Nurture Nature for Better Future

World Environment Day

2011-06-05T01:51:00.000-07:00

Have you ever think about the threats that our mother earth faces? Do you think our earth will sustain for one more 100 years? Can you imagine the earth’s condition in 2111? If you hadn’t think about all these so far , this is the day to start . Today June 5 , is the World Environment Day.

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Water pollution controlling Green Technology

2011-04-25T21:53:00.000-07:00

The Union Minister for Environment Mr.Jairam Ramesh had introduced a new green technology to control the water pollution of Buddah Nallah of Ludhiana.A microbial consortia in the form of green bridges is the idea behind this green technology.
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Fast by student to ban endosulfan

2011-04-25T21:28:00.000-07:00

A six day fast was started by a first year degree student to ban endosulfan. Abdul Bais studying for first year BA Mass Communication in Govt. College Kalpatta had started the fast today in front of the Collectorate. The fast was inaugurated by Thorappa Mustafa who is a physically challenged entrepreneur. Bais had started fast after seeing and hearing the poisonous effects of the deadly poison endosulfan in Kasaragod district of Kerala state.

Mr.Bais visited Kasaragod for making a short film on the endosulfan victims. He told that the scenes he witnessed there during this visit was haunting him for a long. So through his fast the student community may awaken to rise protest against this deadly poison endosulfan. Many civil organizations and people had expressed solidarity to the fast started by Bais.

Stockhome convention had started today at Geneva in Switzerland which is expected to ban endosulfan usage globally. India is protesting against the ban saying that it will be harmful to farmers. 70% of the global production and usage of endosulfan is in India and the rest is in Israel and Brazil. The country which started endosulfan production is Germany where it is banned now. Almost all western countries had banned endosulfan usage and India is still on wrong side.

World Earth Day - April 22

2011-04-21T23:21:00.000-07:00

Today is world Earth Day.We are exploiting the nature and its resources through all the ways we can.But we are not thinking about the pain of earth.Just think about yourself.If one cuts your limb how much will be your pain?We are cutting the limbs of earth by demolishing the hills , by cutting down the trees, by filling the fields.Then you may say earth has no life to feel it.Who told?Earth has its own feeligs.

So I request all of you to be friendly with earth.I had started a campaign in my college - My Birthday an earth day.In this earth day you also start some such useful campaigns that makes this earth a greener one.Convey this message to your near and dear.
Together we can make this earth a greener one.

Fukushima Nuclear Plant Explosion - What is next ?

2011-04-20T00:52:00.000-07:00

The Japan earth quake and tsunami is still creating problems.It hadn't came under control according to the sources of Japan itself.The Fukushima Nuclear plant radiation will be a burning issue for a long time.The people of Japan had asked even the change of Prime Minister on account of Fukushima Nuclear Plant Explosion.

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Radio Active Waste - TEPCO apologises

2011-04-18T00:44:00.000-07:00

All of us are aware about the Radio Active pollutant that spread into air and water in sea of Japan due to the Japan Earth Quake.Now the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) had apologised for the same. TEPCO is the proprietors of Fukushima nuclear reactor which was severely damaged in the Japan Earth Quake followed by Tsunami.

South Korea had already expressed its anxiety on the Radio Active Pollution.Following this the apologize came from TEPCO. The pumping of water containing the Radio Active pollutant to the sea had stopped. It was due to the strong agitation from people.

The cooling process of the reactor has to be normalised first.It hadn't come under control till now.It is still in dangerous condition.Experts say that more radio active polluted water would have to be pumped to sea in future also.

World's Longest Underground River

2011-04-17T23:52:00.000-07:00

A 153 kilometer underground river has been discovered in Mexico recently.It is believed that this is the longest underground river in the world.British diver Stephen Bogaerts made this discovery with German colleague Robbie Schmittner.

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After effects of Japan Tsunami.

2011-04-03T22:22:00.000-07:00

We all had witnessed the earthquake followed by tsunami and its immediate destructive effect that put Japan helpless in front of nature.The Japan tsunami had claimed many lives.The radiations from Fukushima reactor is still not in a safety level.So it is not able to say what will be its future effects.

Between this a news was there that the radiations had affected the sea water.Now after tsunami a mass fish death is observed in California.The reason behind this death is to be discovered.But it is widely accepted as the after effects of Japan Tsunami.

World Forestry Day

2011-03-26T03:28:00.000-07:00

Our College NSS Unit observed the World Forestry Day on March 22. Being the NSS Unit Programme Officer I along with the College Physical Education Director Mr.Shafeeque planted an apple tree in the college campus.NSS lady volunteer captain and NSS volunteers were present in the program.Most of the volunteers were in green denominated dress to signify the day.

After planting the tree I delivered a speech on the necessity of the observation of such days.Also I introduced the new campaign "My Birth Day - an Earth Day" among the NSS volunteers.I also requested them to spread the idea wherever possible to make the earth a greener one.

World Water Day - March 22

2011-03-21T22:16:00.000-07:00

Today is March 22.It is observed as the World Water Day.That is an international Day for the conservation of water.

Water is the elixir of life. It is told that by 2050 the sources of water in our earth will be reduced to half of present. The next world war will be for the water.

So in this world water day we have to look into ourselves.Are we wasting water?Are our pipes are leaky?Are we took any steps to conserve water?Are we discussed the matter with any other?If not yet , it is the ignorance.So don't be late, act now itself.

My Birth Day - an Earth Day

2011-03-19T08:20:00.000-07:00

March 21st is the internatioanl day of Social Forestry. In this day I puts forward a new concept - My Birth Day an Earth Day. Being an environmentalist I had started the idea by planting two trees on the birth day of my two children. The pics are below. Please follow the same in all good occations to memorize the days.

Super Moon – Moon’s feast to eye.

2011-03-19T07:55:00.000-07:00

The world is now looking to sky to see the extra large moon. Today is the day in which the moon reaches nearest to the earth after 18 years. This phenomenon is called Super Moon. Today the moon will be bigger by 14% than its usual full moon size. It can be seen with our naked eye itself as usual. No telescope or such astronomical equipments required to see it clearly.

But there are some superstitious beliefs also in connection with Super Moon. Some believe that it will invite natural calamities. Some even associate the tsunami and earthquake in Japan to this Super Moon. But it is not at all correct.

Moon revolves round the earth in elliptical orbits. So in some period it comes upto 3.5 lakhs kilometers near to earth and sometimes upto 4 lakhs kilometers away from earth. Mostly the distance is in between these two limits. The moon comes near the earth five or six times in a century. That is Super Moon occurs at some intervals.

This year so far the brightest moon was on January 19. But it was slightly greater in distance and less in size than the Super Moon today. So open your eyes to see the brightest moon of the decade. Definitely the Super Moon will be Moon’s feast to your eye.

Support the people of Jaitapur | Greenpeace India

2011-03-16T04:01:00.000-07:00

Support the people of Jaitapur | Greenpeace India

Eco-friendly cement

2011-03-15T02:43:00.000-07:00

Imagine a cement that reduce carbon-dioxide emission by up to 80 percent!If the amount of energy consumed in the production process of this cement loweres by 50 percent how will be it? Mexican Scientists are developing such a new type of cement.

Scientists at the Research and Advanced Studies Centre - or Cinvestav - have been developing several types of cement alternatives for the past 13 years, including one with greater resistance and durability and with less environmental and economic impact.

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Support the forests | Greenpeace India

2011-03-14T03:13:00.000-07:00

Support the forests | Greenpeace India

International Women's Day 2011

2011-03-08T01:55:00.000-08:00

Friends,

This is the centenery year of International Women's Day. Women had empowered in almost all fields through various activities , continuous demands and constant efforts.

In my state Kerala , the number of women are greater than men. For every 1000 men there is 1012 women according to 2001 census.So ladies are empowered in quantity also.

So in this occation I think the best way to celebrate International Women's Day 2011 is by planting each matured women a tree in their premises or a public area.If the whole woman in the world accept this or at least 50% of the women population accept this our earth will be a greener one within five women's day celebration.

Come on let us try.

A life Dedicated to Nature.

2010-08-31T22:55:00.000-07:00

Much before the `Chipko movement' started by Sundarlal Bahuguna to protect the Himalayan trees, far away in a sleepy village in Palakkad, an illiterate daily wage worker started a `one-man' mission to plant trees on road sides and public office compounds.

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'Polluter must pay and polluter will pay,'

2010-08-17T02:30:00.000-07:00

Government today made it clear that 'polluter must pay' for the environmental and maritime losses arising out of
the collision of the two ships off Mumbai coast early this month.

'Polluter must pay and polluter will pay,' Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh told the Rajya Sabha in reply to a short duration question on the oil spill resulting from the collision of vessels on August seven.

He said studies by different institutions have been commissioned for ascertaining the impact of the oil spill on the fishery sector
and other economic losses.

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Artic Ocean going to get Ice Free.

2010-08-10T22:38:00.000-07:00

Global warming had began to show its evil faces.A research report says that the ice sunk Artic ocean is getting ice free due to global warming.And it is not a far away dream or thing.It is going to happen in 2010 itself or by 2015.What will be the consequences is unpredictable.I think it is the time to wake up.Don't waste time now.Be active in protecting our nature and environment.

You can read the news here.

1010101010 Lights Out

2010-08-10T02:45:00.000-07:00

1010101010 Lights Out' is a novel campaign initiated by Exnora International after its success in its 99999 Lights Out Campaign for creating awareness on Global Warming.

10101010 in action: A '10 minute' public display of unison, when everyone will switch off their lights for 10 minutes at 10 pm on the 10th day of the 10th month of the 10th year of this millennium, in support of the fight against 'Global Warming'.

The Lights Out Campaign also aims at cutting down carbon footprint by individuals and organisations by 10% before 10th October 2010 and continue further reduction after that date. The ExNoRa Magic Book will serve as an evidence of one's contribution to save Earth , how one has reduced consumption of gas, electricity , fuel and water.

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How to reduce Global warming ?

2010-07-28T01:33:00.000-07:00

“Clouds reflect sunlight and cool the planet. Clouds with bigger droplets tend to be darker and clouds with tiny droplets for the same amount of water are whiter. If the droplet number in the clouds is increased, the reflectivity increases and it will increase rainfall on land and also slow down global warming,” Prof Govindasamy Bala, the lead author of the study from Indian Institute of Science (IISC),Bangalore told PTI today.

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China surges ahead of U.S. in clean energy race

2010-07-22T15:13:00.000-07:00

China spent almost double that of the United States on clean energy investments last year. According to a report China is going to take the lead as the world's premier green energy power. China's clean energy investments increased by 50 per cent last year while in the U.S., the investments fell by 42 per cent.

Last year China invested 34.6 billion dollars on expanding its renewable energy capacity. The global investment was $162 billion in 2009. This was the study report released by the Pew Charitable Trusts, which measured the growth of clean energy investments in the world's major economies.

The U.S. invested only $18.6 billion last year. They lost the top spot for most investments for the first time ever. My country India invested $2.3 billion only, ranking tenth among the G-20 group of countries.

“There are reasons to be concerned about America's competitive position in the clean energy marketplace. Relative to the size of its economy, the United States' clean energy finance and investments lag behind many of its G-20 partners,” said the report. “The U.S. is on the verge of losing its leadership position in installed renewable energy capacity, with China surging in the last several years to a virtual tie,” the report noted.

Last year was the year of global downturn. Still China expanded its renewable energy capacity significantly. It spent $586 billion on stimulus plan devoting an estimated $30 billion to green projects.

Now, China trails the U.S. by less than 1 GW in terms of overall renewable energy capacity. China has 52.5 GW of installed capacity. Out of this capacity, 12.2 GW is in wind energy. This sector had grown rapidly following a government plan to support a fixed-rate feed-in tariff.

The Chinese government had targeted increasing the installed capacity for wind to 30 GW by 2020. India slightly trails behind China with 11 GW installed capacity. India aims to reach 17.6 GW by 2012. The report ranks India fifth overall in terms of installed capacity, with 16.5 GW.

The report found that in spite of the recession last year, the overall global investment in clean energy fell by only 6.6 per cent. The report also forecasts a 25 per cent growth in the coming year, estimating a $200 billion investment in 2010.

Big B for Save Our Tigers Campaign

2010-07-21T15:00:00.000-07:00

Tiger is the National animal of India.But the sensational news is that it is on the brim of extinction.Yes, tiger had become an endangered species in India.At this last hour the Bollywood mega star Amitabh Bachchan had announced that he would lend his face and voice to the cause of saving the majestic tiger from becoming extinct. Mr. Bachchan is the ambassador of “Save Our Tigers” campaign initiated by NDTV and Aircel. He will use his popularity to drive home the message to save the tiger.

Mr. Bachchan said the tiger symbolize our country's wildlife wealth which is in danger because of illegal hunting and ineffectiveness of our systems to stop its killing: Hence a collective action is the need of the hour. It is not only for the government and wildlife experts but to keep our nation’s pride symbol. So it is our responsibility to not only initiate a public movement but also to ensure that it gains momentum across the nation.

“If my face and voice can be used to impress people about a national cause then I am all for it. I liked the fact that the electronic media has started this campaign as its penetration is more. It was important that awareness to save this beautiful animal was propagated across our country” Mr Bachchan said at a press conference in New Delhi on the occasion of NDTV – Aircel campaign starting. “We should leave the tiger alone so that it doesn't feel entrenched. In the coming months if I can convince even one person about the need to follow this righteous path then I will be extremely happy. As artistes our faces are used to endorse products that attract consumers and if they can be converted into a national cause then I will be the extremely gratified” Mr. Bachchan added.

“Two years ago we were the first ones to draw the attention of citizens and the government to the rapid decline of tiger population in India. Our signature campaign ‘Save the Tiger' led to the formation of Special Tiger Protection Force by the Prime Minister” Dr. Roy ,the NDTV Director said.

World Wildlife Fund (WWF) India secretary-general and CEO Ravi Singh said the campaign was mainly focused in creating awareness about the present status of tigers in India. For this, hitting stories and documentaries on the threats and issues concerning the survival of tigers will be screened before public. There will also be a live non-stop programming for a day. It will disseminate facts about tigers with the objective of creating a public outcry. It may also help to raise funds for protecting the tigers from disappearing from their traditional homeland.

The Mangrove theme park closed

2010-07-20T21:14:00.000-07:00

The Mangrove theme park of Pappinisseri Eco-Tourism Society closed following the central order.The theme park on the banks of Valapattanam river was served a copy of the order of Union Ministry of Environment and Forests.As soon as getting the order the gates of the park closed down.The park was opened on April 12, 2010.

The theme park was under criticism since its opening. The opposition was mainly from United Democratic Front on political bias.Also environmentalists strongly opposed the movement.But the ruling Communist (Marxist) lead society went ahead taking it as a prestige issue. The main accuse was that the theme park was established in violation of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules.Due to this it was a burning issue in state legislative assembly.

But the CPI(M) district secretary told that the park was an initiative to conserve mangroves by planting saplings.But the developments carried out there was really destroying the existing mangroves. So the works are to be stopped which had happened now.

New environment clearance norms

2010-07-20T03:00:00.000-07:00

The union ministry had imposed many rules for the protection of nature and environment. The department is keen in observing many of them.Now the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests has come out with new norms for environmental clearances. As usual it also faces allegations of delaying project approvals.

The Ministry has decided that from July 2010 onwards all final environment impact assessment reports which is essential for any clearance must be prepared only by agencies accredited by the National Accreditation Board of Education and Training and the Quality Council of India. Consultants must include an accreditation certificate with the report for approval.

The Ministry has also decided to put a time limit on the validity of the terms of reference issued to undertake detailed assessment reports, effective from this April. Since these terms are site-specific and dynamic and dependent on site features, land use and the nature of development, they will only be valid for two years. Extension of one year may be possible.

Oil Spills

2010-07-13T03:24:00.000-07:00

Oil Spills are a major problem nowadays. It is marine pollutant in fact. Recently we had heard about the oil spill in Gulf of Mexico and had witnessed the photos of birds struggling for life that had socked in oils. Also President Obama and his Mexican counter part visited the Mexican coastal recently to have a first hand experience of the disaster.

Just go through this article.

World Environment Day Celebrated.

2010-06-06T10:39:00.000-07:00

With the motto “Global Warming – Tree is the reply” , the Govt Engineering College Kozhikode NSS Unit celebrated the World Environment Day. A simple function was arranged in the campus , presided by the college Principal Prof. P.A. Saheeda.

The chief Guest of the day was famous environmentalist and Dr. Nujoom, Professor , Aligarh University. He had authored the book ‘ Chaliyar Rekhakal’ , a book in Malayalam about river Chaliyar in Kerala.

In his talk he told that the Environment Day had just become a day of celebration only ,without sincerity. Authorities plant trees in one side and allow indiscriminate demolition of hills and fields. Speech goes on one side while opposite action is carried out in other side. He also told that it was birds that spread the seeds of trees to create forests. But due to the thoughtless actions of humans the ecological balance had lost. As a result many bird species extinguished.

Dr.Joymon , Lecturer in Mathematics and Abid Tharavattath , Computer Programmer felicitated the function. After the meeting the chief guest planted a tree in the main yard of the college , followed by honourable Principal and others. Many trees were planted at different places in the campus. Also there was an interaction with the chief guest.

World Environment Day.

2010-06-05T04:22:00.000-07:00

Today is World Environmental day. Almost all the people in the world have a thought on environment on this day. And this thought is found to be active only on this day which is the tragedy that our country face.

On this environment day many organizations organize different types of activities. Earlier it was seminars , speeches and debates conducted. Now the style had changed. Most of the organizations plant trees in their premises or in public places. In my state Kerala a project named “My Tree” is launched in 2007 and is continuing. Under this project each school student is given a tree to plant in his home. He has to look after it. It will be assessed annually by a team appointed by school authority. According to the growth of the tree he will be given grace marks in Exam!!! The same project had extended to colleges also with the name “Our Tree”. Kerala received Indiragandhi Vrikshamitra Award for this project.

Unfortunately most of the students does not care on the tree planted after this day. He remembers it just on coming the next June 5th. It means that these activities are carried out due to an external pressure , not due to his innate intension. This attitude is to be changed first. If one does some activities to save his environment for his and future generation’s benefit it should come from his deep mind. It should not be a forced action. It should not be for marks.

Today also many organizations would have planted a lot of trees all over the world. Still the global warming threat is hanging over our head. So I think not only on June 5th every year but also on all good occations like Birthday, marriage anniversary etc in our family we have to plant a tree in memorium to it and make this world a forest of good memories.Please try to spread this message as far as possible.

Four Industry proposals rejected

2010-05-19T10:39:00.000-07:00

Here is a glad news for all the environmental activists of India. The standing committee of National Board for Wildlife, headed by Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jayram Ramesh had rejected four Industry proposals and postponed another two.

The rejection include the proposal to build a port at Poshitra in Jamnagar of Gujarat. The site was within the Gulf of Kutch Marine National Park , an ecologically fragile region rich with marine biodiversity.

Another rejection was the proposal of laying pipe to draw water from Majthal Wildlife Sanctuary in Himachal Pradesh. The proposal was by Ambuja Cement to expand their cement plant. Drawing water for commercial purpose is violation of Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 and hence can’t be allowed – the committee noted.

The third rejection was two mining projects in Goa. The proposed projects were near wildlife sanctuaries. The committee noted the Supreme Court direction that no polluting activity should be carried out within 10 kilometers of the boundaries of protected areas.

The fourth rejection was the proposal to carry out a two dimensional seismic survey within the Narayan Sagar Sanctuary in Gujarat.

The postponed projects are one in Andhra Pradesh and the other in Rajasthan. The Andhra Pradesh based proposal was the reduction of Kolleru Lake Sanctuary area while Rajasthan based proposal was the divertion of forest land from National Chambal River Sanctuary for lift irrigation and hydropower projects. Both postponed noting that further detailed studies are required before taking a decision.

According to Jayram Ramesh the rejection were according to the need to protect the environment.

Action plan to exploit new and renewable energy

2010-05-17T10:31:00.001-07:00

An action plan has been chartered out for exploiting new and renewable energy resources in my state Kerala. The action plan was worked out in an inter ministerial meeting on the activities of the ANERT ( Agency for Non Conventional Energy and Rural Technology). This was worked out due to the delay in setting up a centre for capacity building in new and renewable energy and Conservation Society (C-CNREC).

As a flagship project for coordinating the projects the total energy security mission was established. Many proposals for biomass gasifiers have been put forwarded by ANERT. The 20.61 Mega Watt Projects are with the support of both World Institute of Sustainable Energy and Energy Resources Institute.

The central government had offered financial support for establishing the corporate structures for public – private partnerships. As a first step a company namely Kerala Renewable Energy Company Pvt Ltd is proposed to set up. The district panchayaths and corporations will be involved in the proposed company. But the movement is with snail’s pace.

The company will have a paid up capital of Rs 10 crore and an authorized capital of Rs 50 Crore. Out of these ANERT will have 50% equity share while district panchayaths and corporations will share the remaining 50% . The latter share contribution will be met from the funds already deposited with the agency.

The Paining Earth - A thought for earth on Earth Day

2010-04-22T00:01:00.000-07:00

April 22nd is celebrated as International Earth Day.Here is some pieces of thoughts on mother earth.

Air pollution makes a lot of problems to Human beings. A healthy man inhales about 16Kg of air daily.

Man can live without food for about five weeks and without water for five days. But he can’t live even for five minutes without air. Fresh air is so essential for life on earth.

The air pollution directly affects the lungs. Polluted air is highly harmful to children. In winter season the air pollution results in smog (smoke = fog) formation. Smog is dangerous to all living beings. It also causes motor accidents in high traffic roads.

Water pollution is another pollution created by the hands of man. The main agent of Water pollution is chemicals. Nowadays we use more than 60000 chemicals for different purposes. Out of these the non-biodegradable chemicals are the threat to life on earth.

The coolants from reactors are normally discharged to water. As a result water get heated. This will cause the oxygen to escape from water. Consequently the living beings of water get endangered.

Also the colours used for various purposes in paper mills , coir factories ,leather factories , textile mills etc are discharged to water after use. This also pollutes water seriously.

Soil pollution is another type of pollution. Plastics , crockery , paper ,polythene , automobile parts etc etc are the main objects of soil pollution . About 1000 crore ton solid wastes reach soil yearly!!!

Industrialized countries exploit third world countries by exporting their various types of wastes to these countries. The third world countries import these wastes without recognizing that they are the waste of Industrialized countries.Even our country India also had trapped in this net.

Fluorine is the most poisonous substance affecting the living beings.Chlorine , Argon , Lead etc also cause harm to all living beings.

Sulphur dioxide , Hydrogen Fluoride , Ozone , Hydrogen Chloride , Nitrous Oxide , Nitrogen Dioxide , Ammonia , Hydrogen Sulphide etc affect plants and trees. The disease called necrosis caused by pollution destroys the cells in leaf. Another disease called chlorosis destroy the chlorophyll in leaves and badly affect photosynthesis. Pollution may cause untimingly shedding of leaves.

Thus pollution is storming and all living beings are under its octopus hands. The whole biosphere activities will get upside down due to this pollution. New kinds of environmental problems are arising due to thoughtless activities of man. The nuclear weapons radiate dangerous rays to whole earth.

So it is the duty of new generation to be free themselves from all these activities. We should encourage all activities that nurture our nature and discourage all those destroy our nature.

Mainstreaming Green Energy

2010-04-14T09:27:00.000-07:00

Combating climate change , securing energy supply and meeting ever increasing energy requirements are the main challenges our society is facing in the present time. Renewable energy is fast becoming a mainstream energy source in response to these concerns in an increasingly globalised market place.

The Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of

India

and Madras Chamber of Commerce & Industry in collaboration with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy are organizing a conference on “Mainstreaming Green Energy” on 29^th April in Chennai.

Source: The Hindu Dated 13/4/2010

Applications invited

2010-04-13T09:21:00.000-07:00

British Council India invites application for the International Climate Champions 2010 Programme. It is aimed at youth in age category 18 – 23 who has an active interest in environment and climate change.

As a British Council International Climate Champion, one will raise awareness , address impacts through a project and contribute to the growing international consensus on the need to tackle climate change. The British Council will support the chosen candidate with training and guidance , opportunities to meet with decision makers , to network at local, national and international levels.

Applicants should be an Indian citizen between 18 and 23 years of age as on May 31 , 2010 and should have a climate change project idea. Download application form and send it to lcf.projects@in.britishcouncil.org on or before May 15

Source : The Hindu Dated 13/4/2010.

Join the 'Earth Hour'

2010-03-26T04:56:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, the symbols of our civilization, iconic buildings and landmarks from India to Australia to America, will stand in darkness, to help bring to light one of the biggest challenges of our generation-- Climate Change.

The 'Earth Hour' that began as a show of solidarity against climate change has today become a global movement. It brings together a whole generation of humankind, from across the world and across all walks of life, in celebration and contemplation of the one thing we all have in common - our planet. It is a call to stand up, to take responsibility, to get involved and lead the way towards a sustainable future.

Join the 'Earth Hour' by switching off all lights this Saturday - 8.30 PM - 9.30 PM. Just for one hour.

For more details please visit www.earthhour.in

World Water Day - A thought after 50 years.

2010-03-22T04:19:00.000-07:00

Here is a narration of story that may take place after 50 years in this earth.On this World Water Day read it carefully.

My name is Water.My parents put this name to me in calculation that it will be a strange name and strange substance on one day.And that day had came.Today it is 2060 March 22, another World Water Day.

On this day there is no water in earth.I am only 60 tears old now.But you will not believe me .You will say that I had hit a century and still not out as a burden to earth.

When I was 10 years old this day was celebrated in my school.I still remember that day.My headmaster asked me to write an article on this and to put it in School's blog.I wrote it and it got a lot of appreciations from all over the world.In that days I used to bath in ponds in my house.Also there was a river near to my house where also I used to bath at evening.The fresh flowing water of river and cool water of pond were some magnificient scene.

There were a lot of ponds and wells near to my house.People were happy to share water with those poor people who had no wells and ponds.At evening all went to bath in river and to enjoy the breeze.The path to river and all roadsides were full of trees with high canopy.

Ladies used to bath oiling their long hairs and cleaning it with leaves and flowers of shoe flower.People used to bath twice daily.All the houses were adorned with flowering plants and leafy plants.I used to water them daily.All this was the story of fifty years back.And today the story is too worse.I wish to share it also here.

I hadn't bathed for about five years now.I just took an oil bath.You know what is it? A piece of cloth will be socked with oil and it will be rubbed all over the body.Both my kidneys are going to fail due to lack of water drinking and I will become a memory soon.

Today ladies have no long hairs.They can be seen only in old photos.All are like bald headed now irrespective of male and female.Due to scarcity of water it is impossible to clean head and hairs.So the only way is to shave it fully.So all adopt this method.

You will wonder to know that only some countries have water deposits now .They had put a large amount in their budget for protecting it and the country also.The waterless countries are constantly threatening them about an attack to get water from there.Around a pond or well about 50 soldiers are constantly rounding with most modern arms.

I was asked to drink 8 glasses of water daily.Now I am not allowed to drink more than half a cup of water.Hence my skin had turned dry and scaly.Almost all are suffering from skin diseases.There is no solution for this.Being treeless areas there is no shade, no oxygen and no fruits.The average life span of human had shortened to 40 years.Living 40 years is too much difficult also.

What to do now?I had no idea.Water cannot be synthesised in laboratories.Can you see a heap there ?It was the river that I mentioned earlier.All the warnings were given in my childhood days.But we didn't care.Now the only way is to experience it.On next World Water Day I may not be here to put such a post.

Ice deposits on moon – Chandrayan Strikes again.

2010-03-14T10:52:00.000-07:00

The Miracles by Chandrayan – 1 , the first moon mission of India launched on 2008 October 22 continues. Months ago Chandrayan – 1 identified the presence of water in moon. American space agency NASA’s ( National Aeronautics and Space Administration) Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3), one of the instruments on board of Chandrayaan-1, had recognised that water was getting formed even in the sun-lit regions of moon. That was a wonderful observation after reporting some failure of Chandrayaan-1.

Now another instrument on board of Chandrayaan-1, had discovered huge deposits of ice in the north pole of moon. More than 40 craters with ice deposits had discovered in the moon’s North Pole by Miniature Synthetic Aperture Radar (Mini-SAR) of NASA. Both the poles of moon are permanently shadowed regions and are cold. So scientists guessed that these areas will have high ice deposits. Mini-SAR’s mission was to explore this guess. When the pictures caught by Mini-SAR analysed the miracle that world expected came out. The craters have a diameter varying from 2 kilo meter to 15 kilo meters. It is estimated that about 60 crore metric tone of ice deposits will be there in moon.

Mr. M. Annadurai’s ( Project Director, Chandrayaan-1 and 2 ) response on the discovery of this ice craters was as follows.

“A positive direction for future explorations with respect to lunar resources and pursuit of pure science. We are seeing a large number of craters . That gives an indication of a good quantum of polar ice on the moon. Earlier, we had seen the physical phenomenon of water getting formed in one region. We are now seeing water getting retained in another region as ice deposits. This is called volatile transportation. These discoveries indicate that we had a good combination of instruments on board Chandrayaan-1. They could not have been made by other optical instruments which need sunlight to see what is there.”

The findings of Mini-SAR have published in the journal, Geophysical Research Letters. The team behind the findings consist scientists from 13 agencies over U.S. and India. The Indian Scientists include Chandrayan – 1 principal scientist Prof. J.N. Goswami , Director of Ahmedabad Physical Research Laboratory and Mr. M. Chakrabarti of the Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad.

The immediate response by Prof. J.N Goswami was “an interesting and new result.”.

“ It is quite interesting from our perspective. We thought it would be there, and it is there. I am confident that whatever signals we are getting are correct.

We are now finding it in solid form. So this is very important. Water is an important resource if people want to go to the moon ” Prof. Dr. Goswami added.

Prof. Paul Spoodils, the principal investigator of the Mini-SAR experiment at the Lunar and Planetary Institute, U.S.A says “the pictures and data receiving from Mini-SAR, M3 and LCROSS are a clear indication of water creation, migration, deposition and retention are occurring on the moon ”

“The new findings add to the growing scientific understanding of multiple forms of water on the moon,” the release in Geophysical Research Letters said.

The 11 scientific instruments that flew on board of India’s Chandrayaan-1 include the Mini-SAR , Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) and Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3) all by NASA.

The discovery is a golden quill on the cap of Indian Space Research Organisation (I S R O )also as it is the brain behind Chandrayan – 1. As an Indian all of us are proud on this discovery. We can expect more and more miracles by our proud Chandrayan series in future.

Global Warming melts Hills of Sikkim

2008-06-25T22:23:00.000-07:00

A British team that conducted an expedition to Gokhala Green lake of Sikkim (A North Indian state) had reporteda stunning news to world - The snowy hills of Northern Sikkim is found to be melting for years due to Global Warming.

The team reported that the hills like Tsemu,Thonksong and Taloong had been getting morphed forthe last 80 years.The team compared the file photoes of an expedition to Taloong hill conducted in 1930 with the present one.It is found that the hill had shortened about 70 meters down within 80 years!!!

There was a snowy layer connecting the Thonksong and Taloong.Due to Global Warming this connection has been lost.The old pictures of these hills reveal that once all of them were connected.This points to the future threat of Global Warming.Industrialisation and Tourism development activities also had added momentum to this problem.

The Science and Technology Department has been observing the phenomenon through remot sensing with the help of satellites.Sikkim Government had posted a commission to study the problem with Prof: Syed Iqbal Hasnain as its head.

Over 75 snowy hills are there in Sikkim.The melting of hills had caused to low down the water level of rivers like Teesta and Ramgith.

2008-06-24T02:53:00.000-07:00

The inauguration of "Our Tree" (An environmental campaign by Kerala Government) Program at Govt.Engg.College , Wayanad by Principal Dr.Kuncheria P Isaac

Victorious Hundred Crore Tree Program.

2008-05-15T05:53:00.000-07:00

The program launched by UN to prevent Global Warming namely "One ഹുന്ദ്രേദ് Crore Tree Planting" had proved to be a great success with all support from all over the world.The program aimed to plant one hundred crore trees.But within 18 months of launching the program more than 200 crore trees have been planted, said the Nobel Prize laurate and Kenyan Green Belt Program head Prof:Vangari Mathaayin a press conference.

Due to the high response from all over the world the project had redefined its aim to plant 700 crore trees.Individuals,Government and Non-Government agencies,Different clubs ,Institutions are requested to participate in this program and donate your part.

So come....let us plant at least a tree for nurturing our nature.

Real Death of Earth !!!

2008-04-21T23:21:00.000-07:00

April 22nd is the International Earth Day.Since earth is facing a lot of threats like nuclear weapons,ozone layer depreciation,global warming etc it is very important to have a thought in mind about our earth on this day.

What will be the last fate of earth? How many more years will it sustain ?

An English astronomer Robert Smith tried to answer these questions.He made some mathematical calculation and reached in the following assumption.
" Earth will live for another 760 crore years.During this period the sun will change into a red giant and earth will ultimately fall into sun !!!"

How it happens ? Let me to explain the theory.

The age of sun is 500 crore years now.It will light for another 500 crore years more.That means sun is a youth now.When the hydrogen inside the sun is almost completed the inner part of sun will be under high pressure due to gravitational forces.Then the fusion process takes place in the outer layer of sun.Hence the outer layer begins to expand.This expansion will encroach the orbits of planets near sun.As a result they will be swallowed by sun ! Earth will also be swallowed in this way !!!

Since the size of sun at red giant state is 1000 times grater than it now, it is unpredictable whether there will be any planet in our solar system in that age.

Smith's explanation continues - The outer area of red giant sun begin to enlarge first.Still earth revolve around sun in a light density airy medium.Due to the friction of this low density gas the orbit of earth contracts gradually and moves more and more to sun..At last earth will plunge into sun !!!

But.....fortunately no living being will have to suffer this situation !! Why ? Very simple....After 100 crore years itself sun will begin its expansion.As a result earth will get highly heated.Oceans will become deserts due to evaporation.The steam rising from oceans will spread all over earth.Staem is a major greenhouse gas.The cover formed by steam over earth causes to rise the atmospheric temperature of earth.The excessive global warming will put an end to all the life on earth.

So each and everyone of us should take a pledge today that I'll not harm my mother earth but will try to nurse it properly during my life.

Lead content eight times above the permitted level in water !!!

2008-03-23T21:56:00.000-07:00

A study conducted by NRCLPI (National Referal Centre for Lead Poisoning in India) in connection with world water day revealed that the lead content of water inIndia is far above the permitted level.It is about eight times higher than the permitted level.Even mineral water also is not free from lead content.The lead content in water is to be displayed on the label of mineral water.But most of thecompanies do not mind this. For the study,800 samples had collected from different parts of India.

The quality council of India reports that the lead reaches water primarily from paints and batteries.The only remedy to this is usage of rechargeable battery andlead free paints.Common people should be encouraged to use these two instead ofthe current practice.

As per Bureau of Indian standards(BIS) the permitted level of lead content in wateris 50 in 100 crores.In India it is found to be upto 400!!The world average is 15 in 100crores!!In United States it is below 10 !!

Drinking the lead polluted water invites serious health hazards.It adversely affectsthe functioning of kidney,brain and nervous system.It also affects the mental growth of children.

In India the lead pollution is higher in the states of Meghalaya,Nagaland and Manipur.

Kadalundi Community Reserve

2008-02-13T21:41:00.000-08:00

The Kadalundi estuaryn of Calicut District in Kerala state is the first community reserve of India.It was declared as community reserve recently, but it was noted early in 1980's itself as wintering ground for migratory birds.

About 108 species of birds has been recorded here.Many of them are new additions to Kerala bird list. Species like Bar-tailed Godwit, Grey Plower, Terek Sandpiper etc are recorded sparingly.Obiviously this area has a rich avifauna.

Being community resrve the 150 hectars of estuary area will be protected. It is rich in mangroves also. The project will be governed by Kadalundi and Vallikkunnu Gramapanchayaths, poeple's committee and forest department.The speciality of this community reserve is the participation of people to protect the rare forests and birds.This movement is a very good step in eco-bio conservation.

Try these Methods

2008-02-06T23:13:00.000-08:00

If you are a nature lover try these methods in your daily life.

1) In functions like marriage , festivals , anniversaries etc use disposible plates and glasses made of paper only. If possible try banana leaves as plates. If you participate in a function with plastic items on table insist to get a papermade one and express your feeling through it.

2) When you or someone of your relative get hospitalised take a tiffin carrier with you for buying food from outside.Parcelling food makes the hospitals of our city a dumpyard of plastic covers.

3) When you go for shopping take a cotton bag or paper carry bag or a gunny bag with you.

4) If you are a shopkeeper you decide that you will give all things wrapped in paper or in paper covers to your customers.If customer have no paper/gunny bag give one as your gift with an advice to carry it whenever he go for shopping.

5) When you prepare a budget for a function put aside some money to compensate for the hazards that may be made by you to the environment.

6) Make all your actions and celebrations fully ecofriendly.

7) If you own some motorvehicle take it only if necessary.If the distance is walkable , go by foot or take a bicycle.

8) Plant trees when and where possible and preserve it in good condition.

9) Always try to create an ecofriendly mind.

10) Study the environmental problems around you.Find out its causes and agents.Then try to solve the problem in your own ways.

11) Catch the attention of similar minded persons and form groups of nature lovers.

12) Conduct group activities occationally to protect nature and natural resources.

A thought for nature.

2008-02-05T20:41:00.001-08:00

"God gave us the gift of life.So live as you like !!!" "The fittest will survive".These were our feelings so far.Environmental problems were thought to be discussed only by educated and wise people.But now even common people realised that the climatic changes at any part of world may affect him also.The tsunami that credited many lives in Kerala and Tamilnadu was actually originated in Indonatia, far far and far away from our Kerala.

Man attacks the environment in many ways.All attacks are for his selfish needs only.Hills get demolished and flattened for building huge complexes or houses. Water resources like lakes and ponds are levelled by soiling and even a mafia culture for sand exploitation from rivers is growing in almost all parts of Kerala.

Plastic is the main threat to our environment today.Eventhough many rules and regulations came banning this plastic, people do not mind it still now. Just look back to our daily life . We can see a lot of incidents of rule violations by ourself .

1) Fish merchant comes daily at our doorstep.We buy some fish.He puts them in a plastic cover.Why don't you bring a pot or a container and put the fish in it instead of that plastic cover? Think.......

2) You goes to market daily and buys different types of things.You buys vegetables from one shop. They put them all in a plastic cover.Then you goes to a stationary shop , buys something.They also put them in a cover and gives you.Then you goes to buy some rice.They first put it in a plastic container and then puts in a plastic cover and gives you!! Now, by a single purchase you received four or more plastic covers!!! If you carry a paper or cotton bag all these plastic covers can be avoided.What is the problem in taking a paper or cotton bag with you while going for shopping?Is it decrease your dignity? Think...........

3) Why can't you ask to wrap the above purchased items in a paper? Will the paper wrapped goods infame your social status?Is going for shopping with a bag in hand ashames you ? Think.....

4) What do you do with all that plastic covers at home? Simply throws out.Then actually what are you doing there? Are you polluting only your surroundings or denying the living right of many other creatures that God created? Think............

So think think and think . Then act appropriately.

Tokyo Fog

2008-01-29T02:46:00.000-08:00

It occured in the capital city of Japan on June 18 , 1970.The fog formed due to some chemical reaction in the atmosphere.The concentration of sulphur dioxide in atmosphere rised upto 0.4ppm.As an immediate effect sulphuric acid formed in atmosphere due to the oxidisation of sulphur dioxide.Over 5000 people were affected by the fog in various ways.

A view of Tokyo Fog

Los Angeles Smog

2008-01-24T03:16:00.000-08:00

This was a tragedy took place in Los Angeles.In a pleasnt day a smog suddenly spread over Los Angeles city .The sudden result was eye itching,loss of sight etc in human beings.Many plants and trees also destroyed in the smog.

Different views of LA Smog

The smog was due to cracking of rubber which is a polymer.It was cracked by the reaction of double bonded Hydrocarbon and Nitrogen Dioxide.This resulted in the formation of peroxy acyl nitrates and ozone.These compounds were very dangerous to plants and trees.

The actual agent of smog was vehicles.The increase in vehicle density had worsed the condition.The partly consumed fuels expelled from vehicles toxicated all living beings including humans.

London Smog

2008-01-21T20:56:00.000-08:00

This was a tragedy occured on Dec 4th 1952.A sudden change in climate occured due to an air current tn Themes river valley in London.A heavy current of moderate hot air occured over the cold air.As a result after sunset fog begane to spread over London and temperature fell down.

Poeple were unable to withstand the sudden cold climate.As a usual practice they begane to light up their heaters.The fuel of most of the heaters were coal.As a result dense black smoke begane to rise to atmosphere from thousands of houses.

On next day this smoke , sulphur dioxide , smoke from different factories and various chemical wastes begane to concentrate in atmosphere over London.This dense cover of air prevented sunlight reaching the ground.As a result temperature begane to fall below normal.People begane to shiver in freezing cold and the heaters produced insufficient heat. In blood freezing cold hundreds of poeple died and many got hospitalised.

What actually happened was , when people burned coal first carbon dioxide released.Due to insufficient air circulation carbon monoxide also formed.The sulphur in coal joined with oxygen and formed sulphur dioxide .On entering this to the respiratory system it bagane to make problems.sulphur dioxide again reacted with oxygen and formed sulphur trioxide.Sulphur trioxide combined with water to form sulphuric acid.All these chemicals spread over London City as smog.Transport became dead slow causing more pollution.It increased the suffocation to all living beings and subsequent illness , death etc.A similar smog repeated in 1962 and about 700 people lost their life.

Here is a graph showing the death rate of the victims of 1952 London Smog.

Bird Survey in Wayanad Wild Life Sanctuary

2008-01-15T20:24:00.000-08:00

Wayanad Wild Life Sanctuary is basically an elephant reserve.But in the recent bird survey conducted here two types of vulture groups have been found inhabiting in this sanctuary.They are White backed Vulture and King Vulture.

Vultures are getting extinguished from all places.It is very important that in South India vulture is seen only in Wayanad Wild Life Sanctuary.Wayanad Wild Life Sanctuary has a suitable ecosystem for vultures.

The identification of the bird , Rosy Miniwet for first time in Kerala is a feather in tha cap of this bird survey.Twenty or more new items of birds have been identified in Wayanad Wild Life Sanctuary during this survey.Blue Eared King fisher,Greenbild Malkosa, Bladbasa , Black Eagle etc are some of them.But no new species have been identified yet.

195 types of birds have been seen so far in Wayanad Wild Life Sanctuary .Survey is continuing. In last survey 205 types of birds were identified.Some birds have also seen to be reduced in number.

This is the fourth bird survey in Wayanad Wild Life Sanctuary .The first survey was in 1991.Next in 1996 and the last one in 2001.

Valliyoorkavu - A shelter for Birds.

2008-01-15T00:34:00.000-08:00

Valliyoorkavu is a famous temple near Mananthavadi in Wayanad District of Kerala State.The river near the temple and the bamboo bushes on the banks of river are beautiful scene to eyes.

Now it is more attractive and catches the attraction of nature lovers due to some other reason.The bamboo bushes are becoming the shelter places of many kinds of migratory birds.Different kinds of cranes come here for breading.Even syberian Cranes reach in the bushes of Valliyoorkavu.

The migratory birds reach here during October and stay here upto April.Between this they build new nests , lay eggs and give birth to young ones.

The availability of water and convenience in making nests in bamboo bushes are the reason behind the attraction of birds to this area.

But the scene will soon become a memory due to following reasons.

(1) The bamboo bushes get demolished in every year due to flood followed by soil erosion.

(2) Birds are hunted by some people for its meat.

(3) Due to excessive sand mining the river itself is vanishing.

So as a lover of nature all of us should protect this kind of bushes and associated water resources.There by more and more animals and birds will be attracted and it will be a pleasure giving scene to all.

MALABAR BOTANICAL GARDEN

2008-01-08T21:04:00.000-08:00

One of the world's best Botanical Garden will be opened for public today at Olavanna near Kozhikkod ( Calicut ), Kerala.

The Malabar Botanical Garden begane to function in 1996.Till yesterday it was opened only for research scholors and students.Now its gates are opening for public also to make the people aware of the necessity of protection and conservation of water plants and water resources.It also aims to notice the biodiversity in our surroundings.

The divesified collection of Water Lillies is the important attraction of this botanical garden.There are seventeen different items of Water Lillies in India and sixteen of them are already present in this beautiful garden.Pigmiya from Shillong is yet to reach.

Another peculiarity of this garden is the diversity of water plants.Over Three hundred rare species of water plants are preserved here.More than Five hundred medicinal plants are also preserved.

Surely the Malabar Botanical Garden will be a feast to the eyes of every nature lover.

(More news will be published soon)

Paining Earth.

2008-01-07T22:17:00.000-08:00

Air pollution makes a lot of problems to Human beings. A healthy man inhales about 16Kg of air daily.

Man can live without food for about five weeks and without water for five days. But he can’t live even for five minutes without air. Fresh air is so essential for life on earth.

The air pollution directly affects the lungs. Polluted air is highly harmful to children. In winter season the air pollution results in smog (smoke = fog) formation. Smog is dangerous to all living beings. It also causes motor accidents in high traffic roads.

Water pollution is another pollution created by the hands of man. The main agent of Water pollution is chemicals. Nowadays we use more than 60000 chemicals for different purposes. Out of these the non-biodegradable chemicals are the threat to life on earth.

The coolants from reactors are normally discharged to water. As a result water get heated. This will cause the oxygen to escape from water. Consequently the living beings of water get endangered.

Also the colours used for various purposes in paper mills , coir factories ,leather factories , textile mills etc are discharged to water after use. This also pollutes water seriously.

Soil pollution is another type of pollution. Plastics , crockery , paper ,polythene , automobile parts etc etc are the main objects of soil pollution . About 1000 crore ton solid wastes reach soil yearly!!!

Industrialized countries exploit third world countries by exporting their various types of wastes to these countries. The third world countries import these wastes without recognizing that they are the waste of Industrialized countries.Even our country India also had trapped in this net.

Fluorine is the most poisonous substance affecting the living beings.Chlorine , Argon , Lead etc also cause harm to all living beings.

Sulphur dioxide , Hydrogen Fluoride , Ozone , Hydrogen Chloride , Nitrous Oxide , Nitrogen Dioxide , Ammonia , Hydrogen Sulphide etc affect plants and trees. The disease called necrosis caused by pollution destroys the cells in leaf. Another disease called chlorosis destroy the chlorophyll in leaves and badly affect photosynthesis. Pollution may cause untimingly shedding of leaves.

Thus pollution is storming and all living beings are under its octopus hands. The whole biosphere activities will get upside down due to this pollution. New kinds of environmental problems are arising due to thoughtless activities of man. The nuclear weapons radiate dangerous rays to whole earth.

So it is the duty of new generation to be free themselves from all these activities. We should encourage all activities that nurture our nature and discourage all those destroy our nature.

The Cry of Earth

2007-10-13T21:13:00.000-07:00

For the existence of human life air, water and soil etc are essential. In ancient days man lived in this earth eating the fruits from forests , drinking the water from streams and breathing fresh and pure air .Man was fully dependent on nature and natural resources on that days. Their belief was that the sun , earth and nature are their all in all.

Years passed and man developed. The pace of development increased with scientific inventions .Gradually the thoughts and activities of man also began to divert. His slavery mind slowly changed to mastery mind. Now it had reached hegemonical mind. He is digging his own grave.

The greedy and thoughtless man does not care the resources in nature in his struggle. Many resources are getting demolished and destroyed. In his greedy mind he has no time to think about the other creatures that use this resources. He also doesn’t think about the coming generation of his own. He lives for today in a luxurious manner without thinking about tomorrow .In this bogus life he pollutes natural resources around him, cuts down trees and even changes the biological structure of soil. He had forgot his responsibility. So it is high time to think about the destructions that man makes to nature.

One of the great problem is the pollution of air. Thousands of vehicles eject tones of smoke to air. Also various factories emit poisonous smokes to air. The population growth increases the production and thereby increased pollution. For acquiring different life amenities man exploits earth cruelly. The oil and coal deposit of earth is found to be decreasing tremendously and man doesn’t think about an alternative. This lack of foresight will lead to many many serious problems. He will look back only when the real monster faces him.

Nowadays earthquakes and tsunami are becoming common. These and the volcanic eruptions may be the helpless weeping of earth. All these news goes through the mind , ears and eyes of man without making a shock in him. Even then we forget the injuries that we make to this earth and nature.

All living beings have the right to live in their own natural environment. But man has snatched the right of that creatures also. For his selfish life he destroyed all resources. Fortunately UNESCO had came to prevent this exploitation. UNESCO had planned to protect the biodiversity of many many regions. In India also there are a number of protected bioreserves.

God’s own Country ???

2007-09-26T01:40:00.000-07:00

Kerala is known as God’s own Country. Keraliets are far forward in many modern life amenities compared to other states of India. The per capita availability of houses with latrines facility is highest in Kerala.In the usage of modern amenities like Computer and mobile phone , Kerala adorns the highest position. In the case of education , literacy rate and hygiene also Kerala is on top order. A day without bath is unimaginable for each and every Keraliet.

But unfortunately this individual hygiene followed by each Keraliet is not seen in keeping the surroundings clean. Many contagious diseases spread due to this negligence. Most of the streets and towns of Kerala are found to be blessed with Everest of wastes. Wastes from butchingyards, hotels and even from houses are put in sacks or plastic carry bags and thrown to rivers,ponds,lakes ,empty lands and even in drainages. Wastes from factories, hospitals and public comfort stations are found to be reaching directly into drainages. The outlets of many comfort stations of Kerala are opened to drainages which finally reach rivers. Also most of our roadsides are adorned with plastic flags, flex boards, plastic covers and cups.

Recently the health and Medicare wastes are also found to be carelessly disposed at public places. Used syringes from hospitals and clinics are abundant in these wastes. The railway tracks and stations seem to be the dumping yard of plastic bottle and cups. A recent news of disposal of septic tank wastes into rivers and lakes was really a shameful news to all Keraliets.

So it is high time to think about the eradication of these bad habits. Some ways are listed below.

(i) A number of scientific methods are there for waste disposal. Composting, gasification, biogas plants and incinerators are different methods of waste management. We have to adopt any of these methods as far as possible.

(ii) Nowadays anyone can post wastes anywhere at anytime. Hence total removal of waste is always a headache. There should be a proper scheme and plan for waste disposal and removal.

(iii) Disposal of waste in public places and water resources should be banned by law. The violation of the law should be treated as criminal case since it leads to social health hazards. Heavy and model punishment should be given in these cases.

(iv) All plastic wastes from a source (for eg: a house) should be gathered in their own premises and collected by local self government or any other body for disposal, at least weekly.

(v) Apartments , hotels, hospitals auditoriums etc should have their own waste management systems. No relaxation in rule should be allowed under any circumstance.

(vi) Strict and best methods of waste collection must be followed at bus stations and railway stations. Overflowing bins as like today should be strictly abolished.

So let us stretch our hands to remove the burden of waste, starting from our home itself. All readers are requested to put the waste of home in a bin and empty it regularly at a fixed place from today onwards to make this world a beautiful one.

THE OZONE UMBRELLA.

2007-09-19T02:15:00.000-07:00

The atmosphere of earth have many layers. One of them called STRATOSPHERE contains OZONE. It is an isotop of oxygen which is very useful to all living beings on earth.The OZONE in atmosphere act as an umbrella.Just like an umbrella protect us from rain and sunlight this OZONE protect all earth from harmful radiations especially ULTRAVIOLET RADIATIONS originating from sun.

But photographs from space reveal a terrible truth. OZONE has a hole just above Antartica! It acquired its ever-biggest size last year, and in this year it is not big as earlier. But unfortunately it appeared earlier than last year. Through this hole UV radiations may come to earth and will make a number of ecological problems. A number of diseases like cateract,skin cancer etc may also result from the exposure to UV radiations. Also crop destruction may occur which ultimately lead to famine.

The OZONE present in atmosphere is very very low compared to other isotopes of oxygen. If we take one crore of air molecules there will be 20 lakhs of oxygen molecules and only 3 molecules of OZONE!!! This very very thin layer of OZONE protects the whole earth from UV radiations !!!

The crack in OZONE umbrella is mainly due to the compound called CHOLORO FLOURO CARBON (CFC). It is released from refrigerators and coolers of our home and industry. UV radiations act on CFC and releases Chlorin. Each Chlorin atom destroys minimum 1 lakh OZONE molecules!!!

As part of MONTREAL TREATY all countries had agreed to cut short the production of CFC . The production and consumption of these chemicals have been reduced. Still OZONE has the threat of destruction since almost all of our home occupy a refrigerator. The electronic waste of these used refrigerators and coolers are also a great headache.

As told the largest crack on OZONE layer is just above Antartica.According to UN , in order to reinstall the state of OZONE layer to the state before 1980 ( A state without crack ) we may have to wait upto 2049 and in Antartica it will be possible only by 2065 provided the pollution rate is cut short.

So before buying a cooler or refrigerator just think a moment – whether it is for use or as status symbol. Also think about an alternate method for the same. Thus we all together may make an effort to protect OZONE and thereby our earth and its countless living beings.