN/100 ml in January, followed by Thengaithittu beach and Kalapet beach with levels of 800 MPN/100 ml during the same period. PPCC said the water level in three beaches did not comply with the Central norms of Class SW-II water - 100 MPN/100 ml (for bathing, water sports and commercial fishing). PPCC attributed the high levels of contamination due to release of untreated sewage into the beaches. According to N. Ramesh, Member Secretary of PPCC, 'Four Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) with varying capacities will soon be installed to improve the water quality and bring down the levels of faecal coliform. The establishment of 15 MLD STP at Dubrayapet and 11 MLD STP at Karaikal is nearing completion. The PPCC has also readied an action plan for restoration of polluted river stretches in Puducherry and Karaikal while a 3 MLD STP with Faecal Sludge Treatment plant has been planned near the Sankaraparani river in Puducherry. The Biological Oxygen Demand at Chunnambar stood at 9.4 mg/litre, 7.2 mg/litre in Kanagan lake and 8.8 mg/litre in Arasalar lake as against the standard 3 mg/litre. PPCC said the primary reason for contamination is the unchecked flow of untreated sewage from residential areas, which continued to affect the waterbodies.
The Hindu
05-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Pledges, awareness rallies mark Environment Day celebrations
Sapling planting drives, environmental pledges and awareness rallies marked the celebration of World Environment Day on Thursday. At an event hosted by the Department of Science, Technology and Environment and Puducherry Pollution Control Board at Gandhi Thidal, Lt Governor K Kailashnathan presented prizes to the winners of environmental awareness competitions and government departments and industries that excelled in promoting environmental awareness. Chief Minister N. Rangasamy, Speaker R. Selvam, K. Lakshminarayanan, Public Works Minister, Sharat Chauhan, Chief Secretary, Ashish Madhaorao More, Secretary of Science, Technology and Environment and Y.L.N. Reddy, Special Secretary participated. The Lt. Governor also administered the environmental day pledge to officers and staff at a function at the Raj Nivas. At the Chief Secretariat, Sharat Chauhan, Chief Secretary administered the World Environment Day pledge to officials and staff. S D. Sundaresan, Secretary to Government and Labour Commissioner, read out the Tamil version. At JIPMER, the Department of Horticulture led the celebration with a special mass tree plantation drive, themed 'One Tree for Jipmerite.' Arulrajan, Chief Wildlife Warden, Department of Forestry and Wildlife, along with Vir Singh Negi, JIPMER Director, launched the campaign. According to a press note, the campaign will be carried for a year. All employees of JIPMER will be planting one tree on their respective birthdays inside the campus using saplings supplied by the Horticulture department. In Cuddalore, NLC India Limited organised an event at the 'Golden Jubilee Park', which was attended by Samir Swarup, Director (Human Resources), M. Venkatachalam, Director (Power), Appakannu Govindarajan, Chief Vigilance Officer, and with senior officials, representatives of recognized Trade Unions, OBC Association, SC/ST & ST Welfare Federations, employees and the public. A 'Waste to Eco-Friendly' exhibition showcasing innovative models and concepts demonstrating how waste materials can be transformed into useful and environment-friendly products was opened by Mr. Swarup.
The Hindu
01-06-2025
- Climate
- The Hindu
CWRDM suggests clearing waterways, smarter dam operations to combat monsoon fury
The Kozhikode-based Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM), an agency under the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment, has suggested both long-term and short-term measures to address the consequences of the early onset of the monsoon in Kerala. CWRDM officials told The Hindu on Sunday (June 1) that immediate steps should include clearing waterways—especially small streams within river systems; intelligent and timely operation of dams, check dams, and other flow-regulating structures; avoiding harvesting and storing large volumes of water in upper reaches; and preventing soil or land disturbances in sloping areas. The CWRDM also recommended marking/geo-tagging and surveillance of accident-prone waterlogged zones near schools and roads; avoiding the mixing of waste or wastewater with drinking water sources; using boiled water for drinking; testing the quality of drinking water in waterlogged areas; and closely monitoring and acting on warnings issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the State Disaster Management Authority, and other government agencies. Long-term strategies suggested by the agency include an accurate and precise model, a software-based mobile app or a user interface to get weather prediction and a short-term weather forecast. The agency also emphasised the need for systems to enable the timely and efficient dissemination of information and warnings to the public. Other proposals include involving citizens in rain and river monitoring; deploying trained disaster management teams in hotspot areas; issuing advance guidance on dos and don'ts during disasters; and marking safe zones for immediate evacuation. This year, Kerala experienced an early onset of the Southwest Monsoon on May 24. The earliest recorded onset during this period occurred in 1990, when the monsoon arrived on May 18. The early arrival this year was accompanied by intense rainfall during the last week of May. According to data from the CWRDM meteorological station in Kozhikode, the region recorded 620 mm of rainfall between May 24 and May 31, which amounts to approximately 27.78% of the seasonal monsoon average of 2,228 mm. Each day in this period saw over 60 mm of rainfall until May 30, resulting in saturated soil, localised flooding, and waterlogging in low-lying areas. Analysing historical patterns, CWRDM officials noted that early monsoon onsets have often been associated with above-normal seasonal rainfall. In nearly 70% of the years with early onset, Kerala received above-average total monsoon rainfall. If this trend continues, 2025 could be heading for an above-average monsoon—provided rainfall remains consistent during the mid and late phases of the season. These evolving trends highlight the urgent need for improved forecasting tools, real-time rainfall monitoring, and adaptive planning strategies, the officials said. The CWRDM officials also pointed out a growing concern: the increasing frequency of short-duration, high-intensity rainfall events, often followed by extended dry spells. While such patterns keep the average seasonal rainfall stable, they redistribute it unevenly over time, increasing the risk of flash floods and rainfall-induced landslides, particularly in hilly and urban areas. These extreme events place mounting pressure on infrastructure, strain water management systems, and challenge the resilience of the agricultural sector, they added.
The Hindu
17-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Superstitions becoming widespread in society, says Pinarayi
Superstitions stamped out years ago during the reformation movement are once again becoming widespread in society, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said here on Saturday. The Chief Minister was addressing professionals from the science and technology sector at Professional Connect 2025, a programme organised as part of the fourth anniversary of the government. He underscored the need to nurture scientific temperament and propagate scientific and technological knowhow for sustainable growth and development founded on social justice. 'We live in times when superstitions that were wiped out under the leadership of social reformers are returning and becoming widespread,' he said, adding that many national grants that supported research and higher education have now been either removed or reduced. Digital science parks Mr. Vijayan said the Kerala government has instituted the Kairali Research Prize and the Chief Minister's Postdoctoral Fellowship for promoting research in addition to starting centres of excellence in the higher education sector and translational labs in universities. Kerala is on the path of growth with digital science parks and AI hubs. The State is spending ₹600 crore on three digital science parks, he said. Science and technology are not separate from the lives of humans, Mr. Vijayan said, reiterating his government's plans for creating a knowledge-based society. K.P. Sudheer, Executive Vice President, Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) and State Planning Board vice chairman V.K. Ramachandran and KSCSTE member secretary A. Sabu also spoke.
New Indian Express
17-05-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Bridging the gap: Road safety plan prioritises gender-inclusive infrastructure
KOCHI: The lack of public toilet facilities and well-lit areas have long been associated with the drawbacks of the road networks in the state. Now, a study report which forms the basis for the state government in preparing a 'Road Safety Action Plan' for the period 2025-30 has called for addressing such issues related to 'gender differences' and consider the different ways both men and women experience road safety and its related aspects. The 'Road Safety Action Plan for Kerala State (2025-2030)', prepared by the National Transportation Planning and Research Centre (NATPAC), an institution under the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE), has pitched for ensuring a gender perspective in transport planning. 'Engaging women and diverse gender groups in decision-making processes will ensure that road safety measures are comprehensive and promote equity, ultimately contributing to safer roads... Gender differences in road safety affect women differently due to physical, behavioural, and social reasons. Transport policy frameworks must provide an enabling environment for safe, secure, accessible, reliable, and sustainable mobility to address these gender differences,' the report said.
