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The Hindu
5 hours ago
- General
- The Hindu
Kattakada sees nearly 47% drop in carbon emissions over five years, CWRDM study finds
Kattakada Assembly constituency has witnessed a 46.75%-drop in carbon emissions between 2019 and 2024, according to a study by the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management. The second carbon audit of the constituency reveals that annual emissions in the region fell from 2,67,292.01 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO₂e) per year in 2019-2020 to 1,42,318.71 tCO₂e per year in 2020-2024. Yet, Kattakada constituency still needs to reduce 81.7 % of excess carbon from the atmosphere to achieve carbon neutrality, or reduce at least 31.7 % more to mitigate the adverse effects of carbon footprint. The report attributes the decline in emissions to consistent efforts in renewable energy adoption, improved waste management and better land use practices. Carbon sequestration through natural sinks accounted for 1,12,340.79 tCO₂e (16.1%), while emission reductions by human-led activities contributed 15,250.19 tCO₂e (2.2%). The trend is primarily driven by the Soura solar project, Malinya Muktham Kattakada waste management and Jalasamrudhi water conservation initiatives implemented in the region. The study was undertaken as part of the 'Carbon Neutral Kattakada' project that envisions reduction of human-induced carbon emission through people's lifestyle and sustainable development in the region. The audit covered six grama panchayats in the constituency, viz., Kattakada, Malayinkeezhu, Maranalloor, Pallichal, Vilappil and Vilavoorkal. Malayinkeezhu emerged the highest emitter (1,95,277.24 tCO₂e or 34. 3%), followed by Vilappil (1,11,065.49 tCO₂e or 19.5%) and Kattakada (1,02,402.98 tCO2e or 17.9%). Nonetheless, all six panchayats showed improvements in cumulative carbon sequestration, led by Maranalloor, followed by Kattakada and Malayinkeezhu. The energy sector remains the largest emitter, while transport emissions have notably increased, reflecting growing reliance on fossil fuel-based mobility. On the positive side, agriculture and waste sectors have seen significant declines in emissions. Proposed measures The report proposes measures to expand the Soura solar project to cover more households and institutions, and strengthen Malinya Muktham Kattakada to ensure near-zero emissions from the waste sector. It also moots various immediate priorities including procuring only zero-emission buses, taxis and municipal vehicles; expanding electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across all panchayats; and launching campaigns to promote e-bikes, shared mobility and non-motorised transport through mobile apps and public schemes. For long-term measures, the study calls for facilitating the use of alternative fuels such as biofuels and hydrogen, decarbonising the electricity grid by integrating more renewable sources and leveraging municipal power purchasing capacity, and investing in public transport infrastructure.
The Hindu
30-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
‘Meda' takes the carbon-neutral home dream a step closer to reality
A new green home concept titled 'Meda' has achieved the carbon-neutral tag – arguably the first in the State to earn such a status and get it assessed by a reputed agency. Babu Parambath, project coordinator of Niravu, a farmer producer company in Vengeri, Kozhikode, is credited with creating the concept. The Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM) under the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) has assessed the 'carbon neutrality' of 'Meda' and found that it has recorded a net carbon sink status of -1.43 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e), thus realising carbon neutrality through integrated management. A report of the assessment will be released by Kozhikode Mayor Beena Philip on August 4, at an event to be held at CWRDM in Kunnamangalam. Mr. Parambath has pioneered various ground breaking practices, that were later officially promoted by the State government, such as organic farming and sustainable waste management. He introduced the idea of 'green homes' which was emulated in over 1 lakh households across the State recently under the aegis of Haritha Keralam Mission. What makes it carbon neutral The term carbon neutrality signifies that the house absorbs the maximum amount of solar energy and reduces the amount of carbon dioxide in the environment. Mr. Parambath has achieved this through multi-level intervention in his surroundings. The kitchen garden in 'Meda' produces every vegetable that the household needs, except for onion and potato, thus reducing the carbon footprint. 'We have excess vegetables that we sell for around ₹8,000 every month,' Mr. Parambath said. A mini material collection facility (MCF) set up in the premises ensures source level segregation of non-biodegradable waste. The food waste mostly goes into the biogas plant. 'The waste in one house is not enough to process the plant. Hence, we source waste from two neighbouring houses. The neighbours have access to our kitchen garden too,' Mr. Parambath said. The acidic food waste goes into a bio bin while a pipe compost has been set up specifically for the egg shells, which, in due time, is used as calcium and potassium supplement for the plants. The dry leaves go into a biomass unit where it is composted over years to form manure. The courtyard of the house is designed in such a way that the rain water seeps into the soil completely. Besides, the biomass unit also serves as a rainwater harvesting facility, thus ensuring plenty of water in the well throughout the year. The energy generated through the solar panels set up on the roof top is contributed to the energy grid of the Kerala State Electricity Board. Besides all this, plenty of trees planted around the plot ensures that any remaining carbon dioxide in the premises is sucked in. Mr. Parambath was supported by Manoj P. Samuel the executive director of CWRDM and scientist Sruthi K.V. in achieving the carbon neutral concept – another trend that he hopes would soon catch up across the State.
New Indian Express
05-06-2025
- Climate
- New Indian Express
CWRDM proposes immediate steps to face monsoon crisis in Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the southwest monsoon arriving earlier than usual and bringing unusually heavy rain, the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM) has issued urgent recommendations to tackle potential flooding and landslides in Kerala. The state witnessed one of its earliest monsoon onsets in recent years. According to CWRDM, this year's pattern—marked by intense rainfall in short bursts followed by dry spells—highlights the growing need for improved disaster preparedness and smarter water management. In just one week, from May 24 to 31, Kozhikode recorded 620 mm of rainfall—nearly 28% of the region's average monsoon total. Daily rainfall during this period crossed 60 mm, sparking fears of flash floods, waterlogging, and landslides, especially in hilly regions. 'Traditionally, Kerala's monsoon sets in around June 1. But since 1970, nearly half of the monsoons have begun in late May,' said CWRDM executive director Manoj P Samuel. 'This year's early onset is among the earliest ever—second only to May 18, 1990,' he said. Experts link this shift to warming sea surface temperatures in the Arabian Sea, stronger cross-equatorial winds, and global atmospheric changes such as the Madden-Julian Oscillation.
The Hindu
01-06-2025
- Climate
- The Hindu
CWRDM suggests clearing waterways, smarter dam operations to combat monsoon fury
The Kozhikode-based Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM), an agency under the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment, has suggested both long-term and short-term measures to address the consequences of the early onset of the monsoon in Kerala. CWRDM officials told The Hindu on Sunday (June 1) that immediate steps should include clearing waterways—especially small streams within river systems; intelligent and timely operation of dams, check dams, and other flow-regulating structures; avoiding harvesting and storing large volumes of water in upper reaches; and preventing soil or land disturbances in sloping areas. The CWRDM also recommended marking/geo-tagging and surveillance of accident-prone waterlogged zones near schools and roads; avoiding the mixing of waste or wastewater with drinking water sources; using boiled water for drinking; testing the quality of drinking water in waterlogged areas; and closely monitoring and acting on warnings issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the State Disaster Management Authority, and other government agencies. Long-term strategies suggested by the agency include an accurate and precise model, a software-based mobile app or a user interface to get weather prediction and a short-term weather forecast. The agency also emphasised the need for systems to enable the timely and efficient dissemination of information and warnings to the public. Other proposals include involving citizens in rain and river monitoring; deploying trained disaster management teams in hotspot areas; issuing advance guidance on dos and don'ts during disasters; and marking safe zones for immediate evacuation. This year, Kerala experienced an early onset of the Southwest Monsoon on May 24. The earliest recorded onset during this period occurred in 1990, when the monsoon arrived on May 18. The early arrival this year was accompanied by intense rainfall during the last week of May. According to data from the CWRDM meteorological station in Kozhikode, the region recorded 620 mm of rainfall between May 24 and May 31, which amounts to approximately 27.78% of the seasonal monsoon average of 2,228 mm. Each day in this period saw over 60 mm of rainfall until May 30, resulting in saturated soil, localised flooding, and waterlogging in low-lying areas. Analysing historical patterns, CWRDM officials noted that early monsoon onsets have often been associated with above-normal seasonal rainfall. In nearly 70% of the years with early onset, Kerala received above-average total monsoon rainfall. If this trend continues, 2025 could be heading for an above-average monsoon—provided rainfall remains consistent during the mid and late phases of the season. These evolving trends highlight the urgent need for improved forecasting tools, real-time rainfall monitoring, and adaptive planning strategies, the officials said. The CWRDM officials also pointed out a growing concern: the increasing frequency of short-duration, high-intensity rainfall events, often followed by extended dry spells. While such patterns keep the average seasonal rainfall stable, they redistribute it unevenly over time, increasing the risk of flash floods and rainfall-induced landslides, particularly in hilly and urban areas. These extreme events place mounting pressure on infrastructure, strain water management systems, and challenge the resilience of the agricultural sector, they added.
The Hindu
11-05-2025
- The Hindu
CWRDM's Water Heritage Museum in Kozhikode gets global recognition
The Water Heritage Museum operated by the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWDRM) in Kozhikode has been included in the Global Network of Water Museums, an initiative under Unesco's Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme. According to a release, the museum is only the third such institution in the country to be added to the prestigious international network, marking a significant milestone in highlighting Kerala's rich water heritage on a global platform. The global network aims to promote awareness of water's cultural significance and foster community participation in sustainable water management. The museum showcases Kerala's indigenous water traditions and practices through a variety of thoughtfully curated exhibits. Besides, it also features a medicinal plant garden, a star garden, and a butterfly garden. A climate change study lab and galleries showcasing research achievements of the CWDRM further enhance its educational value. Manoj P. Samuel, Director, CWDRM, said that the recognition on a global platform would help present Kerala's legacy in water conservation and environmental stewardship. 'The museum offers a unique blend of scientific insights and cultural narratives that highlight the evolution and importance of water management across centuries,' he added. The museum is open to the public and students from Monday to Saturday, between 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
