Recently after lunch, me and one of my close friends were walking towards our office.
At that time an Old lady stopped her car and asked for directions to a hospital.
We explained how to get to the hospital to her, however, she said she could not understand what we told her, since she was deaf.
So we told that we would drive and she could follow us to the hospital. I pulled my car and along with my friend drove to the hospital and
She followed us. After few minutes we found the hospital. She was happy and thanked us and told us "God bless you".
We did a very small positive thing, but felt completely satisfied with what we did and her blessings motivated further more.
Anyone will feel excellent after doing a good thing even if it is small deed.
That’s why it is very very hard to understand the negative things going on the world.
Even a small bad thing can trigger more and more evil deeds. World witnessed the evil
in INDIA, recently. This was totally EVIL, DESTRUCTION, and HELL on EARTH.
It brought unimaginable suffering to people. Even cost wise, think how much money was lost on this type of activities.
* Millions of people are without food and clothing in this 21st century.
* Millions of people are without proper education and schools.
* Millions of people are without shelter, jobs and medicine.
If that money was used in a positive manner to eradicate all the above, billions would have been benefited, instead of suffering.
I pray to God to give more and more people positive thinking each and every day and at least do one small good deed to others.
It will make our Precious Planet a better environment for our future generations.
MakeSH
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Environmental Pollution Indicators
As an Environmental Scientist, I have been studying pollution indicators for several years. Any living organism can act as an indicator of Environmental conditions in any area. For example a recent news about a coastal area in Tamil Nadu indicates that it's environmental condition is deterioriating. Several birds migrate to this important and Environmentally critical Coastal area for breeding. Sandpiper, Spoon bills, Seagulls, and Pelicans are some of the birds. However this year most of the migratory birds did not show up here indicated that the area has been degraded environmentally.
Even though industries pledged (almost a year back) to eliminate effluent discharge into coastal areas (“Zero Liquid Discharge”), the birds did not show up due to Environmental degradation and they acted as Environmental Indicators.
I came across beautiful birds pictures by Capt.Balakrishnan in the following flickr site:
Beautiful Birds by Captain Balakrishnan
It is time to take proper action to revive these critical coastal area's Environment or else we could see the birds only on websites (such as Capt.BalaKrishnan's flickr site) and enjoy.
These birds are indicating that if proper actions are not taken, further more environmental degradation is going to occur.
Makesh Karuppiah, Ph.D
Environmental Scientist
Even though industries pledged (almost a year back) to eliminate effluent discharge into coastal areas (“Zero Liquid Discharge”), the birds did not show up due to Environmental degradation and they acted as Environmental Indicators.
I came across beautiful birds pictures by Capt.Balakrishnan in the following flickr site:
Beautiful Birds by Captain Balakrishnan
It is time to take proper action to revive these critical coastal area's Environment or else we could see the birds only on websites (such as Capt.BalaKrishnan's flickr site) and enjoy.
These birds are indicating that if proper actions are not taken, further more environmental degradation is going to occur.
Makesh Karuppiah, Ph.D
Environmental Scientist
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
THE WORLD BANK - WORKING FOR A WORLD FREE OF POVERTY
The World Bank approved a US$400 million loan to the Power Grid Corporation of India, designed to increase reliable power exchange between regions and states.
Fourth Power System Development Project(PSDP IV)
Hopefully it will be used wisely across regions and states with unity (Not like water - for which people from different regions and states fight). People should have broad views rather than narrow views.
Previous Blog
CHANDRAYAAN
ISRO
Politicians and people should follow the footsteps of these hard working scientists to take the country further forward to fulfill the dream of the Great former President.
Fourth Power System Development Project(PSDP IV)
Hopefully it will be used wisely across regions and states with unity (Not like water - for which people from different regions and states fight). People should have broad views rather than narrow views.
Previous Blog
CHANDRAYAAN
ISRO
Politicians and people should follow the footsteps of these hard working scientists to take the country further forward to fulfill the dream of the Great former President.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
IGNORED ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIFIC STUDIES
Effect of Municipal Sullage on the Bacteriological Quality of River Water-A Case study
Environmental Risk Assessment
227-234 (1989)
S.Manian, R. Rathinasamy & N.Manivasakam
Key Words: River Pollution Sullage Coliforms Streptococci - BOD
This study indicated several years ago (20 years) the importance of Water treatment from wastewater treatment plant in Tamilnadu, India.
However, recently I read that Tamilnadu water bodies and ground water are completely deteriorated.
People did not learn from these critical studies by Environmental Scientists and did not follow their instructions to save such very important water bodies.
We are not only affecting these water bodies, but also depleting them and doing great injustice for the future generations.
It is time to work on the Environmental Issues as soon as possible to contain further complications and depletion of Natural Resources.
Also I read politicians are signing up projects worth crores of rupees. But still most of the rivers, groundwater are polluted and depleted.
STILL MANY PEOPLE ARE DEFECATING (Publicly) IN MIDDLE OF TOWNS OF TAMILNADU, which still is a major problem and health hazard and environmental degrading action. I am just asking politicians, and public people to eradicate this problem by law and providing and teaching good alternatives.
Environmental Risk Assessment
227-234 (1989)
S.Manian, R. Rathinasamy & N.Manivasakam
Key Words: River Pollution Sullage Coliforms Streptococci - BOD
This study indicated several years ago (20 years) the importance of Water treatment from wastewater treatment plant in Tamilnadu, India.
However, recently I read that Tamilnadu water bodies and ground water are completely deteriorated.
People did not learn from these critical studies by Environmental Scientists and did not follow their instructions to save such very important water bodies.
We are not only affecting these water bodies, but also depleting them and doing great injustice for the future generations.
It is time to work on the Environmental Issues as soon as possible to contain further complications and depletion of Natural Resources.
Also I read politicians are signing up projects worth crores of rupees. But still most of the rivers, groundwater are polluted and depleted.
STILL MANY PEOPLE ARE DEFECATING (Publicly) IN MIDDLE OF TOWNS OF TAMILNADU, which still is a major problem and health hazard and environmental degrading action. I am just asking politicians, and public people to eradicate this problem by law and providing and teaching good alternatives.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Both ends of Humans - Negative and Positive
One side: Negative:
People are adding Melamine to show high levels of Protein in Milk Products:
Ingestion of melamine may lead to reproductive damage, or bladder or kidney stones, which can lead to bladder cancer. Milk products are consumed by kids and as an Environmental Toxicologist, I think it affects them more than the adults because of their age (organs are not fully developed in kids).
more on Melamine
Other side: Positive:
Plumpy Nut
Scientists are inventing food rich in protein, vitamins and stored without refrigeration to eradicate malnourishment from the face of the earth.
Both these activities are done by humans only.
Let us all follow the Positive and create a positive future generation.
People are adding Melamine to show high levels of Protein in Milk Products:
Ingestion of melamine may lead to reproductive damage, or bladder or kidney stones, which can lead to bladder cancer. Milk products are consumed by kids and as an Environmental Toxicologist, I think it affects them more than the adults because of their age (organs are not fully developed in kids).
more on Melamine
Other side: Positive:
Plumpy Nut
Scientists are inventing food rich in protein, vitamins and stored without refrigeration to eradicate malnourishment from the face of the earth.
Both these activities are done by humans only.
Let us all follow the Positive and create a positive future generation.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Moving Forward 4
Once again EA Project is moving forward. We finalized all the paper work for EA Farms.
We can proceed further on the project plan.
Here is the EA Project Land: - The land is in the middle of the triangle, if 'Coimbatore', 'Palghat' and 'Pollachi' are connected by lines.
The land is near the Kerala border (white dotted lines), North west region of Pollachi - near Puravipalayam:
View Larger Map
Details of the project:
Project Details
Just a small indication that we are moving forward:
Starting of the project: 02/17/2007
07/16/2007
12/24/2007
04/06/2008
Project Pictures:
Google Sketch of the project
EA Land Pictures
Anyone with ideas and suggestions can contribute to this sustainable Environmental Land Development Project.
makeSH - make Something Happen.
We can proceed further on the project plan.
Here is the EA Project Land: - The land is in the middle of the triangle, if 'Coimbatore', 'Palghat' and 'Pollachi' are connected by lines.
The land is near the Kerala border (white dotted lines), North west region of Pollachi - near Puravipalayam:
View Larger Map
Details of the project:
Project Details
Just a small indication that we are moving forward:
Starting of the project: 02/17/2007
07/16/2007
12/24/2007
04/06/2008
Project Pictures:
Google Sketch of the project
EA Land Pictures
Anyone with ideas and suggestions can contribute to this sustainable Environmental Land Development Project.
makeSH - make Something Happen.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Earth Survives - for now - A to Z destructions
As Fay was a natural disaster, we humans try many ways to destroy the earth and environment. Here is a small presentation how humans are doing this:
(Google Images)
Even though we all want to make money (Economic Growth) by doing all these things, we should not take it for granted. We need to develop new technologies with sustainability in mind, so that future generations can have fresh air to breath, pure water to drink, good soil to grow food, nature and animals to see and enjoy.
We can solve it Ad:
This should be done globally.
makeSH
(Google Images)
Even though we all want to make money (Economic Growth) by doing all these things, we should not take it for granted. We need to develop new technologies with sustainability in mind, so that future generations can have fresh air to breath, pure water to drink, good soil to grow food, nature and animals to see and enjoy.
We can solve it Ad:
This should be done globally.
makeSH
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Fay - the thunderstorm
Definition of Natural Disaster (Natural Calamities):
It is the consequence of a natural hazard (e.g. Volcanic Eruption, Earthquake, Landslide or Hurricane), which affects human activities.
Living in Florida, I experienced several Hurricanes such as Charlie, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne. Charlie was a scale 4 hurricane at Saffir-Simpson U.S Category and was a very vicious one. Current one - Fay - is revolving around Florida and dumping heavy rain (feels like monsoon season) except for severe squalls. I was driving from work today and felt the heavy winds caused by FAY and was under swaying palm trees (they look beautiful only when sun shines). All of a sudden a big piece from palm tree fell in my hood with thunderous sound. Thank God it did not hit my windshield. However, I felt these wind power at once.
All we can do is to Pray to God to ease these ferocious Hurricanes.
Hurricanes, Typhoons or Cyclones (all are almost same in causing havoc) and causing human casualties, especially when they pause through poor nations.
Atlantic Hurricane Season - 1st June to 30th November. This year 9 Hurricanes are predicted.
Good News:
Scientists are banking on the convergence of several technology projects, such as an international "light pipe" (Lightpipe can carry eight channels of uncompressed unbalanced digital audio at 24 bit resolution at 48,000 samples per second, which results in the perfect transfer of information. Also devices do not need to be turned off when plugging in or unplugging) for high-speed data exchange and even Google Earth, to eventually help predict and mitigate natural disasters such as Hurricanes.
makeSH
It is the consequence of a natural hazard (e.g. Volcanic Eruption, Earthquake, Landslide or Hurricane), which affects human activities.
Living in Florida, I experienced several Hurricanes such as Charlie, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne. Charlie was a scale 4 hurricane at Saffir-Simpson U.S Category and was a very vicious one. Current one - Fay - is revolving around Florida and dumping heavy rain (feels like monsoon season) except for severe squalls. I was driving from work today and felt the heavy winds caused by FAY and was under swaying palm trees (they look beautiful only when sun shines). All of a sudden a big piece from palm tree fell in my hood with thunderous sound. Thank God it did not hit my windshield. However, I felt these wind power at once.
All we can do is to Pray to God to ease these ferocious Hurricanes.
Hurricanes, Typhoons or Cyclones (all are almost same in causing havoc) and causing human casualties, especially when they pause through poor nations.
Atlantic Hurricane Season - 1st June to 30th November. This year 9 Hurricanes are predicted.
Good News:
Scientists are banking on the convergence of several technology projects, such as an international "light pipe" (Lightpipe can carry eight channels of uncompressed unbalanced digital audio at 24 bit resolution at 48,000 samples per second, which results in the perfect transfer of information. Also devices do not need to be turned off when plugging in or unplugging) for high-speed data exchange and even Google Earth, to eventually help predict and mitigate natural disasters such as Hurricanes.
makeSH
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Strerlite Mining - Orissa - Win for Economy over Environment
News:
The Indian Supreme Court today cleared the diversion of forest land for Sterlite's bauxite mining project and land acquisition for Korean steel giant Posco's 12-million tonne steel plant in mineral-rich Orissa even as opponents of the projects vowed to continue their agitation.
The SC order allows Sterlite, owned by of UK-based Vedanta Resources Inc, to mine bauxite in the Niyamgiri Hill in Kalahandi district to feed an alumina refinery it already built nearby.
Sterlite's Vedanta Alumina, part of the Vedanta Resources Group, is building an $800 million alumina refinery in Kalahandi and an aluminium smelter project costing Rs7,000 crore in Jharsuguda district.
The court also approved the diversion of 3,097 acres of forest land for the Rs50,000 crore ($12 billion)
Posco steel plant in Jagatsinghpur district. It also allowed Posco to buy iron ore from the market for its factory, in addition to procuring the material from Orissa Mining Corporation.
The court has, however, separated the issues of setting up of the plant and procurement, said Janakalyan Das, the Orissa government's counsel.
HARDSHIPS FACED BY TRIBAL PEOPLE FROM FEB, 2004: Read more
On 1st February 2004 the representatives of Sterlite Industries India Limited (Sterlite), a bauxite mining company, and the local police, forcibly evicted 35 households from a tribal village, Kinari, Kalahandi district of Orissa, northeast India. Villagers were transferred to a nearby hill slope
and their entire village was bulldozed. These villagers have not yet received compensation and no time was given to them to make arrangements for moving their cattle.
This operation was abruptly undertaken, destroying the residents' ancestral village.
The people only have the last crop as sustenance and no further livelihood. They were cordoned off by the local police like criminals and no one was permitted to meet them. Many other villages like Kapaguda, Belamba, Turiguda, Sindhbahali, Boringpadar and Basantapada are strongly opposing Sterlite.
They have pledged not to leave their land at any cost and have said that they would prefer to die rather than move out.
London-based Survival International director Stephen Corry called the ruling "a devastating blow" to "all of India's tribal peoples."
In Orissa, Dongria Kondh tribal Jitu Jakaka, said: "We are deeply connected with the mountain... our sacred place. It is home to our god Niyamraja. We will not allow the company to mine our land."
Last November, Norway's state pension fund withdrew 13 million dollars in investments in Vedanta, accusing it of "causing serious damage to people and to the environment" in India.
Poor tribal people cannot win against 60,000 crores or the environmental sensitive hill cannot be protected. Economy won over Environment.
People did not learn from past and will not learn:
As Korean firms gain control of gov't flagship mining project :Closure of Rapu-Rapu Mine Sought Anew
“Pack up and out of Rapu-Rapu island for good,” Bicolanos told Korean firms who took over of the Lafayette mining project. After experiencing environmental destruction, loss of livelihood and deterioration of the people’s health, Bicolanos are determined to drive away the new investors in the government’s flagship mining project.
BY LISA ITO
Contributed to Bulatlat
Vol. VIII, No. 19, June 15-21, 2008
However, (Only positive thing) In its order, the bench headed by Chief Justice KG Balakrishnan said Sterlite Industries (India) Ltd had met the Supreme Court's terms for a bauxite mining project. The SC had earlier denied Vedanta permission
to mine in the state after the company's proposal was challenged by environmentalists. A bench, headed by Justice Balakrishnan had set Vedanta conditions for mining in the ecologically fragile Niyamgiri hills in Kalahandi,
including partnering with a state agency for a permit.
Vedanta then formed the Lanjigarh Scheduled Area Development Foundation with the Orissa government, Orissa Mining Corporation and a unit of Sterlite Industries as stakeholders. The company petitioned the court to allow Orissa Mining's proposal to mine in the hills.
The company also agreed through its unit to give 5 per cent of the annual profit before tax and interest from the project, or Rs10 crore, whichever is higher, to the Lanjigarh Foundation every year, with effect from 1 April, 2007.
It will also pay Rs55 crore for replanting trees in the forest and conservation area, Rs50.5 crore toward wildlife management and Rs12.2 crore for developing the indigenous people of the area. Villagers and tribals opposing Sterlite's mining project said they are determined to continue their protests,
despite the Supreme Court ruling.
Hopefully they will do all these positive things and upbring the tribal people (who have lived in harmony with Nature).
The Indian Supreme Court today cleared the diversion of forest land for Sterlite's bauxite mining project and land acquisition for Korean steel giant Posco's 12-million tonne steel plant in mineral-rich Orissa even as opponents of the projects vowed to continue their agitation.
The SC order allows Sterlite, owned by of UK-based Vedanta Resources Inc, to mine bauxite in the Niyamgiri Hill in Kalahandi district to feed an alumina refinery it already built nearby.
Sterlite's Vedanta Alumina, part of the Vedanta Resources Group, is building an $800 million alumina refinery in Kalahandi and an aluminium smelter project costing Rs7,000 crore in Jharsuguda district.
The court also approved the diversion of 3,097 acres of forest land for the Rs50,000 crore ($12 billion)
Posco steel plant in Jagatsinghpur district. It also allowed Posco to buy iron ore from the market for its factory, in addition to procuring the material from Orissa Mining Corporation.
The court has, however, separated the issues of setting up of the plant and procurement, said Janakalyan Das, the Orissa government's counsel.
HARDSHIPS FACED BY TRIBAL PEOPLE FROM FEB, 2004: Read more
On 1st February 2004 the representatives of Sterlite Industries India Limited (Sterlite), a bauxite mining company, and the local police, forcibly evicted 35 households from a tribal village, Kinari, Kalahandi district of Orissa, northeast India. Villagers were transferred to a nearby hill slope
and their entire village was bulldozed. These villagers have not yet received compensation and no time was given to them to make arrangements for moving their cattle.
This operation was abruptly undertaken, destroying the residents' ancestral village.
The people only have the last crop as sustenance and no further livelihood. They were cordoned off by the local police like criminals and no one was permitted to meet them. Many other villages like Kapaguda, Belamba, Turiguda, Sindhbahali, Boringpadar and Basantapada are strongly opposing Sterlite.
They have pledged not to leave their land at any cost and have said that they would prefer to die rather than move out.
London-based Survival International director Stephen Corry called the ruling "a devastating blow" to "all of India's tribal peoples."
In Orissa, Dongria Kondh tribal Jitu Jakaka, said: "We are deeply connected with the mountain... our sacred place. It is home to our god Niyamraja. We will not allow the company to mine our land."
Last November, Norway's state pension fund withdrew 13 million dollars in investments in Vedanta, accusing it of "causing serious damage to people and to the environment" in India.
Poor tribal people cannot win against 60,000 crores or the environmental sensitive hill cannot be protected. Economy won over Environment.
People did not learn from past and will not learn:
As Korean firms gain control of gov't flagship mining project :Closure of Rapu-Rapu Mine Sought Anew
“Pack up and out of Rapu-Rapu island for good,” Bicolanos told Korean firms who took over of the Lafayette mining project. After experiencing environmental destruction, loss of livelihood and deterioration of the people’s health, Bicolanos are determined to drive away the new investors in the government’s flagship mining project.
BY LISA ITO
Contributed to Bulatlat
Vol. VIII, No. 19, June 15-21, 2008
However, (Only positive thing) In its order, the bench headed by Chief Justice KG Balakrishnan said Sterlite Industries (India) Ltd had met the Supreme Court's terms for a bauxite mining project. The SC had earlier denied Vedanta permission
to mine in the state after the company's proposal was challenged by environmentalists. A bench, headed by Justice Balakrishnan had set Vedanta conditions for mining in the ecologically fragile Niyamgiri hills in Kalahandi,
including partnering with a state agency for a permit.
Vedanta then formed the Lanjigarh Scheduled Area Development Foundation with the Orissa government, Orissa Mining Corporation and a unit of Sterlite Industries as stakeholders. The company petitioned the court to allow Orissa Mining's proposal to mine in the hills.
The company also agreed through its unit to give 5 per cent of the annual profit before tax and interest from the project, or Rs10 crore, whichever is higher, to the Lanjigarh Foundation every year, with effect from 1 April, 2007.
It will also pay Rs55 crore for replanting trees in the forest and conservation area, Rs50.5 crore toward wildlife management and Rs12.2 crore for developing the indigenous people of the area. Villagers and tribals opposing Sterlite's mining project said they are determined to continue their protests,
despite the Supreme Court ruling.
Hopefully they will do all these positive things and upbring the tribal people (who have lived in harmony with Nature).
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Plumpy'nut
André Briend from France formulated Plumpy'nut, a peanut-based nutritional paste that has been successfully used to treat severely malnourished children, all over the world. It has saved several children who were malnoursihed. Even there has been reduction on illness and death from malnutrition. Plumpy nut ingredients : Peanut paste, vegetable oil, powdered milk and sugar, fortified with vitamins and minerals - simple ingredients than can be availed anywhere in the World.
These type of research should be highly appreciated and should be awarded Nobel Prize.
In EAFARMS - ingredients for such products will be produced with sustainability as main focus.
In EAFARMS - ingredients for such products will be produced with sustainability as main focus.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Useful Plants - we are growing
Curry Leaf - Tree: Murraya koenigii
Medicinal Values of curry leaves: antidiabetic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anti-hypercholesterolemic, etc.
Saplings: (will be used for a good purpose):
Plantains grown in friend's garden:
All these plants will be grown along with other medicinal plants at EA FARMS.
Medicinal Values of curry leaves: antidiabetic, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anti-hypercholesterolemic, etc.
Saplings: (will be used for a good purpose):
Plantains grown in friend's garden:
All these plants will be grown along with other medicinal plants at EA FARMS.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Little Kids Environmental Awareness
My four year old grew her first organic tomato:
My six year old niece's drawings regarding environment:
Save the Earth:
Recycling:
Woman Enjoying the Environment
My six year old niece's drawings regarding environment:
Save the Earth:
Recycling:
Woman Enjoying the Environment
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
One more Dumping Site - Thekkampatti Village
The ITC Paperboard facility at Coimbatore was acquired from BILT Industrial Packaging Company in March, 2004. The Mill is located at Thekkampatti Village, near Mettupalayam, in Coimbatore Dist of Tamil Nadu. The commercial production under ITC management began on 29th March, 2004.
Source: ITC
Source - Article in Kumudam Magazine
This article indicates that solid wastes which includes plasics, pesticides, and medicinal wastes (even fetus) has been imported to this village - Thekkampatti. Sub-contractors separate these materials and give it to the above mentioned ITC. However the remaining wastes are dumped in the land. These wastes should be properly treated and disposed instead of dumping in poor farmer's land. Pollution control should regularize these waste imports by implementing and following proper Environmental laws.
Another dumping - Tannery Effluents
I have done research on Tannery Effluents during my MS and Mphil degrees. It is one of the worst industrial pollution source. In Dindugal area these effluents are dumped into the land without any treatment. While travelling from Pollachi to Srivilliputtur, I could tell that we arrived at Dindugal just by the nasty stench from tannery effluents. I was very much worried at that time thinking of future of those area. Making my worries to be true, I read an article in Dinamalar, indicating that the area water bodies including ground water has been completely contaminated by tannery effluents. There are 61 tanneries in the area and they dump these effluents directly into the land. Several villages surrounding Dindugal, have been affected by this. Kids who are daily drinking this contaminated water have completely damaged tooth and skin.
Also 500 acres of fertile land have been contaminated by these effluents.
Authorities should build low-cost centralized tannery effluent treatment to treat this tannery effluents or else chromium in the effluents will do its damage which would be irreversible.
Also read about Mr.Loganathan, who works two jobs (Welding and Toilet Cleaning). He uses money from welding job to take care of the family. He completely gives away the money from the other job to poor orphaned children's Education(Children in Sathya Ammaiyar Govt. Orphanage School).
Hats off to Mr.Loganathan. If all people have this mentality of helping (All Politicians should learn from him), Our planet would have been a better place.
Another Note on Environmental Concern:
Last week I attended a meeting regarding building a Hindu temple in Orange county, Florida. Meeting had several people - county officials, local neighborhood people and people willing to build the temple. Most of the neighbourhood people opposed the temple proposal, even though the neighbourhood is surrounded by Churches. One of the concerns was:
Oil leakage from these thrity cars that will be parked (when people worship) will affect Ground water.
See the Environmental Concern of the these people and everyone should learn from them to be Enviromentally concise. Oil pollution from these cars is negligibly very little compared to the solid wastes sent to India (Plastics, Pesticides, Medicinal wastes, and E-wastes):
eWastes Dumped
Source: ITC
Source - Article in Kumudam Magazine
This article indicates that solid wastes which includes plasics, pesticides, and medicinal wastes (even fetus) has been imported to this village - Thekkampatti. Sub-contractors separate these materials and give it to the above mentioned ITC. However the remaining wastes are dumped in the land. These wastes should be properly treated and disposed instead of dumping in poor farmer's land. Pollution control should regularize these waste imports by implementing and following proper Environmental laws.
Another dumping - Tannery Effluents
I have done research on Tannery Effluents during my MS and Mphil degrees. It is one of the worst industrial pollution source. In Dindugal area these effluents are dumped into the land without any treatment. While travelling from Pollachi to Srivilliputtur, I could tell that we arrived at Dindugal just by the nasty stench from tannery effluents. I was very much worried at that time thinking of future of those area. Making my worries to be true, I read an article in Dinamalar, indicating that the area water bodies including ground water has been completely contaminated by tannery effluents. There are 61 tanneries in the area and they dump these effluents directly into the land. Several villages surrounding Dindugal, have been affected by this. Kids who are daily drinking this contaminated water have completely damaged tooth and skin.
Also 500 acres of fertile land have been contaminated by these effluents.
Authorities should build low-cost centralized tannery effluent treatment to treat this tannery effluents or else chromium in the effluents will do its damage which would be irreversible.
Also read about Mr.Loganathan, who works two jobs (Welding and Toilet Cleaning). He uses money from welding job to take care of the family. He completely gives away the money from the other job to poor orphaned children's Education(Children in Sathya Ammaiyar Govt. Orphanage School).
Hats off to Mr.Loganathan. If all people have this mentality of helping (All Politicians should learn from him), Our planet would have been a better place.
Another Note on Environmental Concern:
Last week I attended a meeting regarding building a Hindu temple in Orange county, Florida. Meeting had several people - county officials, local neighborhood people and people willing to build the temple. Most of the neighbourhood people opposed the temple proposal, even though the neighbourhood is surrounded by Churches. One of the concerns was:
Oil leakage from these thrity cars that will be parked (when people worship) will affect Ground water.
See the Environmental Concern of the these people and everyone should learn from them to be Enviromentally concise. Oil pollution from these cars is negligibly very little compared to the solid wastes sent to India (Plastics, Pesticides, Medicinal wastes, and E-wastes):
eWastes Dumped
Monday, June 30, 2008
Industries flocking into Tamilnadu - Must do Pollution Control also
Tire manufacturing Industry is coming to Gangaikondan, Tirunelveli in near future.
Commercial Vehicles Manufacturing Industry and Nokia spare parts manufacturing coming to Orakadam, Chennai very soon,
Cuddalore - Petroleum Refinery & Ship building Industry,
ThiruChopuram - Building Harbor for private sector,
along with several other industries.
These industries are good for the Economic development of the state.
However the above areas: ISLANDS, CORAL REEFS, MANGROVE FORESTS, WETLANDS, and FORESTS are as important as the Economic development and are very sensitive Environments. Also these industries should consider effects on HUMAN HEALTH.
Cuddalore is already a polluted and environmentally sensitive area. It has been affected by Tsunami.Mangrove forests have been helping the coastal areas from fierce force of cyclones. So, Mangrove forests are needed to protect the coastal areas.
Even though these industries are vital for economic upliftment, these industries must consider Environmental issues (Mandatory) also.
Watch Cuddalore Environmental Problems:
Tire manufacturing plants emit Volatile Organic Compounds. These emissions should be controlled or else there will be irreparable damage to these sensitive Environmental areas in the future. Hopefully these industries take into account the pollution that will be created and treat them properly.
Will these industrialists take care of pollution abatement or should we worry about these damaged Environment in the future?
Only time will answer.
Commercial Vehicles Manufacturing Industry and Nokia spare parts manufacturing coming to Orakadam, Chennai very soon,
Cuddalore - Petroleum Refinery & Ship building Industry,
ThiruChopuram - Building Harbor for private sector,
along with several other industries.
These industries are good for the Economic development of the state.
However the above areas: ISLANDS, CORAL REEFS, MANGROVE FORESTS, WETLANDS, and FORESTS are as important as the Economic development and are very sensitive Environments. Also these industries should consider effects on HUMAN HEALTH.
Cuddalore is already a polluted and environmentally sensitive area. It has been affected by Tsunami.Mangrove forests have been helping the coastal areas from fierce force of cyclones. So, Mangrove forests are needed to protect the coastal areas.
Even though these industries are vital for economic upliftment, these industries must consider Environmental issues (Mandatory) also.
Watch Cuddalore Environmental Problems:
Tire manufacturing plants emit Volatile Organic Compounds. These emissions should be controlled or else there will be irreparable damage to these sensitive Environmental areas in the future. Hopefully these industries take into account the pollution that will be created and treat them properly.
Will these industrialists take care of pollution abatement or should we worry about these damaged Environment in the future?
Only time will answer.
Disney/Pixar Wall-E - Environment
Disney/Pixar Wall-E movie has a very strong environmental message - according to the movie director.
Hopefully the plastic toys that will be sold after this movie's Wall-E, EVE and others do not end up in the environment and are properly recycled.
Also Disney should be testing these toys for hazardous materials before they end up recalling these toys.
Because: Disney Store has recalled about 8,000 Tinker Bell toy wands because the paint on the pearl beads in the flowers of the wands contains excessive levels of lead, in the past.
Hopefully the plastic toys that will be sold after this movie's Wall-E, EVE and others do not end up in the environment and are properly recycled.
Also Disney should be testing these toys for hazardous materials before they end up recalling these toys.
Because: Disney Store has recalled about 8,000 Tinker Bell toy wands because the paint on the pearl beads in the flowers of the wands contains excessive levels of lead, in the past.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
iPhone 3G and Environment
Cool iphone 3G is here:
iPhone3G
The original iPhone, sold for $399 (1.4 million pieces were sold by October 2007), had flaws and already tech wizs are discussing in blogs to buy them by saying $199 seems very reasonable for 3G. Hopefully Apple will sell 2million 3G iphones because they are cheaper - $199.
So where will all these 1.4 million (at least half of it) original iphones will end up?
In the environment - loaded with:
Brominated flame retardants (BFRs),
Poly Vinyl Chlorides (PVCs),
along with traces of Lead, Cadmium and Mercury.
Environmental Information Management System (USEPA):
An abstract from USEPA
Effects of Brominated flame retardants (BFRs)
represent a large and diverse class of high volume industrial chemicals which have been developed to provide fire safety. There are many other BFRs which have been used and are under development.
Historically, polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) were used but they were banned because of their persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. Some of these are being detected in environmental samples. The three major BFRs in use today
are tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) and the polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which involves three commercial mixtures, Penta, Octa, and the only one still in production, Deca. TBBPA is the largest
volume chemical and is used both as an additive and reactive flame retardant, primarily in electronics. It has moderate persistence, little bioaccumulation, and relatively low concern for toxicity, although it may have some endocrine
disrupting properties. HBCD is also used in electronics, but is more persistent and bioaccumulative. Its isomeric composition changes as it undergoes fate, transport, and metabolism. It is found in increasing concentrations in wildlife and human samples, and there is growing concern for its potential toxicity. The PBDEs are also additive BFRs, but their properties and uses differ. Penta was used largely in polyurethane foam; Octa in office equipment; and Deca in polymers
for electronic equipment and textile backings. Increasing concentrations of PBDE congeners have been found in environmental samples, wildlife, and people. The congeneric profile in biota differs from that in the commercial mixtures.
The major pathways to human exposure are uncertain, although both dust and food are likely. Penta and Octa have been banned in Europe, and production withdrawn in the US, in part because of growing concern for their toxicity, including
enzyme induction, endocrine disruption, and developmental reproductive and neurotoxicity. Deca is the major use PBDE product worldwide. Recent studies have demonstrated that it can be broken down in the environment by light and microbes,
and metabolically in mammals. Some concerns for its toxicity, or that of its breakdown products, come from reports of its carcinogenicity in two year rodent studies and developmental neurotoxicity. Recently, it has been detected in wildlife and people.
Alternatives are being suggested and use. Questions remain about their safety, as well as that of the existing BFRs.
Poly Vinyl Chlorides (PVCs):
PVC
PVC is the number one use of chlorine world-wide.
Dioxins are chlorine based by-products of the production and disposal of chlorine compounds such as PVC plastics.
More than half of most PVC products are composed of chlorine.
Dioxins, furans, PCBs and HCB are all among the toxic accidental by-products of PVC production.
These POPs are also found in the emissions and ash of incinerators that burn PVC and other chlorinated wastes.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
dioxins travel thousands of miles by air and are deposited on the land concentrating in our food supply accounting for 90 percent of human exposure.
Dioxin contamination of humans occurs in two ways, near and far.
There is an abundance of credible data and independent studies on the harmful and unsustainable impacts of vinyl or PVC plastics.
PVC clearly threatens human health and the environment:
- contaminate the air, water and land,
- leaving residents with elevated levels of dioxin in their blood and workers and residents with serious illnesses.
Vinyl or PVC plastic requires more toxic additives than any other plastic including heavy metals (lead, cadmium, chromium and organotins) and
plasticizers such as phthalates, all of which are bio-available and put the health of vulnerable populations, such as children, at risk.
The disposal by incineration or accidental burning (including landfills fires) of vinyl products releases dioxin into the environment adding to the already dangerous levels that exist in human tissue.
Fortunately, there are many safer available substitutes for virtually all uses of vinyl.
Most of us know the effects of Lead, Cadmium and Mercury.
As excited as we are for Apple 3G iPhones, soon we may need more technological capabilities and upgrades. So these 2 million 3G iPhones will also be obsolete and dumped in the environment.
One Good news: Apple is also concerned for environment:
Apple Environment
Hopefully they will also spend some on proper recycling of the iPhones.
I am talking about only Apple iPhone . Think about other phones:
Nokia, Motorola, Sony Ericsson, Samsung, LG, etc......!!!
Their accessories such as chargers, car chargers, bluetooth, etc.....!!!
Cell Phone Article
Also ipod Nanos, Touches, Classics and Shuffles and its competitor products. These are also selling in millions.
Recently cell phone and cancer issues popped up again after Pittsburgh cancer institute research:
Environmental Oncology
Specific absorption rate (SAR) is a measure of the rate at which radio frequency (RF) energy is absorbed by the body when exposed to radio-frequency electromagnetic field.
It is defined as the power absorbed per mass of tissue and has units of Watts per kilogram.
SAR is calculated either over the whole body, or over a sample volume which is typically a 1g or 10g of tissue.
For a phone to pass Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certification, that phone's maximum SAR level must be less than 1.6W/kg (watts per kilogram).
Europe - 2W/kg
Canada - 1.6W/kg.
Ex: Apple iphones radiation levels
Apple iPhone (4GB) 0.974
Apple iPhone (8GB) 0.974
Apple iPhone 3G (8GB) 1.38
Apple iPhone 3G (16GB) 1.38
Check other phones SAR data at CNET
Read more on Environment, Health and Safety Online ,
Wiki
and Electro Pollution
Sweden - has long history of cell phone users and some research have shown some effects are happening.
Indian Scientists have published this article:
Cell Phone Radiation and Developing Tissues in Chick Embryo - A Light microsopic Study of Kidneys.
Ingole IV & Ghosh SK
MGIMS, Sevagram, M.H.
Abstract : Phenomenal increase in the number of cell phone users during late 1990s has become a matter of
concern regarding the safety of the users exposed to radiation emitted from cell phone. There have been plenty of
researches reportedly establishing the damaging effect of radiofrequency radiation emitted from cell phone on the
biological tissues. The hazardous effects on the biological tissues as reported varied from it’s effect at the molecular
level causing an increase in single and double strand DNA breakages to causing an increase in the mortality in chick
embroys exposed to radiation emitted from cell phone. Conversely many have reported it to be safe to the biological
tissues within the stipulated standards set. by the regulatory authorities.
Considering these discrepancies, the present work was taken up to investigate any effect caused by such exposure
on the developing tissues of chick embryo at the histological level. Embryos were exposed to radiation emitted from cell
phone for different durations resulting in different dose schedules. It was observed that exposure to radiation caused
damage to the developing kidneys which was more extensive with longer duration of exposure inspite of discontinuing
the exposure and giving an exposure free period before sacrificing.
Key words: Cell phone, radio frequency radiation, biological tissues, chick embryo, kidney.
Many developing nations are moving progressively because of cell phones. Cell phone has become part of our life. It cannot be eliminated completely. Research needs to be done at a fast pace to reduce the SAR levels. People have to reduce their usage especially when getting less signal and speaking while moving(such as in car) during which the radiation levels will be higher. Children under age of 5 should not use it all.
As a scientist, anybody(including me) can prove anything right or wrong by manipulative statistics. For example you can prove 1 = 2 and if I am a tobacco industry scientist, I can prove tabacco may be good and if I am against it I can prove it is the most hazardous thing in the whole earth.
People with good health die at a younger age and people who smoke regularly live longer.
All that matters is if there is a way to reduce the cell phone radiation, then the industries should do that, if not they should research more vigorously to reduce the levels. Ultimate aim - We have to make the world a better place to live - not only for us, but also for future generations to come. Sustainable technologies are the way to go.
iPhone3G
The original iPhone, sold for $399 (1.4 million pieces were sold by October 2007), had flaws and already tech wizs are discussing in blogs to buy them by saying $199 seems very reasonable for 3G. Hopefully Apple will sell 2million 3G iphones because they are cheaper - $199.
So where will all these 1.4 million (at least half of it) original iphones will end up?
In the environment - loaded with:
Brominated flame retardants (BFRs),
Poly Vinyl Chlorides (PVCs),
along with traces of Lead, Cadmium and Mercury.
Environmental Information Management System (USEPA):
An abstract from USEPA
Effects of Brominated flame retardants (BFRs)
represent a large and diverse class of high volume industrial chemicals which have been developed to provide fire safety. There are many other BFRs which have been used and are under development.
Historically, polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) were used but they were banned because of their persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. Some of these are being detected in environmental samples. The three major BFRs in use today
are tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) and the polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which involves three commercial mixtures, Penta, Octa, and the only one still in production, Deca. TBBPA is the largest
volume chemical and is used both as an additive and reactive flame retardant, primarily in electronics. It has moderate persistence, little bioaccumulation, and relatively low concern for toxicity, although it may have some endocrine
disrupting properties. HBCD is also used in electronics, but is more persistent and bioaccumulative. Its isomeric composition changes as it undergoes fate, transport, and metabolism. It is found in increasing concentrations in wildlife and human samples, and there is growing concern for its potential toxicity. The PBDEs are also additive BFRs, but their properties and uses differ. Penta was used largely in polyurethane foam; Octa in office equipment; and Deca in polymers
for electronic equipment and textile backings. Increasing concentrations of PBDE congeners have been found in environmental samples, wildlife, and people. The congeneric profile in biota differs from that in the commercial mixtures.
The major pathways to human exposure are uncertain, although both dust and food are likely. Penta and Octa have been banned in Europe, and production withdrawn in the US, in part because of growing concern for their toxicity, including
enzyme induction, endocrine disruption, and developmental reproductive and neurotoxicity. Deca is the major use PBDE product worldwide. Recent studies have demonstrated that it can be broken down in the environment by light and microbes,
and metabolically in mammals. Some concerns for its toxicity, or that of its breakdown products, come from reports of its carcinogenicity in two year rodent studies and developmental neurotoxicity. Recently, it has been detected in wildlife and people.
Alternatives are being suggested and use. Questions remain about their safety, as well as that of the existing BFRs.
Poly Vinyl Chlorides (PVCs):
PVC
PVC is the number one use of chlorine world-wide.
Dioxins are chlorine based by-products of the production and disposal of chlorine compounds such as PVC plastics.
More than half of most PVC products are composed of chlorine.
Dioxins, furans, PCBs and HCB are all among the toxic accidental by-products of PVC production.
These POPs are also found in the emissions and ash of incinerators that burn PVC and other chlorinated wastes.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
dioxins travel thousands of miles by air and are deposited on the land concentrating in our food supply accounting for 90 percent of human exposure.
Dioxin contamination of humans occurs in two ways, near and far.
There is an abundance of credible data and independent studies on the harmful and unsustainable impacts of vinyl or PVC plastics.
PVC clearly threatens human health and the environment:
- contaminate the air, water and land,
- leaving residents with elevated levels of dioxin in their blood and workers and residents with serious illnesses.
Vinyl or PVC plastic requires more toxic additives than any other plastic including heavy metals (lead, cadmium, chromium and organotins) and
plasticizers such as phthalates, all of which are bio-available and put the health of vulnerable populations, such as children, at risk.
The disposal by incineration or accidental burning (including landfills fires) of vinyl products releases dioxin into the environment adding to the already dangerous levels that exist in human tissue.
Fortunately, there are many safer available substitutes for virtually all uses of vinyl.
Most of us know the effects of Lead, Cadmium and Mercury.
As excited as we are for Apple 3G iPhones, soon we may need more technological capabilities and upgrades. So these 2 million 3G iPhones will also be obsolete and dumped in the environment.
One Good news: Apple is also concerned for environment:
Apple Environment
Hopefully they will also spend some on proper recycling of the iPhones.
I am talking about only Apple iPhone . Think about other phones:
Nokia, Motorola, Sony Ericsson, Samsung, LG, etc......!!!
Their accessories such as chargers, car chargers, bluetooth, etc.....!!!
Cell Phone Article
Also ipod Nanos, Touches, Classics and Shuffles and its competitor products. These are also selling in millions.
Recently cell phone and cancer issues popped up again after Pittsburgh cancer institute research:
Environmental Oncology
Specific absorption rate (SAR) is a measure of the rate at which radio frequency (RF) energy is absorbed by the body when exposed to radio-frequency electromagnetic field.
It is defined as the power absorbed per mass of tissue and has units of Watts per kilogram.
SAR is calculated either over the whole body, or over a sample volume which is typically a 1g or 10g of tissue.
For a phone to pass Federal Communications Commission (FCC) certification, that phone's maximum SAR level must be less than 1.6W/kg (watts per kilogram).
Europe - 2W/kg
Canada - 1.6W/kg.
Ex: Apple iphones radiation levels
Apple iPhone (4GB) 0.974
Apple iPhone (8GB) 0.974
Apple iPhone 3G (8GB) 1.38
Apple iPhone 3G (16GB) 1.38
Check other phones SAR data at CNET
Read more on Environment, Health and Safety Online ,
Wiki
and Electro Pollution
Sweden - has long history of cell phone users and some research have shown some effects are happening.
Indian Scientists have published this article:
Cell Phone Radiation and Developing Tissues in Chick Embryo - A Light microsopic Study of Kidneys.
Ingole IV & Ghosh SK
MGIMS, Sevagram, M.H.
Abstract : Phenomenal increase in the number of cell phone users during late 1990s has become a matter of
concern regarding the safety of the users exposed to radiation emitted from cell phone. There have been plenty of
researches reportedly establishing the damaging effect of radiofrequency radiation emitted from cell phone on the
biological tissues. The hazardous effects on the biological tissues as reported varied from it’s effect at the molecular
level causing an increase in single and double strand DNA breakages to causing an increase in the mortality in chick
embroys exposed to radiation emitted from cell phone. Conversely many have reported it to be safe to the biological
tissues within the stipulated standards set. by the regulatory authorities.
Considering these discrepancies, the present work was taken up to investigate any effect caused by such exposure
on the developing tissues of chick embryo at the histological level. Embryos were exposed to radiation emitted from cell
phone for different durations resulting in different dose schedules. It was observed that exposure to radiation caused
damage to the developing kidneys which was more extensive with longer duration of exposure inspite of discontinuing
the exposure and giving an exposure free period before sacrificing.
Key words: Cell phone, radio frequency radiation, biological tissues, chick embryo, kidney.
Many developing nations are moving progressively because of cell phones. Cell phone has become part of our life. It cannot be eliminated completely. Research needs to be done at a fast pace to reduce the SAR levels. People have to reduce their usage especially when getting less signal and speaking while moving(such as in car) during which the radiation levels will be higher. Children under age of 5 should not use it all.
As a scientist, anybody(including me) can prove anything right or wrong by manipulative statistics. For example you can prove 1 = 2 and if I am a tobacco industry scientist, I can prove tabacco may be good and if I am against it I can prove it is the most hazardous thing in the whole earth.
People with good health die at a younger age and people who smoke regularly live longer.
All that matters is if there is a way to reduce the cell phone radiation, then the industries should do that, if not they should research more vigorously to reduce the levels. Ultimate aim - We have to make the world a better place to live - not only for us, but also for future generations to come. Sustainable technologies are the way to go.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Nonvegeterian to Vegeterian
I was brought up in a family where we love to eat non-veg food. If guests were invited and not provided with some kind of non-vegeterian food, it was referred as ill treatment. I loved to eat meat. Whatever meat - from chicken, fish, to beef (I used to play and feel very hungry and we used to go to a Muslim restaurant in Coimbatore and check out chili beef instead of chicken because it was cheaper and no difference in taste. Though I am a Hindu I had beef because of the above reason) and any kind of meat available. When I came to US for higher studies, I had only non-veg food. Me and friends used to eat lots of chicken (Spicy chicken by Andhra roommates), beef (Punjabi room mates, Philli Cheese Steak & McD Big Mac), Pork (Chinese friends & Pepporoni Pizza). We used to go to a Chinese restaurant so often and order the same food routinely. The owner used to prepare the ribs as soon as we entered the restaurant. In childhood days, my aunt prepared the best fried fish in the world and we never stopped eating those fish. I even boycotted eating lunch without any meat and argued with my wife that some kind of meat should be there for lunch.
Once my close friend’s father (visited for my friend’s graduation from India) told me to give up non-veg food. After his words I still had meat and totally forgot his advice. In 1997, my beloved aunt passed away. At that time my friend’s father’s advice came to mind and once and for all, I gave up eating non-veg food. I gave up egg also (I used to eat all forms of egg – Scramble, Omelet, Half boiled and raw egg along with Poriyal and Karandy). I feel so good after that. Even amidst the criticism of avid non-veg loving family, I eat only vegetarian food and no craving for non veg food!!!!
Reason for writing this:
Today my friend sent me a link:
Poor Chickens & Poor Animals
Poor Fishes
And now I feel good that I am a vegetarian.
He also emailed me the following:
A review of available research indicates that the more processed meat people eat, the more likely people are to develop stomach cancer.
Processed meats include bacon, sausage, hot dogs, salami, ham, and smoked or cured meat. The review looked at 40 years' worth of studies on the relationship between these meats and stomach cancer. Some of the studies examined hundreds and thousands
of people.
Once my close friend’s father (visited for my friend’s graduation from India) told me to give up non-veg food. After his words I still had meat and totally forgot his advice. In 1997, my beloved aunt passed away. At that time my friend’s father’s advice came to mind and once and for all, I gave up eating non-veg food. I gave up egg also (I used to eat all forms of egg – Scramble, Omelet, Half boiled and raw egg along with Poriyal and Karandy). I feel so good after that. Even amidst the criticism of avid non-veg loving family, I eat only vegetarian food and no craving for non veg food!!!!
Reason for writing this:
Today my friend sent me a link:
Poor Chickens & Poor Animals
Poor Fishes
And now I feel good that I am a vegetarian.
He also emailed me the following:
A review of available research indicates that the more processed meat people eat, the more likely people are to develop stomach cancer.
Processed meats include bacon, sausage, hot dogs, salami, ham, and smoked or cured meat. The review looked at 40 years' worth of studies on the relationship between these meats and stomach cancer. Some of the studies examined hundreds and thousands
of people.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Calcium Carbide - Mangoes, PCBs - Vadai !
Fruit Ripening using Calcium Carbide:
Even though fruit ripening is banned using Carbide, still Mangoes are ripened using Calcium Carbide without any conscience:
Calcium Carbide is a grayish-black, lump-shaped solid or crystal (sugar or sand-like), which has a slight garlic-like odor. It is used to make Acetylene and other chemicals, and in metallurgy.
HAZARD SUMMARY
Calcium Carbide can affect you when breathed in.
Contact can severely irritate and burn the eyes and skin causing permanent eye damage and ulcers on the skin.
Exposure can severely irritate the mouth, nose and throat causing sores, cough and wheezing.
Breathing Calcium Carbide can irritate the lungs causing coughing and/or shortness of breath.
Higher exposures may cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency, with severe shortness of breath.
Calcium Carbide is a FLAMMABLE and REACTIVEchemical and a DANGEROUS FIRE and EXPLOSIONHAZARD.
Calcium Carbide is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is cited by DOT, NFPA and EPA.
This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is FLAMMABLE and REACTIVE.
It also has impurities which include Arsenic.
Cooking Vadai using Transformer oil(PCBs):
PCBs are a class of industrial chemical that contain 209 individual compounds or congeners.
Chronic inhalation exposure of workers to PCBs has been reported to result in respiratory tract symptoms, such as cough and tightness of the chest, gastrointestinal effects including anorexia, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, mild liver effects, and effects on the skin and eyes, such as chloracne, skin rashes, and eye irritation.
An epidemiological study of women occupationally exposed to high levels of PCBs suggested a relationship between PCB exposure and reduced birth weight and shortened gestational age of their babies; however, limitations of the study limit the strength of the conclusion.
They are also classified under potential Carcinogen:
Some days back I read an article that some hotels were using Transformer oil (PCBs) to fry "Vadai"
for crispiness!!!.
???
Even though fruit ripening is banned using Carbide, still Mangoes are ripened using Calcium Carbide without any conscience:
Calcium Carbide is a grayish-black, lump-shaped solid or crystal (sugar or sand-like), which has a slight garlic-like odor. It is used to make Acetylene and other chemicals, and in metallurgy.
HAZARD SUMMARY
Calcium Carbide can affect you when breathed in.
Contact can severely irritate and burn the eyes and skin causing permanent eye damage and ulcers on the skin.
Exposure can severely irritate the mouth, nose and throat causing sores, cough and wheezing.
Breathing Calcium Carbide can irritate the lungs causing coughing and/or shortness of breath.
Higher exposures may cause a build-up of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema), a medical emergency, with severe shortness of breath.
Calcium Carbide is a FLAMMABLE and REACTIVEchemical and a DANGEROUS FIRE and EXPLOSIONHAZARD.
Calcium Carbide is on the Hazardous Substance List because it is cited by DOT, NFPA and EPA.
This chemical is on the Special Health Hazard Substance List because it is FLAMMABLE and REACTIVE.
It also has impurities which include Arsenic.
Cooking Vadai using Transformer oil(PCBs):
PCBs are a class of industrial chemical that contain 209 individual compounds or congeners.
Chronic inhalation exposure of workers to PCBs has been reported to result in respiratory tract symptoms, such as cough and tightness of the chest, gastrointestinal effects including anorexia, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, mild liver effects, and effects on the skin and eyes, such as chloracne, skin rashes, and eye irritation.
An epidemiological study of women occupationally exposed to high levels of PCBs suggested a relationship between PCB exposure and reduced birth weight and shortened gestational age of their babies; however, limitations of the study limit the strength of the conclusion.
They are also classified under potential Carcinogen:
Some days back I read an article that some hotels were using Transformer oil (PCBs) to fry "Vadai"
for crispiness!!!.???
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
One More Forest Resource Depletion in India
News: - (News India):
SALEM: In a novel campaign, farmers and environmentalists who have joined hands to fight an iron ore mining project at Kanchamalai in Salem, filed 530 applications under the Right to Information Act with the Department of Forests en masse on Tuesday.
Over 700 farmers with their families converged on the District Forest Office on Tuesday. Catching the officials unaware, they filed individual applications, seeking details of the proposed project to mine iron ore from the pristine surroundings of the Kanchamalai hills by a joint venture company floated by Tamil Nadu Industrial Minerals Corporation Ltd (TIMCO) and the private steel major Jindals.
The magnetite ore to be mined is to be used for manufacturing iron ingots at the Mecheri plant of the South India Iron and Steel Co Ltd (SISCOL), a Lakshmi Mills-TN government JV taken over by the Jindals.
Officials initially said only one application would be received. But the people insisted that every family affected by the project wanted to know to what extent the project would impact their lives.
The applications contained five questions pertinent to the project and the Forest Department’s response to the forest clearance petitions filed by the company, besides the department’s EPA (Environmental Impact Assessment) documents.
According to official sources, TIMCO and SISCOL joint venture wants 1,000 acres of mineral-rich hills in two places in Tamil Nadu. While 638 acres is sought at Kanchamalai, revered for the indigenous medical practitioners and rich herbs, 330 acres has been asked for at Tiruvannamalai.
Around 90,000 trees at Kanchamalai and 2 lakh trees in Tiruvannamalai (recently collector of Tiruvannamalai wanted to plant more trees) will be felled once the project is cleared by the Forest department.
Indicating that the Forest department has given its green signal for the project (which it rejected earlier), Forest department officials said, “Things are no more in our hands but with the Supreme Court, which sent its Empowered Committee on May 29, 30 to Kanchamalai to give its report.”
Some one has to take initiave to stop deterioating the already depleted small forest resources in India.
Effects of Iron Ore Mining:
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
Volume 46, Issue 2, June 2000, Pages 218-224
Iron Ore Mines Leachate Potential for Oxyradical Production
D. Hamoutene, A. Rahimtula and J. Payne
Biochemistry Department, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, A1B 3X9
Science Branch, DFO, 5667, St John's, Newfoundland, Canada, A1C 5X1
Received 8 September 1999.
Available online 25 March 2002. Abstract
The ecotoxicological effects of mining effluents is coming under much greater scrutiny. It appears necessary to explore possible health effects in association with iron ore mining effluents. The present results clearly demonstrate that iron-ore leachate is not an inert media but has the potential to induce lipid peroxidation. Peroxidation was assessed by measuring oxygen consumption in the presence of a reducing agent such as ascorbate or NADPH and a chelator such as EDTA. Labrador iron ore is an insoluble complex crystalline material containing a mixture of metals (Fe, Al, Ti, Mn, Mg,…, ) in contrast to the iron sources used for normal lipid peroxidation studies. The metal of highest percentage is iron (59.58%), a metal known to induce oxyradical production. Iron ore powder initiated ascorbic acid-dependent lipid peroxidation (nonenzymatic) in liposomes, lipids extracted from rat and salmon liver microsomes, and intact salmon liver microsomes. It also revealed an inhibitory effect of NADPH-dependent microsomes lipid peroxidation as well as on NADPH cytochrome c reductase activity. However, nonenzymatic peroxidation in rat liver microsomes was not significantly inhibited. Cytochrome P450 IA1- and IIB1-dependent enzymatic activities as well as P450 levels were not affected. The inhibition could be due to one of the other components of iron ore leachate (Mn, Al,…, ). These effects of iron-ore leachate indicate that a potential toxicity could be associated with its release into lakes. Further studies are necessary to explore in vivo effects on aquatic animals.
Author Keywords: iron ore; peroxidation; cytochrome P450; liposomes; microsomes.
Above article was published as early as 2000 and still we did not learn the lesson. There will be several other issues with Air, Land, Water and Human Health while mining for iron.
We:
1) remove forests as fast as we could.
2) deplete, pollute water resources as much as we could.
3) import e-wastes as much as we could
4) put toxicity into air, water and Land as much as we could
5) have few people with environmental awareness, concerns and have very few environmental laws and implement them properly
When will we be environmentally conscious?
SALEM: In a novel campaign, farmers and environmentalists who have joined hands to fight an iron ore mining project at Kanchamalai in Salem, filed 530 applications under the Right to Information Act with the Department of Forests en masse on Tuesday.
Over 700 farmers with their families converged on the District Forest Office on Tuesday. Catching the officials unaware, they filed individual applications, seeking details of the proposed project to mine iron ore from the pristine surroundings of the Kanchamalai hills by a joint venture company floated by Tamil Nadu Industrial Minerals Corporation Ltd (TIMCO) and the private steel major Jindals.
The magnetite ore to be mined is to be used for manufacturing iron ingots at the Mecheri plant of the South India Iron and Steel Co Ltd (SISCOL), a Lakshmi Mills-TN government JV taken over by the Jindals.
Officials initially said only one application would be received. But the people insisted that every family affected by the project wanted to know to what extent the project would impact their lives.
The applications contained five questions pertinent to the project and the Forest Department’s response to the forest clearance petitions filed by the company, besides the department’s EPA (Environmental Impact Assessment) documents.
According to official sources, TIMCO and SISCOL joint venture wants 1,000 acres of mineral-rich hills in two places in Tamil Nadu. While 638 acres is sought at Kanchamalai, revered for the indigenous medical practitioners and rich herbs, 330 acres has been asked for at Tiruvannamalai.
Around 90,000 trees at Kanchamalai and 2 lakh trees in Tiruvannamalai (recently collector of Tiruvannamalai wanted to plant more trees) will be felled once the project is cleared by the Forest department.
Indicating that the Forest department has given its green signal for the project (which it rejected earlier), Forest department officials said, “Things are no more in our hands but with the Supreme Court, which sent its Empowered Committee on May 29, 30 to Kanchamalai to give its report.”
Some one has to take initiave to stop deterioating the already depleted small forest resources in India.
Effects of Iron Ore Mining:
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
Volume 46, Issue 2, June 2000, Pages 218-224
Iron Ore Mines Leachate Potential for Oxyradical Production
D. Hamoutene, A. Rahimtula and J. Payne
Biochemistry Department, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, A1B 3X9
Science Branch, DFO, 5667, St John's, Newfoundland, Canada, A1C 5X1
Received 8 September 1999.
Available online 25 March 2002. Abstract
The ecotoxicological effects of mining effluents is coming under much greater scrutiny. It appears necessary to explore possible health effects in association with iron ore mining effluents. The present results clearly demonstrate that iron-ore leachate is not an inert media but has the potential to induce lipid peroxidation. Peroxidation was assessed by measuring oxygen consumption in the presence of a reducing agent such as ascorbate or NADPH and a chelator such as EDTA. Labrador iron ore is an insoluble complex crystalline material containing a mixture of metals (Fe, Al, Ti, Mn, Mg,…, ) in contrast to the iron sources used for normal lipid peroxidation studies. The metal of highest percentage is iron (59.58%), a metal known to induce oxyradical production. Iron ore powder initiated ascorbic acid-dependent lipid peroxidation (nonenzymatic) in liposomes, lipids extracted from rat and salmon liver microsomes, and intact salmon liver microsomes. It also revealed an inhibitory effect of NADPH-dependent microsomes lipid peroxidation as well as on NADPH cytochrome c reductase activity. However, nonenzymatic peroxidation in rat liver microsomes was not significantly inhibited. Cytochrome P450 IA1- and IIB1-dependent enzymatic activities as well as P450 levels were not affected. The inhibition could be due to one of the other components of iron ore leachate (Mn, Al,…, ). These effects of iron-ore leachate indicate that a potential toxicity could be associated with its release into lakes. Further studies are necessary to explore in vivo effects on aquatic animals.
Author Keywords: iron ore; peroxidation; cytochrome P450; liposomes; microsomes.
Above article was published as early as 2000 and still we did not learn the lesson. There will be several other issues with Air, Land, Water and Human Health while mining for iron.
We:
1) remove forests as fast as we could.
2) deplete, pollute water resources as much as we could.
3) import e-wastes as much as we could
4) put toxicity into air, water and Land as much as we could
5) have few people with environmental awareness, concerns and have very few environmental laws and implement them properly
When will we be environmentally conscious?
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Boosting Rice Cultivation in Tamil Nadu, India
Email from worldbank on 06/17/2008:
India ’s agricultural growth has been stagnant at less than 2 percent since the 1990s, well below the growth rates of other sectors. Any significant growth in agriculture in India depends on increasing the efficiency and productive use of water. India is a water stressed country, 45 percent of all available water is utilized for agriculture. Among this 80% is used for Rice cultivation alone.
The World Bank is assisting the southern state of Tamil Nadu to improve irrigation service delivery and productivity of irrigated agriculture. Some farmers in the State are using a technique that requires less water and fewer seeds but grows more rice. It is a new way of cultivating rice, and it is raising hopes that the rice yield will increase without draining the country of scarce water resources.
India - A new way of Cultivating Rice
Water Management must be done properly before water scarcity comes into play. I have seen huge amount of rainfall destroying the Rice fields, esp, in Tanjore Delta. The fields should have proper drainage system and government should fund such systems along with world bank and should be properly maintained. The link 'A Small Drop' to Siruthuli and its Gallery shows how excess water can be saved and stored.
India ’s agricultural growth has been stagnant at less than 2 percent since the 1990s, well below the growth rates of other sectors. Any significant growth in agriculture in India depends on increasing the efficiency and productive use of water. India is a water stressed country, 45 percent of all available water is utilized for agriculture. Among this 80% is used for Rice cultivation alone.
The World Bank is assisting the southern state of Tamil Nadu to improve irrigation service delivery and productivity of irrigated agriculture. Some farmers in the State are using a technique that requires less water and fewer seeds but grows more rice. It is a new way of cultivating rice, and it is raising hopes that the rice yield will increase without draining the country of scarce water resources.
India - A new way of Cultivating Rice
Water Management must be done properly before water scarcity comes into play. I have seen huge amount of rainfall destroying the Rice fields, esp, in Tanjore Delta. The fields should have proper drainage system and government should fund such systems along with world bank and should be properly maintained. The link 'A Small Drop' to Siruthuli and its Gallery shows how excess water can be saved and stored.
Friday, June 13, 2008
Eco-Justice for Elephants
I received an email from someone to give Eco-Justice for Elephants:
Eco-Justice for Elephants
Care for the wild
Since forests are shrinking, these majestic animals are running out space and enter into the near by villages near Anamalai and Mudumalai Sancturies. Some elephants came into Bharathiar university recently and also entered the farms and destroyed sugarcane fields. Solar powered electric fences were installed, even which did not stop these elephants.
Elephant crossing road:
Elephants_in_road:
Elephants in estate:
There are other natural ways to scare the elephants instead of the electric fence:
Tiger Urine Crystals (From Zoo animals) spread along the border and
Camel odors also scare elephants.
Hopefully one day human and elephants will live in harmony like the following picture taken in Top Slip, Tamilnadu, India:
Eco-Justice for Elephants
Care for the wild
Since forests are shrinking, these majestic animals are running out space and enter into the near by villages near Anamalai and Mudumalai Sancturies. Some elephants came into Bharathiar university recently and also entered the farms and destroyed sugarcane fields. Solar powered electric fences were installed, even which did not stop these elephants.
Elephant crossing road:
Elephants_in_road:
Elephants in estate:
There are other natural ways to scare the elephants instead of the electric fence:
Tiger Urine Crystals (From Zoo animals) spread along the border and
Camel odors also scare elephants.
Hopefully one day human and elephants will live in harmony like the following picture taken in Top Slip, Tamilnadu, India:
Monday, June 9, 2008
EcoWarrior - Mr. Yoganathan from Marudhamalai, Coimbatore
Mr.Yoganathan, bus conductor from Coimbatore has planted more than 50,000 trees and created Environmental awareness in Tamilnadu especially among students and children.
He had been recognized for this achievement by Indian Government and was awarded "Eco-Warrior Award".
Mr. Yoganathan with his award - (www.dinamalar.com)
I had personally heard of his work from team members in Pollachi.
Good work Mr. Yoganathan.
Bharathiar University - Environmental Science Department - Near Marudhamalai - This is where I did my M.Phil degree and we planted these trees as small saplings during that time (1991):
Makesh Karuppiah, Ph.D
Environmental Scientist
He had been recognized for this achievement by Indian Government and was awarded "Eco-Warrior Award".
Mr. Yoganathan with his award - (www.dinamalar.com)
I had personally heard of his work from team members in Pollachi.
Good work Mr. Yoganathan.
Bharathiar University - Environmental Science Department - Near Marudhamalai - This is where I did my M.Phil degree and we planted these trees as small saplings during that time (1991):
Makesh Karuppiah, Ph.D
Environmental Scientist
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Going Green and Environmental Awareness Catching Up
Going Green and Green Awareness Catching up:
The future is SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Dockers Pants made up of Cocono fabrics:
Coconut Fibers
The site indicates that Cocona fabrics provide comfort while utilizing natural technology.
Natural Dockers was as comfortable as other Dockers. Also saw some nature awareness from a.n.a clothing with words like "Hug a Tree" in shirts.
We are moving towards sustainable Green awareness world, which is a good sign.
Green Clothes:
Green JCPenney
In India:
Read a headline on 07/07/2008:
Collector for steps to enhance green cover of Annamalai hills - The Hindu:
TIRUVANNAMALAI: The district administration will take steps to provide green cover to the 2,170-metre high Annamalai hills in the Tiruvannamalai town, according to Collector M. Rajendran.
Mr. Rajendran, who climbed up the hills on Saturday to assess the vegetation, told reporters that a project on “greening the hills” was launched in 2001. Based on the project, steps would be taken shortly to increase the green cover by planting more saplings.
Of the 933.77-hectares on the hills, 699.03 hectares were under the control of the Forest Department and 234.74 hectares under the Revenue Department.
Some areas on the hills had less vegetation and some had no trees.
The growth of the trees had been affected by excessive heat conditions prevailing in the town.
The Collector suggested that tea gardens could be raised on 40 to 50 hectares of land in Thenimalai area.
The hills abounded in herbal plants, including single-leaf lotus, garlic, Keezhanelli, sambrani, vettiver and nannari.
Wild animals such as black-faced monkey and wild fowls are also found on the hills.
Steps would be taken to provide thick vegetation cover by planting saplings, sowing seeds and growing grafts, he said.
Forest Department and Revenue officials accompanied the Collector.
Also take a quiz on E-Wastes:
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2008/01/high-tech-trash/trash-quiz-interactive
MakeSH
The future is SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Dockers Pants made up of Cocono fabrics:
Coconut Fibers
The site indicates that Cocona fabrics provide comfort while utilizing natural technology.
Natural Dockers was as comfortable as other Dockers. Also saw some nature awareness from a.n.a clothing with words like "Hug a Tree" in shirts.
We are moving towards sustainable Green awareness world, which is a good sign.
Green Clothes:
Green JCPenney
In India:
Read a headline on 07/07/2008:
Collector for steps to enhance green cover of Annamalai hills - The Hindu:
TIRUVANNAMALAI: The district administration will take steps to provide green cover to the 2,170-metre high Annamalai hills in the Tiruvannamalai town, according to Collector M. Rajendran.
Mr. Rajendran, who climbed up the hills on Saturday to assess the vegetation, told reporters that a project on “greening the hills” was launched in 2001. Based on the project, steps would be taken shortly to increase the green cover by planting more saplings.
Of the 933.77-hectares on the hills, 699.03 hectares were under the control of the Forest Department and 234.74 hectares under the Revenue Department.
Some areas on the hills had less vegetation and some had no trees.
The growth of the trees had been affected by excessive heat conditions prevailing in the town.
The Collector suggested that tea gardens could be raised on 40 to 50 hectares of land in Thenimalai area.
The hills abounded in herbal plants, including single-leaf lotus, garlic, Keezhanelli, sambrani, vettiver and nannari.
Wild animals such as black-faced monkey and wild fowls are also found on the hills.
Steps would be taken to provide thick vegetation cover by planting saplings, sowing seeds and growing grafts, he said.
Forest Department and Revenue officials accompanied the Collector.
Also take a quiz on E-Wastes:
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2008/01/high-tech-trash/trash-quiz-interactive
MakeSH
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Rich & Poor
Rich: Diamond studed IPL Trophy:
Poor: A Village boy's hurt leg by playing cricket without shoes:
My View: With all the profits IPL made, they should atlease provide shoes, gloves and equipments to the underpriviliged children who play cricket in villages of the corresponding teams (Chennai Super Kings - to Tamilnadu Village schools, Rajasthan Royals - to Rajasthan Village Schools, something like that).
One more photo: Poverty leading to this - Child dangerously playing with a venomous Cobra to make money:(www.dinakaran.com)
makeSH
Poor: A Village boy's hurt leg by playing cricket without shoes:
My View: With all the profits IPL made, they should atlease provide shoes, gloves and equipments to the underpriviliged children who play cricket in villages of the corresponding teams (Chennai Super Kings - to Tamilnadu Village schools, Rajasthan Royals - to Rajasthan Village Schools, something like that).
One more photo: Poverty leading to this - Child dangerously playing with a venomous Cobra to make money:(www.dinakaran.com)
makeSH
Friday, May 23, 2008
Hero or Zero
Excellent piece of video for building the future.
My Suggestions:
We need to build the school infrastructures with at least basic needs even in rural areas.
Create more awareness in education, environment and sustainability.
I have seen rural young children walking in hot tar road without any footware for miles to get education.
People with God given higher living conditions must provide these basic necessities for unpriviliged children.
Praying to God to give this good mentality to everyone.
Question to the authorities:
How will these children get their education with the basic necessities such as food, shelter, clothing and footware, etc? (If these things are provided, then they will have interest in going to school instead of working as child labourer).
Hard Working Children
makeSH
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Chemical used to make non-stick coatings may be harmful to health - research
One more example of a chemical which might show effects after long term usage:
Source: Environment News Service (ENS) Published May 14, 2008:
A chemical, perfluorooctanoic acid, used to make non-stick coating for pots and pans, food wrappers and stain-resistant fabrics may harm the immune system, liver and thyroid and cause higher cholesterol in children, according to the initial findings of a study of 69,000 people who live near a DuPont manufacturing plant. The health effects observed in the study population in West Virginia and Ohio are believed to have been caused by exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid, PFOA, also known as C8, released from the DuPont plant in Washington, West Virginia. PFOA is one of a class of perfluorinated chemicals used to make Teflon coating and other nonstick products, oil-resistant paper packaging and stain-resistant fabrics.
Info of PFOA in EPA website:
http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/pfoa/pubs/pfoainfo.htm#long
PFOA is very persistent in the environment and was being found at very low levels both in the environment and in the blood of the general U.S. population. Studies indicated that PFOA can cause developmental and other adverse effects in laboratory animals. PFOA also appears to remain in the human body for a long time. All of these factors, taken together, prompted the Agency to investigate whether PFOA might pose a risk to human health and the environment at the levels currently being found, or at levels that might be reached in the future as more PFOA continues to be released into the environment.
More info on PFOA in Wiki:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perfluorooctanoic_acid
MakeSH
Source: Environment News Service (ENS) Published May 14, 2008:
A chemical, perfluorooctanoic acid, used to make non-stick coating for pots and pans, food wrappers and stain-resistant fabrics may harm the immune system, liver and thyroid and cause higher cholesterol in children, according to the initial findings of a study of 69,000 people who live near a DuPont manufacturing plant. The health effects observed in the study population in West Virginia and Ohio are believed to have been caused by exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid, PFOA, also known as C8, released from the DuPont plant in Washington, West Virginia. PFOA is one of a class of perfluorinated chemicals used to make Teflon coating and other nonstick products, oil-resistant paper packaging and stain-resistant fabrics.
Info of PFOA in EPA website:
http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/pfoa/pubs/pfoainfo.htm#long
PFOA is very persistent in the environment and was being found at very low levels both in the environment and in the blood of the general U.S. population. Studies indicated that PFOA can cause developmental and other adverse effects in laboratory animals. PFOA also appears to remain in the human body for a long time. All of these factors, taken together, prompted the Agency to investigate whether PFOA might pose a risk to human health and the environment at the levels currently being found, or at levels that might be reached in the future as more PFOA continues to be released into the environment.
More info on PFOA in Wiki:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perfluorooctanoic_acid
MakeSH
Monday, May 12, 2008
EA PROJECT
Phase I:
Land :The proposed land is in Puravipalayam a well-known place near Pollachi, situated in the foothills of Western Ghats of South India bordering the neighbor state Kerala. EnviroApps Inc (EA) will utilize this land for the Bio-model prototype project. The land has been used primarily for agricultural purpose. Pesticides and Insecticides have been consistently used in this land. Geographical Information System (GIS) will be used after purchasing the land to digitalize the land for this study with the help of local GIS engineers. Fencing will be done using recycled materials along with plants, which help in the hydrological cycle. Local resources from schools, colleges will be given an opportunity to plant these saplings to create an environmental awareness in the area. The future necessity in one of the most populated countries like India is sustainable growth. These students will be taught on the principles of sustainable development and environmental cleanliness, which they would spread to the society and build the future India with environmental awareness. A temple is adjacent to this land, which can be accessed for praying and meditation.
Land treatment:
Chemical levels will be measured in the soil simultaneously during fencing. EnviroApps Inc. Land TreatmentTM will be given. Chemical levels will be measured after each treatment. When the level comes to the normal limits, further models of the projects will be carried out. During this process, local resources will be used (such as University, College level Biology, Computer and Environmental Sciences students).
Phase II:
Rain Water Harvesting, Water Systems & Water Treatment Plants:
Rainwater harvesting will be done using recycling model with focus on ground water replenishment, hydrological cycle using plants and trees. We already have implemented rainwater harvest projects in Indian villages, successfully. Water treatment will have Primary (Physical), Secondary (Biological) and Tertiary Treatments (Experienced Civil, Structural, Environmental & Electrical engineers will be used as resources).
Plant, Dairy Products & Green House Development:
Medicinal plants will be planted during this phase in the low cost green houses. Cattle will be grown primarily for the dairy products (strictly not for meat). EnviroApps Inc will focus on Environmental Health issues also. Diabetes and Cholesterol issues are the major problem in India. Quality dairy products such as Milk and organic nutritional products will be produced (Food and Nutrition degree students will be utilized in this project).
Phase III:
Eco Tour:
Eco Tour will be one of our products that will create Environmental Awareness. People with biology
Land :The proposed land is in Puravipalayam a well-known place near Pollachi, situated in the foothills of Western Ghats of South India bordering the neighbor state Kerala. EnviroApps Inc (EA) will utilize this land for the Bio-model prototype project. The land has been used primarily for agricultural purpose. Pesticides and Insecticides have been consistently used in this land. Geographical Information System (GIS) will be used after purchasing the land to digitalize the land for this study with the help of local GIS engineers. Fencing will be done using recycled materials along with plants, which help in the hydrological cycle. Local resources from schools, colleges will be given an opportunity to plant these saplings to create an environmental awareness in the area. The future necessity in one of the most populated countries like India is sustainable growth. These students will be taught on the principles of sustainable development and environmental cleanliness, which they would spread to the society and build the future India with environmental awareness. A temple is adjacent to this land, which can be accessed for praying and meditation.
Land treatment:
Chemical levels will be measured in the soil simultaneously during fencing. EnviroApps Inc. Land TreatmentTM will be given. Chemical levels will be measured after each treatment. When the level comes to the normal limits, further models of the projects will be carried out. During this process, local resources will be used (such as University, College level Biology, Computer and Environmental Sciences students).
Phase II:
Rain Water Harvesting, Water Systems & Water Treatment Plants:
Rainwater harvesting will be done using recycling model with focus on ground water replenishment, hydrological cycle using plants and trees. We already have implemented rainwater harvest projects in Indian villages, successfully. Water treatment will have Primary (Physical), Secondary (Biological) and Tertiary Treatments (Experienced Civil, Structural, Environmental & Electrical engineers will be used as resources).
Plant, Dairy Products & Green House Development:
Medicinal plants will be planted during this phase in the low cost green houses. Cattle will be grown primarily for the dairy products (strictly not for meat). EnviroApps Inc will focus on Environmental Health issues also. Diabetes and Cholesterol issues are the major problem in India. Quality dairy products such as Milk and organic nutritional products will be produced (Food and Nutrition degree students will be utilized in this project).
Phase III:
Eco Tour:
Eco Tour will be one of our products that will create Environmental Awareness. People with biology
knowledge will be used as Eco-tour guides. We are situated in the foothills of naturally diversified Anamalai hills. The Indira Gandhi Wildlife sanctuary has a wide range of rich fauna and flora. Several activities such as Elephant ride, boating, trekking, bird and animal watching will be part of the Eco-tour along with natural farm visit. Small but comfortable vehicles with expert drivers will be used for traveling. Currently EA Eco-tour consists of five vehicles and will be increased as the business grows. These vehicles will be used for creating environmental awareness also.
Green Colony & Resorts:
After achieving success in the Phase I and Phase II, EA will begin constructing the Green Colony (where all aged people including old can live in Nature) and Resorts. Four building blocks of each will be initially built with a swimming pool. Recycled materials will be used as much as possible for the construction. Energy will be generated from natural resources such as wind, solar, and bio-energy.
Sustainable Research Institute:
Even though Sustainable Research Institute is mentioned as the last phase of this project, the research will be starting from Phase I of the project. Each and every aspect of the project will be documented and the outcome of the project will be published in International refereed journals. This institute will focus on sustainable development with great emphasis on Environmental Sciences, Engineering, Civil and Structural Engineering, Biological Sciences and Information Technology. Equal opportunity will be given in this institute. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle concepts will be followed in every aspects of the project.
This Sustainable Bio-Model Land development project will be the pilot model that will be implemented in various parts of the world according to the prevailing conditions.
Green Colony & Resorts:
After achieving success in the Phase I and Phase II, EA will begin constructing the Green Colony (where all aged people including old can live in Nature) and Resorts. Four building blocks of each will be initially built with a swimming pool. Recycled materials will be used as much as possible for the construction. Energy will be generated from natural resources such as wind, solar, and bio-energy.
Sustainable Research Institute:
Even though Sustainable Research Institute is mentioned as the last phase of this project, the research will be starting from Phase I of the project. Each and every aspect of the project will be documented and the outcome of the project will be published in International refereed journals. This institute will focus on sustainable development with great emphasis on Environmental Sciences, Engineering, Civil and Structural Engineering, Biological Sciences and Information Technology. Equal opportunity will be given in this institute. Reduce, Reuse and Recycle concepts will be followed in every aspects of the project.
This Sustainable Bio-Model Land development project will be the pilot model that will be implemented in various parts of the world according to the prevailing conditions.
Makesh Karuppiah, Ph.D
Pictures of the land for EA Sustainable Land Development Project
Following are the pictures of land for the EA Sustainable Technology and Land Development Project:
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
If it were only like this - India Environment
My friend sent me a beautiful train photo link from the following link:
http://www.irfca.org/gallery/Uploads/eno_sbc/IMG_2287.JPG.html
We were all upset by the garbage in front of the train.
All I could do was a virtual cleaning. Compare photo1 and photo2:
Photo: 1 & 2
http://www.irfca.org/gallery/Uploads/eno_sbc/IMG_2287.JPG.html
We were all upset by the garbage in front of the train.
All I could do was a virtual cleaning. Compare photo1 and photo2:
Photo: 1 & 2
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Moving Forward 3
By God's grace we are moving forward (The list of Primary Share holders are growing)
MKK, Ph.D
CSK, M.S - Singapore
GK M.Sc., M.Phil
KCS M.E
AKA, M.S
KSR, B.E
SMN M.S
FSF - Singapore
SS, M.S
RC, M.S
AB M.S
VN, M.S
SM, BL - INDIA
AAK
SCS
PK
MSL - Malaysia
CSK M.S
MR M.S
V - SC -
S -AM
MKK
We need 3 (Out of 16) more. Hopefully by God's grace we can get it to start this Project by Earth Day.
MKK, Ph.D
CSK, M.S - Singapore
GK M.Sc., M.Phil
KCS M.E
AKA, M.S
KSR, B.E
SMN M.S
FSF - Singapore
SS, M.S
RC, M.S
AB M.S
VN, M.S
SM, BL - INDIA
AAK
SCS
PK
MSL - Malaysia
CSK M.S
MR M.S
V - SC -
S -AM
MKK
We need 3 (Out of 16) more. Hopefully by God's grace we can get it to start this Project by Earth Day.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Some Good News for Environment and Wildlife
Studies indicate increase in forest canopy over a period of ten years in Madumalai Sanctuary, India.
April 1: Another study indicates increase in Tiger population in TamilNadu Forests, especially in
Mudumalai and Anamalai(Indira Gandhi Wildlife) Sanctuaries. Hence from April 1st 2008, a new Separate Tiger Sanctuary will
be announced, which will include both these sanctuaries.
EnviroApps Inc believes in Eco-Justices and hence we always have advertised the following slogans in our Eco-tour Cars:
SAVE WILDLIFE,
SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT
Few more sanctuaries:
Orphan elephants sanctuary in Kerala, India.
Bats sanctuary in Karnataka, India.
Exclusive Bird Hospital in Delhi, India
Also I read a news that some guy in Kerela is feeding fish and chicken to a Cow which I think is against nature.
April 1: Another study indicates increase in Tiger population in TamilNadu Forests, especially in
Mudumalai and Anamalai(Indira Gandhi Wildlife) Sanctuaries. Hence from April 1st 2008, a new Separate Tiger Sanctuary will
be announced, which will include both these sanctuaries.
EnviroApps Inc believes in Eco-Justices and hence we always have advertised the following slogans in our Eco-tour Cars:
SAVE WILDLIFE,
SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT
Few more sanctuaries:
Orphan elephants sanctuary in Kerala, India.
Bats sanctuary in Karnataka, India.
Exclusive Bird Hospital in Delhi, India
Also I read a news that some guy in Kerela is feeding fish and chicken to a Cow which I think is against nature.
River Ganga: Holy for most, septic almost
http://www.rediff.com/news/2008/mar/30ganga.htm:
Despite hundreds of crores of rupees being spent to clean the Ganga, the lifeline of north India, pollution levels in the river have reached septic levels at certain points with dissolved oxygen dropping to alarmingly low levels.
Ninety Five per cent of the pollution in the river is caused at point sources at which sewers and open drains bringing pollutants in domestic and municipal limits fall, while only five per cent is by the direct users.
As an Environmental Scientist who was involved in Pocomoke River(Chesapeake Bay tributary) Sediment toxicity research,
I am not at all surprised at this level of pollution in Ganges River. Non-point Agricultural runoff, very few sewage treatment plants outlet and polutry litter runoff has caused Pocomoke River disaster(massive fish kills). I would also say that Pocomoke River Pollution may be very very less compared to that of Ganges River Pollution. More studies on Ganges sediments must be done. Ganges sediments must also be analyzed for levels of various pollutants and steps needs to be taken along those lines in the cleanup process.
Makesh Karuppiah, Ph.D
Despite hundreds of crores of rupees being spent to clean the Ganga, the lifeline of north India, pollution levels in the river have reached septic levels at certain points with dissolved oxygen dropping to alarmingly low levels.
Ninety Five per cent of the pollution in the river is caused at point sources at which sewers and open drains bringing pollutants in domestic and municipal limits fall, while only five per cent is by the direct users.
As an Environmental Scientist who was involved in Pocomoke River(Chesapeake Bay tributary) Sediment toxicity research,
Makesh Karuppiah, Ph.D
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Greed for wealth and growth will lead to Environmental Problems
News: Korea is interested in creating more industries in India, esp, Tamilnadu.
Ecological and environmental problems will be the main issues of future India.
This will occur mainly because of greed for wealth and growth, carelessness, poor environmental practices and Indian government legislation on Environment Protection.
India’s Environmental richness,forests and majestic animals such as elephants and tigers will be long gone if proper action is not taken at least in a small scale.
May be these countries need to pay for India's Environmental Protection when they build these Industries in India.
Ecological and environmental problems will be the main issues of future India.
This will occur mainly because of greed for wealth and growth, carelessness, poor environmental practices and Indian government legislation on Environment Protection.
India’s Environmental richness,forests and majestic animals such as elephants and tigers will be long gone if proper action is not taken at least in a small scale.
May be these countries need to pay for India's Environmental Protection when they build these Industries in India.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
WORLD WATER DAY & EPA EARTHDAY PHOTOCONTEST
WORLD WATER DAY:
http://water.org/waterpartners.aspx?pgID=1081
Water – the most basic element on earth. Without water, human life doesn’t exist. And without safe water, neither does good health. For most of us, it’s a short walk to the faucet in the kitchen, or bottled water in the refrigerator. But for more than a billion people – about one in six people on earth – getting safe water each day is no easy task. Women and children around the world walk 200 million hours every day for water – water that often comes from a polluted source.
My Interest in Water Research:
http://www.geocities.com/kmakeshk/water.html
http://www.epa.gov/EarthDay/photocontest/
EPA Earth Day 2008 Photo Contest: Enjoying the Environment
EPA Earth Day 2008 Photo Contest: Protecting the Environment
EPA Earth Day 2008 Photo Contest: Nature and Wildlife
http://water.org/waterpartners.aspx?pgID=1081
Water – the most basic element on earth. Without water, human life doesn’t exist. And without safe water, neither does good health. For most of us, it’s a short walk to the faucet in the kitchen, or bottled water in the refrigerator. But for more than a billion people – about one in six people on earth – getting safe water each day is no easy task. Women and children around the world walk 200 million hours every day for water – water that often comes from a polluted source.
My Interest in Water Research:
http://www.geocities.com/kmakeshk/water.html
http://www.epa.gov/EarthDay/photocontest/
EPA Earth Day 2008 Photo Contest: Enjoying the Environment
EPA Earth Day 2008 Photo Contest: Protecting the Environment
EPA Earth Day 2008 Photo Contest: Nature and Wildlife
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
India a dumping ground - for E-wastes
Delhi - E-Waste Capital of the World.
E-Wastes - 1,46,180 tons per year.
Slow poisoning of Environment and health.
Many of India’s corporations burn e-waste such as PC monitors, PCBs, CDs, motherboards, cables, toner cartridges, light bulbs and tube-lights in the open along with garbage, releasing large amounts of mercury and lead into the atmosphere.
NEED MORE ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS
NEED STRONG e-waste policy and legislation
Fee from manufacturers/consumers for the disposal of toxic materials
Encourage recycling and disposal industries with positive points.
Ref: http://www.expresscomputeronline.com/20051121/management01.shtml
Environment of India is being abused by e-waste generators, because of lack of awareness, laws and human greed. This is one reason for starting the Sustainable Land Development Project. Hopefully we can stop atleast few percentages of these Environmental Abuses to Incredible India.
Solutions: The following safety measures (less cost safety materials would save these people in long run). Safety glasses, dust masks and gloves would protect at least minimally from these hazardous materials. These safety materials must be mandated and provided by money making companies who send their eWastes. Also PVC ashes should never be allowed to be dumped or burned in children playgrounds. Government and Environmental Ministry should provide proper disposal options.
Safety Glasses:
Dust Masks:
Gloves:
E-Wastes - 1,46,180 tons per year.
Slow poisoning of Environment and health.
Many of India’s corporations burn e-waste such as PC monitors, PCBs, CDs, motherboards, cables, toner cartridges, light bulbs and tube-lights in the open along with garbage, releasing large amounts of mercury and lead into the atmosphere.
NEED MORE ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS
NEED STRONG e-waste policy and legislation
Fee from manufacturers/consumers for the disposal of toxic materials
Encourage recycling and disposal industries with positive points.
Ref: http://www.expresscomputeronline.com/20051121/management01.shtml
Environment of India is being abused by e-waste generators, because of lack of awareness, laws and human greed. This is one reason for starting the Sustainable Land Development Project. Hopefully we can stop atleast few percentages of these Environmental Abuses to Incredible India.
Solutions: The following safety measures (less cost safety materials would save these people in long run). Safety glasses, dust masks and gloves would protect at least minimally from these hazardous materials. These safety materials must be mandated and provided by money making companies who send their eWastes. Also PVC ashes should never be allowed to be dumped or burned in children playgrounds. Government and Environmental Ministry should provide proper disposal options.
Safety Glasses:
Dust Masks:
Gloves:
World Bank Supports India’s Power Systems with US$600 Million
The World Bank today approved a US$600 million loan to the Power Grid Corporation of India, backed by a Government of India guarantee, designed to strengthen the country’s electricity transmission system in order to increase reliable power exchange between regions and states.
The Fourth Power System Development Project (PSDP IV) aims to reduce transmission losses and cut the cost of energy through further investments in transmission systems. It will also contribute to the clean energy initiative through both the ability to transfer surplus hydro energy to power deficit regions in India and relieve some of the pressure to build generation facilities, particularly in and around the major load growth centers.
Despite a booming economy, India’s growth potential is constrained by inadequate electricity services and limited power generation and supply infrastructure. Over forty percent of the population is without electricity, and the cost of erratic and insufficient power supply is high for industry as well as households, which causes 60 percent of Indian firms and a large percentage of homes to rely on captive or back-up generation. The power sector has improved in recent years, albeit in an environment where demand for electricity continues to outstrip supply. The Electricity Act of 2003 brought together structural and regulatory reforms designed to foster competitive markets, encourage private participation and transform the state’s role from service provider to regulator. PSDP IV will facilitate these objectives of the Act.
“India’s policy reforms in the power sector are beginning to pay off,” said Isabel Guerrero, World Bank Country Director for India. “The sector’s financial performance is impro ving and more and more villages are being electrified. At the same time, the need to boost the rural economy where about 30 percent of villages are not electrified and improve the investment climate are placing additional demands on the country’s power supply system. This project, by strengthening transmission networks within and between regions, will enable more power to reach the people across the country."
Looking forward, the Government of India has established an ambitious mission of “Power for All by 2012.” This will entail increasing country’s installed generation capacity to more than 200,000 MW by 2012, up from the current level of 140,000 MW. The country’s transmission plan focuses on the consolidation of the national grid by adding over 60,000 circuit km of transmission network by 2012, which will carry 60 percent of the power generated in the country.
The Bank has been actively involved in the reform and development of the transmission sector in India, and specifically in the creation and strengthening of the Power Grid Corporation of India. The World Bank has made three direct loans to Power Grid since 1993. During this period, the company has nearly tripled its transmission network, its assets have grown more than eight-fold to US$7.3 billion, and revenues have increased more than six times to over US$1 billion.
“The Bank's partnership with Power Grid represents a sound and replicable model for engagement with middle income countries,” said Pedro Sanchez, World Bank Senior Energy Specialist and team leader for the project. “The current project is part of the Bank’s long term partnership with Power Grid, initiated when the company was established in 1989. During this period, the Bank has assisted Power Grid to achieve world-class operations and management by financing US$2.37 billion of its investment program and supporting its progress towards strengthening its technical capabilities, improving corporate g overnance, enhancing institutional capacities, and diversifying its business lines.”
The project will finance the strengthening of five transmission schemes: East-West Transmission Corridor,
Western Region System Strengthening Scheme II, Eastern Region System Strengthening Scheme I, Balia-Bhiwadi HVDC Bipole System, and North-West Transmission Corridor.
The loan, from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), has a 20 year maturity which includes a 5-year grace period.
For more information on the Bank’s work in India, visit http://www.worldbank.org.in
For more project information
Contacts:
In Delhi:
Sudip Mozumder 91-11-24617241
smozumder@worldbank.org
In Washington: Erik Nora (202) 458 4735
enora@worldbank.org
Got this email. Hopefully the entities spend atleast few percentage of this money towards improving the treatment of pollution from these power units along with the support.
The Fourth Power System Development Project (PSDP IV) aims to reduce transmission losses and cut the cost of energy through further investments in transmission systems. It will also contribute to the clean energy initiative through both the ability to transfer surplus hydro energy to power deficit regions in India and relieve some of the pressure to build generation facilities, particularly in and around the major load growth centers.
Despite a booming economy, India’s growth potential is constrained by inadequate electricity services and limited power generation and supply infrastructure. Over forty percent of the population is without electricity, and the cost of erratic and insufficient power supply is high for industry as well as households, which causes 60 percent of Indian firms and a large percentage of homes to rely on captive or back-up generation. The power sector has improved in recent years, albeit in an environment where demand for electricity continues to outstrip supply. The Electricity Act of 2003 brought together structural and regulatory reforms designed to foster competitive markets, encourage private participation and transform the state’s role from service provider to regulator. PSDP IV will facilitate these objectives of the Act.
“India’s policy reforms in the power sector are beginning to pay off,” said Isabel Guerrero, World Bank Country Director for India. “The sector’s financial performance is impro ving and more and more villages are being electrified. At the same time, the need to boost the rural economy where about 30 percent of villages are not electrified and improve the investment climate are placing additional demands on the country’s power supply system. This project, by strengthening transmission networks within and between regions, will enable more power to reach the people across the country."
Looking forward, the Government of India has established an ambitious mission of “Power for All by 2012.” This will entail increasing country’s installed generation capacity to more than 200,000 MW by 2012, up from the current level of 140,000 MW. The country’s transmission plan focuses on the consolidation of the national grid by adding over 60,000 circuit km of transmission network by 2012, which will carry 60 percent of the power generated in the country.
The Bank has been actively involved in the reform and development of the transmission sector in India, and specifically in the creation and strengthening of the Power Grid Corporation of India. The World Bank has made three direct loans to Power Grid since 1993. During this period, the company has nearly tripled its transmission network, its assets have grown more than eight-fold to US$7.3 billion, and revenues have increased more than six times to over US$1 billion.
“The Bank's partnership with Power Grid represents a sound and replicable model for engagement with middle income countries,” said Pedro Sanchez, World Bank Senior Energy Specialist and team leader for the project. “The current project is part of the Bank’s long term partnership with Power Grid, initiated when the company was established in 1989. During this period, the Bank has assisted Power Grid to achieve world-class operations and management by financing US$2.37 billion of its investment program and supporting its progress towards strengthening its technical capabilities, improving corporate g overnance, enhancing institutional capacities, and diversifying its business lines.”
The project will finance the strengthening of five transmission schemes: East-West Transmission Corridor,
Western Region System Strengthening Scheme II, Eastern Region System Strengthening Scheme I, Balia-Bhiwadi HVDC Bipole System, and North-West Transmission Corridor.
The loan, from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), has a 20 year maturity which includes a 5-year grace period.
For more information on the Bank’s work in India, visit http://www.worldbank.org.in
For more project information
Contacts:
In Delhi:
Sudip Mozumder 91-11-24617241
smozumder@worldbank.org
In Washington: Erik Nora (202) 458 4735
enora@worldbank.org
Got this email. Hopefully the entities spend atleast few percentage of this money towards improving the treatment of pollution from these power units along with the support.
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