300 scientists, researchers taking part

The 13th Kerala Environment Congress (KEC), which sees participation from around 300 scientists, researchers and students, began here on Wednesday.

The Congress, organised by the Centre For Environment and Development (CED) in association with the Energy Management Centre- Kerala (EMC), is being held at EMC Seminar Hall in Sreekaryam.

The focal theme of the three-day Congress is ‘Science, Technology and Innovation for Environment and Development’.

‘Dearth of innovation’

Inaugurating the Congress, Minister for Water Resources Mathew T. Thomas said there is dearth of innovation in areas such as manufacturing, health care, drinking water supply and waste management.

The Minister also urged the organisers to share the suggestions arrived at the Congress with the government so as to aid better planning.

The Minister along with S.C. Joshi, chairman, Kerala State Biodiversity Board, released the KEC 2017 proceedings.

A young scientist award for best oral and poster presentations in the Congress by young researchers will also be given.

A special address by Rajan Gurukkal, Vice-Chairman, Kerala State Higher Education Council, will take place on the third day of the Congress.

V.K. Damodaran, Chairman, CED; Babu Ambat, Executive Director, CED; Padma Mahanti, Director, Department of Environment and Climate Change, among others attended the inauguration ceremony.

D.K. Murali, MLA, will give the valedictory address on Friday.