Damn it! Why can’t we build another Mullaperiyar
Published November 24, 2011 | Well! this is nothing to do with the history of Mullaperiyar Dam, in Idukki, just Google it and you will get enough information. My question, is the 113 year old dam safe?
Some experts say this dam has already outlived its life span, and it’s on the verge to burst anytime, so be ready. I don’t buy that argument, because if that is true why then some sensible statesman made a lease agreement for a period of 999 years and an equally sensible statesman signed it. Continue reading
Tiger Trails – Following the latest pug marks!
Published May 10, 2010 | 
Well, going by the latest inputs from the tiger conservation front, things are showing a slight positive turn in Kerala 
We saw a couple of encouraging snippets compiled by the news desks in the last few weeks, much to the delight and relief of the wild life enthusiasts! The first one in this regard has been the ban imposed on tiger trails in Kerala. It will do good for the beasts as tiger trails might get the animals acquainted with man, which could prove costly for the animals when they confront the poachers. Also the relentless inflow of tourists harm the ecosystem and its habitat, which in turn could make the reclusive animals of tigers restless and anxious.
Wild life news snippets from Idukki district and from other parts like Azeekode in Kannur have also been encouraging. In one case a young female tigress that killed a 2 year old boy in the area was trapped alive and set free in the deep jungles whereas a leopard was rescued and set free in another case. If it were a few years ago, the story would have ended on a gory note where the wild life officials would summon sharp shooters and hunters to track it down after setting live prey baits. There is absolutely no scope for all these types of misadventures any more as the tiger figures are precariously low and to revive the tiger population is indeed a mighty and challenging task ahead of us.
However, this does not mean that all is well in the wild life conservation front of Kerala. The story of a young wild bull elephant which died under very bad circumstances again puts a big question mark on the commitment of the public and wild life officials in protecting our natural wealth and wild life treasures. The badly wounded elephant which sought refuge in a pool near eco point in Munnar, which is frequented by tourists was badly tormented . The people started pelting stones and bottles on this helpless animal, which succumbed to its injuries later in the day. As always, investigations are on and the minister has sought explanation from the wild life officials, which we all know will reach nowhere and are nothing short of an eyewash! It is a shame that Keralites who take credit of being the most educated populace in India is behaving like a primitive hunting tribe. We need to mend our ways and habits to make sure that Kerala remains beautiful the way it was created !
Enjoy Hydel Tourism at its best in Kerala
Published December 27, 2008 | It goes without saying that beaches, nature, spice hills and backwater cruises come naturally to you as soon as you think of a typical Kerala holiday. However, Kerala is all set to surprise you by springing up a new holiday idea, which is sure to pop up literally in very Kerala itinerary in the coming days.
The hydel reservoirs of Kerala, some of which dating back to a century or more are becoming a big draw for tourists. The state tourist department is going whole hog to tap this novel holiday theme by providing comfortable accommodation facilities at more dam sites. Apart from putting up new buildings, the existing inspection bungalows and tourist Bungalows will be given a facelift to cater to the burgeoning accommodation needs of the tourists.
Hydel tourism in Kerala was flagged off over eight years ago at Munnar and Wayanad. During this period, it has grown from a modest beginning to a full fledged tourist option that draws almost one million visitors annually. Eight sites including the ‘Sun Moon Valley’ at Mattupetty, ‘Trout Lagoon,’ Kundala, Echo-Point and Hydel Park, Munnar, Kakkayam, Banasurasagar and Lower Meenmutty will be included under the hydel tourism plan, with more sites including Anayirankal on the anvil in the subsequent plans.
Apart from a fleet of boats ranging from the slow moving pontoon boats to high speed boats, the ‘Kashmiri ‘shikkaras’ will be floated in the placid waters of Kundala to recreate a Dal Lake cruise magic in Kerala. Add to it the big plus of the opening of the Idukki arch dam during the holiday season from December 20 to January five, which is sure to gloss off your holiday in Kerala, this season.
Milgram dairy village project comes up at Idukki
Published June 16, 2008 | 
Kochi: Kerala based Milgram group is launching an ambitious dairy village project with a budget outlay of Rs.500 crore, which would usher in a white revolution in Kerala. The project coming up at Mlamala in Idukki district is aimed at increasing the milk production in Kerala and would be a small step in making Kerala self sufficient in milk.
The complex, spread across 600 acres comprising of 150 dairy farms, would have 50,000 highly productive cattle. The project would employ the latest dairying techniques that comply with international standards and well equipped farm houses. Each farmhouse would have at least 2.5 acres of land, a farm shed, farm equipment, ten high breed cows and a vermicompost unit at an investment of Rs 22.95 lakh.
To start with, the project would have 5,000 cows with an expected milk production of 50,000 litres, which would be later increased to five lakh litres by adding 50,000 cattle heads. Funded mainly through NRI investments and public participation apart from funds from banks and the parent company, this project is sure to revolutionize the diary sector of the state. The project would include 25,000 farmers and 250 milk collection centres, which would ensure the effective distribution of premium quality milk all over Kerala.
At present, Kerala procures around 45% of its total milk requirement from neighboring states as its domestic milk supply falls short of its ever increasing demand. Projects similar to the Milgram diary village project would go a long way in making Kerala self sufficient in milk.
Till the very recent past, every Kerala home had a milking cow, which ensured the supply of pure milk to its family members. With increased urbanization, pressure for land and manpower increased, which in turn spell doom on these healthy habits of Keralites. Time has come for us to return to our roots and this project, which was formally inaugurated on Sunday, strongly drives home this message.