Latest news with #EDCs
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Parthenium eradication drive in Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary to protect grasslands
Guwahati: Parthenium, which is believed to have entered India as a contaminant in wheat shipments from the US more than 70 years ago, has emerged as a major threat to grasslands in Assam's Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, which has the highest density of one-horned rhinos in the world. Colloquially known as the 'Congress grass', the name has been associated with Parthenium because it grows at a fast pace in fallow lands, including wildlife sanctuaries, said well-known botanist and chairman of state expert appraisal committee for union forest ministry Jatindra Sarma. An invasive weed from the Asteraceae family, Parthenium hysterophorus has spread aggressively, invading an estimated 1 million hectares of land across the country, including the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep, as per reports. Forest officials cautioned that Parthenium is notorious for causing various issues such as skin allergies, fever and reducing agricultural productivity and biodiversity. To get rid of it and save the indigenous species of grass for the rhinos, park authorities have eradicated Parthenium across seven hectares in the sanctuary over the last two days. "Rhinos feed on 11 types of grasses found in Pobitora. The invasion of Parthenium has been worrying in the last two to three years. Its growth is significant this year due to fewer floods," Pobitora range officer Pranjal Baruah said on Sunday. As part of a three-day campaign of 'Parthenium Free Pobitora', on the first day, i.e., on Saturday, about 5.2 hectares of Parthenium was cleared by about 40 forest staff, who were led by Baruah. The drive continued on Sunday, with the team clearing a two-hectare area from the Tamuliduva area, along with members of EDCs and Pobitora Jeep Safari Association. "Special precautions have been taken for the forest staff to avoid Parthenium allergy during the drive. Also, special emphasis has been given by the sanctuary authority for the improvement of the habitat of rhinos and other animals by way of weed eradication, soil moisture conservation, etc., so that the carrying capacity of the ecosystem can be enhanced," said Baruah On Monday, the remaining part of about five hectares of Tamuliduva and Kamarpur areas will be covered under the drive. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
News18
3 days ago
- General
- News18
Assam: 5.2 hectares of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary cleared of Parthenium
Morigaon (Assam) [India], August 10 (ANI): As a part of a three-day campaign of Parthenium Free Pobitora, on the first day on Saturday, about a 5.2 hectares area of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary in Assam's Morigaon district was cleared of Parthenium or Congress grass, an invasive weed, by the forest to the authorities of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, about 40 forest staff members of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary were led by Range Officer Pranjal Baruah within six hours of Invasive Alien Species (IASE) Eradication Drive.'Special precautions have been taken for the forest staff to get rid of the parthenium allergy during the drive. On August 10, the team will carry out a special drive to eradicate Parthenium from the Tamuliduva area with Members of EDCs and Pobitora Jeep Safari Association," Pranjal Baruah, Range Officer of Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, further said that special emphasis has been given by the Wildlife Sanctuary authority for improving the habitat of Rhinos and other animals of the Sanctuary by way of weed eradication, soil moisture conservation, etc, so that the carrying capacity of the ecosystem can be Wildlife Sanctuary is known for holding the highest density of great one-horned rhinoceroses in the to the data of the last rhino population census conducted in 2022, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary is home to 107 Indian one-horned rhinoceroses, and the wildlife sanctuary covers an area of 38.81 sq km. (ANI)
The Hindu
01-08-2025
- General
- The Hindu
The fact is mangroves drive business
Mangroves have, historically, been on the margins of planning and policy priorities in spite of their vital role in anchoring coastal economies and protecting millions from climate extremes. Their loss is not just an environmental concern. Their loss erodes natural infrastructure that acts as a buffer for urban coastlines, underpins fisheries, and quietly contributes billions in ecosystem services and avoided damages. As the world grapples with extreme weather events and rising sea levels, blue carbon ecosystems such as mangroves are critical to climate and economic resilience. Yet, their value rarely features in balance sheets or policy frameworks. How can businesses, governments, and communities reimagine these ecosystems as active drivers of sustainable growth and security? Three pillars of our work through the Mangrove Coalition offer ideas for the path forward. Mapping with technology First, embracing technology can help us better understand the value of 'Natural Capital'. Satellite and drone data with advanced geospatial Artificial Intelligence algorithms have improved accurate mangrove mapping and blue carbon quantification. This is crucial for informing policies and restoration efforts. The economic and ecosystem services valuation of mangroves ranges from ₹3,535 million in Pichavaram (Tamil Nadu) to ₹664 billion in the Sundarbans (West Bengal). Carbon sequestration alone is valued at ₹462 million per year in the Sundarbans, reflecting the ecological and economic importance of this habitat. Communities that possess deep knowledge of mangrove ecosystems and rely on them for their livelihoods, must be prioritised and equitably benefited — socially and economically. Involving communities Second, community-led conservation efforts are key to strengthening symbiotic and mutually respectful relationships of people and nature. Fisherfolk especially value the role of mangroves as nurseries for juvenile fish. Healthy mangroves often translate into robust fish stocks, ensuring sustainable catch. The livelihoods of these coastal communities are intrinsically linked to the quality of mangrove and estuarine systems. In dense urban settings such as Mumbai and Chennai, mangroves are often distressed, polluted and degraded. Since they are unable to support flourishing biodiversity, coastal livelihoods and socio-cultural interdependencies are compromised. However, when communities directly experience the benefits (more fish, cleaner air, protected homes) and are empowered to make decisions about their local environment, they become effective and enduring stewards. Mangroves and other coastal ecosystems can also create opportunities for alternative livelihoods such as aquaculture, beekeeping and eco-tourism. Integrated ownership models such as Eco-Development Committees (EDCs) or Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) can be translated for urban mangroves. Third, citizen science can engage stakeholders to generate wonder and investment in this undervalued ecosystem and mobilise collective action for conservation. When community members from varied backgrounds are skilled to understand and monitor ecosystems, this can either supplement existing assessment efforts or substitute for formal monitoring. Mangrove health is intertwined with the vitality of associated ecosystems and wetlands, and the health of rivers from source to the sea, as they contribute freshwater, sediments and biota. Regular monitoring can provide a good indication of how the system is faring. Platforms can play a pivotal role Key components of a mangrove health tool should include indicators around changes in mangrove area; quantity, quality and timing of freshwater flows; avian, floral, molluscan and fish diversity; and, crucially, community dependence and a perception of the ecosystem services. Such assessments can provide key insights to support management actions. Engagement platforms such as 'Mangrove Mitras' or Friends of Mangroves can open avenues for urban citizens and local communities to engage constructively in the conservation of mangroves. This could help to rebuild a people-wetland-river-mangrove connection through an immersive experience on the magical value of mangroves. Sustainable stewardship is not a top-down mandate but a symbiotic relationship where mangrove health and people's well-being are mutually reinforcing. Policymakers and businesses must recognise mangroves as vital climate and economic infrastructure rather than mere biodiversity zones. Protecting and restoring these ecosystems demands a coalition where science, business and community voices work in harmony — each bringing unique strengths to secure their future. Madhav Pai is the CEO of WRI India. Soumya Swaminathan is the Chair of the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation. Sejal Worah is the Programme Director of WWF India
Hans India
30-07-2025
- Hans India
New eco-tourism bird-watching site coming up in TN's Pulicat
A new bird-watching destination is set to open by the end of the year at Thonirevu, near the Pulicat Bird Sanctuary, offering weekend travellers and wildlife enthusiasts an ideal getaway just a short drive from Chennai. The site, located in Tiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu, is being developed as an eco-tourism hub combining sustainable design with the region's rich birdlife and scenic wetlands. The Tiruvallur district administration and the Tamil Nadu Forest Department are jointly developing the one-hectare site as part of a regulated eco-tourism initiative. A detailed master plan has been unveiled with a focus on balancing wildlife conservation with sustainable tourism. Amenities planned for the first phase include a boat jetty, visitors' parking, boat rides, seating facilities, food kiosks, restrooms, and an interpretation centre. A second phase will introduce accommodation facilities and curated tours linking other attractions around Pulicat. 'In the absence of a government-authorised tourism facility, unregulated activities in the past had posed a threat to bird habitats,' said a senior forest official. 'Since the area falls under the forest department, we can better regulate activities by providing organised rides and facilities,' he said. The official highlighted that Thonirevu lies along the Central Asian Flyway, making it a seasonal haven for migratory birds. 'Between November and February, the site hosts species like the greater flamingo, lesser flamingo, Eurasian spoonbill, river tern, bar-headed goose, painted stork, and spot-billed pelican. Even during other months, nature lovers can expect to see a variety of birdlife, albeit in smaller numbers,' the official added. The eco-tourism model will also focus on community participation. Eco-Development Committees (EDCs) from neighbouring villages will be actively involved, with locals trained as nature guides and boat operators. 'This will help create jobs, build skills, and ensure revenue-sharing that strengthens the socio-economic fabric of the region,' said Tiruvallur Collector M. Prathap. Tourism experts believe Thonirevu could soon become a key stop in the Tiruvallur tourism circuit. 'If a well-planned circuit is created, tourists can visit Pulicat, Gudiyam caves, Tiruttani temple, and Poondi as part of a single itinerary,' said a campsite operator and member of the district tourism development committee. 'But the visitor numbers must be regulated to protect the fragile ecosystem,' he added. With the launch of Thonirevu, Tamil Nadu hopes to add another eco-tourism jewel to its travel map while ensuring that conservation remains at the heart of the initiative, said an official.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Duos Edge AI To Deploy Edge Data Centers in Corpus Christi
Two additional EDCs accelerates rollout, expanding edge infrastructure and increasing carrier access JACKSONVILLE, Fla., July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Duos Technologies Group, Inc. ('Duos' or the 'Company') (Nasdaq: DUOT), through its operating subsidiary Duos Edge AI, Inc. ('Duos Edge AI'), a provider of adaptive, versatile and streamlined Edge Data Center ('EDC') solutions tailored to meet evolving needs in any environment, today announced the upcoming deployment of two new EDCs in Corpus Christi, Texas. The deployment reinforces Duos' rapid execution strategy in scaling next-generation edge infrastructure. Scheduled to be delivered at the end of July, the Corpus Christi EDCs will serve as central communications hubs for carriers delivering services to mobile operators, enterprises, local education, healthcare, and digital economy sectors while driving growth across the local line with Duos Edge AI's strategy to expand next-generation infrastructure in underserved and high-growth markets, the latest project in Corpus Christi demonstrates the Company's ability to execute quickly and at scale. With seamless carrier integration and uninterrupted service, the initiative removes key hurdles to edge connectivity while accelerating service readiness for regional partners. 'Our Corpus Christi project highlights the speed, precision, and value of our Edge AI model,' said Doug Recker, President and Founder of Duos Edge AI. 'We're delivering high-availability, localized computing power that enables fiber and network providers to scale efficiently and meet increasing demand at the edge. We are bringing a state-of-the-art EDC solution to Corpus Christi to enable the major communications carriers to have an even more robust solution to the Corpus Christi market.' The Corpus Christi deployment is part of Duos Edge AI's 2025 plan to deploy 15 EDCs nationwide. With modular design, rapid deployment, and a focus on bridging the digital divide, Duos continues to unlock localized high-speed computing capacity in regions where it's needed most. To learn more about Duos Edge AI, visit: learn more about Duos Technologies, visit About Duos Edge AI, Inc. Duos Edge AI, Inc. is a subsidiary of Duos Technologies Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DUOT). Duos Edge AI's mission is to bring advanced technology to underserved communities, particularly in education, healthcare and rural industries, by deploying high-powered edge computing solutions that minimize latency and optimize performance. Duos Edge AI specializes in high-function Edge Data Center ('EDC') solutions tailored to meet evolving needs in any environment. By focusing on providing scalable IT resources that seamlessly integrate with existing infrastructure, its solutions expand capabilities at the network edge, ensuring data uptime onsite services. With the ability to provide 100 kW+ per cabinet, rapid 90-day deployment, and continuous 24/7 data services, Duos Edge AI aims to position its edge data centers within 12 miles of end users or devices, significantly closer than traditional data centers. This approach enables timely processing of massive amounts of data for applications requiring real-time response and supporting current and future technologies without large capital investments. For more information, visit About Duos Technologies Group, Technologies Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DUOT), based in Jacksonville, Florida, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, Duos Technologies, Inc., Duos Edge AI, Inc., and Duos Energy Corporation, designs, develops, deploys and operates intelligent technology solutions for Machine Vision and Artificial Intelligence ('AI') applications including real-time analysis of fast-moving vehicles, Edge Data Centers and power consulting. For more information, visit , and This news release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, regarding, among other things, our plans, strategies and prospects -- both business and financial. Although we believe that our plans, intentions and expectations reflected in or suggested by these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot assure you that we will achieve or realize these plans, intentions or expectations. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Many of the forward-looking statements contained in this news release may be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "should," "planned," "will," "may," "intend," "estimated" and "potential," among others. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements we make in this news release include market conditions and those set forth in reports or documents that we file from time to time with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. We do not undertake or accept any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law. All forward-looking statements attributable to Duos Technologies Group, Inc. or a person acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary language. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at This press release was published by a CLEAR® Verified individual. CONTACT: Contacts Corporate Fei Kwong Director, Corporate Communications Duos Technologies Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DUOT) +1.904.652.1625 DUOT@ Duos Edge AI Media Contact iMiller Public Relations +1.914.315.6424 pr@ while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
