Recipient Institution:
Center for Environment and Development

T.C. 9/2598, Elankom Gardens, Vellayambalam, Trivandrum - 695010, Kerala, India

Tel/Fax: 91-471-2726793/ 91-471-2726792

Email: ceddir@vsnl.com

Project Leader:
Dr. Babu Ambat

Amount and Duration: US$ 30,000 / 24 months

Commencement Date:
July 2004

Project Proposal
1.0 PROJECT BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION

Western Ghats, one of the mega biodiversity hotspots is located in southern part of India. The forests of Western Ghats are unique in many ways and acted as a place of attraction for biologists, tourists, environmentalist, and painters for its exceptionally high level of biodiversity, endemic flora and fauna with beautiful landscape. Apart from biological values, the mountains are essential water catchments for Kerala State for its domestic needs, agriculture, hydropower and industrial needs. At present the entire area of Western Ghats is under severe threat due to increasing human intervention and over exploitation of natural resources.

The increasing biotic pressure has led to the occurrences of forest fire, which resulted in fragmentation and degradation of the area and many of these fragmented forest landscapes are in highly endangered status and provide alarming signals of accelerated biodiversity loss. Forest fires are a major recurrent management problem in Western Ghats, even though the incidence and extent may vary from year to year, depending primarily on rainfall during the dry fire season. Statistics shows that during the last 12 years (between 1991 and 2003), more than 25,000 ha of forests of Kerala had been destroyed by fires. A recent study by French Institute of Pondicherry (Ramesh et al., 2003) shows that forest fire is a direct threat in 97% of Forest divisions of Kerala. Intensive management to detect, prevent and suppress forest fire is the need of the hour by evolving latest strategies and techniques. As per data available, as many as 572 fires broke out in the forests of Kerala during the past two-and-a half months burning 9,152 hectares of forests. The higher incidents of fire this year has been mainly due to severe drought in the State.

Forest fire, the effect of natural and man caused catastrophe has emphasized the need for developing a broader view of many natural processes. It is quite clear that an innovative approach on fire hazard area modeling requires the use of new techniques for obtain, processing and displaying spatial information in a timely and cost effective manner. This brings remote sensing and geographical information system in the scenario.

2.0 PROJECT OBJECTIVES

2.1. General Objective
The project aims to develop the most effective method for a forest fire forecasting in southern Western Ghats by using GIS and Remote Sensing

2.2. Specific Objectives
The following are the specific objectives of the study
6. Recording the occurrences of Forest fire, its causes and consequences
7. Map Forest fire risk area mapping of southern Western Ghats using GIS and Remote Sensing
8. Develop a Forest Fire Forecasting System for southern Western Ghats based on Topographic and Meteorological factors
9. Network presentation of the results using Internet GIS
10. Networking and Capacity building of local organizations, schools, Forest Department in fire prone areas

3.0 PROJECT BENEFICIARIES
Forest fire is common in almost all types of forests in Western Ghats barring the wet evergreen patches. The damage depends upon the frequency and intensity, type of forest, availability of fuel and the local climatic conditions. The most successful method of fire protection in the area is an elaborate network of fire lines, their clearing and burning just before the onset of summer season. This method is labor intensive and the human resources and funds available with the Forest Department are limited. Data from the Forest Dept shows that 6,675 km of fire lines were cleared in 2004 which is much larger compared to the previous years. Now fires are occurring despite the construction of 6,675 km of fire lines. This indicates that the State needs to change its strategies for fire protection.

The early fire forecasting system developed by this project will help the Forest department to mange and conserve the fire prone areas more efficiently. This will also benefit the local communities residing in and around the forest whose livelihood depends entirely on natural resources. The forecasting and prevention of forest fire will reduce the degradation and loss of biodiversity of the area. Apart from biological values, the mountains of Western Ghats are essential water catchments for the entire Kerala State for drinking, agriculture, hydroelectric power, and industrial needs.

4.0 PROJECT SUSTAINABILITY
Networking and capacity building of Local organizations, Schools, Forest Department is a major component of the project. These organizations will continue to communicate through Internet and mobiles phones through out the year and particularly during the fire season. These organizations will continue to collect the meteorological and other physical parameters and the fire forecasting system can be updated periodically. The results of the project and updated fire forecasting system will be made available in the existing web site of Centre for Environment and Development (www.cedindia.org). Government has started showing interest in addressing the issue of Forest fire in the State. Government policy of supporting the development of innovative methods and the low cost involved in updating the programme will sustain the project.

Centre for Environment and Development (CED) is an autonomous organization working on the area of Environment and Development for the last 10 years and is in a position to cover the recurring expenses when the project ends thereby ensuring the sustainability of the system.

5.0 PROJECT METHODOLOGY
The spatial data including topographic map, geological map etc. will be used to make forest fire hazard index. ERDAS IMAGINE 8.5, Arc/Info workstation 8.3/ Arc GIS Desktop 8.3, Arc IMS software will be used for image processing and spatial analyses.

5.1 Forest fire risk area mapping
Visual, digital and hybrid methods will be for remote sensing data analyses. IRC 1C/1D LISS-III FCCs will be used for visual interpretation for the classification of vegetation in the southern Western Ghats. The following basic themes will be generated for modeling the fire risk zone:

• Fire Occurrence Maps of the region for 5 years or more
• Classified Vegetation Map
• Rivers, Streams and Water bodies
• Road maps
• Maximum and Minimum Temperature
• Relative Humidity
• Rainfall data
• Human interference

A multi-parametric analyses / overlays will be carried out using GIS during which severity zones will be prioritize based on Forest Fire prone composite units and a Forest Fire Risk Area Map will be generated.

5.2 Development of Fire Forecasting System
Fire hazard map of the study area will be prepared based on geographical and natural features, which are necessary factors to forecast a forest fire hazard index. Fire potential requires collecting baseline vegetation information, daily to weekly monitoring of weather conditions and acquiring risk management information. A computer-based model based on GIS will be developed which uses fuel type, weather conditions, slope, aspect and elevation to predict the direction, speed and burn intensity of a wild fire across various landscapes.

5.3 Web based GIS
Forest fire hazard index will be presented in real time integrated with meteorological data through web based GIS using ARC IMS software to Forest Department Officials, local organizations etc without time lagging. A graphic use Interface will allow the user to easily specify, edit data and parameters necessary to execute simulation.

5.4 Capacity building
Networking and capacity building programme for local organizations, schools and Forest Department Officials will be organized and they will be encouraged to communicate through Internet.

6.0 PROJECT TIMELINE
The proposed project will last 24 months or 8 quarters. The schedule of subcomponents is shown in the Gantt chart

7.0 PROJECT OUTPUTS
Project outputs include the following

• Forest Fire Risk Area Map of Southern western Ghats
• Forest Fire Forecasting System
• Project report on Forest Fire, its causes, consequences and solutions
• Presentation of Fire Forecasting System on CED web site which can be freely used by stakeholders
• A network of local organizations and people
• Skill development in Front line staff of Forest Department and local people

8.0 PROJECT MONITORING
Project monitoring will be based on targets specified in the time line. Quarterly reports of activities will be made and will be made available on Internet (www.cedindia.org). Overall monitoring of the project will be done on a monthly basis to ensure the achievement of milestones, problems encountered and how these can be addressed.

Regular discussions will be carried out with the Forest Department and other Institutions interested in similar studies. An online project management and reporting system will be implemented so that all stakeholders keep watch and continuously keep updated about the developments of the project at every stage. This will also help in taking corrective action as soon as any problem or issue is identified.

Annexure - I
Centre For Environment and Development (CED) - A Profile
The Centre for Environment and Development (CED) established in 1993 with its headquarters at Thiruvananthapuram, Regional Centres at Kochi, Malappuram, and Kozhikode is an independent Research, Development, Consultancy and Training organization in fields related to environment and development. The Centre's primary objective is to carry out inter disciplinary and multi disciplinary research in environmental and developmental issues, based on cross-fertilization of mono-disciplinary sciences and also to provide consultancy and training support to implement various development projects. It is this broad base that makes CED unique in Kerala. The Centre is working in association with various frontline organizations and R & D Centres both at governmental and non-governmental sectors. The Centre is recognised by Department of Space, Government of India for GIS and Remote Sensing related activities. The Centre is functioning as the Co-ordinating Agency and Technical Support Unit for the IEC programmes and Total Sanitation Programmes of Government of Kerala. The administration and management of CED is under the control of a Governing Body, which include distinguished scientists, engineers and eminent personalities at national and international level.

1. To carry out R & D activities in fields related with environment and development of the country,
2. To provide scientific and technological support to implement developmental projects to local self-government institutions and other agencies,
3. To undertake all aspects of environmental engineering works in water supply, waste water treatment and sanitation sectors,
4. To interact/collaborate with Universities, Academic Institutions, Developmental Agencies and Consulting Agencies in India and abroad for environment and sustainable development research, technology development and transfer of technology,
5. To offer training and consultancy services to individuals, agencies, institutions etc; as and when required,
6. To develop database and information system of various fields related to the environment and development.

The R&D mandate of the Centre has been resolved into five Programme Areas each with several Sub Programme Areas like Environmental Resources Management, Water Supply and Sanitary Engineering, Remote Sensing Application and Geo information Technology, Environmental Policy and legal Studies, Training, Extension and Consultancy Services. The Centre has R & D capability in Land and Water Management, Water Supply and Environmental Sanitation, Ground Water and Hydrogeological Studies, River basin Studies, Forest and Biodiversity Studies, Wetland Ecosystem Studies, Remote Sensing Application Studies and Geo Information Technology, Resource Mapping, Environmental Impact Assessment Studies, Harbour Modelling Studies, Developmental Communication, Training and Extension programmes.

1. Engineers with Specialisation in Hydraulics, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Environmental Engineering, MIS etc.
2. Water Management Technologists
3. Remote Sensing Application specialist
4. Geographical Information System specialists
5. Ground water specialists
6. Geographers
7. Public Health and Sanitation experts
8. Environmental specialists
9. Biologists and Forestry experts
10. Economists
11. Ecotourism Specialist
12. Agricultural Specialists
13. Specialists in Training and Community Organisation
14. Computer specialists
15. Education Experts
16. Management Experts

1. Dr. S.C. Gupta, Former Director, VSSC, ISRO, (Chairman)
2. Prof. V.K. Damodaran, Former Director, Energy Management Centre (Vice- Chairman)
3. Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, Director, Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, Department of Ocean Development, Hyderabad (Member)
4. Dr. V. Ramankutty, Executive Director, Health Action by People (Member)
5. Dr. C.P. Aravindakshan, Former Director, Sramik Vidya Peeth. (Member)
6. Dr. C. Bhaskaran, Associate Professor Kerala Agricultural University (Member)
7. Dr. Babu Ambat, Director, CED.

PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES CARRIED OUT

Projects Sponsored by International Funding Agencies
Sl.No. Name of the Project Funding Agency Present Status
1 Survey and Inventory of Wetlands of Kerala for Conservation and Sustainable Management of Resources World Bank Aided Kerala Forestry Project of Forest Department of Kerala Completed
2 Rural Water Supply and Environmental Sanitation programme in Edayur Panchayat of Malappuram district of Kerala World Bank through KRWSA-CED acting as Support Organisation) Ongoing
3 Study of the Ground Water Potential of Alappuzha district Formulation Mission of Royal Netherlands Embassy for Drinking Water in Kerala Completed
4 Study of the Ground Water Potential of Idukki district Formulation Mission of Royal Netherlands Embassy for Drinking Water in Kerala Completed
5 Strategy and Approach for Water Scooping at Panchayat Level Formulation Mission of Royal Netherlands Embassy for Drinking Water in Kerala Completed
6 Regeneration and Ecodevelopment of Mangrove areas in Kalliasseri Panchayat in Cannoore district United Nations Development Programme Ongoing
7 Land and Water Management through Agroforestry Alternatives - A Model Programme at CDS Campus Dutch Aided KRPLLD Project, CDS Completed
8 From Artisanal to commodity production of Buildings in Kerala - A study of the Organisation of production and Labour process - I phase Dutch Aided KRPLLD Project, CDS Completed
9 From Artisanal to Commodity Production of Building in Kerala - A study of the Organisation of Production and Labour Process - II Phase. Dutch Aided KRPLLD Project, CDS Completed
10 Action plan preparation for Solid Waste Management of Thiruvananthapuram City Dutch Aided KRPLLD Project, CDS Completed
11 Problems and Prospects of Bamboo based Industry in Kerala Dutch Aided KRPLLD Project, CDS Completed
12 Conflicts in Biodiversity Conservation: The issue of traditional tribal fisheries in Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala Dutch Aided KRPLLD Project, CDS Completed
13 Decentralised and Locale-Specific Environmental Sanitation Programme in Anchuthengu -a Coastal Panchayat in Kerala Dutch Aided KRPLLD Project, CDS Completed
14 Study of the Altitude and Perception of the Community towards Solid Waste Management Programme - A case study of Thiruvananthapuram City Dutch Aided KRPLLD Project, CDS Ongoing
15 Kerala Water Supply Project Japan Bank for International Co-operation (For Kerala Water Authority)CED is a member of the TEC Consortium (Consultants for the Project) Ongoing

Projects Sponsored by National Funding Agencies
Sl.No. Name of the Project Sponsoring Agency Present Status
1 Pollution monitoring of Veli-Industrial Belt WWF- India, New Delhi Completed
2 Quality Analysis of Drinking Water Supply in three Municipal Corporations of Kerala WWF-India, New Delhi. Completed
3 Preparation of Locale Specific and Environment based Education Package WWF-India, New Delhi Completed
4 Regeneration of mangrove Ecosystem in Kumarakom Area of Kerala WWF-India, New Delhi Completed
5 Survey of the Solid Waste Management System in Thiruvananthapuram City Hazardous Substances Management Division, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India Completed
6 Survey of the Solid Waste Management System in four municipal towns of Kerala Hazardous Substances Management Division, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India Completed
7 Study of the Environmental status of Upper Catchment Area of Pamba River Basin using Satellite Data NNRMS-SCB programme of Ministry of Environment & Forests, Govt. of India. Completed
8 Feasibility Study on Energy Generation from Solid Waste of Thiruvananthapuram City Ministry of Non- Conventional Energy sources, Government of India and Science, Technology and Environment Committee, Kerala. Completed
9 Study of the Landuse changes and its impact on Agricultural production in Kumarakam Panchayat Natural Resource Data Management System, Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India. Completed
10 Cause-Consequence Analysis of Conversion of Rice Ecosystem in Kerala Department. of Science and Technology, Govt. of India Completed
11 Training programme for Upgradation of Skills in Habitat Interiors Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India. Completed
12 Project on Study of the Environmental Status of four River Systems using Remote Sensing data and GIS Ministry of Environment and Forests, Government. of India Completed
13 Training Programme on Habitat Interiors Department of Science and Technology, Government of India Completed
14 Participatory Planning for Environmental Sanitation Programme for Three Panchayats in Kerala Department of Science and Technology, Government of India Ongoing
15 Integrated Sanitation and Health Project, Trivandrum District * Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water Mission, Govt. of India AndGovt. of Kerala Ongoing
16 Integrated Sanitation and Health Project, Malappuram District * Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water Mission, Govt. of India AndGovt. of Kerala Ongoing
17 Integrated Sanitation and Health Project Alappuzha District * Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water Mission, Govt. of India AndGovt. of Kerala Ongoing

Projects Sponsored by State Funding Agencies
Sl.No. Name of the Project Sponsoring Agency Present Status
1 Environmental studies of Thangasseri Fishing Harbour Harbour Engineering Department, Kerala. Completed
2 Environmental studies of Neendakara Fishing Harbour Harbour Engineering Department, Kerala. Completed
3 Group Approach for Locally Adapted and Sustainable Agriculture A joint project of Palakkad District Panchayat, Kerala Agricultural University and CED Completed
4 Resource Mapping of 40 Panchayats Government of Kerala through State Land Use Board Completed
5 Urban Information System of 5 Cities Completed
6 Water Quality Analysis of Drinking Water Sources of 4 Panchayats Consultancy work for Sri Chitra Institute of Medical Science& Technology, Thiruvananthapuram Completed
7 Study of the Fish Biodiversity and Associated Aspects in Selected Shola Forest Regions of Kerala. Kerala Forest and Wild Life Department Completed
8 Submergence Analysis of Pooyamkutty Surroundings Consultancy work for TBGRI, Palode Completed
9 Modelling studies of the Fishery Harbour at Thalai and Preparation of Environmental Management Plan Harbour Engineering Department, Government of Kerala Completed
10 GALASA Programme in Kuttanad A joint programme of CED, KAU and District Panchayat, Alappuzha Completed
11 Comprehensive Coconut Care Project (CCCP) in Alappuzha Joint programme of CED, KAU and District Panchayat, Alappuzha Completed
12 Participatory Resource Mapping of all the Panchayats and Municipalities of Alappuzha District Government of Kerala through State Land Use Board Ongoing
13 Group Approach for Locally Adapted and Sustainable Agriculture (GALASA) Programme in Palakkad A joint programme of CED, KAU and District Panchayat, Palakkad Ongoing
14 Training on GIS and Remote Sensing Applications (Completed twenty three batches)
15 Training on Rural Water Supply and Sanitary Engineering
16 Rapid Environmental Impact Assessment of Karaickal Fishery Harbour Department of Fisheries, Government of Pondicherry Completed
17 Rapid Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies and preparation of Environment Management Plan (EMP) for the proposed Fishery Harbour at Chettuvai in Thrissur District Harbour Engineering Department, Government of Kerala) Initiated
18 Rapid Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies and preparation of Environment Management Plan (EMP) for the proposed Fishery Harbour at Cheruvathur in Kasaragode District Harbour Engineering Department, Government of Kerala Initiated