EIACP PC Hub: Kerala
State of Environment and Related Issues

1

A Study of the Problems of the Poor and Marginal Farmers of Wayanad with Special Reference to Land Use Pattern, Input, Output Features And Socio- Economic Conditions

Name of PI and Affiliation: 

Dr. K. V. Mohanan, Reader, University of Calicut

Amount of Grant Sanctioned: 

Rs. 176000/-

Duration: 

1 Year

Abstract of the Work:

Wayanad Districts of Kerala State of India, enriched by tropical monsoon climate is very rich in ecological, agricultural and cultural diversity. Till recently Wayanad was a heaven to the natives and settlers and also to the nature loving traveler searching the diversity of life and culture, in spite of the limited availability of modern facilities. But during the past few years witnessed acute agricultural crisis leading to considerable quantum of farmer suicides. The present study was an effort to analyze the situation of the poor and marginal farmers of Wayanad district of Kerala based on primary data collected for the purpose. The cause of environmental degradation and impact on the socio economic status and agriculture is also studied.

2

Development of Attached Media- Based System for Treatment of Domestic and Low Volume Organic Rich Waste Waters Using Coir Geotextiles

Name of PI and Affiliation: 

Dr. Santhosh. G. Thampi, Assistant professor, NIT Calicut

Amount of Grant Sanctioned: 

Rs. 858098/-

Duration: 

2 Years

Abstract of the Work:

A billion people lack access to good water supply. Over two billion people lack access to improve sanitation, thereby polluting both surface and ground water reserves. The United Nations (UN) Environmental Report GEO 2000 says that: “global water shortage represents a full-scale emergency where the world water cycle seems unlikely to be able to adapt to the demands that will be made of it in the coming decades.” Even where there is enough water to meet current needs, many rivers, lakes and ground water resource are becoming increasingly polluted by agriculture, industry and most frequently, by the human waste. The major objectives of the present study is the development of an effective biological treatment of domestic and low volume organic rich waste waters using coir geotextiles. It also aims to model the biofilter for different operating conditions or parameters and different types of waste waters.         

3

Environmental Management Plan for Alappuzha- Sherthalai Canal  and Kanjikuzhy Gramapanchayath    

Name of PI and Affiliation: 

Dr. Srikumar Chattopadhyay, Scientist, CESS

Amount of Grant Sanctioned: 

Rs. 750200/-

Duration: 

 2 Years

Abstract of the Work:

The A-S canals was originally excavated to serve as waterway connecting water bodies located at both ends of the Alappuzha district. It is a 22km long canal. However, over the years the entire canal was divided into segments. For all practical purpose all these segments are separate water bodies and function as traditional water harvesting structures with surface and sub surface catchments. The NH 47 has divided the canal into parts. The major objective of the study is to prepare environmental management plan for Kanjikuzhi grama panchayat with people’s participation. An effort is also made for local population and general public awareness about necessity of preparing environmental plan at the micro level. 

4

Studies on Community Structure, Phylogenetics and DNA Barcoding of Birds of Pathanamthitta

Name of PI and Affiliation: 

Dr. Manu Ommen, Associate Professor, Catholicate College, Pathanamthitta

Amount of Grant Sanctioned: 

Rs. 749100/-

Duration: 

3 Years

Abstract of the Work:

Inventorying the existing diversity is the first step of conservation of biota. In the past several attempts have been made to assess the biodiversity of the Western Ghat region of India have been made different workers. Studies on tree species, mammals and amphibians have well documented. But the extensive studies on avian population are limited to some isolated surveys on different parts of Kerala different workers cannot be completely ignored in this context. The objective of the present study is to find out the avian biodiversity of the area and to analyse the community structure, phlyogenetics and DNA barcoding of birds of Pathanamthitta region.

5

Soil Quality Monitoring of Cheruvannur- Nallam Panchayath, Kozhikode

Name of PI and Affiliation: 

Dr. P. S. Harikumar, Scientist, CWRDM

Amount of Grant Sanctioned: 

Rs. 2109000/-

Duration: 

Continuous Monitoring Programme  

Abstract of the Work:

A base line data on soil quality/ soil pollution status is lacking for the entire state. The study envisages detailed soil quality monitoring of Cheruvannur- Nallam Panchayath which is facing serious environmental issues due to dumping of garbage. The objectives and study consists of developing a base line information of the soils of Cheruvannur- Nallam Panchayath to assess the soil quality and develop a soil informative system in GIS platform with a periodic monitoring of soil quality indicatives. Preparation of soil map, land capability map, soil fertility map, soil pollution status map for the panchayath are also envisaged in the study. The study comes under environmental monitoring project coordinated by KSCSTE and being implemented by soil survey, KFRI and CWRDM.

6

Soil Quality Monitoring in Vilappilsala Panchayath, TVPM 

Name of PI and Affiliation: 

Dr. P.N. Premachandran, Additional Director & Head, Soil Survey, TVPM

Amount of Grant Sanctioned: 

Rs. 2600500

Duration: 

Continuous Monitoring Programme 

Abstract of the Work:

A base line data on soil quality/ soil pollution status is lacking for the entire state. The study envisages detailed soil quality monitoring of Vilappil panchayath which is facing serious environmental issues due to dumping of garbage. The objectives and study consists of developing base line information of the soils of Vilappil panchayath to assess the soil quality and develop a soil informative system in GIS Platform with a periodic monitoring of soil quality indicatives. Preparation of soil map, land capability map, soil fertility map, soil pollution status map for the panchayath are also envisaged in the study. The study comes under environmental monitoring project coordinated by KSCSTE and being implemented by soil survey, KFRI and CWRDM

7

Impact of Three Industrial Activities on Soil and Water qualities in the Koratty Panchayath Area 

Name of PI and Affiliation: 

Dr. Thomas. P. Thomas, Scientist, KFRI

Amount of Grant Sanctioned: 

Rs. 3120700/-

Duration: 

Continuous Monitoring Programme  

Abstract of the Work:

A base line data on soil quality/ soil pollution status is lacking for the entire state. The study envisages detailed soil quality monitoring of Koratty panchayath which is facing serious environmental issues due to dumping of garbage. The objectives and study consists of developing a base line information of the soils of Koratty panchayath to assess the soil quality and develop a soil informative system in GIS Platform with a periodic monitoring of soil quality indicatives. Preparation of soil map, land capability map, soil fertility map, soil pollution status map for the panchayath are also envisaged in the study. The study comes under environmental monitoring project coordinated by KSCSTE and being implemented by soil survey, KFRI and CWRDM

8

Study of the Ecosystem Services and Socio- economic Impact of Mangrove Wetlands of North Malabar  

Name of PI and Affiliation: 

Dr. K. M. Khaleel, Reader, Dept. Of P.G. studies and Research, Sir Syed College, Taliparamba

Amount of Grant Sanctioned: 

Rs. 656829/-

Duration: 

2 Years       

Abstract of the Work:

The word Mangrove refers to community of trees, shrubs and herbs growing in a particular inter tidal ecosystem of the tropics. Coastal woodlands, known also as mangrove forests are nature’s masteropieces of creation and ecological bonanza. The main objective of the proposal is the study of the ecosystem services and socio- economic impact of mangrove wetlands of north Malabar. This is an attempt to fill in the gap in information regarding the functions and services by tropical wetlands. In addition to this it aims to provide information on the structure of the ecosystem, yields, socio economic patterns, rates and their economic costs as well as extensive survey of the attitudes of the people towards conservation.