Cyber police nab Kozhikode trio for alleged role in 25-crore fraud
The trios arrest comes a month after a woman from Kollam, Sujitha G., was arrested in the case; as many as 250 SIM cards, 40 mobile phones, laptops, and debit cards seized from a flat used by the accused
Newborns with genetic defects increasing in Kerala, peaks in Thiruvananthapuram: Assembly report
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Marking a concerning finding in the state's health trend, the Assembly Estimates Committee has come out with a report pointing at an increase in newborn infants with genetic deformities. As per the report, Thiruvananthapuram is leading in the number of newborn children with genetic defects. The report, which compiled the data from the Newborn Screening Program from 2021 to 2023, found that the capital city is followed by Kollam and Malappuram in the number of cases. The committee, chaired by former health minister KK Shailaja, also identified that the number of children with genetic disorders are increasing in the state. The number of newborns reported with genetic defects was 2,635 in 2021, which rose to 3,232 in 2022 and 4,779 in 2023. The figures of Thiruvananthapuram district increased from 379 in 2021 to 1,237 in 2023, a jump of 226%. The 2024 figures from the 13 government medical colleges of the state, under the 'Shalabham' scheme, also revealed that 61% of the cases identified in the state (1745 out of 2846) were from the capital. However, the committee observed that the total number of children screened in each district had not been received, and only after that can a conclusive analysis be stated. Another key finding of the committee was that the amount of funds utilised for the scheme was decreasing with every passing year. While 41.52% of the funds remained underutilized in 2021, the share rose to 73.14% in 2023, for which the committee has sought an explanation. Commenting on the report, genomics expert Dr Vinod Scaria said that there is nothing about the figures. Generally, the percentage of people with genetic disorders will be the constant in a population, he said. Adding that most of these diseases have either of the child's parents as carriers, there is nothing to panic about the general increasing trend. If the number of tests increasing we can surely say that this is a positive sign, as people are testing for these more, and a higher number suggests many more children with treatable conditions are being identified in newborn screening, he stated.
Kerala: 74-year-old woman rescued after two days trapped in well
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A 74-year-old woman had a miraculous escape after being trapped in a well near her home at Kanjiramala Pallithathil, for two days. Leelamma was found in a mud-filled well about 100 metres from her house, in a nearby rubber plantation. Fire and rescue personnel from Punalur Fire Station pulled her out around 7 pm on Wednesday and rushed her to Punalur Taluk Hospital. After receiving first aid, she was shifted to a private hospital in Kollam for further treatment. She had recently returned home from her daughters residence in Kundara by train. When her daughter was unable to contact her, a search was launched. Meanwhile, police recovered a note in which Leelamma reportedly expressed that she did not want to be a burden on her children. A case has been registered, and an investigation has begun. The woman, however, has stated that she accidentally fell into the well.
In Arippa, resolution fails to resolve itself
ARIPPA (KOLLAM) : What choice do we have? If not for this, we would probably die as orphans here. No roof above our heads, no place to live and nowhere to go! laments P Udayan. He seems curiously indifferent yet enthusiastic. Now in his 50s, he moved here from Kanjirappally in 2012. Its been a long 13 years since tens of thousands of landless moved to Arippa, which has since been their home and sole destination. Led by the Adivasi Dalit Munnetta Samithi (ADMS), they launched an agitation seeking land. Over the years, many died here, while several others moved out. Of those who chose to remain, 322 families are finally getting their own land. A walk around the place makes evident their long-borne penury. Living in stark and pitiable conditions -- rainwater seeping into tiny shanties that pass of as houses, with neither electricity nor water connections -- often jobless, and looked down upon by hostile locals, little wonder they chose to settle for the pittance offered in the name of rehabilitation. Over the years, many splinter groups joined them while many others chose to leave, but a few were left with no option. Weve no documents to prove our existence. Ive memories associated with this place; I lost my mother, my wife and son here. How can I leave them? sighs E N Reghu. A week has passed since the government officially resolved the historic Arippa land struggle. But a visit to the area, however, paints a different picture. A sense of betrayal, longing and sorrow fills the air. Contrary to claims, many families continue to agitate, urging the government to fulfil its earlier promises. The agitators stand clearly divided. Podichi and Pankajakshi, who have been part of the land struggle, near the makeshift shed where they have been staying for many years | B P Deepu On one side, around 200 families, led by the ADMS, are set to continue the agitation. On the other are those who accepted the government offer -- the ones who feel they have long been betrayed by the ADMS leadership. They have openly lashed out at ADMS chief Sreeraman Koyyon for misleading them. Our struggles wouldnt have gone on endlessly, if not for our leader, who kept misleading us, they say in unison. The ADMS leadership is quick to reject the charges. In fact the government backed out from its promises. It had assured the High Court in 2019 that at least 25 cents of land would be given. This has not been followed. Those who now support the government are the ones who tried to sabotage the Arippa struggle, said Sreeraman. About 200 families will continue with the agitation, he avers. Why shouldnt we? We came here following an assurance of getting one acre. Now, after 14 years, how can we go back empty handed? asks 88-year-old Pankajakshi and her 85-year-old sibling Podichi. Standing tall, these resolute, bare-footed womenfolk of Arippa are in no mood to give up -- conveying signals of more agitations en route!
Heavy rains lash parts of Kerala; IMD issues orange alert in two districts
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As heavy rains lashed parts of Kerala on Thursday, the IMD issued an 'orange alert' in the three southernmost districts of the state. The IMD declared an orange alert in Kottayam and Idukki districts and a yellow alert in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Malappuram on Thursday. According to IMD, Ernakulam and Pathanamthitta recorded isolated rainfall of 5 cm, followed by 4 cm in Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha, and Kottayam. However, none of the 137 stations that reported rainfall recorded heavy showers. A low-pressure area is likely to form over the southeast Arabian Sea and the Lakshadweep region off the Kerala-Karnataka coast around October 19. Rain or thundershowers are likely at most places in the state until October 21. On Wednesday, the IMD forecasted that conditions had become favourable for the onset of the northeast monsoon, following the complete withdrawal of the southwest monsoon from the country. An official announcement is expected soon. The state experienced a normal southwest monsoon this year.
Heavy Rains Lash Parts of Kerala, Orange Alert Issued in 3 Districts
IMD sounded the orange alert in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts
Exit of southwest monsoon, onset of northeast monsoon likely to be on October 16
Orange alert issued for Idukki and Kottayam on Thursday; yellow alert in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Malappuram
Exit of southwest monsoon, onset of northeast monsoon likely to be on October 16
Orange alert issued for Idukki and Kottayam on Thursday; yellow alert in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Malappuram
Two youths rescued after getting stuck in restricted Rajathottam forest while filming YouTube video
KOLLAM: Forest guards rescued two youths who had strayed into the Rajathottam forest, a restricted area under the Aryankavu forest range on Tuesday morning. The youths - V Vishnu, 20, and A Alfin, 21, both hails from Karunagappally entered the forest around 7.30 am to shoot a YouTube video but lost their way due to heavy fog. They were found stranded in the Rajathottam meadows around 11 am. After realising they were trapped, the duo contacted the police control room, which alerted the Aryankavu Range Office. Forest officials then reached out to them by phone and asked them to share their location. However, due to poor network coverage, the youths could send the coordinates only after moving to an area with better connectivity. Based on the location, a rescue team was dispatched, and they were safely brought out. Officials said the pair entered the forest after watching a YouTube video about the spot. The department is considering action against the channel that promoted entry into the restricted zone. The duo was let off after being warned, instead of being charged under the Forest Act, which prescribes up to two years imprisonment and a fine of Rs. 5,000 for unauthorised entry into reserve forests. Forest officials said tourists often ignore warning boards and venture into Rajathottam, which is home to several wild animals. Two months ago, a similar rescue operation was carried out by forest guards with the help of the Rapid Action Force after a group was stranded in the area at night.
Devaswom vigilance team inspects illegal prasadam preparation outside temple
KOLLAM: The Devaswom Vigilance team on Monday inspected a rented room near the Kottarakkara Mahaganapathi Temple following allegations of preparation of kari (charcoal) prasadam on the terrace, outside the temple premises. The inspection was conducted following a complaint filed by the Hindu Aikya Vedi with the devaswom board. The team, led by Vigilance SI Rakesh, examined the room and shifted the items found there to a room in the devaswom administrative office, which was later sealed. The seized materials include artificial stones, large quantities of ready-made charcoal, ghee, sandalwood powder, and other items stored in sacks. Two mobile phones, a paper pad, a towel, an LPG cylinder and empty liquor bottles were also recovered and sealed separately. Officials said prasadam is generally prepared inside the temple, though limited in quantity. A shortage is expected on busy days, but additional prasadam can be made using materials from the homa kund. Authorities indicated that arrangements are being made to expand prasadam preparation facilities within the temple. The team also inspected the terrace of Santhi Math, where prasadam had reportedly been prepared the previous day, and held discussions with the new melsanthi. The checking continued late into the night in the presence of temple vigilance officials. Further action will depend on the detailed report being submitted to the Vigilance SP.
Kerala Midnight Well Rescue Op Gone Wrong: 3, Including Firefighter, Die
A midnight rescue operation turned into a major tragedy at Neduvathoor in Kerala's Kollam, claiming the lives of three people, including a firefighter, after the old rope barrier around an 80-foot-deep well collapsed.
K-FON setting stage for entry into wider Indian broadband market
MALAPPURAM: KFON, Kerala's ambitious public broadband venture, is gearing up for a major leap beyond state borders. The government-owned network recently secured national Internet Service Provider-A (ISP) and National Long Distance (NLD) licences, setting the stage for its entry into the wider Indian broadband market. With over 32,000km of fibre laid across the state, including 2,600km of Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) cables linked through 110 kilovolt transmission lines, K-FON already boasts Kerala's most extensive digital infrastructure. We currently have 10 clients using dark fibre and 16 temporary connections for special events. Now that we have the national ISP-A and NLD licences, our next goal is to expand outside Kerala, said K-FON director Dr Santhosh Babu IAS. The only hurdle might be meeting the turnover criteria in central tenders, so we plan to form consortiums with private firms to bridge that gap. The homegrown broadband network has so far connected 1,26,905 users, including 85,553 paid home subscribers and 14,195 Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. In addition, 23,114 government offices connected through Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) now rely on K-FON's network. Subscription growth has been phenomenal, Santhosh Babu said. We have another 14,000 BPL families waiting for connections, and once funds are released, we can bring them online too. In the 2024-2025 financial year, K-FON reported a turnover of Rs 66 crore -- exceeding its target of Rs 48 crore -- and is eyeing Rs 250 crore by 2025-2026. From next year, we will begin repaying the (KIIFB) loan. To sustain momentum, we are launching new projects, including expansion into other states, he added. Malappuram tops the list of beneficiaries under K-FON's free connection scheme, with 3,435 economically weaker families already linked. Applicants holding yellow or pink ration cards were given priority. Kollam follows with 1,453 families, Palakkad with 1,296, and Thrissur with 1,219. Other districts that have benefited include Ernakulam (993), Kozhikode (964), Thiruvananthapuram (867), Kannur (853), Kasaragod (583), Wayanad (687), Alappuzha (581), Kottayam (471), Idukki (404), and Pathanamthitta (388).
INCOIS issues swell wave alert for Kanyakumari, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kollam
THIRUVANTHAPURAM : The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has issued a coastal alert for Kanyakumari, Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts, warning of potential high waves and sea erosion linked to a swell wave phenomenon. The advisory is in effect from Tuesday evening through Wednesday night, with wave heights expected to reach between 0.8 and 1.1 meters in certain areasraising the risk of coastal flooding and shoreline degradation. Fishermen and residents in vulnerable coastal zones are strongly advised to remain vigilant. Authorities recommend temporary relocation for those living in areas susceptible to sea incursion. Small boats and fishing vessels should not venture out during this period, and any attempts to dock or retrieve them amid high wave activity are discouraged due to safety concerns. INCOIS has also called for a complete halt to beachside tourism and recreational activities until the warning is lifted. All vessels should be securely moored in harbors with adequate spacing to prevent collisions, and fishing gear must be safely stored to avoid damage. Public access to beaches and any sea-bound leisure activities should be strictly avoided.
Kerala engineers develop eco-friendly solution for construction waste
KOLLAM: At a time when Kerala grapples with the growing crisis of construction and demolition (C&D) waste, a team of engineers from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham has developed a sustainable solution that could transform the state's construction practices. The researchers highlighted that dumping of debris from construction and demolition projects has created severe environmental problems. In Ernakulam's Marad area alone, demolishing high-rises generated nearly 90 tonnes of concrete waste, much of which ended up in landfills or along water bodies. To tackle this, Vishnu Vijayan, a research scholar at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham and dean of Baselios Mathews College of Engineering, Sasthamcotta, along with Mini K M and Sanjay Kumar Shukla of Edith Cowan University, Australia, has introduced the slurry immersion technique to upgrade low-grade recycled aggregates. The method improves the strength and durability of recycled materials, making them suitable for new construction projects. Our approach ensures that discarded materials can return to the construction cycle without compromising quality. This can help reduce the carbon footprint of the construction industry while lowering costs and promoting eco-friendly building practices, said Vishnu Vijayan.
Firefighter among three dead while rescuing woman who jumped into well in Kerala
KOLLAM: Three people, including a Fire and Rescue officer, died during a tragic rescue attempt after a woman jumped into a well at Neduvathoor in Kollam late on Monday night. The deceased have been identified as Soni S Kumar (36), a native of Attingal and a member of the Kottarakkara Fire and Rescue Unit; Archana (33), a native of Neduvathoor; and her partner Sivakrishnan (22), a native of Kodungalloor in Thrissur. According to police, Archana reportedly jumped into the well in the compound of her house following a heated argument with Sivakrishnan. The Fire and Rescue Department was called to the scene, and Soni entered the well with a rope tied around his waist to rescue her. While Soni was bringing Archana up, Sivakrishnan, who was leaning against the well wall to shine a flashlight inside, accidentally caused the wall to collapse. The structure gave way, and Sivakrishnan, along with the debris, fell into the well, trapping all three inside. Soni was pulled out immediately as he was secured with a rope, while Archana and Sivakrishnan were retrieved later from under the debris. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital with the help of local residents, all three were declared dead on arrival. Another Fire and Rescue team from Kollam joined the efforts following the wall collapse. Police said the couple had been living together at Archanas residence for the past two months. On the night of the incident, Sivakrishnan had allegedly returned home intoxicated and caused a disturbance. When Archana hid the remaining liquor, a quarrel broke out, leading to the tragic sequence of events.
IMD issues yellow alert for four districts in Kerala today
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, and Idukki on Monday, warning of heavy rainfall and thundershowers across the state until October 18. The alert follows the formation of an upper air cyclonic circulation over the southwest Bay of Bengal and the adjoining south Tamil Nadu coast, extending up to 5.8 km above mean sea level. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds reaching speeds of 30-40 kmph are likely at isolated places in the state until October 16. On Sunday, Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, and Thrissur were on yellow alert. Chethalakkal in Pathanamthitta recorded 60mm of rainfall in just one hour. Thalassery in Kannur received 6cm, followed by 4cm in Vattavada, Idukki.
Amoebic meningoencephalitis: 23 deaths reported in Kerala, says state health minister
Kerala has reported 104 cases of amoebic encephalitis, with 23 deaths, primarily in Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram districts. The state health minister highlighted that early detection and treatment have significantly reduced the global fatality rate of this rare brain infection. An action plan based on the One Health approach is being implemented to prevent further cases.
Surakshitha Theeram project launched by Kollam City police
Yesteryear film producer P Stanley dies
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Yesteryear film producer and writer P Stanley, 81, died here on Thursday after a cardiac arrest. Stanley had also donned the roles of assistant director and scenarist in the film industry in Madras, along with A Vincent and Thoppil Bhasi, for over three decades. He was the assistant director of around 25 films, notable among them being Velutha Kathreena, Enippadikal, Asuravithu, Thulabharam, Nadhi, Ashwamedham and Nizhalattam. Stanley also produced films such as Thoovanathumbikal, Mochanam, Varadakshina and Theekkali. He was also the distributor of films such as Rajan Paranja Kadha, Tholkkan Enikkun Manasilla and Wayanadan Thamban. The son of first time Communist leader Polycarp, Stanley was born in 1944 in Kollam. He completed his schooling from Craven School. Stanley also underwent training in journalism and film director from Don Bosco Institute, Madras. He founded Sithara Printers in Kollam in 1944 and shifted to Madras in 1966. He came back to Kerala in 1990 after undergoing a heart surgery and has been residing at Nalanchira in Thiruvananthapruam.
Much-awaited NH 66 to be reality by Jan, says Public Works Minister Riyas
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The highly-anticipated national highway project, NH 66, will be inaugurated in January. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari will inaugurate the completed stretches of the 678-km-long highway, state Public Works Minister P A Mohamed Riyas said on Thursday. The decision was taken during a meeting that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Riyas held with Gadkari earlier in the day. After the meeting, Riyas told reporters that over 450 km of the highway project is already over. At the meeting, it was decided that a number of other projects, including the Palakkad-Kozhikode Greenfield Highway, which would reduce travel time between the two cities to one-and-a-half-hours from the current 3-4 hours, would also be inaugurated in January. NH66 dream project of Keralites: Public works min Asserting that NH 66 was a dream project of Keralites, Riyas said the state had pointed out certain issues related to its development. Construction along more than 450 km of NH 66 has been completed. Of the 16 reaches of the NH in Kerala, the government aims to complete maximum reaches by January. At some places, work is not progressing at the required pace due to the lackadaisical attitude of the contractors. The state wants strict action taken against them. To speed up the project, the number of workers has been increased at certain places, he said. Gadkari has promised that efforts will be taken to complete all reaches by January itself. An urgent meeting of contractors and officials will soon be held in Delhi to speed up construction. Taking into consideration Keralas special interest in NH development, Gadkari has agreed to write off `237 crore in lieu of land acquisition, Riyas said. Decisions regarding completion of the Thiruvananthapuram outer ring road project, the Kollam-Shenkottai Greenfield Highway inauguration, one-time improvement of NH 744 and DPR revision of Edamon-Kollam stretch, among others, were also taken at the meeting. During his Kerala visit in January, Gadkari will assess the progress of the construction along the remaining portions. Pointing out that the NH project had been abandoned in 2014, Riyas said attributed its completion to the stand taken by the state government. There were regional level issues along Kasaragod-Taliparamba, Azhiyooor-Vengalam, Vadakara and Thiruvananthapuram, but those have been addressed. As far as the state government is concerned, the project should be completed in a time-bound manner, Riyas said.
Kerala government reaches agreement to end Arippa land protest
KOLLAM: Bringing an end to one of the states longest-running land protests, the state government has struck an agreement with protest groups leading the 14 year old Arippa land struggle in Punalur, Kollam. Revenue and Housing Minister K Rajan announced that all six protesting organisations have accepted the conditions proposed by the government. Under the settlement, 35 families from the Scheduled Tribe communities who originally had rights over one acre of land in Arippa will now be given 20 cents for homestead and 10 cents for cultivation, without affecting their existing land claim. In addition, 209 families from SC communities will be given 12 cents each, while 78 families from the general category will receive 10 cents each. Title deeds will be issued to all eligible families under the agreement. All six protesting organisations accepted this during the discussion, said the minister. The government will now initiate steps to officially transfer land ownership to the people, the minister added. As many currently reside in makeshift huts on the protesting land, demarcation and settlement procedures will be required. The Punalur RDO has been appointed as the settlement officer, and land surveys are scheduled to begin on Monday, with a directive to complete the process within ten days. The government aims to distribute the land as a New Year's gift by January 2026. The 94 acre parcel in Thinkalkarikkam village, Punalur taluk, was once in the illegal possession of Thanagal Kunju Musaliar, violating lease terms. It was reclaimed by the state on August 4, 1997, following intervention by then MLA P S Supal and Revenue Minister K E Ismail. Of this, 13.55 acres were allocated to the Kulathupuzha Model Residential School and 21.53 acres to the Chengara land protesters. Since December 31, 2012, Dalit and Adivasi families, who remained landless, had been protesting on the remaining land demanding land for habitation and farming. They have now been allotted 39.9 acres, excluding land marked for roads, playgrounds, and other public utilities. The total available land in Arippa stands at 48.83 acres. Minister K Rajan said the agreement was achieved after multiple rounds of discussions and sustained interventions. He also pointed out that in the earlier Chengara land distribution, many beneficiaries had abandoned the plots citing uninhabitable conditions. The state is now exploring alternative land options across Kerala to address their needs. Revenue Additional Secretary Anu S Nair has been appointed as the nodal officer to coordinate the further steps.
Kerala grows greener but carbon stock is declining
KOLLAM: Kerala has recorded a fall in carbon stock over the past six years even as its forest cover has expanded, according to the Environmental Accounting on Forest 2025 report released by the National Statistics Office (NSO). The states total carbon stock declined from 256 million tonnes in 2017 to 214 million tonnes in 2023. This drop comes despite an increase in the states forest growing stock the total volume of trees from 152 million cubic metres in 2013 to 169 million cubic metres in 2023. During the same period, Kerala also registered a sharp rise in forest area, particularly in very dense and open forest categories. The area under very dense forest (canopy cover above 70%) rose from 1,529 sq km in 2010-11 to 2,041 sq km in 2021-22. Open forest (canopy cover between 10% and 40%) expanded from 6,992 sq km to 10,696 sq km. Experts say this paradox -- more forest area but less carbon stock -- points to deeper ecological problems. The increase in trees does not automatically translate into higher carbon stock. Factors like forest degradation, replacement of natural forests with monoculture plantations, and changes in soil quality could be reducing the overall carbon retention capacity, said Jayakumar C, executive director of Thanal, a Kerala-based environmental NGO. The carbon stock is linked to climate resilience. A fall of this scale weakens Keralas natural buffer against rising temperatures. Low carbon stock affects biodiversity and makes the region more vulnerable to climate disasters and extreme heat, he added. Much of the open forests in Kerala are now dominated by grasses, shrubs, and small trees, Jayakumar pointed out. The canopy cover is low. The government should invest in converting these lands into dense forests and ensure effective implementation of reforestation and restoration programmes, he said. Jayakumar stressed on payment for resources -- paying the people for maintaining forest, water bodies, and other ecosystems that provide environment benefits to society. He also suggested the implementation of the payment-for-resource model for communities in districts, like Idukki, which provide vital ecosystem resources to other parts of the state. Ecologist and Help Foundation director Peter Pradeep, based in Kollam, said the apparent increase in forest cover could be misleading. The rise may come from plantations and orchards rather than natural forests. These areas meet the technical definition of tree cover but lack ecological value. This way, forest cover may have expanded but trees are thinner and have low biomass. The thickness and girth of trees is crucial for carbon sequestration. Only through effective carbon sequestration can we build up carbon stock. Without it, the rise in forest cover means little in terms of actual carbon stock, Peter said. He called for a social audit of the states conservation programmes. Large sums are being spent on forest conservation, but the results are negligible. A social audit will reveal how much money is spent and what outcomes are achieved. Only then can efforts to improve carbon stock be meaningful, he added. Forest Minister A K Saseendran said the NSO report will be analysed and necessary action taken. We will discuss the matter with the officials concerned. The action necessary will then be taken to improve the carbon stock, the minister said. What is carbon stock? Carbon stock is the amount of carbon contained in a reservoir at a given point in time The reservoir could be forests, oceans, or even soil, where carbon could be stored in solid, liquid or gaseous forms Decline in carbon stock implies that the rate of release of stored carbon is faster than the rate of its absorption. This could be caused due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, etc. What happens when carbon stock falls? Weakening of carbon stocks could lead to the release of stored carbon dioxide into the atmosphere This could, in turn, increase the greenhouse effect and climate change. Reduced carbon stock could also be an indication of ecosystem degradation
Vigilance raids uncover widespread irregularities in building permit approvals across Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Surprise inspections by the vigilance wing of the local self-government department (LSGD) found widespread irregularities in granting building permits and occupancy certificates, including unnecessary delays, rule violations and approvals without proper verification. The inspections, held on September 16 and 17, covered the main offices of the Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam corporations, 20 municipalities, and 26 panchayats. A total of 225 officials, organised into 48 teams led by internal vigilance officers, conducted the checks during which the irregularities were revealed. Since April 2023, the government has implemented an online system to simplify building permit procedures for low-risk constructions such as residential buildings up to 300-sq-m area and 7m in height. Permits in this category can be granted based on the applicants self-declaration and certified documents from licensed surveyors. Some licensed surveyors, however, submitted plans not in compliance with the regulations, and officials delayed file processing, causing further delays.
Workload, uncertainty over promotion render HM unattractive
KOCHI: More than 600 headmaster and headmistress (HM) posts remain vacant in government lower primary (LP) and upper primary (UP) schools across Kerala. Teachers say the post has become increasingly unattractive due to the heavy administrative workload and uncertainties over promotion and service benefits. In Ernakulam district alone, around 55 to 60 headmasters retire every year, but only about 15 teachers or fewer take up the position, according to teachers representatives. The post comes with numerous responsibilities, many of which go beyond the schools scope. Headmasters have to coordinate with government departments such as the local self-government, handle schemes from the state and central governments, and manage day-to-day school administration all without clerical support, said Martin Abraham (name changed), a teacher at a government LP school in Ernakulam. A long-pending court case has also contributed to the shortage. The governments decision in 2011 to promote teachers above 50 years of age as headmasters was challenged in court. The Kerala Education Rules (KER) stipulate that promotion to HM requires 12 years of continuous graduate service and passing the Accounts Test (Lower) and the Kerala Education Act & Rules test, under Rule 44A(1). With the case pending for years, vacancies began piling up, especially after the Covid shutdown, said retired headmaster Basel K V, from Alappuzha. To address the shortage, the state introduced a new rule allowing promotion purely based on seniority, invoking Rule 13B of the Kerala State and Subordinate Service Rules (KS&SSR). This rule exempts officials over 50 years of age with 25 years of service from departmental tests. Promotions were also determined by Rule 27, which establishes seniority as the basis. However, many teachers contest this approach. In education, qualification and capability should matter, not just seniority. These emergency rules were never meant for regular academic promotions, said Alby, another teacher from Ernakulam. The temporary nature of such promotions has also created complications. Teachers promoted under these provisions often face delays in receiving salaries and benefits. Since the posts are not regularised, getting service benefits becomes difficult. One HM had to approach the court for his pending dues, Basel said. As the reluctance to accept promotions grows, the state government has issued a directive requiring teachers who wish to opt out of promotion to inform authorities before the seniority list is published. Once the list is out, they must accept the post or face disciplinary action, Martin said. Apart from administrative and legal issues, the workload itself discourages teachers. LP and UP headmasters have to give classes in addition to handling school administration. They oversee noon-meal schemes, coordinate education projects at the panchayat level, attend multiple meetings with block resource centres (BRC), assistant education officers (AEO), and even departments like police and excise, said retired HM Yeldho K V of Kottayam. They are also responsible for organising arts, sports, and science festivals. With so many duties, they rarely find time to manage their own schools, he said. With the post becoming increasingly burdensome, many teachers nearing retirement are willing to take it up, but younger teachers with years of service ahead prefer to avoid it. Several educators suggest that the government consider filling the post through the Public Service Commission (PSC) to ensure administrative efficiency and reduce the burden on teaching staff. Five districts with most vacancies in govt primary schools Malappuram: 121 Thiruvanthapuram: 99 Kollam: 54 Kasaragod: 54 Kozhikode: 49 Ernakulam: 42 (Source: Entered vacancy published by DDE office, as on 21-05-2025)
Microplastics invade vembanad, traces found in bird droppings
KOLLAM: In what is the first such evidence, researchers have found synthetic fibres in the droppings of Indian cormorants and Oriental darters, both common fish-eating birds of Keralas wetlands. The study was conducted at Vembanad lake, a Ramsar site and the countrys largest brackish water ecosystem that supports thousands of resident wetland birds. Led by zoologist Sarlin Pathissery John and Sandie Morris, the study detected five major types of plastic polymers including polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene in the bird droppings. Using advanced spectroscopic analysis, the team found microplastics in every single sample. These polymers are commonly used in carry bags, fishing gear, and packaging materials. The team adopted a non-invasive sampling method, collecting droppings from nests and roosting trees. On average, the Indian cormorants faeces contained 3.32 particles of microplastic per gram, while the Oriental darters had 2.27 particles per gram. Fibres were the most common form, indicating pollution from synthetic textiles and discarded fishing lines in the lakes waters. The presence of plastic fragments in bird faeces reflects the pollution profile of the region. Runoff from Alappuzhas urban areas and fishing activities is carrying microplastics into the lake. The faecal samples show that urban waterbirds are not just victims of this pollution but also vectors that spread it through their droppings, the study noted. Sarlin lead author and head of zoology department at the Fatima Mata National College, Kollam told TNIE that the findings reveal the extent to which plastic has infiltrated Keralas wetland ecosystems. We are witnessing the full scale of plastic pollution in Vembanad lake. Waste discarded from towns and fishing activities enters the river, is consumed by fish, and then by birds. Through their droppings, the particles return to the environment, creating a deadly loop, she said. Sarlin also warned of public health implications, urging stronger plastic waste management. Both humans and birds depend on the same aquatic sources for food. We fear that microplastics could be moving through shared food webs. These particles can cause hormonal and physiological changes in birds, but more conclusive studies are needed. Despite efforts to curb single-use plastics, current measures are inadequate. Stronger policies are essential to control plastic waste in our lakes, she added. The co-author, Sandie, is a chemical engineering student of Government Engineering College, Thrissur. Their findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal Environmental Challenges Elsevier, with the research carried out under the aegis of the Fatima Mata National College and the Kollam Birding Battalion.
Kerala govt to provide life insurance coverage to students of Classes 1-10
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Marking another ambitious leap in the states education sector, Kerala is all set to provide life insurance coverage to close to 35 lakh school students. An in-principle decision has been made to provide insurance coverage to students from Classes 1 to 10, studying in government, aided, and unaided state syllabus schools. The state government will remit the insurance premium for all students falling under the scheme set to be rolled out from the next academic year. The move comes in the wake of repeated accidents in schools, with the latest being the electrocution of a 13-year-old boy, Mithun, at the Thevalakkara Boys High School in Kollam. Last week, Finance Minister K N Balagopal and General Education Minister V Sivankutty met to discuss the matter in detail. We held preliminary discussions in this regard. The scheme will be examined by the education department. I hope we can present this in the upcoming budget session, Balagopal told TNIE. On the ministers instruction, the insurance department carried out a preliminary analysis of the project potential. A datasheet on how this can be implemented -- including the options and premiums for accidental death and in-patient and out-patient consultations following an accident -- had already been provided to the education ministers office, said insurance department joint director Bushra S Deepa. Health issues, other than those related to accidents, will not fall under the purview of the scheme, as per the current plan. Inclusion of students studying in central syllabus schools, hasnt been confirmed as of now, Bushra said. She added that if funds are ready, there are insurance companies in the public sector with whom the department has co-insurance connections to facilitate the process. The government will ensure the scheme remains in the public sector, said a senior official with the education department.
BJP alleges gold heist, announces protest march to CMs office
PATHANAMTHITTA: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national executive committee member P K Krishnadas has alleged that what took place at Sabarimala was nothing short of a gold heist and announced that the party will stage protest marches to the Chief Ministers Office in Thiruvananthapuram on Tuesday and to the Pathanamthitta Civil Station on Wednesday. Addressing a press conference at the BJP district office, Krishnadas alleged that crucial documents related to the temple were smuggled out ahead of the recently concluded Global Ayyappa Meet. He demanded a CBI probe into the incident, stating that the corruption linked to the gold-plating works at Sabarimala extends beyond Kerala and involves multiple states. Since this is a multi-state corruption network, a central agency inquiry is essential. If the state government has nothing to hide, why should it hesitate to seek a CBI probe? he asked. Sabarimala Karma Samithi lodges theft complaint related to gold cladding row Krishnadas demanded the resignation of the devaswom minister and the dissolution of the Travancore Devaswom Board, holding them responsible for the alleged loot. Criminal charges must be filed against those who headed the Devaswom Board and the minister who was in charge at the time. Such a massive theft could not have taken place with just one priests involvement. The government and the Board are trying to scapegoat the priest to save themselves, he said. Calling the episode a disgrace to a globally revered pilgrimage centre, Krishnadas said the scandal revealed the extent to which sponsors, intermediaries, and officials colluded under the guise of sponsorship. Meanwhile, he also clarified that BJP leader K Surendran had skipped the recent state committee meeting in Kollam due to health reasons. Change is inevitable in Kerala. The NDA will record a massive victory in the upcoming elections, Krishnadas added.
New museum in Kollam celebrates A. Ramachandrans works
Inaugurating the museum, Chief Minister says the painters art works are a link that connects contemporary Indian painting to its traditional past as well as its future
Gang caught with MDMA worth more than Rs 15 lakh
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A major drug trafficking gang has been arrested by the Thiruvananthapuram Rural Dansaf team on Friday. The four-member group was caught with 308 grams of MDMA, worth over `15 lakh in the market. The drugs were seized after two rounds of checking. Initially, 175 grams of MDMA was found hidden on one of the accused, a woman, during a body search. On further inspection, 133 grams more was found. The group had been under secret surveillance for some time. Those arrested are Shami, 32, from Chadayamangalam in Kollam, Muhammed Kalfan 24, Ashiq, 20, and Al Ameen, 23, all from Kaniyapuram. They were nabbed at Chenkavila near Pozhiyoor by the Dansaf team with the help of Pozhiyoor police. The car they were travelling in was also seized. The gang had brought the MDMA from Bengaluru. They were actively involved in drug trade across Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam The gang used rented cars and posed as families on leisure trips to smuggle drugs into Kerala. Small packets of MDMA were hidden in the womans dress. This method helped them avoid checks in other states. Rural District Police Chief K S Sudarshan received a tip-off that a group led by a woman was bringing drugs from Bengaluru. Following this, special police surveillance was set up along the state border. When the group saw the police, they tried to escape through a side road but were caught after a chase. This is a major racket, and we believe more individuals are involved. Further arrests are likely in the coming days. The group is understood to have been supplying drugs in areas including Technopark and Varkala. They have been under our surveillance for the past six months, said Sudarshan. The operation was led by a team including DYSP P K Pradeep of the Narcotics Cell, DYSP Chandradas of Neyyattinkara, Pooziyoor police inspector S P Sujith, Dansaf sub-inspectors F Fayas, Rasal Raj, B Dileep, Prem Kumar, Rajeevan, and police officers Aneesh, Arun, Riyas, Padmakumar, Sunilraj, and female police personnel Sajitha and Asha. Meanwhile, as part of Operation D-Hunt, 1,574 individuals were examined and 57 cases for possession of various narcotics were registered. As many as 59 people were arrested. Seizures during the operation included MDMA weighing 0.044 kg, 2.222 kg of cannabis and 36 cannabis beedis.
KPCCs cultural wing to hold two-day south zone camp in Alappuzha
Around 350 delegates from Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, and Alappuzha districts are expected to participate
Army soldier arrested in rape case
Excelsior Correspondent SAMBA, Oct 2: The Badi Brahmana Police Station has arrested an Army soldier in connection with an alleged rape case on the complaint of a woman. Police said the woman has accused the soldier of rape. The accused soldier has been identified as Anup M, a resident of Kollam district, Kottam, Kerala, and is currently posted in the Satwari military area. The complainant is a college student and a resident of Badodi village. Based on the students complaint, [] The post Army soldier arrested in rape case appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Chief Minister to inaugurate A. Ramachandran Museum in Kollam on October 5
It will showcase the artists complete body of work, including paintings, sculptures, ceramics, stamp designs, and childrens books
J.P. Nadda blames LDF misgovernance for Keralas economic woes
He Inaugurated the BJP State committee meeting in Kollam on September 27.
Rain lash central and southern Kerala; IMD issues alerts
Thiruvananthapuram: As heavy rains lashed parts of central and southern Kerala, the IMD issued an orange alert in seven districts on Friday morning. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert in the districts of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam for three hours from 7am. Additionally, schools and colleges were closed Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Kerala rains: IMD sounds orange alert for four districts
Orange alert for Thiruvananthapuram, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam and Idukki districts, while Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur and Palakkad are on yellow alert on Friday
NSO marks 75 years of National Sample Survey with seminar at Kollam
Kerala Man Kills Wife Over Mistrust, Confesses On Social Media
Man killed his wife in Kollam, confessed on Facebook Live, then surrendered. Police booked him for murder after their sons complaint and seized both their mobile phones.
Nun found dead in convent in Kerala
33-year-old woman, a native of Tamil Nadu, found dead in her room at the convent in Kollam
Over 20 students injured after school bus falls into gorge in Kollam
Champions Boat League: Keralas snakeboats to set sail for another season of fierce rivalries
This season, the league will feature 14 races, beginning on Pampa river at Kainakary in Kuttanad, Alappuzha, on September 19. The nearly three-month-long pan-Kerala event is set to conclude with Presidents Trophy on Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam on December 6
Elderly man duped of 3.72 cr in virtual arrest scam in Kollam
Kochi Blue Tigers crowned KCL Champions, defeat Kollam Sailors by 75 Runs
Kochi Blue Tigers defeated Kollam Sailors by 75 runs to win the KCL Season 2 championship, showcasing a dominant all-round performance.
Three-month-long Champions Boat League to begin on September 19
The 2025 edition will feature 14 races in as many places. Inaugural race will be at the Pampa in Kainakary in Alappuzha district while the finals will be at Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam on December 6
Kerala police book RSS workers over political flag in Onam pookkaalam
The Kerala police have booked 27 RSS workers for allegedly violating a Kerala High Court order by laying an Onam pookkaalam (floral carpet) depicting the organisations flag, 50 meters from a local temple. The incident occurred in Sasthamcotta village of Kollam district. The pookkaalam featured a saffron flag with the theme Operation Sindoor. The RSS Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Kerala Temple Row: 27 RSS workers booked over Onam 'Pookalam' with 'Operation Sindoor' inscription
At least 27 Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) workers were booked for making a floral carpet, or pookalam, at the Parthasarathy temple in Muthupilakk in Kerala's Kollam district during Onam celebrations.
Accused in pension fund fraud case lands in Vigilances custody
Akhil, who had been absconding after embezzling money last August, was arrested by a Vigilance team from Kollam recently. The investigation revealed that Akhil orchestrated a scheme to defraud the municipal pension system by creating fraudulent documents to siphon off family pension funds.
Kollam-Tamabaram daily express timing changed with effect from September 1
Clashes between CPI(M) and Congress workers leave several injured in Kollam
Selective coverage in rubber replanting scheme sparks farmer backlash
KERA Project offers a replanting subsidy of 75,000 in two phases. Eligibility is restricted to growers in Malappuram and Kannur in the north and Ernakulam, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta and Thiruvananthapuram in the south. Idukki, Kollam, and Thrissur have been left out, prompting discontent among farmers
Milma Thiruvananthapuram regional unions bottled milk to be launched on August 19
Milma Cow Milk, priced at 70, will initially be available at sales outlets of Milma and its agencies in Thiruvananthapuram district in one litre bottles. It will be marketed in Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha in subsequent stages.
Food Safety wing seizes 16,565 litres of spurious coconut oil in raids
9,337 litres of coconut oil not meeting the standards seized from Kollam and 6,530 litres from Alappuzha
Kerala man held in connection with wifes death in Sharjah, released on bail
Thiruvananthapuram: A month after the death of Chavara native Athulya Shekhar (29) in Sharjah, Kerala Police on Sunday detained her husband Satheesh (40), the sole accused in the case, at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. Police said Satheesh, who arrived from the UAE, will be handed over to Thekkumbhagam Police in Kollam district, which had registered a Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
NRI detained at airport over wifes suicide in Sharjah
Thiruvananthapuram: The husband of a woman who was found hanging in their apartment in Sharjah last month was detained at the Thiruvananthapuram airport here on Sunday and handed over to the police, an officer said. 40-year-old Satheesh, a native of Sasthamcotta in Kollam district, is alleged to have abetted the suicide of his wife, Athulya Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Protests over continued incarceration of nuns in Chhattisgarh rock Kerala
Archbishop Pamplany seeks immediate intervention of the Union government. Protests held in Kannur, Kollam, Kozhikode, and Malappuram
Erode MP urges construction of ROB at Kollampalayam to ease traffic congestion
A leader of the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP), Mr. Premachandran represents Kerala's Kollam constituency.
Kerala Govt To Take Over Aided School After Student's Electrocution
Manager to be dismissed; Mithun, a student of Thevalakkara Boys High School in Kollam district, died last week after coming into contact with a live electric wire on the school premises
SIT formed to probe students electrocution in Kollam school
More coaches for MEMU trains to ease rush on Alappuzha route
A 12-coach rake sanctioned by the Railway Board has arrived at the MEMU shed in Kollam.
Decries bid to politicise death of 13-year-old student in Kollam
Kollam School Electrocution Incident
Thousands bid farewell to Mithun: Reports
Protests erupt over students electrocution in Kollam school
Decision made to suspend headteacher of the school pending inquiry. An amount of 3 lakh will be provided to the family from the Education departments fund, says Sivankutty
Chief Minister condoles student electrocuted in Kollam
Kerala municipalities improve rankings in national cleanliness survey, eight in top 100
At the top of municipalities from the State was Kochi Corporation at rank 50 among all local bodies in the country. The other municipalities from Kerala among the top 100 areMattannur (rank 53), Thrissur Corporation (58), Kozhikode Corporation (70), Alappuzha municipality (80), Guruvayur municipality (82), Thiruvananthapuram Corporation (89) and Kollam
Grief strikes Kollam family as Class VIII student electrocuted at school
Midhun, a resident of Valiyapadam East Ward of West Kallada grama panchayat, was engaged in a game with his friends when his footwear fell on the roof of a shed. He was electrocuted while trying to retrieve it
13-year-old Boy Electrocuted In Kollam School
The victim was identified as Mithun, 13, son of daily wage worker, Valayapadam Anu. His mother, Suja works as a home nurse in Kuwait
Electrocution of school student: Kerala government orders inquiry
Minister Sivankutty says Director of General Education has been dispatched to accident site in Kollam to investigate the episode and give a detailed report
Student dies after coming into contact with live wire at school in Keralas Kollam
According to reports, 13-year-old was electrocuted while trying to retrieve a slipper that had fallen onto the roof of bicycle shed
Veteran Congress leader C.V. Padmarajan passes away
He had handled Finance, Power, and Fisheries in the K. Karunakaran and A.K. Antony governments. He was twice elected to the Assembly from the Chathanoor constituency in Kollam district. He also served as the president of the Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee from 1983 to 1987
Kerala job aspirants continue to fall victim to Myanmar scam centres
The latest case involves Vishnu Preetha Sreenarayanan from Kundara in Kollam, who became a victim of labour fraud and human trafficking. According to Vishnus relative, Balu T.S., the gang released him only after a payment of 5 lakh was made to three bank accounts
Indian woman in Sharjah kills daughter, commits suicide: Reports
Sharjah: In a tragic incident, a 33-year-old Indian woman allegedly killed her one-year-and-five-month-old daughter before taking her own life in a flat in Al Nahda, Sharjah, on Tuesday afternoon, July 8. The deceased have been identified as Vipanchika Maniyan Pillai and her daughter Vaibhavi, both from Keralapuram, Kollam district, Kerala, India. As per multiple media Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Kudumbashrees fisheries clusters in three more districts this fiscal
Number of producer groups in districts where clusters currently exist to be increased to 10 each. New clusters will be set up in Kollam, Alappuzha, and Malappuram districts
Kerala HC extends interim order restraining arrest of ED officer
A case relating to the alleged demand of 2 crore as bribe from a Kollam-based cashew businessman to extricate him from a money-laundering case
Suicide rate higher among men, says study
The rate is higher in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta and Kottayam districts
Monsoon Rains Getting Stronger In Kerala; Orange Alert In 7 Districts
The IMD issued an orange alert in Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam and Thrissur districts for three hours in the morning
Kollam Panchayat VP Catches Thieves In Heroic Filmy Chase On Busy Kerala Street
JalajaSuresh didn't lose her calm and acted mindfully after two women quietly stole a hefty sum from her handbag on a KSRTC bus.