Latest news with #APCOST
Hans India
24-06-2025
- Science
- Hans India
New science centre ready to engage young minds
Rajamahendravaram: The much-awaited Science Centre constructed in Bommuru, under the Rajamahendravaram Rural Assembly constituency, is now ready for inauguration. Built on a five-acre site adjacent to the Mahila Pranganam (Women's Complex), the project was initiated in 2018 by the then Telugu Desam government. The foundation stone was laid by the then MP Maganti Murali Mohan. Jointly funded by the Central and State Governments at a cost of Rs 15 crore, the project was executed under the supervision of the Visweswaraya Industrial and Technological Museum (VITM), Bengaluru. The construction of the facility was completed in 2023, but its inauguration was delayed due to various reasons during the previous administration. The Science Centre, aimed at delivering scientific knowledge through innovative approaches, especially to students from Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema, Kakinada, and East Godavari districts, is the third such Science Centre in Andhra Pradesh following those in Tirupati and Vijayawada. While the Science Centre in Tirupati operates under the Central Government, the Vijayawada facility is managed by the Andhra Pradesh State Council of Science and Technology (APCOST). The Rajahmundry Science Centre will also be operated by APCOST under the State Government's supervision. Despite plans by the present coalition government to inaugurate the centre in November last year, the event could not materialise. Efforts are now underway to make the facility accessible to students this month, with a formal inauguration scheduled for July. Central and State ministers, along with senior officials, are expected to attend the event. One of the major attractions of the centre is the beautifully landscaped green carpet park, featuring 18 display slots that showcase various themes in science and technology. These include interactive exhibits on the Earth-Moon system, dinosaurs, ocean waves and their acoustics, musical tones, Newton's laws of motion, a gravity chair, and an 'Expressway' section for scientific demonstrations. The two-story centre also houses a Fun Science section, a Tarangan (Planetarium), a Science Park, an Innovation Hub, an auditorium, and a conference hall. Teacher Meka Susatya Rekha, the project coordinator, confirmed that the Science Centre is fully constructed and ready for inauguration. She said that efforts are being made to open the centre to students this month and formally inaugurate it in July. The launch of the centre is expected to greatly benefit students across North Andhra and the twin Godavari districts, providing them with hands-on learning experiences and exposure to cutting-edge science and technology.
Hans India
28-04-2025
- Science
- Hans India
Conocarpus is a climate ally, not a threat: Experts
Tirupati: Amid rising misinformation about the Conocarpus plant, environmentalists are intensifying efforts to educate the public on its ecological benefits. Speaking at a press conference organised by Jana Chaitanya Vedika in Tirupati on Sunday, environmental expert Prof K Bayyapu Reddy strongly defended the species, urging citizens to protect rather than vilify it. Conocarpusfrom Yemen has thrived across several countries. Prof Reddy highlighted the plant's potential as a powerful tool against climate change, citing its ability to absorb large quantities of carbon dioxide, release abundant oxygen. He pointed out that many everyday crops like tomatoes, potatoes, and coffee were also introduced from abroad. He noted that Bengaluru institutes have thousands of Conocarpustrees,but no student complained any health issue. He further dismissed fears about the plant's roots damaging infrastructure, citing the example of Guntur, where Conocarpus trees planted along road dividers grew without causing any structural damage. Responding to few claims, he explained that its dense foliage makes it unsuitable for nesting but does not repel avian life. Prof Reddy called for the formation of a scientific committee comprising environmentalists, scientists, and doctors to study and publicise the true environmental impact of Conocarpus. Jana Chaitanya Vedika State President Vallamreddy Lakshmana Reddy stressed the urgent need to improve India's low tree-to-person ratio and supported research confirming Conocarpus's remarkable carbon absorption capacity. The organisation announced plans to launch awareness campaigns. The event was attended by several notable personalities, including chartered accountant E Phalguna Kumar, former APCOST Member Secretary and geologist Prof TV Krishna Reddy, and National BC Front Convener KML Narasimha.
The Hindu
27-04-2025
- Science
- The Hindu
Environmentalist defend conocarpus plant, slam ‘unscientific attack'
Jana Vignana Vedika, a forum that promotes scientific awareness and rational thinking among the public, held a meeting on Sunday to clear the air on the unscientific claims being made against the Conocarpus plant originating from Yemen. Environmentalist and retired professor of Botany K. Bayyapu Reddy, who has played a significant role in environmental clearances for various irrigation projects, has studied the Conocarpus plant for four years. Speaking at the event, he called for an end to the negative campaign on social media against the Conocarpus plant. seeking its removal. Mr. Bayyapu Reddy said: 'The plant originated in Yemen, and is now widely grown in countries like Dubai, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi, contributing to 70 percent of their green cover. It absorbs carbon dioxide in large quantities and releases oxygen, but is being portrayed otherwise. It thrives in diverse soil, water and climatic conditions.' He termed the allegations against the plant as reprehensible and against rational thought. Jana Vignana Vedika's state President, Vallamreddy Lakshmana Reddy rebutted the claim that the Conocarpus is a 'foreign plant.' He pointed out that many common plants like tomato, potato, coffee, tea, wheat, tobacco, and chilli were also brought into India. Chartered accountant E. Phalguna Kumar and AP Council of Science & Technology (APCOST) ex-member Secretary T.V. Krishna Reddy attended the event.
