Latest Kerala Local News: Restoration of the riparian ecosystem of the main river basins of K

Restoring the riparian ecosystem of the state’s flood-ravaged river basins is gaining attention with a project to propagate and plant a few species of riparian plants.

The Kerala State Biodiversity Board has come up with a project to develop propagation methods for some riparian plants. The project proposed to produce up to 75,000 saplings of at least 25 native riparian plant species, including Nirmaruthu, Vembala, Kadambu, Aattuvanchi, Neerchamba and Maruthu.

A study conducted by the Council on the impact of floods and landslides on biodiversity and ecosystem in 187 local self-government institutions in the state revealed that the flood had ravaged Idukki (Periyar basin), Ernakulam and Thrissur (Periyar and Chalakudy basins), Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta (Pamba basin) and Wayanad (Kabini basin).

The gushing flood waters had destroyed the valuable riparian ecosystem of these river basins. There is an urgent need to rejuvenate these river basins by planting riparian plants. Hence the project, said C. George Thomas, chairman of the board.

The Council implemented the river rejuvenation project in the 14 selected Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) along the Pampa River. However, there was a shortage of riparian plant seedlings during the implementation phase, he said.

The Council hopes to rejuvenate the riparian ecosystem of the major rivers, namely Periyar, Chalakudy, Kabini and Bharathapuzha. Previously, young vetiver trees were widely planted along the banks of Pamba as part of rejuvenating river biodiversity, he said.

The Council urged research institutions and other agencies to develop at least 50,000 to 75,000 saplings of a minimum of 25 species and maintain them until July 2025. The saplings thus developed will be maintained in research and development centers for one year to ensure sufficient growth. Later, these saplings would be planted along the flood affected banks with the support of some BMCs in Kerala, he said.

A list of 50 species of riparian plants suitable for shorelines across the state was also compiled by the Council.

About 2,50,000 saplings of various riparian plants including vetiver have been planted in the 14 selected BMCs in Pathanamthitta under the project.

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An Overview of Global Events in 2023

In 2023, the world witnessed a myriad of events that left a lasting impact on global affairs. From political developments and economic shifts to environmental challenges and breakthroughs in science and technology, the year was marked by significant changes and a sense of urgency for collective action. Here’s an overview of some of the latest world news in 2023.

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