Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

MLA urges researchers to address problems of people

Staff Reporter

Awareness campaign on rainwater harvesting concludes

FOR THE PEOPLE: V. Sivankutty, MLA, inaugurating the valedictory function of `Mazha Yatra' in the city on Saturday. — Photo: S. Gopakumar

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: V. Sivankutty, MLA, has called upon researchers to play a more proactive role in addressing the problems affecting the public. "Researchers should stop the practice of confining themselves to air-conditioned offices and reach out to the masses," he said.

He was speaking after inaugurating the valedictory function of `Mazha Yatra,' a district-level campaign aimed at creating awareness on rainwater harvesting organised by the Kerala State Remote Sensing and Environment Centre, here on Saturday.

"It is the first time I am hearing about a Government institution like this," the MLA said, referring to the department of remote sensing and environment centre. "People should know what researchers are doing. This is the first attempt by a Government department to reach the people," Mr. Sivankutty said.

He said ecological resources that sustain water are fast disappearing. "We have a good number of wetlands and water bodies within the city. But all these are getting cleared for the construction of multi-storeyed buildings. This will eventually have an adverse impact on our environment."

Mr. Sivankutty said future wars in the world would be fought over the possession of water. It (water) has already become a precious commodity, he said.

District panchayat president Anavoor Nagappan presided over the function. A cycle rally from Parassala to the city, comprising over 100 children from various schools, was also undertaken as part of the campaign.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Police step up checks at hotels, houses
MLA urges researchers to address problems of people
`Need to extend maternity leave'
Primitive tribes to get aid for building houses
Crown Prince to sponsor 100 heart surgeries
Three get life term for murder
Steps for release of Indians jailed in Oman
Action against 17 traders
Cases against anti-Coke activists withdrawn
Found hanging in railway coach
Around the City
In Thiruvananthapuram Today

Copyright © 2006, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu