ENVIS Newsletter Final to print [Compatibility Mode]

Published by Supported byENVIS Hub, Kerala State Council for Ministry of Environment , Science, Technology & Environment Forest and Climate Change, Govt.of India ENVIS NEWSLETTERISSN 0973-9815 Kerala Quarterly Publication on the Status Vol 11 Issue 3 & 4 of Environment and Related Issues July-December 2017

ENVIS NEWSLETTERENVIS HUB KSCSTE, KERALA: NEW INITIATIVES The ENVIS Centre hosted by KSCSTE has been revamped into ENVIS Hub with a wide variety of activitiesto achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the District and Village levels. The ENVIS Hub inKSCSTE is continuously updating its website and ISBEID modules apart form the new targets. A brief descriptionof the upcoming activities are mentioned below:1.GREEN SKILL DEVELOPMENT 2.GRID BASED DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM (GRIDSS)PROGRAMME (GSDP) For Sustainable Management of Natural Resources The Ministry has taken up an initiative for - ENVIS Hub carry out survey of designated districts in askill development in the environment and forest phased manner. The country would be divided into grids ofsector to enable India's youth to get gainful 50x50 km; however district wise grids would measure 9x9employment and/or self employment, called the km or less depending on the on the terrain, for effectiveGreen Skill Development Programme (GSDP). The survey of various environmental parameters such as air,programme endeavours to develop green skilled water, noise, soil quality, solid, hazardous & e-waste,workers having technical knowledge and forest & wildlife, flora & fauna, wetlands, lakes, rivers &commitment to sustainable development, which will other water bodies, public health etc. For the survey,help in the attainment of the Intended Nationally secondary data would be taken as base information and ifDetermined Contributions (INDCs), Sustainable required primary data would also be collected for furtherDevelopment Goals (SDGs) and National analysis. ENVIS Hub to coordinate with the districtBiodiversity Targets (NBTs). administration, Universities, students, ENVIS RPs, and other agencies as required.3.COMMUNITY-DRIVEN EVIRONMENTALLY 4.STATE OF ENVIRONMENT (SOE) REPORTSUSTAINABLE VILLAGES PROGRAMME(CESVP) To include status of relevant items, to highlight specific issues, such as pertaining to Human wildlife The programme envisages mobilizing conflict, forest fires, landslide case studies, wetlands andcommunities on environmental issues, creating glacial studies, green initiatives of the State, etc., anddecentralized models of development empowering prepare local/district/state level SoERs once in 2 years.local communities, and building the right atmospherein villages to adopt environmentally sustainablepractices on community level. 5.STATE OF ENVIRONMENT ATLAS 6.MONITORING (GROUND TRUTH District and State level maps to be created VERIFICATION) OF SCHEMESby strengthening the Management InformationSystem (MIS) & Geographical Information System ENVIS Hubs would carry out ground truth(GIS). verification of various Central Sector (CS) and Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) being implemented by the Ministry, as and when required.Vol 11 Issue 3 & 4 July- Dec 2017 2

ENVISNEWSLETTERPROSPECTS OF SOLAR AND NON CONVENTIONAL ENERGY FOR KERALA Prof. V K Damodarn, Member, Kerala State Council for S&T and Environment; Chairman, Centre forEnvironment and Development & Chairman, Foundation for Advanced Clean Energy Studies, TrivandrumIntroduction With 44 rivers scouring the 590 km length of this narrow strip of land, it would not appear to any Energy is indeed, a tool for meeting outsider as something unusual. Yet, with rising pushhumanitarian challenges and particularly for the for more jobs, with majority of population aspiringcurrent sustainability challenges facing humanity. for increased per capita consumption and with theClimate Change impacts, Inadequate Energy pace of industrialization picking up fairly well,Access, Natural Resources constraint, Wide spread today, more than 50% of its electricity needs are metPollution and Lack of Jobs for the millions appear by import of power at rates far higher than theto be the severe sustainability challenges of today- prevalent electricity tariff. Stepping up renewableglobally and nationally. In spite of being one of the power generation within the State would offersmaller States in India, Kerala too is not devoid of multiple advantages: increased energy security,these problems-but with only a difference in lower power import bill, and reduction of GHGsituation on energy access, since it is declared as emissions, among others. Kerala’s daily electricity100% electrified. needs are in the range of 50 to 64 million units (MkWh). On energy resources availability, in spiteof Kerala having endowed with abundant greenery, Among the proven renewable electricitylakes, rivers, hills and long sea shore, has none of generation spectrum, currently our country has stillthe conventional resources of energy other than not set eyes on off-shore wind. As such, on landlimited hydro power, making it depend on energy wind generation capacity identified as of now inimports that lowers energy security. The currently Kerala is close to 600 MW only. Small Hydro Powerproven non-conventional energy sources such as (SHP) potential assessed by now is close to 800solar photovoltaic, small hydro power, wind and MW. Biomass gasification, if pursued, withbiomass as well as emerging technologies to tap available dry biomass only being diverted aswave power, micro algae based green crude etc are feedstock can fetch around 500 MW. Other newpotential candidates for sustainable production of generation renewables are yet not ready forelectricity. Economic exploitation of these economic deployment. Then, what remain as viabletemporally variable supplies through ingenious routes are solar photo voltaics (SPV) and solarintegration, linking it with the solutions for the thermal. With nearly four months of rain, ifexisting other challenges would be the way out for monsoons are in time, solar thermal need bea brighter energy future for the State. expected to meet only the water heating and steam requirements. But, SPV can fit the gap in electricityWhy ‘Renewables’ for Kerala? needs perfectly well. It is assumed that transportation will increasingly lean towards use of Kerala in the recent past has been sailing electricity and the electrical demand is bound to rise.smooth with no power cuts. It had for a long time, The question will be, how well can RE fit?the distinction of being completely running onhydropower.Vol 11 Issue 3 & 4 July- Dec 2017 3

ENVIS*After each target year, the policies and component standards must be revised with the best available in the industry. NEWSLETTER Kerala is a land scarce state. The per capita Table 1: Build up of SPV through roof top power availability of land is only of the order of a few cents. plants- A ten year plan Nearly 48 percent of all electricity consumed in Kerala is in its domestic sector - with 88.5 lakhs of consumers Year House House School Factory Place of Shop, Total hooked on to the grid and distribution lines reaching Rural Urban / , Worshi Office, (MW) almost every nook and corner of even the remotest (MW) (MW) Hotel, villages. According to the present consumption profile, Colleg Worksh p Hospital 58% of domestic consumers do not need even a 1 kW e op etc (MW) (MW) SPV set up. Solar energy falling on Kerala land area is (MW) capable of producing 1639 kWh/year/sq. m. area, while (MW) 1500 kWh/yr/m2 is ‘good’ for solar PV. Energy obtained can be 4.0 to 4.5 kWh/kW of SPV. *3rd 100 200 200 1000 150 200 1850 For the current population of 3.45 crore, the *5th 300 1000 600 1000 250 200 3350 housing stock available in Kerala is 1.12 crore. There is enough – according to the WWF-WISE GIS based 10th 600 1800 1200 2000 600 600 6800 study report of 2013 – shade free domestic roof area in Kerala, capable of producing 13,000 MW power and at Total 1000 3000 2000 4000 1000 1000 12,00 16% utilization, generating 18 billion kWh of energy. 0 Roofs of Institutions can provide another 18,000 MW/25 billion kWh. *After target year, the policies and component standards must be revised with the best available in the Roof top SPV has the following merits for Kerala: industry. 1. No need to search for land – lesser investment costs How to realize? and lower construction time Novel technologies like the SPV and all other 2. With local use of solar electricity, line losses get renewable energy technologies can be introduced reduced considerably successfully, only if policy support from State and Central governments are in place, as well as with 3. Increased energy security for the consumers complete cooperation of the public and the local 4. Being able to invest in affordable stages, capacity governments - like municipalities, corporations and panchayats. Workers are to be trained and skill upgraded can be steadily and easily raised on handling newer technologies and materials. Subsidies 5. Even ordinary people can own it are oppressive and suppressive for industry’s growth. 6. Local governments, consortia of people and However, easy access to soft loans, tax incentives and other promotional measures will keep the campaign institutions can invest and join the drive afloat. From the experience of energy transition in 7. SPV energy is truly democratic, simple and safe countries such as Germany, Nordic countries, Cuba and 8. ‘Distributed Generation’ and ‘Creation of micro others, it is seen that major forward push has come from willing participation of the individuals and families. grids’ can reduce strain and complexities to the Local governments were proactive and supportive, setting conventional power grids targets for the region and assigning deadlines. In Kerala, 9. Employment can be generated in rural and urban there is effective decentralization of governance with areas, giving vitality to the economy devolution of funds as well. As 100 percent literacy is achieved many years before, campaigns are done with How much to target? willing participation of families and this could be a The rooftop SPV can be targeted for positive factor for a successful energy transition in Kerala. achievement in phases/year wise, with comparatively smaller initial values, as public opinion has to be 4 mobilised, policies and strategies attuned over a period, and plenty of other hurdles sorted out. A ten year tentative schedule for 12,000 MW is worked out below:Vol 11 Issue 3 & 4 July- Dec 2017

ENVISNEWSLETTERInterlinking reduces cost and boosts performance Table 2 Potential for Curtailment of Demand thro’ elevation of energy efficiency in Kerala As pointed out already, the majorhumanitarian challenges of present day world are Energy Demand 2011 In 2020 2030 In 2040 2050interlinked – climate change, energy access, jobs, (BAU)*potable water, and pollution. The benefit of using Energy Demand PJ In PJ PJ In PJ In PJservices and also elevate levels of comfort and (Curtailed)profits. Therefore, energy efficiency improvement 1 Transport 128.2 225.2 329.3 520.9 853.5and renewable energy integration should go hand in * 204.8 208.8 253.3 313.7hand. To be exact, improving energy efficiencyshould be the first foot forward to be followed by the 2 Domestic 54.4 66.7 94.5 131.0 169.3other. This helps in bringing down pollution, * 63.4 63.9 73.3 87.7alleviating impacts of climate change and in mostcases would positively influence increased 3 Commercial 12.2 27.0 53.0 88.7 134.1availability of water (solar desalination etc) and at * 20.6 36.0 49.2 54.1every stage, new well paid jobs will be created.Therefore, there is a solution that would answer all 4 Industry 48.3 81.0 90.0 104.8 119.7the five major challenges. With this in mind, the * 75.5 79.3 73.9 63.0potential for bringing down energy demand inKerala through successive improvements in energy 5 Agriculture 2.0 2.2 2.5 2.7 2.8efficiency is to be assessed. In this respect, the * 2.0 1.8 1.8 1.8WWF-WIS study has found out that by 2050,Kerala’s energy demand can be reduced to less than 6 Public & Bulk 2.6 4.1 6.8 10.5 15.150% of the ‘business as usual’ scenario-as in table -2 * 3.0 5.1 8.0 11.6and fully met through RE. Total 247.7 400.8 576.2 858.6 1294.5 Further, apart from SPV, wind, biomass, SHP * 374.8 395.1 459.5 531.8and other green sources will have to be tapped andutilized. Green could be encouraged and existing The figures in the lines having asterisk (*) mark refers to businessbuilding stock will have to be improved or replaced as usual scenario. Next line data are for energy efficiency raisedto meet the sustainable future objectives. In view of condition. Demand is reduced to less than half of BAU. (Source:SPV’s limitations, large scale non-chemical storage, WWF-WISE)preferably under the utility’s umbrella will have tobe built to balance The gains due to technological There is need for increased involvement inimprovements, innovations, and cost reductions, and research, in developing new products and financialpolicy shifts that accrue over the next few decades packages as well as implementation methods to re-are not accounted in these projections. Hence, the assure the general public on investments in energysituation on the ground after 2040 and beyond will transition as a profitable and win-win situation. Forbe better than what is visualized at present. load balancing, gas based power stations will have to support the grid until ways of better integration of variable power are available for use. Conclusion The foregoing discussion brings to light that SPV and other Renewable are quite suitable for Kerala and therefore, actions are to be integrated with a focus on solving sustainably the major challenges facing humanity.Vol 11 Issue 3 & 4 July- Dec 2017 5

ENVIS NEWSLETTER ROADMAP FOR SOLAR POWER DEVELOPMENT IN KERALA Dr R Hari Kumar, Director, ANERT, Thiruvananthapuram India has fixed a tentative target of 100 Kerala also has announced a solar policy 2013. AsGW (1 lakh MW) solar power by 2022. For this per the policy and the governor’s speech for the currentKerala is expected to have a solar capacity of 1870 year, solar systems are to be made mandatory inMW, which shall consist of 1000 MW large scale buildings. For effectively implementing this, it wouldsolar power plants and 870 MW from rooftop solar require incorporating amendments in the Keralasystems (including grid-connected and off-grid). Municipal and Panchayat Building Rules implementing this, it would require incorporating amendments in theTentative solar target for Kerala Kerala Municipal and Panchayat Building Rules. Total Solar Large Rooftop Large solar power plants capacity scale solar solar For the achievement of the target of 1000 MW in large scale solar power plants, the alternatives are: (MW) power power  Inviting private developers to set up such power plants plants plants with power purchase agreement with the distribution utilities (mainly KSEBL) and other obligated entities (MW)  Government investing in large scale power plants or providing incentives such as generation based incentiveKerala- 1870 1000 870 or viability gap funding, so that the distribution utilitytentative need not have PPA at special rates for solartarget for2022 In the case of the first alternative mentioned above, the responsibility of achieving the target would Of this, the installation of about 265-270 almost entirely rest with KSEBL. Given the constraint ofMW large scale power plants is in progress/ land shortage, possibility of more numbers of utility scalecompleted. About 15 MW of rooftop systems have (MW-scale) plants in Kerala is limited.also been completed through ANERT-MNREprogrammes (including off-grid). There are a large Rooftop Power Plantsnumber of systems being installed, which are yet tobe reported. It is expected that rooftop systems In the case of rooftop power plants, we couldwith a total capacity ranging anywhere from the have a target of 150 MW to 200 MW over each of thereported 15 MW to 50 MW capacity may have next 5 years to achieve the target of 870 MW. Of this, 70been already installed in Kerala. MW could be off-grid systems or hybrid systems. This would require achieving about 10 times the annual target The setting up of solar power plants would of ANERT for rooftop systems so far. Entirely dependingalso help in achieving the renewable purchase on subsidy driven programmes may not be viable forobligations using power generated within the state. achieving this target. ANERT is also proposing to set up(The alternative would be to procure renewable about 1 MW of solar power plants in governmentenergy certificates (RECs) from renewable energy buildings every year utilising plan funds.generators from outside the state).Vol 11 Issue 3 & 4 July- Dec 2017 6

ENVISNEWSLETTER Solar Water Heating Systems Solar water heaters are cost-effective solutions for the hot water needs in domestic environment and in commercial applications such as hotels and hospitals. This could be promoted in a big way even without subsidy. The solar policy mentions making it mandatory in certain types of buildings. A target of 50,000 square metre of collector area per year could be targeted for the next five years. ANERT Initiatives to Achieve the TargetsANERT has already started restructuring its programmes for this scaling up. Some of the initiatives are:eMarketPlace for renewable energy systems and Renewable Energy Awards for recognisingdevices initiatives by organisations and individuals Mobile application for field verification of Capacity building through trainings on installationrenewable energy systems, with geo-tagging & up-keep A portal for workflow and programme monitoring  Integrated renewable energy complexes at districtrelated to multi-agency approvals for installing level, mobile exhibition unit, a professional publicrenewable energy systems, including subsidy release relations campaign, training and awareness programmes to spread the message of renewable Setting up 140 Akshaya Urja Service Centres at the energyAssembly-segment level for effective service supportfor installations, linked to the government call centre  New technology demonstration programmes inand an online web-portal for complaints handling with renewable, including energy storage to overcome theticketing perceived limitations of renewable energy in partnership with CDAC (3 MW solar-wind hybrid Census of all renewable energy installations done in with storage solutions initiated in Ramakkalmedu,the state during the last 5 years, by requesting Idukki)registration through a mobile app; and incentivising theregistration by providing free one year insurance to ANERT would also take steps to promote newsuch systems business models for implementing renewable energy projects including: Installation of solar power plants in governmentbuildings  Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO)  Third-party leasing Arrangements with local self-governments for  Community/ co-op investmentproviding subsidy to the needy  Battery on rental for off-grid/hybrid systems/ Solar Power Pack on rental, etc.Partnership with cooperative banks for providingfinancial support to install renewable energy systems We invite reputed players in this field toas specified by ANERT empanel with ANERT as service providers and also solicit proposals on new technology/ business model demonstrations in Kerala.Vol 11 Issue 3 & 4 July- Dec 2017 7

ENVIS NEWSLETTER SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FOR ALL - ROLE OF RENEWABLE ENERGYKMD Unnithann, Anil G, AM Narayanan & AN Dinesh Kumar , Energy Management Centre, Trivandrum Energy and Sustainable Development moderate to small while that of renewable energy growth had been falling short by huge margin. Energy is an essential factor for sustainable development and poverty eradication. Nevertheless, it Advantages & Opportunities is estimated that in 2015 still about 2.8 billion people have no access to modern energy services and over Achieving these goals and its targets can 1.1 billion do not have electricity. Furthermore, create significant synergies and simultaneously around 4.3 million people are dying prematurely advance many other Sustainable Development Goals, every year due to indoor pollution resulting from including those relating to poverty eradication, food cooking and heating with unsustainable fuels. The security, clean water and sanitation, health, education, challenge lies in finding ways to reconcile the economic growth and the empowerment of youth and necessity and demand for modern and sustainable women, while combating climate change. Access to energy services with its impact on the environment affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy and the global natural resource base in order to ensure for all is fundamental to human development and is that sustainable development goals are realised. also a necessary investment in our collective future. Importance of Renewable Energy Efforts needed to be redoubled to get back on track; particularly in countries like India with large Importance of promoting new and renewable access deficits and high energy consumption whose sources of energy has been reaffirmed at the United rate of progress carries substantial weight in the Nations from 2011, with the General Assembly global aggregate. unanimously declaring 2014-2024 as the Decade of Sustainable Energy for All. Sustainable Energy for All Meeting these essential energy needs has three energy objectives, one of which is to double economically and sustainably requires a balanced the share of renewable energy in the global energy energy portfolio that is suited to the economic, social, mix. and resource conditions of individual countries and regions. This paper discusses about the circumstances Interventions in renewable energy projects in which, renewable energy sources such as wind, developed in scores of developing countries have solar, small hydro, geothermal, and bio energy have demonstrated that renewable energy can contribute to an important role to play, alongside fossil fuels, in an poverty alleviation directly by providing the energy energy portfolio that supports achievement. needed for creating businesses and jobs, turning Nevertheless, recent trends do present some locally available resources into productive economic encouraging acceleration in progress relative to what assets. Renewable energy technologies can make was observed in prior decades in terms of renewable indirect contributions to alleviating poverty by energy. providing energy for cooking and space heating. By making light more affordable and reliable, renewable Still, an estimated 24 Crore people in India energy technologies also permit schools and lack access to any form of electricity, while an businesses to operate after dark. additional 10 Crore have less than four hours of electricity per day. At the same time, the Government Across all dimensions of sustainable energy of India has set a target of generating over 175 for all by 2014, initiative on access to energy and gigawatts of renewable energy by 2022. This is an energy efficiency, the rate of progress has been ambitious target-even more so if we consider the Government’s plan to provide power for all citizensVol 11 Issue 3 & 4 July- Dec 2017 by 2019. 8

The fact that many rural communities have growing cost of renewable subsidies. electricity grids that have been installed but are not always operational also presents These trends have important implications considerable challenges. going forward. Without a simultaneous increase in system flexibility (grid reinforcement and Recent Trends in Renewable Energy Sector interconnections, storage, demand-side response and other flexible supply), variable renewables are more 2016 was a record year for renewable exposed to the risk of losing system value at energy, a record 2/3rd of global new power increasing shares of market penetration since capacity addition came from renewable energy, wholesale prices are depressed precisely when wind thanks to the 50% increase in solar PV capacity and solar production exceeds demand. surpassing coal based energy additions. Suggested way forward India’s moves to address the financial health of its utilities and tackle grid-integration Focus must be equally be given on a relatively issues drive a more optimistic forecast. By 2022, firm and robust technology opportunities. It is an India is expected to more than double its current accepted fact that the small mini & micro hydropower renewable electricity capacity. For the first time, source can provide for both grid/micro-grid based and this growth over the forecast period is higher decentralised renewable energy generation. Despite compared with the European Union. slower capacity growth, small hydro will remain the surest source of renewable electricity generation in Solar PV and wind together represent any forecast. 90% of India’s capacity growth as auctions yielded some of the world’s lowest prices for Even after all these advances in modern both technologies. In some Indian states, recent renewable sources of solar & wind, access to contract prices are comparable to coal tariffs. affordable, reliable, sustainable is still an unanswered India’s accelerated case indicates that renewable question in locations without grid. Low-to-medium capacity expansion could be boosted by almost a voltage electric needs like telecommunications, hand third, providing that existing grid integration and tools, process motive power for small industry (with infrastructure challenges are addressed, policy electric motor) refrigeration can reliably & easily be and regulatory uncertainties are reduced, and met only through small hydel projects. SHP projects costs continue to fall. With this growth India even though not always perennial, can be installed in would equal the United States, becoming the rivers, small streams, dams and canals with negligible joint second-largest growth market after China. apparent environmental effects. Targets which are more or less expected Though the development of small hydropower to be met, by 2022, world renewable energy is not achieving its targets due to various issues capacity may increase by 43% equalling 50% of related to forest, and other impedances related to land world capacity in coal power. By that time, 45% acquisitions, recent advances in opportunities of Low of energy needs of Europe, 25% of energy needs head and ultra low head hydel generation and of US and about 10% of the energy needs of hydrokinetic energy generation give a better ambit for China, India and Brazil will be met from further improvement in this sector in a cost effective renewables. way. This will reduce gestation periods and increase versatility to generate power from even almost any Challenges stretch in river system, with relatively perennial. While the renewable continues breaking Also small hydropower should be used as a records, on back of solar and wind energy mode to create energy storage in existing major additions, integration into grids is becoming a hydropower dams for peak energy usage, while day great challenge to the governments, along with time needs are met from solar PV or other renewable energy.Vol 11 Issue 3 & 4 July- Dec 2017 9

ENVIS NEWSLETTERNaEtiovneanltSseminar on Meeting Sustainability Challenges Through Renewable Energy With increasing demand for energy and with fast depleting conventional sources of energy such as coal, petroleum, natural gas, etc. the non-conventional sources of energy such as energy from sun, wind, biomass, tidal energy, geo-thermal energy and even energy from waste material are gaining importance. This energy is abundant, renewable, pollution free and eco-friendly. It can be more conveniently supplied to urban, rural and even remote areas. Thus it is capable of solving the twin problems of energy supply in a decentralized manner and helping in sustaining cleaner environment. It is the energy of the future. No wonder, non-conventional energy is fast catching the imagination of the people in India. Understanding the importance of renewable energy resources and the use of these resources for sustainable development, the ENVIS Hub (Centre) Kerala in KSCSTE in association with the The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) ENVIS Resource Partner, New Delhi has decided to jointly conduct a National seminar on the theme “Meeting Sustainability Challenges through Renewable energy.” The seminar was inaugurated by Dr Anandi Subramanian, Senior Economic Advisor, Ministry of Environment Forests and Climate Change The presidential address was given by Dr Suresh Das, Executive Vice President, KSCSTE. Dr S Pradeep Kumar, Member Secretary, KSCSTE welcomed the gathering and Dr Kamalskashan Kokkal, Chief Scientist and ENVIS Coordinator deliver vote of thanks. The technical session were handled by eminent scientists. Prof. V K Damodaran, Chairman, CED spoke about the Prospects of Solar and Non Conventional Energy for Kerala; Dr Amit Kumar, Director, TERI spoke about Electricity Transition in India. Shri VK Joseph, Chief Engineer, KSEB and Shri Shedilal C Gyara, Executive Enginner, KSEB spoke about Land Neutral RE Projects with special emphasis on Banasura Project. Dr RVG Menon spoke on the importance of RE and chaired the technical session. Dr Ajaykumar Varma talked about Green Kerala Mission during the event. Dr Ajith Gopi, Programme Officer and Head (Technical Consultancy Division), ANERT spoke on Roadmap for Solar Power Development in Kerala and Shri. Dineshkumar A.N, Energy Technologist, EMC spoke about Sustainable Energy for All-Role of Renewable Energy. ENVIS Hub Kerala and TERI ENVIS Resource Partner presented their ENVIS activities during the seminar.Vol 11 Issue 3 & 4 July- Dec 2017 10

ENVISNEWSLETTER National Seminar on Meeting Sustainability Challenges Through Renewable EnergyVol 11 Issue 3 & 4 July- Dec 2017 11

ENVIS NEWSLETTER 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MONTREAL PROTOCOL AND 23RD WORLD OZONE DAY-16TH SEPTEMBER 2017 FOCAL THEME: “CARING FOR ALL LIFE UNDER THE SUN” The ENVIS Hub Kerala in association with KSCSTE and National Green Corps had conducted paintingcompetition in different NGC and Eco club schools of Kerala in connection with 30th Anniversary of the MontrealProtocol and 23rd World Ozone Day-16th September 2017.CHILDREN’S PAINTING COMPETITIONVol 11 Issue 3 & 4 July- Dec 2017 12

ENVIS Environmental NewsNEWSLETTERKerala 1. KAU comes up with 23 high-yielding crops ( Source: The Hindu, 22-07-2017) Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) has introduced 23 high-yielding new crop varieties. Thenew list includes five varieties of rice and nutmeg, three varieties of ginger and cardamom and one each ofplumbago, salad cucumber, culinary melon, cowpea, pepper, garcinia, and tapioca. KAU Vice Chancellor P.Rajendran said a university-level evaluation committee had recommended these varieties after assessingtheir performances on experimental plots and farmers’ fields. The new varieties will be officially releasedafter approval from the State Variety Release Committee headed by the Agricultural ProductionCommissioner, according to Director of Research P. Indiradevi. Of the five rice varieties, VTL 10 is a saline-tolerant variety for high saline coastal ecosystems. While Manuratna, a short-duration variety, is meant forwetlands, Suvarna is a semi-tall short-duration variety resistant to gall midge. Two varieties developed at theRegional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Pattambi, are of long duration and suited for rabi season.Three ginger varieties have been developed at the College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara. Chandraka has highgingenol content and is suitable for fresh and dried use. Ardraka is less fibrous and Chithraka has higherstarch content. The plumbago variety Swathi has higher root yield than all released varieties. KPCH-1, the F1 hybrid of seedless salad cucumber variety developed at Vellanikkara, offers acheaper alternative to imported varieties. It is resistant to mildew syndrome and offers appreciableproductivity in polyhouse cultivation. The culinary melon Vellayani Vishal has medium-sized and green-striped creamy white fruits. The cowpea variety Manjari is tolerant to mosaic virus and suitable for pure aswell as inter-cropping. The five improved varieties of nutmeg were identified from farmers’ fields. Whilefour of them have rounded fruits, one has oval shaped fruits.Pepper variant: The Panniyur 9 variety of black pepper has been at the Pepper Research Station, Panniyur. Withlong spikes, medium berries and drought resistance, it is suitable for hilly tracts. Nithya, the garcinia varietyfrom RARS, Kumarakom, has oblong yellow fruits and the yield is more than 10 kg a tree. The threecardamom varieties, PV-1. PV-2 and PV-3, developed at the Cardamom Research Station, Pampadumpara,offers better yield. The tapioca variety Uthama, ideal for flood-prone areas, is high-yielding. 2. Nilgiri tahr sighted at new location ( Source: The Hindu, 28-09-2017) The animals were sighted by forest guards who were surveying the area as part of the elephantcensus. The presence of the ungulates has been reported for the first time from the region, said N.C.Induchoodan, Divisional Forest Officer, Munnar. Five animals were sighted on a steep hill at Muthanmudi,near the Choorakettan tribal settlement in the Adimali range of the Munnar Forest Division. A forest guard ofthe Panamkutti Forest Station took photographs of two Nilgiri tahrs during the trip from the area, which is ata height of 1,700 metres. “We did not expect to see tahrs in the region, which is at an aerial distance of 20km from the Eravikulam National Park where two-thirds of the world’s mountain ungulate population ishoused,” Dr. Induchoodan said. The Forest Department will now conduct a detailed survey in the area inAugust after a let-up in rain. A few tahr enthusiasts have offered to join the survey, which is likely to be heldduring the Onam holidays, he said. The animals were sighted by forest guards who were surveying the areaas part of the elephant census. The presence of the ungulates has been reported for the first time from theregion, said N.C. Induchoodan, Divisional Forest Officer, Munnar.Vol 11 Issue 3 & 4 July- Dec 2017 13

Environmental News ENVIS NEWSLETTERFive animals were sighted on a steep hill at Muthanmudi, near the Choorakettan tribal settlement in theAdimali range of the Munnar Forest Division. A forest guard of the Panamkutti Forest Station tookphotographs of two Nilgiri tahrs during the trip from the area, which is at a height of 1,700 metres. “We did not expect to see tahrs in the region, which is at an aerial distance of 20 km from theEravikulam National Park where two-thirds of the world’s mountain ungulate population is housed,”Dr. Induchoodan said. The Forest Department will now conduct a detailed survey in the area in Augustafter a let-up in rain. A few tahr enthusiasts have offered to join the survey, which is likely to be heldduring the Onam holidays, he said.Winter Birds Sighted During Their Migratory Passage (Source: Deccan Chronicle, 18-08-2017) Whimbrel, a winter bird was sighted at Punchakari-Vellayani wetlands as another migratory seasongot underway. Small flocks of these migratory waders were observed at the Punchakari wetlands by birdwatchers last week. This is the first time that this coastal loving wader, which was seen at fresh waterareas of Puchakari-Vellayani during its migratory passage, was recorded as visiting Punchakari. Accordingto Salim Ali’s Handbook of Birds of India and Pakistan, Whimbrel occasionally visited inland areasduring its migration passage. Common Sandpipers, Black-winged Stilts are normally seen here during the beginning of themigratory season. But two individual whimbrels were observed at waterlogged fields of Punchakari byC.Susanth, ornithologist and founder member of Warblers and Waders during his weekly bird andbutterfly studies conducted at Punchakari-Vellayani Wetlands. Mr Susanth said the sighting of Whimbrelwas significant. It is a darkish sandy brown wading bird, streaked with black and fulvous brown pattern.Its most characteristic feature is the down curved bill. These gregarious birds are normally seen inestuaries and coastal areas partial to tidal mudflats and mangrove-lined creeks. The whimbrel breeds innorthern Scandinavia, Finland, northern Russia and West Siberia. The birds are winter visitors to WestPakistan and western India in Gujarat and sparingly along the entire seaboard south of Kerala, Sri Lanka,and the Andaman, Nicobar and Maldives Islands.Rare Flower Blooms in Alappuzha (Source: Deccan Chronicle, 27-07-2017) A rare plant belonging to Agavaceae family and called Agave Americana (Century Plant orAmerican Aloe) has flowered in S.D. College, Alappuzha.Located in front of the library, at a special areacalled “Naturescape”, it has attracted the attention of students and staff alike. Native of Mexico, the planthas a lifespan of about 30 years and will flower only once in a life time before drying up. A. Americanadevelops a massive flower cluster on a lengthy flowering stem or stalk growing to a height of more than20 feet. The flowers are yellowish green in colour. This species produces seed, but it mainly reproducesitself vegetative via suckers which allow it to spread laterally and can form very large and dense coloniesover time. Agave is now grown as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Theplant has also naturalised in India, Africa and Southern Europe. The nectar is used in Mexico and SouthAmerica to prepare a fermented drink called Pulque. The fibre extracted from its leaves is also used tomake coarse cloth for a variety of purposes. The nectar and seeds are also consumed by some birds andanimals. It is also used in many herbal medicinal preparations in Mexico.Vol 11 Issue 3 & 4 July- Dec 2017 14

ENVIS Environmental News NEWSLETTER suffering from bacterial infections. “Rapid metabolism at the cancer site sucks al nutrients India and leads to nutritional deficit in the body.IIT Delhi team develops a new Anti Bacterial Drug-delivery When chemotherapy is given even the bacteriasystem (Source: The Hindu ,05-08-2017) already present in the body but kept under check become disease-causing,” says Dr. Pankaj A new antibiotic drug-delivery system that Chaturvedi, cancer specialist at the Tata improves the efficacy of drugs thereby reducing the Memorial Hospital, Mumbai. After dosage used for treating bacterial infections has been chemotherapy the immunological response gets tested in a lab by researchers at the Indian Institute of damaged as cells responsible for protecting Technology (IIT) Delhi. A peptide, which has not been against bacteria are reduced in number. So the approved for clinical use, bound to gold nanoparticles person becomes vulnerable to infection. was able to kill E. coli and Salmonella typhi more “Antibiotics by itself cannot kill all the bacteria. efficiently at lower dosages.“Drug delivery becomes The inherent immunological response should be better and the bioavailability improves when the drug able to challenge the bacteria once antibiotic is conjugated [bound] to gold nanoparticles. So treatment is completed. Since this does not reduced dosage is sufficient to kill the bacteria. happen, the bacteria develop drug resistance,” Reducing the dosage of antibiotics used is one of the says Dr. Chaturvedi. strategies to reduce the possibility of drug resistance setting in,” says Dr. Neetu Singh from the Centre for Folate receptors: Specific receptors called Biomedical Engineering, IIT Delhi, and one of the folate receptors are present in large numbers on corresponding authors of the paper published in the the surface of cancer cells. Folic acid added to journal Scientific Reports. the nanoconjugates is recognised by these receptors and help in the binding process. “Once Bioavailability: The peptide in a free form may not be the nanoconjugates enter the cancer cells they bioavailable as it gets degraded relatively fast. In a free interact with the bacteria and kill them by form, the peptide is also not able to effectively kill the disrupting the cell membrane. The bacteria by engaging with the bacterial membrane and nanoconjugates have 40% better antibacterial disrupting it, while the nanoconjugate fares better on activity compared with free peptides,” says these counts. The challenge was to arrive at an Rohini Singh from the Department of Chemical optimum number of peptides that are bound to Engineering, IIT Delhi, and one of the first nanoparticles to get the best results. When there are too authors of the paper. The nanoconjugate is not few or too many peptides bound to the nanoparticles toxic to cancer cells and targets only the the antibacterial activity gets compromised. “There is bacteria. “We would next like to study if our significant antibacterial activity when about 1000 nanoconjugates can be used on antibiotic- peptides are bound to a nanoparticle,” says Dr. Singh. resistant strains and also understand the fate of The peptide called sushi-peptide bound to gold nanoparticles used for making the nanoparticles was able to kill 50% of bacteria at much nanoconjugates,” says Dr. Neetu Singh. Instead lower concentration (400 nM) while the free peptide’s of gold nanoparticle, biodegradable polymers antibacterial activity was not significant at the same can be used. The only condition is that the concentration, says Smita Patil from the Centre for peptide should be able to interact with the Biomedical Engineering, IIT Delhi and one of the first bacterial membrane. A few more studies have to authors of the paper. Besides normal cells infected be carried out before the nanoconjugate can be with bacteria, the peptide bound to nanoparticles will tested on animals. be particularly useful in the case of cancer patients 15Vol 11 Issue 3 & 4 July- Dec 2017

Environmental News ENVIS NEWSLETTERSewage Endangers Mangroves, Marine Life in Thengaithittu (Source: The Hindu, 07-08-2017) Puducherry city is letting raw sewage water mixed with toxic waste into Thengaithittu estuary along the coast of Bay of Bengal, after being infiltrated into mangrove forests, posing a serious threat to mangroves and marine life. M. Selvamanikandan, president, Puducherry Environment and Mangrove Forest Development and Protection Society, said rubbish and sewage water was flowing into Thengaithittu estuary without being treated. “Over the past several days, we are seeing chemical substance with strong odour flowing with sewage water into the sea. We immediately informed the Pollution Control Board,” he said. Mr. Selvamanikandan said there were around 150 spots from where sewage water was let into the drain that flowed directly into sea. Kumar, a fisherman, in Thengaithittu, said contaminated water was killing the marine life. “One of the crab species has become extinct. Even the colour of water has changed and stench emanating from water is intolerable. We do not know what will happen to the mangrove forest,” he said. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, had admitted contamination of sea water because of dumping of toxic waste. The officials in the Ministry have pointed out that the water level in the backwater was changing because of tidal influence and domestic wastewater inflow from the land ward side. They stressed on protecting the mangrove forest in this region, said a government official. Scientists from the Department of Science, Technology and Environment have collected water samples from here and are testing to determine the chemical content and toxicity in water flowing to the estuary. “We have sent the water samples for testing. It will take another week to get the results. The extent of toxic waste entering sea will be determined only after we get the results,” said a scientist working in the department.Western Ghats throw up a New Snake (Source: The Hindu, 28-09-2017) When new species of earthworms and frogs have been discovered from the Western Ghats this year, can their predators be far behind? Scientists have described a new species of non-venomous endemic snake, Aquatic Rhabdops, from the northern Western Ghats. The three-foot-long nocturnal snake hunts for prey underwater, says a study published recently in Zootaxa , a journal that publishes new species descriptions. Interestingly, while adults of the Aquatic Rhabdops have off-white bellies and black spots on their olive brown skin, juveniles are olive green, with yellow undersides. This colour difference in life stages could possibly be due to the different local habitats, say the scientists. “We named the new species after its aquatic nature since the adults are mostly associated with freshwater forest streams and juveniles are seen in water-logged areas, mostly on rocky plateaus,” says lead author Varad Giri of the National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bengaluru. Scientists from the Natural History Museum (London, UK), Indian Institute of Science (Bengaluru), Indian Herpetological Society (Pune), Wildlife Institute of India (Dehradun), Kerala Forest Research Institute (Peechi) and College of Veterinary Science (Pookode) contributed to the work. Mistaken identity: Scientists say the new species, Rhabdops aquaticus , was till now considered a variant of the Olive Forest Snake, first described in 1863. However, the new study confirms that the Aquatic Rhabdops is a different one: they sport not only different colours and patterns, but also vary in other features of size, shape and structure, and also genetic make-up. Endemicity, the phenomenon of being present only in a specific geographical area, runs in the family: all Rhabdops snakes are endemic to India. The Olive Forest Snake Rhabdops olivaceus is found only in the Western Ghats while the bi-coloured Forest Snake Rhabdops bicolor lives in a few localities in the northeast. The Aquatic Rhabdops too is found only in the laterite plateaus of the northern Western Ghats in Goa, southern Maharashtra and northern Karnataka, in areas facing severe human pressures.Vol 11 Issue 3 & 4 July- Dec 2017 16

ENVIS Environmental NewsNEWSLETTERWorld While the storm has been monitored since 1830, it has possibly existed for more than 350 years. NASA’s Juno probes depths of Jupiter’s Great Red Spot (Source: The Hindu,13-12-2017) U.S. trio wins physics Nobel for gravitational waves (Source: The Hindu,04-10-2017)Jupiter’s Great Red Spot, the solar system’s mostfamous storm, is almost one-and-a-half Earths wide Phenomenon was predicted by Einstein a centuryand penetrates about 300 km into the planet’s ago as part of his theory U.S. astrophysicists Raineratmosphere, according to data collected by NASA’s Weiss, Barry Barish and Kip Thorne and were awardedJuno spacecraft. Other revelations from the mission the Nobel Physics Prize on Tuesday for the discoveryinclude that Jupiter has two previously uncharted of gravitational waves-a phenomenon that opens a doorradiation zones, NASA researchers said. “One of the on the extreme Universe. Predicted by Albert Einsteinmost basic questions about Jupiter’s Great Red Spot a century ago as part of his theory of general relativity,is: how deep are the roots?” said Scott Bolton, but only detected in 2015, gravitational waves areJuno’s principal investigator from the Southwest “ripples” in space-time, as the theoretical fabric of theResearch Institute in the U.S. “Juno data indicate cosmos is called. They are caused by ultra-violentthat the solar system’s most famous storm is almost processes, such as colliding black holes or the collapseone-and-a-half Earths wide, and has roots that of stellar cores.penetrate about 300 km into the planet’satmosphere,” said Mr. Bolton. The science “Their discovery shook the world,” said Goran K.instrument responsible for this in-depth revelation Hansson, the head of the Swedish Royal Academy ofwas Juno’s Microwave Radiometer (MWR). “Juno’s Sciences, which selects the Nobel recipients. TheyMicrowave Radiometer has the unique capability to made their discovery in September 2015 andpeer deep below Jupiter’s clouds,” said Michael announced it in February 2016, a historic achievementJanssen, Juno co-investigator from NASA’s Jet that culminated from decades of scientific research.Propulsion Laboratory. “It is proving to be an And since then, they have clinched all the majorexcellent instrument to help us get to the bottom of astrophysics prizes to be had. Mr. Thorne and Mr.what makes the Great Red Spot so great,” said Mr. Weiss co-created the Laser InterferometerJanssen. Jupiter’s Great Red Spot is a giant oval of Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO) at thecrimson-coloured clouds in Jupiter’s southern prestigious California Institute of Technology, whichhemisphere that race counter-clockwise around the has taken home 18 Nobels since the prizes were firstoval’s perimeter with wind speeds greater than any awarded in 1901. Mr. Barish then brought the projectstorm on the earth. to completion. 1.3 bn light years away The first-ever direct observation of gravitational waves was the resultWarm at the base: Measuring 16,000 km in width of an event some 1.3 billion light years away.as of April 3, this year, the Great Red Spot is 1.3 “Although the signal was weak when it reached Earth,times as wide as the earth. “Juno found that the it is already promising a revolution in astrophysics.Great Red Spot’s roots go 50 to 100 times deeper Gravitational waves are an entirely new way ofthan the earth’s oceans and are warmer at the base following the most violent events in space and testingthan they are at the top,” said Andy Ingersoll, the limits of our knowledge,” the Academy said. Sinceprofessor at Caltech and a Juno co-investigator. 2015, the enigmatic ripples have been detected three“Winds are associated with differences in more times: twice more by LIGO and once by thetemperature, and the warmth of the spot’s base Virgo detector located at the European Gravitationalexplains the ferocious winds we see at the top of the Observatory in Cascina, Italy.atmosphere,” said Ingersoll. The future of the GreatRed Spot is still very much up for debate.Vol 11 Issue 3 & 4 July- Dec 2017 17

ENVIS NEWSLETTERNational Children’s Science National Children’s Science Congress (NCSC) isCongress (NCSC) 2017 a national wide Science Communication programme started in the year 1993. It is a programme of National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC), Department of Science and Technology, Government of India organised nationally by NCSTC- Network, New Delhi. It is a forum for children of the age-group of 10-17 year, both from formal school system as well as from out of school, to exhibit their creativity and innovativeness and more particularly their ability to solve a societal problem experienced locally using the method of science.25th State level Children’s Science Congress 2017 was held during 16th & 17th November 2017 at Kerala ForestResearch Institute, Peechi Thrissur. Students from all over the state of Kerala participated in the programme. Theprogramme was inaugurated by Shri.K.Rajan MLA and Dr.Suresh Das Executive Vice President KSCSTE presidedover the function. The welcome address was given by Dr. S. Pradeep Kumar, Member Secretary, KSCSTE.Dr Kamalakshan Kokkal, Chief Scientist and State coordinator, NCSC spoke about the programme.Shri.VP Raveendran, Scientist, KFRI proposed vote of thanks. 85 projects selected from 410 projects all acrossthe state participated in the National Children’s Science Congress 2017 and 16 students were selected for theNational Children's Science Congress held at Ahemadabad.Best Selected Projects SENIORS from the State AKM HSS Kottoor Indianoor P.O Malappuram DVMNNM HSS Maranalloor Koovalassery, TVM Scared Heart HSS Dwaraka Mananthavady, Wayanad GHSS Kokkallur Kokkallur ,Kozhikode ST Paul’s EMHSS Kohinoor Malappuram GGMGHSS Chalappuram P.O Chalappuram Kozhikode St George HSS Kattappana Idukki SNHSS N.Paravur Pullamkulam Ernakulam VPPMKDSGVHSS Trikarpur Kasargod Ossanam English Medium HSS Idukki JUNIORS St.Antony’s HSS Plassnal P.O., Kottayam, Kerala GHSS Kuttikattur, Kozhikode SDV Govt.UPS Nerkunnam, Alappuzha GHSS Valat, Mananthavady, Wayanad Sarawathy Vidya Mandir, Narminda Kozhikode St.Thomas Higher Secondary School, Erattayar, IdukkiVol 11 Issue 3 & 4 July- Dec 2017 18

ENVISNEWSLETTER World Wetland Day 2018 Every year, on the 2nd of February, we celebrate World Wetlands Day (WWD) to commemorate the signing of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in the Iranian city of Ramsar in 1971. The theme for WWD 2018, “Wetlands for a sustainable urban future” has been chosen to raise awareness about how urban wetlands contribute to the future of sustainable cities. Urban wetlands make cities livable in many important ways. They reduce flooding, replenish drinking water, filter waste, provide urban green spaces, and are a source of livelihoods. These wetland benefits grow ever more crucial as the number of people living in cities has now passed the 4 billion mark and continues to rise. Half of humanity about 4 billion people live in urban areas today. By 2050 that proportion will reach 66% as people move to cities in search of jobs and a vibrant social life. Cities account for around 80% of global economic output. As cities expand and demand for land increases, the tendency is to encroach on wetlands, they are degraded, filled in and built upon. Yet when left intact or restored, urban wetlands make cities liveable. WORKSHOP-CUM-TRAINING PROGRAMME ON GIS / GEO-MAPPING 19 The MoEF&CC had organised a Workshop-Cum-Training-Programme on GIS/GEO-Mapping at Gandhinagar from 21st -23rd September, 2017. Dr Kamalakshan Kokkal, Chief Scientist and ENVIS Coordinator, Kerala and Dr Sindhu C Unni, Programme Officer, ENVIS Kerala had attended the workshop cum training programme. The programme witnessed participation of dignitaries Dr. Anandi Subramanian, Senior Economic Advisor, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India, Shri Yashvir Singh, Economic Advisor, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India, Shri Kumar Rajnish, National Programme Coordinator, ENVIS Cell, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India. Dr. Anandi Subramanian, Senior Economic Advisor, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India during her address she shared the objective behind organizing this workshop including its benefits to ENVIS Centres. She mentioned about the Grid based Monitoring and Green Skill Development Programme which should be taken up by ENVIS Centres. The session continued with presentation by Shri Yashvir Singh, Economic Advisor, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India mentioning about the existing mandate of ENVIS Scheme and discussing the way forward. He mentioned that the ENVIS Scheme will be now monitored towards “Decision Support System for Environmental Policy and Outcome / Impact Valuation to MoEFCC. On 22nd and 23rd September, 2017 the various ENVIS officials from different parts of the country had undergone through GIS Training at Bhaskaracharya Institute of Space Applications and Geo-Informatics (BISAG), Gandhinagar.Vol 11 Issue 3 & 4 July- Dec 2017

A team of 22 members from Kerala consist of 16 Child Scientists, 3 accompanying teachers, 2 districtcoordinator and State Coordinator were attended the National Children’s Science Congress held during 27-31stDecember at Ahemadabad. Two projects from Kerala namely The negative impacts of paving bricks onsustainable development in Kokkallur area presented by Anuvind PR , Govt HSS Kokkallur, Kokkallur P.O,Kozhikode and Vertical Axis Windmill for Coastal Area presented by Nadha Nafeesa .K.S, SNHSS North Paravur,Ernakulam selected in the outstanding category at National Level.Editorial Team Project TeamDr. Suresh Das Dr. Kamalakshan KokkalDr. S.Pradeep Kumar Dr. Sindhu C. UnniDr. Kamalakshan Kokkal Ms. Dhanya SurendranDr. Sindhu C. Unni Ms. Roshni Raj