KOCHI: The solar energy project of the Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) is likely to receive the official recognition of the United Nations. The proposal for giving official recognition of the project is under the consideration of UN, Erik Solheim, head of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) said on Saturday.

Speaking to reporters after visiting solar plant of CIAL he the UN will be glad to recognize the Kochi airport as the first fully solar-powered airport in the world. "The model of CIAL can be followed by not only other airports but even countries", he added. He also pointed out that agreement signed by between Beijing Airport in China, one of the largest in the world and UNEP for sustainable development. The two are cooperating in areas such as waste disposal and energy generation. "The UNEP is thinking of Beijing model cooperation with CIAL", he added.

The UNEP chief has also mentioned the uniqueness of the CIAL practice of growing organic vegetables in the spaces between the solar panels. This is a novel idea, he pointed out. The UNEP will think of spreading this across the world, he added. The UNEP chief expressed concern over the accumulation of plastic wastes across the world including the ocean beds. We can see plastic even in the depth of Pacific Ocean.

Even the animals are in danger because of plastic usage", he said and mentioned about the death of wild elephants in Kerala due to plastic. Sea turtles and sea birds are also facing the threat from plastic, he added. Expressing grief over the police firing at Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu he said he said such incidents should not happen anywhere. "This should not repeat and there should not be any violence. Police should not use gun against the public," he added.