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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, DESTRUCT...

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 actio...

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.

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 t...

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.

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.

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

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 ...

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...

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.

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.

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

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...

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 conside...

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.

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, bioaccumulatio...

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 ...

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...

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 affecte...

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 destr...

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:

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

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, ste...

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

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

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 env...

Building Natural Agricultural Ecological Systems EAFARMS NAgES: Natural Agriculture Ecological Systems: • Pro‑Environmental • Sustainable • Organic • Natural • Regenerative • Permaculture • ZBNF • Indigenous EAFARMS will adopt NAgES - Natural Agriculture Ecological Systems -  a pro‑environmental, soil‑first, water‑first, biodiversity‑first model designed to regenerate silently over the years. “Look simple outside… so your land becomes a powerhouse inside.”Let them say anything today. The results will show over in years with biodynamic agricultural ecological system.” 1. NAgES Foundation Principles Pro‑Environmental Ethics - every action aligned with ecological responsibility Sustainable Agriculture - long-term ecological and economic stability Organic Farming - zero synthetic chemicals Natural Farming - biological processes, minimal disturbance Regenerative Agriculture - soil carbon, water retention, biodiversity Permaculture Design - self-sustaining ecological de...

Following are the pictures of land for the EA Sustainable Technology and Land Development Project: