In Short

wisening up: The Kerala government has announced its decision to undertake a massive rainwater harvesting scheme throughout the state on a war-footing. The move is believed to have been triggered by its experiences in this year's severe drought (see: 'Water Woes in Wet Kerala', Down To Earth, May 31, 2004). People, local bodies, non-government organisations and other service organisations would be actively involved in the task, Chief Minister A K Antony said. The government also ordered compensation for drought-affected farmers.

ballast water strategy: The first South Asia Regional Meeting on Ballast Water Control and Management was held in Panaji, Goa, from May 13, 2004. Representatives from Bangladesh, Malaysia, Maldives, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and the Global Ballast Water Management Programme of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), London, were among the participants at the two-day meet. The deliberations aimed at evolving a strategic action plan for south Asia pertaining to the issue at hand.

bush's number game: Scientists and environmentalists are enraged at a reported move by the US government to consider counting the Pacific salmon raised in hatcheries for determining if the species is endangered. The policy is expected to be formally announced by the end of May, 2004. Biologists believe this approach will discourage protection being given to natural habitats of rare species.