Latest news with #SWA
Time of India
a day ago
- General
- Time of India
Wetlands shrinking rapidly in Kerala, fallout can be terrible
1 2 Kochi: Wetlands in Kerala shrank from 2.35 lakh hectares in 1990 to 1.6 lakh ha by 2011, notes S Girija Kumari, head of the University Institute of Technology, Kayamkulam, in the Feb edition of forest department's magazine Aaranyam. She cited unchecked urbanisation, relentless consumerism and an ever-growing appetite for luxury as the reasons for its rapid depletion. With paddy giving way to commercial crops, wetlands' fabric also altered significantly, the report notes. Scientists say, as with the new Aranmula project, wetlands will shrink further, sometimes with the dilution of laws. "Paddy is supposed to be a wetland crop controlling hydrology in an area," said State Wetland Authority (SWA) former member K K Ramachandran. "Unfortunately, Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules was reissued in 2017 which changed its definition in effect excluding paddy fields from that purview. We don't have a database to gauge the extent of wetlands reclaimed in each timeline. Kerala govt initially decided to classify wetlands of 2.5ha and above. However, it was found that a large number fall under that classification. But I understand that the govt asked to identify only the largest 40 wetlands. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Esse novo alarme com câmera é quase gratuito em São Paulo (consulte o preço) Alarmes Undo The govt is delaying the process of notifying the wetlands' inventory. It seems they are set to notify 20 wetlands first. However, I'm doubtful since SWA is not serious about enforcement of powers," he said. National Centre for Earth Science Studies ex-scientist K V Thomas said Kerala Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act was largely diluted, benefiting both politicians and businessmen mutually. "Earlier, the act allowed reclaiming wetland and paddy fields by a poor family to construct a house. With the extent of area increased, anyone can reclaim the land. The Act's dilution happened twice in the last eight years. Similar dilutions happened in the CRZ Act too, where Pokkali fields' definition was removed from it. It resulted in a large wetland network being excluded from the protection of CRZ notification. Wetlands and paddy fields are flood plains. When an ecosystem's continuity is lost through reclamation, flooding — whether downstream/upstream — will be a threat. Groundwater recharge will be affected and temperature will rise due to construction," warned Thomas. State Biodiversity Board chairman N Anil Kumar said. "Reclamation of ecologically important places will affect fish breeding grounds. Wetlands attract migratory birds which fly thousands of kilometres for breeding. If there is no healthy system for its breeding, it will further impact their population. The local conversion has a global impact. Ramsar sites are declared for that purpose. It's important to declare more wetlands as Ramsar sites," he said.
Filipino Times
3 days ago
- Science
- Filipino Times
Saudi Arabia sets two new Guinness World Records for water projects
The Saudi Water Authority (SWA) has secured two new Guinness World Records, strengthening Saudi Arabia's position as a leader in modern water solutions. One record was for the world's largest seawater desalination plant, utilizing reverse osmosis —a system that converts seawater into drinking water. This plant, part of the Al-Khobar Production System Phase II, can produce over 670,000 cubic meters daily on the smallest land area for its size. The second record went to SWA's Technical Affairs and Projects Sector for having the lowest energy use ever recorded for a plant using the same technology. The Shuaibah Plant Phase V uses just 1.7 kWh to remove salt and a total of 2.34 kWh per cubic meter. This new figure breaks the Kingdom's previous record of 2.27 kWh per cubic meter and has been praised by the World Bank. During a ceremony in Riyadh, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Alfadley and representatives from Guinness World Records awarded the certificates, the Saudi Press Agency reported. With these two new awards, SWA now holds 11 Guinness World Records.
Leaders
3 days ago
- Business
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia Sets New Guinness Records in Water Desalination Technology
Saudi Arabia has achieved remarkable milestones by breaking two Guinness World Records in water desalination technology. The Saudi Water Authority (SWA) received these prestigious certificates, showcasing the Kingdom's leadership in the global water sector. The records were presented during a ceremony at the SWA headquarters in Riyadh. Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Alfadley attended the event, alongside a delegation from Guinness World Records, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The first record recognized the world's largest seawater desalination plant utilizing reverse osmosis (RO) technology. This facility is part of Phase II of the Al-Khobar Production System project. It boasts an impressive production capacity of 670,852.4 cubic meters per day. Notably, it was constructed on the smallest land area globally for a facility of its size. This achievement resulted from innovative technical methodologies and value engineering, with the official registration of this record occurred on 25 February, 2025. Lowest Energy Consumption Rate The second record highlights SWA's Technical Affairs and Projects Sector for achieving the lowest energy consumption rate for an RO-based desalination plant. This plant recorded an energy consumption rate of 1.7 kWh per cubic meter during the salt separation stage. Overall, the total energy consumption reached 2.34 kWh per cubic meter, marking the lowest ever documented worldwide. This significant achievement occurred during the construction of the Shuaibah Plant (Phase V) on April 22, 2025. The World Bank commended this accomplishment, which surpassed the Kingdom's previous record of 2.27 kWh per cubic meter. A Commitment to Sustainability These two recent achievements elevate SWA's total number of Guinness World Records to 11. This accomplishment further solidifies Saudi Arabia's position as a global center of excellence and innovation in the water sector. Moreover, it emphasizes the Kingdom's critical role in fostering a more sustainable future for water resources. As Saudi Arabia continues to lead in water desalination technology, it sets a benchmark for other nations to follow. Short link : Post Views: 30 Related Stories
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Second shop will help domestic abuse charity expand
A domestic abuse charity is opening its second charity shop, which will help support the organisation to expand across the region. Society Without Abuse (SWA) is opening the store in Marlborough after success with its first one in Swindon, the town the charity started in 50 years ago. People are being encouraged to donate and volunteer at the 'Survivor Shop' in the town. The charity works through education, early intervention and prevention, including teaching about healthy relationships in schools. More news stories for Wiltshire Listen to the latest news for Wiltshire SWA has described it as a "boutique" charity shop, which is opening on 4 June in Marlborough's town centre at Hughenden Yard. "We're incredibly excited to become part of the Marlborough community," said Kate Rowland, CEO of SWA. "Our new shop offers not only a wide range of quality pre-loved women's clothing and accessories, as well as the chance for people to make a real difference with every purchase and donation." She added that the Swindon shop already sells "top quality brands". Money raised by the shop helps fund the charity's HOPE programme, which works with children and young people to help them recover from the trauma of abuse. It also has developed Open2Change, a behaviour change programme for those who show unhealthy behaviours towards partners and families, with the aim to stop reoffending. In addition, the charity offers training in awareness of domestic abuse to help employers meet the needs of their staff. Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Domestic abuse charity to lose refuge centre contract Domestic violence stays high after Covid - charity Abuse survivors' art is 'relief from a monster' Society without Abuse
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Second shop will help domestic abuse charity expand
A domestic abuse charity is opening its second charity shop, which will help support the organisation to expand across the region. Society Without Abuse (SWA) is opening the store in Marlborough after success with its first one in Swindon, the town the charity started in 50 years ago. People are being encouraged to donate and volunteer at the 'Survivor Shop' in the town. The charity works through education, early intervention and prevention, including teaching about healthy relationships in schools. More news stories for Wiltshire Listen to the latest news for Wiltshire SWA has described it as a "boutique" charity shop, which is opening on 4 June in Marlborough's town centre at Hughenden Yard. "We're incredibly excited to become part of the Marlborough community," said Kate Rowland, CEO of SWA. "Our new shop offers not only a wide range of quality pre-loved women's clothing and accessories, as well as the chance for people to make a real difference with every purchase and donation." She added that the Swindon shop already sells "top quality brands". Money raised by the shop helps fund the charity's HOPE programme, which works with children and young people to help them recover from the trauma of abuse. It also has developed Open2Change, a behaviour change programme for those who show unhealthy behaviours towards partners and families, with the aim to stop reoffending. In addition, the charity offers training in awareness of domestic abuse to help employers meet the needs of their staff. Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Domestic abuse charity to lose refuge centre contract Domestic violence stays high after Covid - charity Abuse survivors' art is 'relief from a monster' Society without Abuse
