A study by the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI) on ‘Human-elephant conflict in Kerala' shows that the compensation paid for loss of human life and agricultural crops was inadequate, resulting in farmers' ire against the failure of the government to protect them from wildlife menace.

Non-governmental organizations have to play a key role in the promotion of rural health care, especially at a time when the State is faced with an increase in the number of various lifestyle disease cases, said Prof P.J.Kurien, Congress(I) chief whip in the Rajya Sabha.

The budget estimate of the Kottayam municipality for the year 2011-12 envisages the implementation of a comprehensive drinking water supply scheme, waste management, and providing employment to women, among other projects.

Mayor Prasanna Earnest has said that the Kollam Corporation aims at a slum-free city at the earliest through the implementation of the Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY).

Kerala banned the use of 15 pesticides in May this year. However, about a dozen pesticides which were either banned or severely restricted in other countries continue to be used in Kerala, C. Jayakumar of Thanal (an advocacy organisation campaigning against pesticides) told The Hindu. Moreover, several of the banned pesticides are still in use and some of the alternatives suggested officially are pesticides banned in other countries.

Ten new species of frogs have been discovered by a team of biodiversity researchers, led by Anil Zachariah, veterinary surgeon, Animal Husbandry Department, during a recent exploration in the Western Ghats.

Health Minister Adoor Prakash said here on Friday that the Government would be taking a strong stand in favour of ban on endosulfan. However, he parried questions whether the State government would implead as a party in case seeking ban before the Supreme Court.