KSBB to launch sustainable development scheme for CHR
KSBB to launch sustainable development scheme for CHR

The Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB) is launching the scheme for sustainable development of the Cardamom Hills Reserve (CHR) of Udumpanchola thaluk in Idukki district.

The conservation of biodiversity at the Cardamom Hills Reserve is significant as it has a gene pool of wild relatives of cultivated plants, large number of wild orchids and wild animals such as Malabar Civet, Lion-tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur and Malabar Giant Squirrel.

As a part of the sustainable development scheme, a nature camp is being held from August 25 to 31 and tree saplings will be planted in Karunapuram panchayat, a rain shadow area.

Karunapuram is facing acute shortage of rain since the past five years.

“Urgent and holistic approach is required to preserve and revamp the biodiversity of Cardamom Hill Reserve,” said KSBB member-secretary K P Laladhas.

“Planting tree saplings and reviving greenery will help to regain the lost ecological balance of the area,” he added. As many as 20,000 tree saplings, arranged by the KSBB, will be planted by 1,500 NSS volunteers of M G University, who are participating in the camp.

The Cardamom Hill Reserve consisting of seven panchayats of Idukki  district - Karunapuram, Chakkupallam, Vandanmedu, Santhanpara, Nedumkadom, Udumpanchola and Pampadumpara - include cardamom plantations, grass lands and shola forests.

Toxic pesticides sprayed in cardamom plantations gets washed down during rain causing pollution of water bodies.

Pesticides also hinder the survival of animals including pollinators. Large-scale felling of trees has caused change in weather pattern and land slide.

“We will also be implementing programmes to phase-out pesticide use from these areas. Organic farming will be promoted in 50 acres of land. 100 acres will be set apart for this in Cardamom Research Station; Pampadumpara. This will be a demonstration plot for farmers of this area for studying and adopting organic farming methods,” said Laladhas.

Besides, Apiculture, Floriculture, Mushroom farming and Eco-tourism will be promoted so that farmers get an additional income and overcome the financial loss that occur during the conversion period from chemical to organic farming.

“Promoting eco-friendly living of local communities and use of clean energy such as wind power are some components of the project. There should also be strict compliance of laws to curb felling of trees and other illegal activities in this area” he said.

The project will be implemented in a phased manner with the participation of concerned departments, local self-governments and NGOs.

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