The Hindu Business Line : Kerala plans to set up more science institutions

Thiruvananthapuram, Jan. 29 The State Government intends to start more science institutions to facilitate the industrial development of the State, said the Kerala Chief Minister, Mr V.S. Achuthanandan.

Inaugurating the 20th Kerala Science Congress in the city on Monday evening, he said that steps have already been taken to set up the Kerala Mineral Research and Development Centre, and the Kerala Institute for Environmental Science and Technology.

Also on the cards is a centre for traditional knowledge, and a national institute for sustainable coastal zone development, he added.

Similarly, the Indian Institute of Space Technology has started operations in Thiruvananthapuram and the Centre has decided to set up the third Indian Institute of Science Education and Research in the city, he pointed out. Several other institutes of higher education are also in the process of being set up in Kerala, he added.

Water concerns

The Chief Minister also exhorted scientists to help ensure the supply of safe drinking water to people. The State Government is concerned about Kerala’s diminishing groundwater resources and pollution of water by industrial effluents, he pointed out.

Scientific institutions should work to address the threats to Kerala’s natural resources such as soil, water and forests, he added.

The four-day Kerala Science Congress has five parallel sessions on 10 themes and will end on Thursday.

More Stories on : Science & Technology | Policy | Kerala

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page