KERALA

Kerala’s first seaplane service successfully completed its trial run on Monday, connecting Kochi to the Mattupetty dam reservoir in Idukki district. The 30-minute flight is expected to revolutionize tourism in the region, particularly in Munnar, by offering a convenient and scenic alternative to the long and arduous road journey. The Mattupetty reservoir, with its ample water storage and 3.5-kilometer length, provides an ideal landing site for the seaplane. The service is anticipated to draw in a significant number of international tourists, who are currently deterred by the lack of direct air connectivity to Munnar. The successful trial run has generated considerable excitement among tourism stakeholders and the local community, signaling a promising new era for tourism in Idukki.

The Kudumbashree Thiruvananthapuram district mission has successfully provided livelihood support to 187 individuals identified as extremely poor through its Ujjeevanam campaign. This initiative, part of the Kerala government’s Extreme Poverty Eradication Programme, aims to address extreme poverty by providing financial assistance and guidance for starting sustainable livelihood projects. The campaign identified 308 individuals in need of support, with 207 receiving financial assistance up to ₹50,000. Of these, 187 beneficiaries have already launched their projects, ranging from poultry and goat rearing to tailoring and vegetable kiosks. The Kudumbashree district mission provides ongoing support through follow-ups and resource persons to ensure project implementation and offer additional assistance. The Ujjeevanam campaign aims to provide sustainable income to 6,429 families out of the 64,006 extremely poor families identified in the district.

V. Gopinathan, principal of Oisca Vidhyavikas International School, has been awarded the National Education Brilliance Award by Hypedge Network India for his outstanding contributions to education, particularly in rural areas. The award, presented by former Delhi Minister Raaj Kumar Anand, recognizes Mr. Gopinathan’s dedication to providing quality education to minority and marginalized communities in rural regions. Hypedge Network India CEO Gaurav Gautam commended Mr. Gopinathan’s efforts in promoting educational opportunities for underprivileged students, highlighting his significant impact on rural communities.

Kerala is set to launch a trial run of a seaplane service, with the aircraft operating between Kochi backwaters and Mattupetty reservoir in Idukki district. While the service promises to boost tourism, concerns have been raised about its potential impact on wildlife, particularly elephants, tigers, and Nilgiri tahr. Experts fear the aircraft’s flight path, which may pass over national parks and eco-sensitive zones, could disturb wildlife and escalate human-wildlife conflicts. Former forest officials emphasize the need for an Environment Impact Assessment and clearance from the State and Central governments before the project commences. However, State Forest Department officials maintain that the seaplane’s operation is unlikely to significantly affect wildlife populations, citing the aircraft’s lower noise levels compared to helicopters and the lack of legal requirements for forest department clearance. This debate highlights the delicate balance between economic development and environmental conservation, particularly in a region known for its rich biodiversity and human-wildlife interactions.

The Kerala Sahitya Akademi bestowed its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for 2023 upon renowned poet and lyricist P.K. Gopi at his residence in Kozhikode on Friday. The award was presented by Ashokan Charuvil, Vice-President of the Akademi, in a ceremony presided over by M.K. Manoharan, a member of the Akademi’s Working Committee. The event was graced by the presence of Akademi secretary C.P. Aboobakker, former Minister Benoy Vishwam, and other distinguished guests. This recognition underscores the significant contributions of P.K. Gopi to Malayalam literature and his enduring impact on the literary landscape of Kerala.

The seventh edition of the Kuttikkanam International Film Festival (KIFF) will focus on women-centric cinema, showcasing 16 films from various countries that highlight the challenges and struggles women face in society. The festival, themed “SHE” (Stories of Her Empowerment), will be held at Marian College (Autonomous) in Kuttikkanam on November 14 and 15. The event will feature competitions for short films and documentaries, with cash prizes awarded to the winners. Renowned filmmakers, critics, and industry professionals will be attending the festival, engaging with delegates and participating in discussions. The festival is a collaborative effort between the Department of Communication and Media Studies at Marian College, the Medios Talkies Film Society, the Kerala State Chalachitra Academy, and the Federation of Film Societies of India (Kerala).

The quaint village of Panamkutty in Idukki, Kerala, is experiencing a unique spectacle as the rare Kodappana trees bloom, attracting tourists on their way to Munnar. The Kodappana, or talipot palm, is a monocarpic species, meaning it flowers only once in its lifetime, typically after 40-90 years, and then dies. This magnificent palm boasts the world’s largest inflorescence, with over two crore small flowers, and its massive, umbrella-like leaves can shelter up to 20 people. The Kodappana plays a vital role in the local ecosystem, providing food for wildlife and serving as a source of starch for communities in the past. Despite its cultural and ecological significance, the Kodappana is classified as Data Deficient by the IUCN due to a lack of population studies. The presence of numerous place names in Kerala, like Panamkutty, Kattappana, and Kudappanakkunnu, reflects the once widespread presence of this remarkable palm, highlighting its enduring impact on the region’s history and environment.

The Kerala government has informed the High Court that the preliminary inquiry into cases arising from the Hema Committee report, which investigated sexual harassment and exploitation in the Malayalam film industry, is progressing well and will be completed by the end of December. The court has appointed an amicus curiae to gather perspectives from stakeholders in the entertainment industry to inform the government’s drafting of legislation addressing issues faced by women working in the field. While 26 FIRs have been registered, five survivors have declined to proceed with their cases, and three survivors have disputed statements attributed to them. The SIT is working to gather evidence and connect with the actual survivors in these cases.

This article, penned by Kerala’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, celebrates the state’s achievements on the eve of Kerala Piravi Day. It highlights the LDF government’s commitment to the people of Kerala, showcasing their efforts in various domains:

1. Maintaining Peace and Order: The article emphasizes the LDF government’s success in ensuring a peaceful and harmonious society, a cornerstone of Kerala’s identity.

2. Facing Central Neglect: The article criticizes the central government’s inaction in providing relief to Kerala following natural disasters, highlighting the disparity in treatment compared to other states.

3. Championing State Rights: The LDF government’s unwavering stance against the Centre’s interference in state affairs is highlighted, showcasing their commitment to protecting Kerala’s autonomy.

4. Economic Growth and Employment: The article celebrates the LDF government’s success in attracting investments, generating employment opportunities, and boosting Kerala’s IT sector.

5. Social Welfare and Empowerment: The article emphasizes the LDF government’s commitment to social welfare, highlighting their initiatives in providing pensions, distributing land deeds, and constructing affordable housing.

6. Fighting Inflation and Poverty: The article showcases the LDF government’s efforts to combat inflation through market interventions and their ambitious goal of achieving absolute poverty-free status by 2025.

7. Looking Towards the Future: The article concludes with the announcement of a global investment summit, signifying the LDF government’s vision for a prosperous and progressive Kerala.