Adopt nature-based solutions to check sea erosion in Kerala: scientists
The Hindu
They say granite seawalls have proven counterproductive
Kerala should urgently switch to nature-based and scientifically sound, multi-pronged solutions to protect its 590-km coastline from erosion, a team of scientists has said, pointing out that granite seawalls have proven counterproductive. They urged the government to list mudflats, coastal wetlands, mangroves and sandy beaches as Ecologically Sensitive Zone-1 and confine mineral sand-mining in the coast to the public sector. The independent review was carried out by Biju Kumar A., professor and head, Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, University of Kerala; former chief scientists of National Centre for Earth Science Studies (NCESS) K.V. Thomas and Ajayakumar Varma; Shaji E., associate professor and head, Department of Geology, University of Kerala; and T.V. Sajeev, senior principal scientist, Kerala Forest Research Institute. Their report, Seashore Erosion in Kerala: Review and Recommendations, released on the occasion of World Oceans Day on Tuesday, lists recommendations regarding short- and long-term measures for sustainable coastal protection.Amid strike by some Loco Pilots, Railways is trying to ensure undisrupted service: Palakkad Division
The Palakkad Division of Southern Railway on Friday, said it was making all efforts to keep trains running in time amid a section of Loco Pilots continuing to strike from work with a demand for a 46-hour periodical rest.
After completing her Class XII a few years ago, Lakshmi Priya from Sivakasi faced financial constraints that prevented her from pursuing higher education. Despite her circumstances, she persevered by folding matchboxes to earn a meagre income. “I have always done this work – folding matchboxes. Many families in Sivakasi and surrounding areas do this work, from home,” said Ms.Priya who is now 19 years old. “I always wanted to learn something related to Computer Science. We did not have a proper teacher for this particular subject at school. But I managed to score 95%,” she said.
Ahead of the southwest monsoon, the officials from multiple departments were directed to carry out the standard operating procedure and ensure that all the parameters were adhered to as per the guidelines issued by the Disaster Management Plan of the Tamil Nadu government, said Theni Collector R.V. Shajeevana here on Friday.