Category Archives: Nature

Tree Bank making waves in the city

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives/ Environment, Nature
For the cause of greenery: G. Mullaivanam, Founder, Tree Bank, giving saplings to residents of Virugambakkam. Photo: R. Shivaji Rao / The Hindu
For the cause of greenery: G. Mullaivanam, Founder, Tree Bank, giving saplings to residents of Virugambakkam. Photo: R. Shivaji Rao / The Hindu

As many as 355 volunteers plant a tree in each of the 155 divisions in Chennai everyday.

G. Mullaivanam, clad in a green shirt, walks down Krishna Nagar Third Street in Virugambakkam identifying the trees, the month/year they were planted and the occasion they were planted for. He also narrates how the residents maintain them with his guidance.

G. Mullaivanam is the proud owner of these and a lakh of other trees that are planted in Chennai. His Tree Bank is making waves in the city with 355 volunteers (including college students and IT professionals), planting a tree in each of the 155 divisions in Chennai everyday.

Tree Bank gives away free saplings to the public who approaches the Bank for one. And its job does not end there; it ensures that the new owner nourishes it with proper care. “Our team inspects the house of the people who takes saplings from us. It looks for an appropriate place for the tree taking into account the MetroWater line and EB line and train them on how deep the pit should be, and how to grow and maintain it. The resident is expected to mail a picture of the planted tree and the team regularly keeps a check on its growth,” says Mr. Mullaivanam. “Thrice a year, the team visits all the places where the trees were planted and help in pruning and other tree care services,” he adds.

People approach Tree Bank to plant trees during an important day in the family, such as birthdays, wedding days or death anniversaries of family members. “Sometimes, we ourselves plant the tree for them in a place mentioned by them,” he adds. Tree Bank has innumerable number of saplings/trees including all varieties from which people can choose the one they want. It has rare medicinal ones too. Mullaivanam, a third generation farmer, collects the saplings from all possible sources, waters them, nourishes them, prunes the trees and even prepares natural manures. He does all this for no monetary benefit. Farming and providing flower decoration services are his sources of income.

Mullaivanam says that he has been collecting and giving away saplings from the age of 13 but formed ‘Tree Bank’ enrolling volunteers in 2008 to take the concept to a higher level. “The idea is to involve the public and sensitise them to the fact that technology is increasing pollution and lifestyle is creating destruction,” he adds. Initially, Tree Bank gave saplings as gifts without any condition, but many came back to them as people could not maintain them. They found trees left uncared for. “People are too busy that they are not able to spare two minutes to water them,” Mr. Mullaivanam points out.

Tree Bank gives saplings to colleges and schools for study purpose and also to plant in their campus. With 7135 volunteers all around the country, it has planted more than four lakh trees and given away more than 13 lakh saplings.

Apart from this, the organisation also conducts environment awareness programmes in schools. It has launched a Child Team with 70 child volunteers. “The tree which the child plants will be named after him/her and fitted with a placard tied to the tree.” The children themselves dig the pit, plant the trees and grow them.

The organisation also conducts awareness programmes to teach the public how to arrest mosquito breeding, the ill-effects of consuming alcohol, etc. “We should not always look up to the Government for solutions. We are the Government and it is everyone’s responsibility to build conducive environment for living,” he adds.

Mullaivanam has requested the Government through a petition to make people plant four trees every time they buy a car and two trees for two-wheelers and to make space for tree planting compulsory for land registration. Anybody who wants to get saplings from Tree Bank should mail their details to treebankofindia@gmail.com or sms 97898 92080.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> DownTown / by R. Keerthana / Chennai – May 01st, 2012

Where dreams grow like mushrooms

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives/ Environment, Nature
Women now cultivate oyster mushroom that fetches them a monthly income . Photo: K.V. Srinivasan / The Hindu
Women now cultivate oyster mushroom that fetches them a monthly income . Photo: K.V. Srinivasan / The Hindu

Thanks to an initiative by students of Ethiraj College and a microfinance company, women from slums become financially independent.

The rear end of Ethiraj College once had a large vacant land which was used for parking. Now, there stands a thatched hut which is changing lives of eight women from Thideer Nagar slum close by .

These women were trained to grow mushrooms , which provides them with a monthly income. Their lives changed when a couple of students of Enactus Ethiraj, a group promoting social entrepreneurship, along with representatives of Equitas, a microfinance group working with people from low-income groups, approached them.

“After a couple of hours of brainstorming, we zeroed in on the project we wanted to take up. We decided to grow mushrooms. We thought of teaching them where they lived. But, who would be interested in buying mushrooms in a slum. That’s when the management of Ethiraj College stepped forward and offered help. They not only decided to offer financial assistance but also gave a small piece of land for growing mushrooms,” says John Alex, programme director, Equitas.

Mushroom cultivation by Enactus Ethiraj Project Agaricus at Ethiraj College for Women. Photo: K.V. Srinivasan / The Hindu
Mushroom cultivation by Enactus Ethiraj Project Agaricus at Ethiraj College for Women. Photo: K.V. Srinivasan / The Hindu

The ground work began in December 2014 and the shed was ready by March 2015. These women were trained by Raghupathi, an expert in mushroom cultivation.

He taught them everything about oyster mushrooms and the conditions they are grown in.

“We built the shed, which is where these mushrooms grow in plastic packets. The temperature is controlled. It has to be humid all the time. Right next door, we have a room where these women do all the preparations. They pack the final product and put it out for sale,” says Kanchi J. Shah, president of the Club.

Sanjana Murali (vice-president), Maduvanthi Birla (joint vice-president), Kavitha Ramesh Kumar (secretary), Vidhyalakshmi C.A. (treasurer) and Kimberly Jane Moses (joint treasurer) and staff member Sumathy Ravi are the core members of the project. Those involved in the project are happy about the way it has panned out.

Forty-two-year-old Lalesh Mary says, “I wanted to do something out of my house, for a long time. When this opportunity came, I grabbed it. It opens avenues for other business opportunities. Moreover, I have learnt to cook mushrooms. Two months ago, I did not know such a thing existed.”

Mushroom cultivation by Enactus Ethiraj Project Agaricus at Ethiraj College for Women in Chennai on March 06, 2015. Photo: K.V. Srinivasan / The Hindu
Mushroom cultivation by Enactus Ethiraj Project Agaricus at Ethiraj College for Women in Chennai on March 06, 2015. Photo: K.V. Srinivasan / The Hindu

Oyster mushroom is healthy and high on proteins.

The college sells these products under the brand En-Kalan at the college premises.

It is also sold at departmental stores. For more details, write to enactusethiraj@gmail.com

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> DownTown / by Vipasha Sinha / March 14th, 2015

‘Darbha’ grass, a natural preservative

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Nature, Science & Technologies
Darbha (Desmotachya bipinnata) is a tropical grass considered a sacred material in Vedic scriptures and is said to purify the offerings during such rituals.
Darbha (Desmotachya bipinnata) is a tropical grass considered a sacred material in Vedic scriptures and is said to purify the offerings during such rituals.

 

Darbha (Desmotachya bipinnata) is a tropical grass considered a sacred material in Vedic scriptures and is said to purify the offerings during such rituals.

Traditional tropical grass, Darbha, has been identified as an eco-friendly food preservative.

This finding was evolved in a research study undertaken jointly by the Centre for Nanotechnology and Advanced Biomaterials (CeNTAB) and the Centre for Advanced Research in Indian System of Medicine (CARISM) of the SASTRA University, Thanjavur, under the supervision of Dr. P. Meera and Dr. P. Brindha respectively.

AncientDarbhaC F19mar2015

Darbha (Desmotachya bipinnata) is a tropical grass considered a sacred material in Vedic scriptures and is said to purify the offerings during such rituals.

At the time of eclipse, people place that grass in food items that could ferment and once the eclipse ends the grass is removed.

A systematic research was conducted by the SASTRA University researchers, in which cow’s curd was chosen as a food item that could ferment easily.

Five other tropical grass species, including lemon grass, Bermuda grass, and bamboo were chosen for comparison based on different levels of antibiotic properties and hydro phobicity.

Electron microscopy of different grasses revealed stunning nano-patterns and hierarchical nano or micro structures in darbha grass while they were absent in other grasses.

On studying the effect of various grasses on the microbial community of the curd, darbha grass alone was found to attract enormous number of bacteria into the hierarchical surface features.

These are the bacteria responsible for fermentation of cow’s curd.

During eclipse, the wavelength and intensity of light radiations available on the earth’s surface is altered. Especially, the blue and ultraviolet radiations, which are known for their natural disinfecting property, are not available in sufficient quantities during eclipse.

This leads to uncontrolled growth of micro-organisms in food products during eclipse and the food products are not suitable for consumption. Darbha was thus used as a natural disinfectant on specific occasions, say researchers at SASTRA University.

Further, the scientists say that darbha could be used as a natural food preservative in place of harmful chemical preservatives and the artificial surfaces mimicking the hierarchical nano patterns on the surface of darbha grass could find applications in health care where sterile conditions were required.

This entire research was funded by the SASTRA University’s Research Fund.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Tiruchirapalli / by L. Renganathan / Thanjavur – March 16th, 2015

The goodness of herbs

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Nature, Science & Technologies
Don Bosco School, Egmore, has been organising this State level event every year. Photo: Vaishali R Venkat / The Hindu
Don Bosco School, Egmore, has been organising this State level event every year. Photo: Vaishali R Venkat / The Hindu

Veerababu’s herbal canteen inside Ripon Building has a loyal set of followers. K. Sarumathi reports on what keeps it going

Sridhar is paying his first visit to this canteen inside Ripon Building. And this is not going to be his last. In fact, Sridhar says this is going to be one of many visits.

“I came here for some work and heard about the canteen. The food is healthy, good and affordable. I will surely come back.” There are many others like Sridhar, including the staff of the Corporation office, who swear by the food.

The canteen at Rippon Building recieves over 500 visitors. Photo: Vaishali R Venkat / The Hindu
The canteen at Rippon Building recieves over 500 visitors. Photo: Vaishali R Venkat / The Hindu

Three years since it was established, the herbal canteen inside the Ripon Building continues to be a hit among the health-conscious. Started by Veerababu, a final year student of Arignar Anna Government Hospital and a resident of Saligramam, the canteen receives 500 visitors from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays.

Photo: Vaishali R Venkat / The Hindu
Photo: Vaishali R Venkat / The Hindu

A Siddha specialist, Veerababu started his first restaurant from his clinic in Saligramam. “When I found this space for my clinic, it was too big. I converted a portion into a canteen and started selling health food. I was then invited by the Mayor to start a similar canteen inside the Ripon Building,” he says.

The Avaram and nilavembu juice are among the most sought-after at the canteen. “You will get it on all days, throughout the year. While Avaram is preferred by those with diabetics, Nilavembu helps deal with fever and cold. Apart from these two, we offer other health drinks on different days,” says Veerababu. Sweets and savouries on offer include thinai halwa, banana-leaf kozhukattai, ragi puttu and wheat kuli paniyaram. The canteen also offers meals with one herb in each item at Rs 15. Breakfast includes variety dosa made from mudakathan, khambu and choolan. Other preparations are priced between Rs. 5 and Rs. 15.

Mooligai Unavagam in Rippon Building. Photo: Vaishali R Venkat / The Hindu
Mooligai Unavagam in Rippon Building. Photo: Vaishali R Venkat / The Hindu

Veerababu is now all set to launch his restaurant at 100 Feet Road in Vadapalani, which is expected to have something for both the fitness enthusiast and the carb-craver. “The work on the building is going on and it should be ready in a month. The restaurant will also sell herbal and millet products at wholesale prices,” he adds. Veerababu can be reached at 98402 78009.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> DownTown / by K. Sarumathi / March 14th, 2015

Students create natural dye out of almond leaves

Business & Economy, Green Initiatives/ Environment, Nature, Science & Technologies

Madurai :

Students in the apparel and design fashion technology department of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) are projecting almond leaves as potential sources for natural dyes.

The produce from these leaves, which have a great staining capacity, is being tried on cotton fabrics as a more eco-friendly replacement to chemical dyes.

The project was recently exhibited at the Vivasaya Thiruvizha (agricultural festival). The students explained that a component called phenol gave almond leaves a staining capacity, and they were making use of this property to propose a much more safer and eco-friendly dyeing substance.

The colour of the dye depends on the amount of phenyl present in the leaves, they said.

Colours are fixed on the fabric with the help of a ‘mordent’.

Most fabrics have chemical substances as mordants, which could prove hazardous to health. However, the students are using natural mordants like alum and ferrous sulfate. Currently, they are trying out the dyes on cushion covers and handbags.

T Padmini, professor of Textile Department, TNAU, said, “Many of these dye products are also used in dyeing fabrics like Bandhani sarees or salwars. It is called the tie-dye process, wherein the fabric is tied at various ends to leave the color on the fabric. Our idea is to try eco-friendly ways to use farm resources.”

Professors from the home science department in the university said they were planning to introduce the product in the market after related tests were conducted.

“Publishing the product in the market involves a lengthy process, since various tests need to be conducted to understand the fastness of the dye. Thereafter, dye manufacturers will be enlightened on how it is produced,” Padmini added.

The students explained that a component called phenol gave almond leaves a staining capacity, and they were making use of this property to propose a much more safer and eco-friendly dyeing substance.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Madurai / by Karishma Ravindran, TNN / February 28th, 2015

Seed bank to revive medicinal plant

Green Initiatives/ Environment, Nature, Science & Technologies

Coimbatore :

Medicinal plants on the verge of extinction may get a shot in the arm with the Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding (IFGTB) in Coimbatore setting up a repository of seeds. The institute plans to grow the plants within its campus, create a seed bank and sell the seeds.

“We are trying to save medicinal plants using the tissue culture method. If we are successful, we will give seeds to farmers and medicinal plant lovers,” said a senior scientist at the institute. “They will be stored in a seed bank, which is a room with sections for chryopreservation, germination and x-ray facilities to check if the germ is alive,” said A Karthikeyan, senior scientist of IFGTB.

This is part of their plan to keep tabs on disappearing medicinal plants and preserve the ecology of the region. Three of the plants the institute is looking at are vishnukranti, veldt grape and morning mallow or kurunthotti.

The roots of the kurunthotti plant, found in the state’s western region and Kerala, can be crushed to make oil which is used to cure fever, asthma, join pain and cough. Vishnukranti, which is found on the red-soiled plains in the western region, is used with cumin and milk to cure fever, nervous breakdowns and memory issues. Veldt grape is used to in Ayurveda and Siddha to heal fractures and ligament tears.

The plants grow on waste land and road sides. “These plants grow in Mettupalayam, Madhampatti on the way to Siruvani, Thudiyalur and Anaikatti. They thrive in red soil,” said C Kunikannan, senior scientist at the institute. “But now their numbers are dwindling,” he said.

Clearing of weeds to widen roads, large-scale plucking by Ayurveda practitioners and spread of invasive species has led to the decline of the species.

“Many medicinal plants are rhizomes so the roots and stems which grow underground are valuable. People pluck out 10,000 to 20,000 plants with the roots for Ayurveda and Siddha, which have become industries,” said T Rajamani, professor, department of medicinal plants, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University.

“Invasive species also block sunlight from reaching these plants. “There is a fear that these plants will slowly become seasonal and later when a drought comes become unavailable,” adds Rajamani.

Dr Joseph T Varghese of Indian Ayurvedic Hospital and Research Centre said suppliers has said there is a decline in the number of medicinal plants. “We use kurunthotti extensively in our hospital, but suppliers have been saying that fewer plants are being found,” he said.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Coimbatore / by Pratiksha Ramkumar, TNN / February 25th, 2015

College students document lives of palmyra climbers, push for conservation

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

Madurai :

The decline in the population of palmyra trees, the official tree of Tamil Nadu, has raised concern among a group of college students here, who have released a documentary in a bid to promote awareness on the need to conserve these species.

About 30 students from the English department of Fatima College here travelled to Kovilpatti in Tuticorin district under the guidance of Dhan Foundation, an NGO and filmed the lives of palm climbers. The final documentary, titled ‘Waning Wealth’, was released recently.

R Arunadhi, a student of MA English, said, “Through the documentary, we are aiming to create awareness regarding palmyra trees. It portrays the life of palm climber and also speaks in detail about the products that we get from these trees, like the palm drink and palm sugar.”

The group picked Kovilpatti since the place is known for its significant palmyra tree population. The students travelled all the way to Kovilpatti taluk and started their shoot at four in the morning.

A J Bermita, another MA student, said, “Palmyra tree climbers wake up as early as 4am, so we started our day along with them. Out focus was basically on the disappearance of palmyra trees from Tamil Nadu.”

These trees were originally found in African tropical forests. In the state, palmyra trees have great significance since the leaves of these trees were earlier used to write Tamil scripts. However, a reported lack of state support, financially and technologically, to the labourers has caused the trees to disappear as less farmers opt for palmyra cultivation these days.

Kumari Ananthan, former president of Tamil Nadu Palmyra Workers Welfare Board, suggested that leaves of the trees be used to print wedding invitations, to raise more awareness about the trees.

“It is our duty to preserve the palmyra trees, since they are considered Tamil Nadu’s state tree,” she said.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Madurai / TNN / February 22nd, 2015

‘Farm-field school’ training for farmers

Business & Economy, Education, Green Initiatives/ Environment, Leaders, Nature

Veterinary College and Research Institute, Tirunelveli in co-ordination with Agricultural Technology Management Agency conducted a ‘farm-field school’ on ‘improved animal husbandry practices’ at Kalakkudi near Manur for six weeks from last January 7.

A total of 25 progressive farmers from Manur block benefited. Faculties of VC & RI conducted demonstrations including preparation of concentrate feed, conservation of fodder – silage making, cultivation of Co-4 feed, using the milking machine, de-worming and de-ticking for sheep and goat and oral pellet vaccination for Ranikhet disease in desi birds for the select team of beneficiaries.

In the valedictory function on Thursday at Kalakkudi, S. Prathaban, Dean of VC &RI released the training manual, distributed certificates and inputs package consisting of TANUVAS Smart Mineral Mixture, video lessons on dairy farming, sheep and goat farming and desi fowl rearing to the beneficiaries.

In his address, Dr. Prathaban stressed the importance of using scientific techniques in livestock farming to reduce production cost.

V. Saraswathi, Assistant Director of Agriculture, Manur block, narrated the activities of ATMA scheme. C. Manivanan, Professor and Head, Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension Education, VC & RI, Tirunelveli presented a report on the farm field school.

S. Senthilkumar, Assistant Professor, Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension Education, and Manivannan, a progressive farmer from Kalakkudi, also spoke.

Importance of using scientific techniques in livestock farming stressed

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> National> Tamil Nadu / by Special Correspondent / Tirunelveli – February 22nd, 2015

Buddha-era Rice Among Rare Varieties on Display

Business & Economy, Green Initiatives/ Environment, Nature, Records, All
Pics: Albin Mathew
Pics: Albin Mathew

Chennai :

Ancient Tamils are known for producing and consuming several varieties of paddy and millets, which kept them hale and healthy. Their daily food even doubled up as medicine and kept them free of diseases. As part of the Sangam Four literary Festival which began on February 13, stalls showcasing ancient varieties of rice and millets have been opened. Apart from these, cookies made of millets and other savouries are also available at these stalls.

BuddhaEraRiceCF22feb2015

Some of the rare varieties of rice are on display at a stall put up by Aral Organics.  Among the rice varieties, Kala Namak, known for its aroma and distinct taste, and rich in 40 minerals, is the cynosure of all eyes as this rice variety is believed to have been consumed by Lord Buddha several thousands of years ago.

Kala Namak rice had derived its name from black husk (kala) and a mild salty taste (namak). It is considered one of the finest rice varieties in the international market.

Kala Namak rice is said to be good for the brain cells and prevents cancer. People suffering from kidney problems and those with skin and blood-related ailments are advised to consume this variety of rice. The next important rice variety is Moongil Arisi (Bamboo rice), which interestingly, is not grown in paddy fields. Bamboo blossoms once in 40 years and the flowers of bamboo produce this rice variety. It looks like the miniature version of wheat and  is the staple food for tribals. This rice adds immunity to one’s system and helps those having infertility problems.

The other important varieties of rice on display are: Maappillai Samba, Sivappu Kavuni, Kothamalli Samba, Poongar rice, Seeraga Samba, Sona Masoori, Koliyan Samba, etc. Each variety of rice has distinctive medicinal purposes.

Many varieties of millets are also on display.  Millets are more nutritious than any other cereals and can be a worthy addition to one’s diet.  Cookies made of millets, ragi, kambu, samai, varagu, kuthiraivali and palm candy cookies, using only country made sugar, are available here.

The kodo millet reduces cholesterol levels, enhances kidney function, reduces joint pain and diseases that damage optic nerves, and regulates lymp glands and menstrual disorders. Little millet contains more micro nutrients and regulates the blood flow in the body, reduces cholesterol levels, helps bone development and overcome problems related to the intestine,  besides reducing the effects caused by fever and easing constipation.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Cities> Chennai / by Express News Service / February 19th, 2015

Cattle display their ‘majestic’ quotient at fair

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

Pollachi :

It was a beauty pageant with a difference. Participants did not do a catwalk on the ramp, but stood in line for the jury to convey their verdict. And these judges were not looking for hourglass figures but were more concerned about the health of their teeth, eyes, knees and hump. For those still wondering what this is all about, it was a cattle show for indigenous breeds held at Samathur near Pollachi on Friday.

The event dubbed Kongunattu Kalnadai Thiruvizha – 2015, held for the first time by Vanavarayar Foundation, had about 700 cattle belonging to nine native breeds brought from villages far and near. “The cattle were judged based on their health and ‘majestic’ quotient,” said a member of the organizing committee. The prize amount ranged from Rs7000 to Rs50,000.

Kangeyam bulls were brought in numbers while other breeds like Unbalachery and Karuva (a kind of goat breed) also participated. “It is difficult to breed native cattle as it is expensive. Only if our agricultural production is healthy we can breed these kind of cattle,” said A P Periasamy, a farmer from Tirupur, whose family has been breeding native cattle for three generations. “We had close to 500 cattle fifty years ago, but now we have only 25 since we are unable to care for them due to fall in agricultural production,” he added.

A dairy farming couple from New Zealand had also visited the exhibition. “India has so many native breeds. These native breeds should be nurtured,” said Dr John Henry Niezen, specialist, Dairy Herd Development.

“We are unaware of the glory of native breeds. Hence many switch to exotic breeds lured by their high milk yielding capacity. What they fail to understand is that the milk of the native cow has more protein,” said Shankar Vanavarayar, Joint Correspondent, Kumaraguru College of Technology. The event is the brain child of Vanavarayar.

“We have come to a sad state where the significance of Kangeyam bulls has been recognized in Brazil where they are being reared in huge numbers, while we have slowly forgotten their value,” he said. Noting that the show and the exhibition was a first step towards spreading the importance of native cattle, he said that by 2016 the foundation has planned to establish a model farm.

“Once the model farm is established, visitors will be educated on the importance of indigenous breeds,” he said.

Dr K Baskrasethupathy, chief manager of ABT Dairy division, an organizer, said that farmers from across western region of Tamil Nadu and several from adjoining Kerala also visited the cattle fair. The fair also had 60 stalls featuring an array of cattle and dairy products. “The feedback from the farmers was great. We also gave them suggestions on feeding and nurturing native cattle breeds,” said Dr R Gnana Sekaran, veterinarian and nutritionist for cattle from Bengaluru. This exhibition will be open till February 7.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Coimbatore / by G. Rajeswari, TNN / February 07th, 2015