Category Archives: Green Initiatives / Environment

‘Araku showing the way in bio-dynamic farming’

Agriculture, Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment
A picturesque view of Araku Valley in Visakhapatnam district. - Photo: K R Deepak / Business Line
A picturesque view of Araku Valley in Visakhapatnam district. – Photo: K R Deepak / Business Line

Visakhapatnam :

The Araku valley in Visakhapatnam district, known previously as only a hot tourist spot, has become famous for its coffee cultivation during the past 10-15 years and in the years to come it will also be recognised as a large bio-dynamic farming zone, according to Manoj Kumar, CEO of Hyderabad-based Naandi Foundation.

He said in an interview that so far “the focus has only been on chemical agriculture, or organic agriculture, but the future belongs to bio-dynamic agriculture which preserves bio-diversity and takes care of soil nutrition.”

The Girijans of Araku valley are practising bio-dynamic agriculture, he said, with the help of NGOs like Naandi.

He said bio-dynamic farming would produce organic food, improve quality and yields of crops as well and enrich soil. “If we pursue bio-dynamic farming, there is really no need for GM crops,” he said.

In the years to come, Araku valley will be recognised as a large bio-dynamic farming zone
In the years to come, Araku valley will be recognised as a large bio-dynamic farming zone

He said the foundation would continue to encourage and help the Girijans in the valley to pursue coffee cultivation and in future it would also take up mango cultivation. “We will encourage them to grow Banganapalli variety of mango which is famous in AP,” he said and the target was to have 40,000-50,000 tonnes of mangoes from the valley.

Manoj Kumar said coffee and cash crops were bringing prosperity to the region, but there was also the danger that with prosperity consumerist trends may gain ground, and that would be detrimental to the natural habitat of the tribals and their nutrition may also suffer. “We are educating them and sensitising them on the crucial aspect,” he explained.

He said the Mahindra & Mahindra group was financing the project along with some European companies, and “the Government has to come up with the right policy framework to encourage the private sector and the NGOs working in the area.” He said Chief Minister N. Chandra Babu Naidu had adopted a village in the Araku valley and promised all co-operation in its development effort.

He said that after the devastation of Hudhud cyclone in the valley a massive afforestation drive would be taken up to make up for the lost green cover.

sarma.rs@thehindu.co.in

source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com / Business Line / Home> Agri-Biz / by The Hindu Bureau / Visakhakhapatnam – March 11th, 2015

Vizagite wins EPDCL energy conservation film contest

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Green Initiatives / Environment, Records, All, Science & Technology

Visakhapatnam :

Shiva Sri from Appughar in the city bagged the first prize in the concept film contest-2014 conducted by Eastern Power Distribution Company of AP Limited (EPDCL) to promote awareness on electrical safety and energy conservation. The second prize went to D Balaiah from Kurnool and Ravi Arji from Khairatabad in Hyderabad received the third prize, according to chairman and managing director EPDCL R Mutyala Raju.

Announcing the prizes here on Friday, the CMD said the first prize winner would be presented Rs 50,000 cash, the second prize winner Rs 30,000 and Rs 20,000 for the third spot. He said Rs 10,000 each would be given to the six consolation prize winners — B Hari Venkata Ramana from Akkayyapalem, Srikanth Sathivada of Dabagardens, Jeelakarpa Yaswan from New Gajuwaka, Satyada Narsinga Rao of Ambedkar Colony and M Satyanarayana of Kothapalem in Vizag and V Bhargavi from Yusufguda in Hyderabad.

Ninety-three people from AP and Telangana participated in the contest, which was judged by film director MV Raghu, EPDCL retired chief engineer M Krishna Murthy and A Babji, assistant director, AP information department.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Visakhapatnam / TNN / February 14th, 2015

India Network Foundation inaugurates mineral water project in Krishnapatnam village, Andhra Pradesh, India

Green Initiatives / Environment, Inspiration /Positive News and Features, Nature, Nri's / Pio's, Science & Technology, World Opinion

Orlando, FL :

India Network Foundation a US based non-profit organization announces grand opening of a mineral water plant at Krishnapatnam, Andhra Pradesh that will provide safe drinking water to about 3000 villagers. The plant was designed and executed by India Network Foundation and will be managed by the villagers themselves. The water plant provides 1000 liters of treated drinking water per hour and will be supplied to villagers every day. India Network Foundation, sponsor of award winning health insurance program for visitors coming to the United Statescontributes to several community projects helping elementary schools in rural Indiaand drinking water projects in remote areas. A small village Krishnapatnam worked hard to complete building for the project to start the mineral water plant within one month of award of the grant by the India Network Foundation.

The Drinking water projects taken by the India Network Foundation provide high quality equipment, and training to local villagers. who have to manage the project on their own. The Foundation plans to help many more rural villages where community wholly participates for the benefit of everyone.

India Network Foundation also sponsors India Network visitor health insurance  plans for visitors coming to the United States, and Travel grants to researchers presenting research at national and international conferences. In India, the Foundation has been helping schools with maps and other educational equipment, and constructing several schools in Bhuj, Gujarat, India in the past. Recently, Foundation has launched an initiative to provide clean drinking water to villagers living in remote rural areas. The first such project, Mineral Drinking Water Project in Krishnapatnam village, Andhra Pradesh, India sponsored by the Foundation has been commissioned today. The plant will provide 1000 liters per hour of good quality drinking water to villagers at a nominal cost .The project involves partnership with local community and their willingness to provide a shelter, and electric connection while the Foundation will help with equipment and training.

Dr. KV Rao, Founder and President of India Network Foundation stated that the Foundation philosophy of providing direct help to end beneficiaries is challenging but very rewarding. Even after many years the foundation continue to receives letters of appreciation for help rendered to families of Indian soldiers died or injured in Kargil war and from school teachers that benefitted from map projects. Foundation encourages members in the United States to take advantage of its vast experience and knowledge in providing direct end user benefitting projects.

source: http://www.insurancenewsnet.com / InsuranceNewsNet.com / Home> Newswires / PR Web, Orlando- FL / February 26th, 2015

ANU botany professor pens a treatise on flora of Guntur

Education, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All
Senior Professor of Botony P. R. Mohana Rao shares excerpts from his book ``Flora of Guntur City Andhra Pradesh," in Guntur. Photo: T. Vijaya Kumar
Senior Professor of Botony P. R. Mohana Rao shares excerpts from his book “Flora of Guntur City Andhra Pradesh,” in Guntur. Photo: T. Vijaya Kumar

A former professor of Botany from Acharya Nagarjuna University has brought out an exhaustive treatise on the wealth of flora in Guntur City. The book, “Flora of Guntur City Andhra Pradesh,’’ a brain child of P.R. Mohana Rao, Professor Emeritus and former HoD, Department of Botony, Acharya Nagarjuna University, is considered the only available and authentic work throwing light on the numerous species of plants and trees in the city.

Dr. Rao was assisted by Assistant Professor of Botony, ANU, S.K. Khasim and former research student Bibi Aasiya, who are the co-authors of the book published by Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh from Dehra Dun.

Dr. Rao had a rich global experience working in University of Cambridge, Delhi University, Himachal Pradesh University before settling at the ANU. He founded the Bio Technology Centre and started M.Sc (Biotechnology) course.

His association with the renowned systematic Botanist Professor late Olov Hedberg at Uppasala University, Sweden, during 1982-83 inspired him to take up the seminal work.

“The book has up-to-date information on flora which will help students, naturalists, tourists and town planners in identifying plants,’’ Professor Rammohana Rao told The Hindu on Tuesday.

The book listed 431 flowering plants, shrubs and trees belonging to 76 families of angiosperms. The families were arranged systematically following Bentham and Hooker System of Classification. The authors besides giving current nomenclature to families, genera and species, also gave original citation and a brief description of species, local names, flowering and dispersal mechanisms. A city map is also incorporated in the book.

It was late Rev.Dr.Uhl, former principal of Lutheran Mission College, Guntur who attempted a book on Flora of Guntur in 1930 but it could not be considered a complete work as Dr.Uhl had not followed any system of classification.

Dr. Rao’s work is based on three years of intensive research during 1990-1993. Leading a team consisting of Dr. Khasim, Aasiya and other students, Dr. Rao began an arduous task of collection of plants from fields, road margins, railway tracks, parks, gardens etc. Field observations included studying habit, habitat, time of flowering and fruiting.

Dr. Rao had also penned a note on the selection of plants for road margins, public parks useful to town planners. Some of the recommended trees included, Adansonia digitata (Baobab tree), Albizia lebbeck and Delonix regia (Gold Mohur) for gardens and parks etc.

“Most of the roads in the city are devoid of tree cover. Unfortunately, the city is lacking in public parks and green spaces. With the town gaining importance due to proximity to capital region, town planners could take a cue from the book on tree planting,’’ Dr. Rao added.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Vijayawada / by P. Samuel Jonathan / Guntur – February 24th, 2015

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH : A landmark structure

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Records, All
The famous ‘chekkudurayi’ building at Akkayyapalem in Visakhapatnam.— PHOTO: K.R. DEEPAK
The famous ‘chekkudurayi’ building at Akkayyapalem in Visakhapatnam.— PHOTO: K.R. DEEPAK

One of the famous landmarks of Nandagiri Nagar in Akkayyapalem is ‘chekkudurayi’ building. The first-of-its-kind stone-studded façade was built in 1978 by Boddeti Appa Rao (I), a former railway employee and trade union leader.

The attractive building has now turned into a group house where 16 families reside.

With its impressive architecture, the building, located adjacent to the Saibaba temple in the colony, exudes a pristine charm.

“A lot of hard work had gone into the construction of the structure. From picking up similar stones to interior designing, care was taken in every aspect of the construction,” says B.S. Kanta, daughter of Mr. Appa Rao.

When cyclone Hudhud had ravaged the city on October 12, the residents of ‘chekkudurayi’ building say that they did not face any inconvenience.

“Quality construction techniques helped us stay intact in our homes. All we had to do was to shut the doors and windows and stay indoors for the entire day,” say the residents.

Besides its rustic appeal, what appears to be unique about the building is its maintenance-free feature.

“The building looks as new as it was three decades ago. It is one big advantage of the stone structure. Apart from feeling absolutely secured during calamities, the stone structure is hassle-free and gets cleaned every time it rains,” adds Ms. Kanta.

Initially, the ‘chekkudurayi’ building had only one floor, apart from the ground floor. In 2007, another floor was added where a total of 16 families live together.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Visakhapatnam / by Rani Devalla / Visakhapatnam – January 14th, 2014

Andhra Pradesh farmer’s methods draw CM’s, scientists’ attention

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Science & Technology
“I have now taken up rearing of Bengal sheep and goats — there are 50 of them and they could fetch nearly `25,000 per head, if looked after well,” Prasad said. Prasad’s contributions have been so important that he has received accolades from Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and even from top scientists.

“I have now taken up rearing of Bengal sheep and goats — there are 50 of them and they could fetch nearly `25,000 per head, if looked after well,” Prasad said. Prasad’s contributions have been so important that he has received accolades from Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and even from top scientists.

Vijayawada: 

The story of 53-year-old Uppala Prasad, a farmer from Ghantasalapalem in Ghantasala mandal of Krishna district, is probably the best rags-to-riches story you will ever hear from the region. When most farmers are giving up agriculture due to mounting losses, Prasad’s journey from a mere two acres of land and two buffaloes in 1982 to farming in nearly 200 acres (10 his own and rest leased), and a herd of 300 high-quality buffaloes and cows, is remarkable

“It took innovative methods of farming and organising the sale of farm produce to get here. I have my own shop in Hyderabad and I also have an online presence,” said Prasad.Also, Prasad uses 100 acres of his land for organic farming with zero pesticide. He follows cutting-edge methods and uses advanced seeds, not only for paddy and pulses but also for raw materials used in cattle brazing. His big dairy, that produces nearly 800 liters of milk every day, has inspired others to start similar ventures.
“I have now taken up rearing of Bengal sheep and goats — there are 50 of them and they could fetch nearly `25,000 per head, if looked after well,” Prasad said. Prasad’s contributions have been so important that he has received accolades from Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and even from top scientists.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation> Current Affairs / by A. Ravi Kumar / December 28th, 2014

AP’s Kashmir to get facelift by winter-2015!

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature

Visakhapatnam  :

Lambasingi, often touted as the Kashmir of Andhra Pradesh, will be developed as a tourist spot in the upcoming year as the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) in association with Union ministry of tourism has come forward to develop tourism projects at a cost of Rs 9 crore in the hamlet. The serene hamlet located in Chintapalli mandal of Visakhapatnam Agency sees temperatures go down as low as zero and sub-zero conditions during December-January every year.

As part of the facelift planned for Lambasingi, a resort will come up in an area of six acres at a cost of Rs 5 crore, and a botanical garden in an area of 37 acres at a cost of Rs 4 crore is also on the list. The APTDC recently sent a detailed project report (DPR) of the projects to the Centre, which has assured to financially support the corporation. The state government, on its part, has supported the project by converting the forest and tribal land and transferring it to the Tourism department to be used only for tourism development purpose.

The village, situated at a height of 1,000 metres above the mean sea level, with cold weather conditions (zero degree Celsius in winter and below 10 degree Celsius entire year), is an ideal spot for tourists. G Bheemasankara Rao, general manager for Visakhapatnam division of the APTDC, said the corporation took the decision of developing the area as a tourism spot because of the existing climatic conditions and tourist influx. The area is also famous for coffee and pepper plantations which are being cultivated since the British regime in the country. Coffee grown here is exported to other countries, including the USA, said a senior official from the Coffee Board of India.

“There is hardly any hut at Lambasingi, but are coming up very fast because of the scenic beauty of the place particularly in winter. So we decided to set up the two projects at a cost of Rs 9 crore. The state government has already given 43 acres of the tribal land to the tourism department. We are waiting for the centre’s fund which we may get in two months. Once the funds are released we will start ground works of the projects, which may be completed by next winter,” Bheemasankara Rao told TOI.

Apart from Lambasingi, the corporation has also selected two hot spots in Paderu, headquarters of the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA) of Visakhapatnam district, for tourism projects at a cost of Rs 8 crore. The corporation identified a five acres piece of land in Paderu for developing a butterfly park at a cost of Rs 3 crore, and establishing a resort in an area of six acres at a cost of Rs 5 crore in the same area. In addition to that, the corporation has also identified a beach spot at Revupolavaram near Nakkapalli to develop a resort along the beach at a cost of Rs 5 crore.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Visakhapatnam / TNN / December 30th, 2014

AP launches project Ongole Bull

Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature

Hyderabad:

The Andhra Pradesh government is rolling out a project to boost production of Sahiwal and Ongole bulls breed at a cost of Rs 6.52 crore with the Central assistance.

The project, which consists of Embryo Transfer Technology (ETT), will give a fillip to the growth of indigenous ‘Sahiwal cow’ and Ongole bull population in the State.  The Sahiwal or `Montgomery’ is largely bred in Montgomery, Punjab region of Pakistan. The Sahiwal are widely bred in India, Australia and Kenya.

The project has been taken up with the Central assistance of Rs 6.52 crore and the first phase of the programme has been taken up at the Frozen Semen Bull Station, Banavasi village, in Yemmiganur mandal of Kurnool district and the Progeny Testing Unit in Chittoor district.

According to a senior official in the Animal Husbandry Department, the department was tasked to identify the Sahiwal bull, a cross breed with Jersey cow, that was identified in Chittoor and a few other districts.  The project spread over a three-year period and is intended to identify 160 best bulls of Sahiwal-Jersey breeds.

source: http://www.thehansindia.com / The Hans India / Home / by VRC Phaniharan / December 25th, 2014

Andhra Techie desilts Nellore canal

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature
Chandrasekhar Reddy inspecting desilting work at Muthukuru Road in Nellore. — DC
Chandrasekhar Reddy inspecting desilting work at Muthukuru Road in Nellore. — DC

Nellore:

Moved by the plight of farmers whose standing crops are withering away due to heavy silt, including garbage, deposited at the mouth of Krishnapatnam canal, software professional Pothireddy Chandrasekhar Reddy hired earth-moving machines with his own money to take up the desilting operation. His move has ensured the free flow of water in the area.

As many as 12,000 acres of agricultural land located in TP Gudur and Muthukuru mandals are dependent on the canal for irrigation.

The canal is a  branch canal to the Surveypalli channel and it starts from Ramalingapuram centre in Nellore.

The water flow had almost dried up on the stretch from its starting point to Narayana General Hospital in Muthukuru road due to plastic materials and garbage dumped in it by people living along the canal.

Though the irrigation department had prepared estimations for desilting works, the proposal was stalled for want of sanction from the government.

Mr Reddy volunteered to carry out the work after farmers of his village apprised him of the situation when he visited them a couple of days back.

Mr Reddy is a native of Pidathapoluru village in Muthukuru mandal of SPSR Nellore district, and resides in Hyderabad. He worked for over 10 years in the United States as a software engineer and was  the CEO of a company called Navayuga Infotech.

“Telugu Desam senior leader Somireddy Chandramohan Reddy gave a green signal to my proposal when I brought the issue to his notice. Being a native of this area, I feel it is my responsibility,” Mr Reddy said when contacted.

A farmer, Venku Reddy of Pidatapoluru, said the desilting exercise will cost more than `5 lakh.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation> Current Affairs / DC / by Pathri Rajasekhar / November 28th, 2014

Sericulture awaits a big boost in Chittoor

Business & Economy, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature
A malbari plantation near V. Kota in Chittoor district. File Photo. / The Hindu
A malbari plantation near V. Kota in Chittoor district. File Photo. / The Hindu

District administration to provide all facilities to farmers under one roof

Sericulture in Chittoor district is expected to get a boost, with the district administration deciding to provide all facilities to farmers under one roof.

District Collector Siddarth Jain has directed the sericulture wing to submit a report by December 15 on the feasibility of either the full waiver of property tax or bringing it down to the maximum level for silkworm rearing sheds in the district, with Madanapalle, Palamaner and Kuppam forming the core belt. The collective efforts of farmers and officials are expected to transform a stagnant rural economy into a dynamic and buoyant industrial economy.

Officials brought to the notice of the Collector that municipalities were imposing property tax on rearing sheds up to Rs. 5,000 a unit, which farmers have opposed. The Palamaner area contributes more than 800 metric tonnes of silk annually, thanks to the presence of over a hundred rearing sheds.

Similarly, Kuppam and Madanapalle zones, too, make substantial contributions to silk production. In spite of steps taken by the government to bolster silk production, the rural industry still depends on Karnataka for the final output, resulting in huge expenditure at the domestic front.

Considering the fact that 70 per cent of malbari plantation in the State is spread across Rayalaseema, with Chittoor contributing a significant share, the district administration aims at strengthening the existing reeling units at Palamaner, with more subsidies on buildings and rearing sheds, involving youth in the industry, apart from conducting periodical awareness campaigns for the benefit of entrepreneurs.

BETTER DAYS ARE HERE

*District Collector has sought a report from the sericulture wing on the feasibility of waiving property tax for rearing sheds

*The combined efforts of farmers and officials are expected to transform a stagnant rural economy into an industrial one

*Palamaner area contributes around 800 metric tonnes of silk annually, and govt. is considering strengthening units there

*The rural silk industry still depends on Karnataka for the final output, resulting in huge expenditure at the domestic front

HOW PALAMANER GETS A BOOST?

*More subsidies on buildings and rearing sheds

*Involving youth in sericulture

*Conducting awareness campaigns for entrepreneurs

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Andhra Pradesh / by K. Umashanker / Chittoor – November 26th, 2014