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New Indian Express
7 hours ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
One-fourth of Kerala's land digitally surveyed, says Revenue Min
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Revenue Minister K Rajan on Wednesday said that nearly one-fourth of Kerala's land (excluding forest areas) has been digitally surveyed over the past two years, and the remaining areas will be covered soon. 'Kerala's end-to-end digital resurvey is the first of its kind in the country, with no physical touch-points,' the minister said. 'This digital resurvey can be considered the second Land Reforms Act of Kerala,' he added. He also said that Kerala will frame a new Settlement Act -- the first since 1931 -- to identify excess land in the state. As part of the reforms, the government will introduce a digital revenue card, the size of a debit card, featuring a chip and QR code. These will be issued in villages where digital resurvey has been completed, starting November. 'Even if a property lacks boundary walls, it will now have a digital boundary. Kerala is once again becoming a model for the country,' Rajan said
Hindustan Times
28-05-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Cargo containers along Kerala coast: Salvage firm deputed to remove ship debris
Authorities in Kerala on Tuesday said that a salvage firm has been deputed to assess the scale of cargo containers that fell into the sea off the Liberian cargo vessel and to remove the debris of the ship that sank on May 25 off the coast of Kochi. Meanwhile, the Indian Coast Guard has confirmed that the oil spill, which emanated from the leak of the ship's fuel, is currently managed and that no oil has made its way to the shores of the state. The Liberia-flagged MSC ELSA 3, which was carrying over 640 containers including 13 containing hazardous cargo, capsized early May 25 around 14.5 nautical miles from the coast of Kerala with all its 24 crew rescued by the ICG and the Navy. The scattering of the containers into the sea and the eventual drifting of over two dozen to the state's coast since then has sparked fears of impact to environment and marine life. Officials confirmed that no container filled with hazardous cargo has been found near the state's coast till Tuesday evening. K Rajan, minister in charge of disaster management, said on Tuesday that lifting the capsized vessel and removing its debris from the international shipping channel will be a key challenge. 'We still don't know how many cargo containers have fallen into the sea off the cargo vessel. A salvage firm has arrived on the spot to help clear the debris and the cargo containers from the sea. The side scan sonar system of the salvage firm will be used to assess the number of cargo containers on the water's surface as well as those that may have sunk into the depths of the sea. An understanding has been reached with the salvage firm on working together with the ICG and pull out the ship's debris and the containers,' Rajan said. 'Since one side scan sonar of the salvage firm is insufficient for the task at hand, we have requested for the side scan sonar of the Navy as well. The NDMA is learnt to officially put in the request to the Navy soon,' he added. More cargo containers from the sunken vessel continued to drift towards the southern parts of the state's coast on Tuesday, particularly in beaches in Thiruvananthapuram district. Locals and officials confirmed that packets containing plastic granules were also found washed ashore along with such containers. Late on Tuesday evening, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan directed the chief secretary and the district collectors of Alappuzha, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram to depute civil defence volunteers and clear plastic debris and waste that have washed up on the coast as a result of the ship capsizing. At the same time, a defence spokesperson stated that all assets of the ICG are being used to manage the oil spill. 'The situation regarding the oil spill is currently managed and under close observation by ICG. As of 1:30 pm, no oil has made its way to the shores of Kerala,' the PRO said. Meanwhile, experts have emphasised the need for immediate action to handle hazardous cargo. Biju Kumar A, professor and head of department of aquatic biology and fisheries at Kerala university, said it was extremely important to identify the cargo containers containing hazardous substance including calcium carbide and remove them from the sea. 'There are 12 containers filled with calcium carbide which is toxic in nature. It can react with seawater and produce flammable acetylene gas. Such containers must be identified and shifted immediately. Also, the presence of sacks containing plastic granules on the coast must also be viewed seriously. Fishes and other marine life can consume the granules easily. It will turn out to be a big environmental challenge for us,' Biju Kumar told HT. The marine biology expert said that while the present state of the oil spill is 'not a big environmental catastrophe, if it spreads, it will result in persistent, long-term effects. 'The pollution associated with oil spill is persistent in nature. The paraffin wax has a tendency to settle down deep into the sea and can affect marine life including planktons and fishes through the consumption of hydrocarbons. So we need long-term monitoring,' he said. Advocate VJ Mathew, an expert in maritime law, flayed the delay in removing the containers filled with hazardous cargo from the sea. 'It is a big problem and there is currently a dangerous situation in the sea. It can explode anytime. The shipping company MSC does not have the infrastructure here to deal with the situation. The Pollution Control Board is also not doing anything other than taking samples,' he said. He questioned why the state has not registered a case against the shipping company in connection with the capsizing and the subsequent oil spill. 'Maritime law states that the shipping company must be booked. The owners must be prosecuted and the costs for the damages must be recovered. Efforts are being made to hush up the matter,' alleged the lawyer.
Hindustan Times
27-05-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Salvage firm tasked to remove debris of Liberian-flagged cargo vessel off Kerala coast
KOCHI: A salvage firm has been deputed to assess the number of cargo containers that fell into the sea off the Liberian-flagged cargo vessel and to remove the debris of the ship that sank on May 25 off the coast of Kochi, people familiar with the matter said on Tuesday. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has confirmed that the oil spill, which emanated from the leak of the ship's fuel, was being managed and that no oil has made its way to the Kerala coastline. The Liberia-flagged MSC ELSA 3, which was carrying over 640 containers including 13 containing hazardous cargo, capsized early May 25 around 14.5 nautical miles from the coast. Its 24 crew members were rescued by the ICG and the Navy. The scattering of the containers into the sea and the eventual drifting of over two dozen to the state's coast since then sparked fears of impact on the environment and marine life. Officials confirmed that no container filled with hazardous cargo was found near the coast till Tuesday evening, K Rajan, Kerala's minister in charge of disaster management, said Tuesday that lifting the capsized vessel and removing its debris from the international shipping channel would be a key challenge. 'We still don't know how many cargo containers have fallen into the sea off the cargo vessel. A salvage firm has arrived on the spot to help clear the debris and the cargo containers from the sea. The side scan sonar system of the salvage firm will be used to assess the number of cargo containers on the water's surface as well as those that may have sunk into the depths of the sea. An understanding has been reached with the salvage firm on working together with the ICG and pull out the ship's debris and the containers,' Rajan said. 'Since one side scan sonar of the salvage firm is insufficient for the task at hand, we have requested the side scan sonar of the Navy as well. The NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority) is learnt to officially put in the request to the Navy soon,' he added. More cargo containers from the sunken vessel continued to drift towards the southern parts of the state's coast on Tuesday, particularly to beaches in Thiruvananthapuram district. Locals confirmed that packets containing plastic granules had also washed ashore along with such containers. Late on Tuesday evening, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan directed the chief secretary and district collectors of Alappuzha, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram to depute civil defence volunteers and clear plastic debris and waste that washed up on the coast. A defence spokesperson said all assets of the ICG are being used to manage the oil spill. 'The situation regarding the oil spill is currently managed and under close observation by ICG. As of 1:30 pm, no oil has made its way to the shores of Kerala,' the spokesperson said. Need immediate action to handle hazardous cargo Biju Kumar A, professor and head of department of aquatic biology and fisheries at Kerala University, said it was extremely important to identify the cargo containers containing hazardous substance including calcium carbide and remove them from the sea. 'There are 12 containers filled with calcium carbide which are toxic in nature. It can react with seawater and produce flammable acetylene gas. Such containers must be identified and shifted immediately. Also, the presence of sacks containing plastic granules on the coast must be viewed seriously. Fishes and other marine life can consume the granules easily. It will turn out to be a big environmental challenge for us,' Biju Kumar told HT. The marine biology expert said that while the present state of the oil spill is 'not a big environmental catastrophe, if it spreads, it will result in persistent, long-term effects. 'The pollution associated with an oil spill is persistent in nature. Paraffin wax has a tendency to settle down deep in the sea and can affect marine life including planktons and fishes through the consumption of hydrocarbons. So we need long-term monitoring,' he said. Advocate VJ Mathew criticised the delay in removing containers with hazardous cargo from the sea. 'It is a big problem and there is currently a dangerous situation in the sea. It can explode anytime. The shipping company MSC does not have the infrastructure here to deal with the situation. The Pollution Control Board is also not doing anything other than taking samples,' said Mathew. He questioned why the state hadn't registered a case against the shipping company in connection with the incident and the subsequent oil spill. 'Maritime law states that the shipping company must be booked. The owners must be prosecuted and the costs for the damages must be recovered. Efforts are being made to hush up the matter,' the lawyer said.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Clear plastic waste without delay: Vijayan
1 2 3 T'puram: With plastic waste being washed ashore in several areas of Thiruvananthapuram district following the shipwreck off the Kerala coast, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan has directed the chief secretary to utilise the services of civil defence volunteers to clear the debris without delay. The chief secretary convened an emergency meeting with the district collectors of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Alappuzha. During the meeting, it was decided that all communication between districts and the state govt regarding the incident would be routed through a single point of contact to ensure streamlined coordination. The state disaster management authority will provide standard protocols to the respective district collectors on how to safely handle the deposited materials. Authorities also decided that no one should approach or handle the washed-ashore materials under any circumstances. To enforce this, public announcements through loudspeakers will be made in affected areas. District collectors have been directed to initiate steps to mobilise volunteers for the clean-up operations, under the supervision of the fire and rescue services department. Emphasising the urgency of the situation, the chief minister said there was no cause for public concern and assured that normalcy would be restored at the earliest. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Switch to UnionBank Rewards Card UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now The issue would be resolved swiftly and the waste would be removed efficiently, and the original condition of the coastline would be restored, the CM said. Meanwhile, revenue minister K Rajan said the govt has not so far received any information affirming that the oil spill from the sunken ship has reached the coastal areas. He said the govt is taking measures, in collaboration with other agencies, to check the oil spill from reaching the shores.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Authorities review preparations as heavy rains lash state
T'puram: Revenue minister K Rajan convened a meeting of all the top revenue officials, disaster management authority and district collectors to review the rainfall situation in the state. This meeting observed that as the IMD advised general caution, people should be prepared for more than just an alert. Heavy rainfall is expected to continue at the onset of the monsoon, with a possibility of a low-pressure area developing. Rain may persist until June 1, with all districts experiencing heavy rainfall on Friday and Saturday. The meeting urged people to avoid night travel as much as possible and to pay attention to the warnings issued by the respective district administrations. Special attention is needed in vulnerable areas of each district, with specific instructions provided for such regions. A total of 3,950 relief camps are ready to be set up, and each district has been allocated around Rs 1cr for disaster management. Two NDRF teams are currently deployed, with seven more teams arriving on June 1. Essential commodities will be delivered to potentially isolated areas. All authorities concerned must prepare rapid response teams to address any immediate situations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like [Click Here] 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software Esseps Learn More Undo Alternative routes should be arranged for national highways currently facing issues. Warning systems will be operational at 100 locations, and dam rule curves must be strictly followed. The district collectors have been instructed to take legal action against any false information being spread and to share updates on the current situations on the official pages. Aruvikkara Dam was opened on Saturday morning, and the situation at all dams is being assessed. Special instructions have been issued for dams affecting multiple districts. Currently, NDRF teams are stationed in Thrissur, and they will be deployed to more districts as additional teams arrive. There is also a warning for landslides, the officials said. Trees posing a risk must be cut down immediately. Currently, 99 warning sirens are operational. Sirens will sound at specified times according to weather warnings issued by the meteorological centre, and they will also sound immediately in case of any special situation. All systems are prepared for this, the revenue minister said. Due to the possibility of extremely heavy rainfall in Kerala over the next five days, the India meteorological department has issued red and orange alerts. There are warnings about potential flash floods, lightning floods, landslides and waterlogging. Round-the-clock taluk and district control rooms are operational in all districts of Kerala. For assistance during emergencies, people should contact the toll-free numbers 1077 and 1070. Residents in hilly areas should move to safer locations due to the risk of landslides and mudslides. Those in low-lying areas should be prepared to relocate to camps due to potential flooding. People living in unsecured homes should be cautious in strong winds. Dangerous trees, signboards, and walls should be secured. Avoid crossing rivers, swimming, and fishing in affected areas. Unnecessary travel and tourism should be avoided. Fishermen should secure their equipment and move away from coastal areas due to the risk of sea attacks. In districts with red and orange alerts, relief camps should be set up in advance due to the ongoing heavy rainfall. Information about buildings identified for relief camps should be obtained from local authorities and safe routes to these locations should be understood. In Azhiyoor, Vadakara, a person died when the soil collapsed during well construction. The deceased has been identified as Rajeesh, 48, son of late Swamikutty of Peringathur. Venu, who was working with him, was rescued. In Wayanad, district collector D R Meghashree ordered the closure of adventure tourism centres, waterfalls, trekking centres, Edakkal Caves, and other tourist spots in areas adjacent to the red zone and other disaster-prone areas. Tourist centres in safe locations can operate as usual. Since a red alert was declared for May 25, Malappuram district collector V R Vinod announced a holiday for all educational institutions, including madrasas and tuition centres, on Sunday. Several houses in Kozhikode district were partially damaged due to strong winds and rain. In Kozhikode taluk, 10 houses, and in Vadakara and Koyilandy taluks, one house each was damaged by fallen trees and other causes. In Karuvanthiruthi village, three houses were partially damaged. A large tree fell in the ESI compound in Feroke, causing damage to a nearby office, house, and a car in the yard. In the seventh ward of Nadapuram village, a coconut tree fell on a house. In Chathamangalam village, a tree fell on a house, causing damage. Authorities have warned people not to stand under trees or park vehicles beneath trees during strong winds and rain. Dangerous branches in house yards should be trimmed. If dangerous trees are noticed in public areas, the local authorities concerned should be informed. Residents of houses with thatched roofs, sheet coverings, or inadequate protection should contact authorities at 1077 and move to safe buildings when advised. A portion of the approach road to the Kottamuzhi bridge collapsed again. This is the third collapse while the bridge work is ongoing. A landslide occurred on the side of the approach road in the Kakkad area of Karassery panchayat. Meanwhile, a 110 kV line tower slanted in Nallalam, Kozhikode. A major accident was averted as the tower did not fall to the ground. An orange alert has been sounded in Kottayam district on Sunday and it will be a red alert on Monday. A yellow alert was sounded on May 27 and 28. All taluks in the district experienced rains on Saturday. However, no relief camps have started functioning. Meanwhile, district-taluk control rooms stared functioning round-the-clock on Saturday. In Alappuzha, steps were initiated for breaking the sandbar at Thottappally to drain out the water that flows into Kuttanad during the heavy rains to the sea. District collector Alex Varghese visited the sandbar mouth. He also visited regions in Punnapra that are under threat of sea erosion. In Pathanamthitta, a red alert was issued for Monday. Night travel to hillside areas from 7pm to 6am has been banned in Pathanamthitta. NREGA work, kayaking, coracle rides, and trekking have been banned until May 28. The functioning of quarries has been banned from May 25 to 28.
