Two public interest litigation petitions have been filed in the Madras High Court Bench here — one challenging a notification issued by the Centre on October 15, laying down guidelines for tourism

Kudumbasree plans extensive campaign across the State

In a move to spread the message of energy conservation among the people, the Kudumbasree Mission has planned an extensive publicity campaign across the State. In the district, the programme will be undertaken by selected Kudumbasree workers through community development societies (CDS). As part of this, a ‘Kalajaatha’ and a play will be held in the six municipalities and 81 panchayats of the district for a one-month period, along with awareness campaigns by experts from the Kerala State Electricity Board between March 2 and March 31.

The industries in the Bhairahawa-Lumbini road, the area along the highway between Bhairahawa and Lumbini in Rupandehi district, have a major impact on water, soil, air, flora and fauna, health and

The Arctic needs to be better protected from a rush for natural resources as melting ice makes mineral and energy exploration easier, the United Nations' Environment Programme (UNEP) said.

The Arctic needs to be better protected from a rush for natural resources as melting ice makes mineral and energy exploration easier, the United Nations' Environment Programme (UNEP) said.

The Department of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries (University of Kerala) and Agency for Development of Aqua Culture, Kerala, have identified the use of small mesh encircling nets as one of the biggest threats to the biodiversity of Vellayani lake, the second largest fresh water body in the State.

A participatory fish census conducted by the institutions has found that many perennial streams, which supplied water to the lake, have dried up. Paddy fields and wetlands have been land filled. The research team also noticed an alarming depletion of frogs in the lake. Pesticide contamination of the lake and shrinking of its area were other major issues affecting the water body’s survival.

Time to strengthen its prey base

The recent wildlife census conducted at Kalakkad – Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) shows a significant increase in the predator population and signals the need to strengthen its prey base or herbivore population. When the survey team crossed Rettaikaradu area in Thirukkurunkudi range, the members saw a panther, a ‘shy animal’, taking rest under a shade and another team, which was trekking near Maanjolai above Manimuthar dam, saw a panther standing on a rock at a distance.