Latest news with #Conocarpus
ME Construction
28-04-2025
- Business
- ME Construction
SSH completes phase 2 of Kuwait Waterfront Development
Consultant SSH completes phase 2 of Kuwait Waterfront Development By To promote active lifestyles and improve accessibility, the development features 12.4km of jogging tracks and a 15.4km bicycle path, through the waterfront surroundings SSH has announced the successful completion of Phase 2 of the Kuwait Waterfront Development. Following the initial launch in Q1, Phase 2 marks a milestone in the wider transformation of Kuwait's coastline. Spanning five km, this phase extends from the Green Island to the Yacht Club in Salmiya. It forms part of a vision, a 9.7km stretch of the waterfront, designed to revitalise the area into an accessible and sustainable urban destination. The newly developed project offers wide range of amenities aimed at enhancing the community's quality of life. These include designed public spaces, children's play areas, sports facilities, and a diverse selection of restaurants and cafés that cater to residents and visitors. Keeping sustainability as the main focus of this project. SSH, in collaboration with the Tourism Enterprises Company (TEC), has integrated green solutions including solar-powered lighting, 40 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, and the renovation of 4,000 parking spaces. The landscape is replaced with the Conocarpus trees and plant species specifically chosen for their resilience in Kuwait's arid climate. To promote active lifestyles and improve accessibility, the development features 12.4km of jogging tracks and a 15.4km bicycle path, through the waterfront surroundings. Adding to the cultural dimension, artistic installations inspired by Kuwait's heritage and ecosystem have been placed throughout the site. This project is a contributor to the goals set forth in Kuwait Vision 2035, for nation's tourism infrastructure and generating new avenues for economic growth. It also presents valuable investment opportunities for both local and international stakeholders. SSH has partnered with TEC as their consultant of choice, with its Design and Supervision team playing an important role in bringing this transformative vision to life. The delivery of Phase 2 demonstrates SSH's ongoing commitment to deliver sustainable urban developments for the region.
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.
Time of India
25-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
'Don't depend on anyone' for change: The rule Zerodha's Nithin and Nikhil Kamath learnt from their mother
Defying conventional images of what an environmentalist or landscaper typically looks like, Revathi Kamath steps in with a refreshing blend of art and advocacy. A devoted veena player with a deep-seated love for nature, Kamath has carved a unique identity that gracefully bridges the artistic and the ecological. #Pahelgam Terrorist Attack Pakistan suspends Simla pact: What it means & who's affected What is India's defence muscle if it ever has to attack? Can Pakistan afford a full-scale war with India? At the recent Sinhasi Social Impact Initiative's seminar focused on Wetlands Preservation and Climate Action, Kamath delivered a stirring address. She articulated not only the declining state of wetlands across India but also emphasized the pressing need for public involvement in reviving the country's green spaces. In her address, Kamath spoke warmly of her family's role in her journey. She expressed particular pride in her sons—Nithin and Nikhil Kamath , the founders behind Zerodha , India's leading online brokerage platform. According to her, their generous nature is something they inherited. 'They've always had giving hearts. It's simply who they are,' she shared. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Google Brain Co-Founder Breaks His Silence: Read These 5 Books And Turn Your Life Around Blinkist: Andrew Ng's Reading List Kamath credits her parenting philosophy, rooted in moral values like kindness, selflessness, and responsibility, for shaping her sons' worldviews. 'From the very beginning, I've raised them to understand the value of contributing meaningfully,' she explained. She recounted how Nithin often advises her to pursue her philanthropic efforts independently—using her own resources rather than relying on external agencies—to gain genuine recognition. 'My sons, especially Nithin, tell me – 'You do it with your own money and don't depend on any organisations, only then people will recognise you.' Nikhil at times will transfer money for a project to me without asking anything,' she told New Indian Express . Kamath also addressed one of the major ecological issues plaguing Indian cities and forests today: the careless introduction of exotic plant species. 'Native flora in Bengaluru is already struggling to survive, and new saplings barely take root anymore. It's truly distressing,' she said. She called attention to how species like the visually striking but ecologically intrusive Tabebuia are being cultivated in forest zones, altering the balance of the ecosystem. She also mentioned Conocarpus, another non-indigenous species that has made its way into public spaces. 'While I haven't seen Conocarpus inside forest reserves, I have seen it in city parks. It's not a plant that's friendly to biodiversity—it can even trigger allergies in people.' Another overlooked aspect, she lamented, is the lack of care post-plantation. 'There's a massive focus on tree-planting drives—sometimes involving thousands of saplings—but without ongoing care, most of them perish. We need to focus less on planting in volume and more on nurturing them to maturity,' she stressed. Despite the emotional and physical demands of her conservation efforts, Kamath finds solace and rejuvenation in her music. For her, playing the veena isn't just a pastime—it's a form of spiritual grounding. 'It's my time to disconnect, like a prayer,' she smiled. Her passion also fuels her philanthropy. 'I'm an entrepreneur, but not one chasing profit. Whatever I earn, I dedicate half of it to environmental causes,' she said. Looking ahead, Kamath is currently involved in several lake restoration projects. 'You don't need a government grant to save a lake. If a thousand people contribute ₹5,000 each—or a lakh of people give just ₹50—we can restore water bodies ourselves,' she affirmed. A Glimpse Into Her Life Revathi Kamath is the proud mother of billionaires Nikhil and Nithin Kamath . Born in the culturally rich town of Shringeri, she grew up immersed in a world of classical music, scholarly pursuit, and spiritual heritage. Under the guidance of the renowned Veena maestro Venkatagiriyappa, she began her musical training, often practicing as early as 4 a.m., filling her home with the serene notes of devotion. Her business journey began modestly, with a rented stall in Jayanagar for just ₹500. From there, she built a flourishing flower business that evolved into Calyx, her event management company. She successfully organized elite events for brands like HP, MICO, and BOSCH in premium venues including Leela Palace, Westend, Windsor Manor, and Orange County. Kamath's floral creations earned wide acclaim for their beauty and elegance. Revathi Kamath continues to inspire with her fusion of art, environmentalism, and a deeply rooted sense of purpose.
New Indian Express
24-04-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
'My sons have been very generous'
Breaking the stereotypical image of a typical environmentalist or a landscaper comes Revathi Kamath, who is a veena player by passion and landscaper at heart, balancing both. Speaking at the recent Sinhasi Social Impact Initiative's conference on Wetlands Conservation & Climate Change, on Sunday, Kamath's words underscore her thoughts on the current state of wetlands in India, the challenges of maintaining them, and how people can do their part to bring back the green. Reflecting on her family's support of her works, she proudly shares how her sons' understanding of her commitment to change reflects the values she instilled in them from a young age. 'Since childhood, they [sons Nithin and Nikhil Kamath, CEO and co-founder of Zerodha (an online brokerage platform), respectively] have been very generous. It's in their genes,' Kamath notes. Her approach to parenting was always rooted in values like empathy and compassion. 'I have brought them up to contribute,' she says, adding, 'My sons, especially Nithin, tell me – 'You do it with your own money and don't depend on any organisations, only then people will recognise you.' Nikhil at times will transfer money for a project to me without asking anything,' she shares, highlighting her sons' approach to supporting her causes. One of the significant challenges while doing environmental conservation, according to Kamath, is the widespread planting of non-native species in the city and forest areas. 'Apart from existing old trees in Bengaluru, new saplings are not growing which is very alarming. Along with that, non-native species like Tabebuia are being planted in our forests, disrupting local ecosystems,' she explains, adding, 'I have not seen Conocarpus planted in forest areas but in public areas like public parks. Conocarpus is not a bio-friendly plant. It may cause lots of allergies to human beings.' She also points out the issue of trees that fail to thrive and die due to a lack of maintenance, stating, 'They plant thousands of trees, but without proper care, they don't grow. We need to focus not just on planting,but on nurturing.' Balancing her musical pursuit which she terms as a 'puja', a relaxing time, and environmental conservation, Kamath also points out how she supports herself for her philanthropic works. 'I am also an entrepreneur. It's not like I am in this for money; whatever income I get, I keep half of it for the philanthropic works.' Further, reflecting on her future projects, Kamath says, 'As a landscaper in India, I know I can rejuvenate a lake with lesser cost. So now I have three to four projects in my hand. If you make a group of 1,000 and contribute `5,000, or if one lakh people contribute `50 each, we can regenerate one lake,' she says. 'We must contribute something to the world. Even though I'm a grandmother, I still believe in this. If something happens to me tomorrow, I won't have any regrets because I've done so much. One person can't do everything, but I've done my part,' she concludes.
