People’s Initiative For Natural Resources Management & Disaster Risk Reduction

The Community Resource Centre (CRC), Puthenvelikara is a people’s initiative that aims to conserve and sustainably manage natural resources for the integrated development and safety of the village. The initiative supported by HDFC bank’s Parivartan Project and implemented by M S Swaminathan Research Foundation was formally inaugurated on 15th August 2021 by the Opposition leader and MLA, Adv. V. D. Satheesan at Elanthikkara High School.

The CRC, run by Regional Resource volunteers has made significant contributions since 2020 in the field regarding disaster management and agricultural innovations such as Sea level marking, flood level marking, tidal flood mapping, rainfall mapping and extensive study on the agricultural practices in the village.

P. N. Maya, the coordinator of CRC Puthenvelikkara welcomed the gathering and summarized their work. The presidential address was given by Puthenvelikkara Panchayat President Mrs Rosy Joshy. The keynote address was delivered by Dr Joy Elamon, Director, Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA) who has appreciated the initiative and has extended full support to its future endeavours. The official website of CRC was launched by Dr Shakeela V., Director of M S Swaminathan Research Foundation. The rain data webpage developed by EQUINOCT was launched by M. Suchithra, noted Environment Journalist. Dr C. G. Madhusudhanan CEO EQUINOCT has given a detailed presentation on the Climate Change concerns and the people’s initiatives at Puthenvelikara

Sri. C. S. Ramanathan (Manager, Elanthikara High School), Smt. Sheruby Selestina (Vice President Block Panchayat Parakadavu), Sri. P. N. Dasan (Periyar Theeramaithri Unit) and Smt. C.R. Latha (Head Mistress Elanthikkara High School), Sri C. Jayaraman (MD, EQUINOCT), and Sri. Ranjith Mathew (Teacher, Elanthikara High School) offered felicitations. The event was held abiding by COVID protocols with limited attendees and the guests joining online.