This scientist is changing ground realities in Kerala

Abu Dhabi - The space scientist was a former director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre.

Kerala is making giant strides in the field of science and technology courtesy Madhavan Chandradathan, who is a harbinger of tremendous projects in the pipeline.
The scientific adviser to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is overseeing several projects like energy-from-waste, cloud seeding, geospatial mapping and water conservation among others.
The space scientist was a former director of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, the Satish Dhawan Space Centre and the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre. He has led India's Mars and Moon mission, and was awarded the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award, for his contributions to the fields of science and technology. Chandradathan has put into use the experience gained from 43 years and four months of tenure with Indian Space Research Organisation.
Chandradathan noted Isro's work culture molding his way of life now. "Among all the federal government departments, Isro has a peculiar and different culture. Nobody dictates or orders you to do any work. People are self-motivated and understand their responsibility. There will be thousands of people working for a launch and everyone knows their role. You can't imagine such dedication and passion anywhere else, and thus the high success rate in missions," Chandradathan told Khaleej Times during an exclusive chat on the sidelines of an interaction with children at Kerala Social Centre.
He said Isro always works to benefit the common man.
"India is the only country where rocket technology has been developed for peaceful purpose. In all other nations, it is a spin-off from defence. The moment you put a satellite in place of a weapon, the rocket becomes a missile. Whatever development we could do in the field of space technology is for the common man."
And once the Kerala chief minister bestowed him responsibility of being his scientific adviser, the scientist has looked to serve the general public in ways possible.
His big project, Chandradathan said, is having solid waste treatment plant in every district of the state. He noted that NRIs have made significant contributions in this regard.
"I am behind this for last one-and-a-half years. In another two years, all corporations and municipalities will have centralised waste processing facilities, i.e. energy from waste. The first plant with German technology will come up at Sultan Bathery in Wayanad district by June. It is my dream project and the chief minister has given full support. An NRI entrepreneur is investing some Rs3 billion. The construction work is finishing very fast."
Also, he said the foundation stone for Brahmapuram solid waste treatment plant in Kochi will be laid next month. "It was a controversial project and has finally got all approvals. It is Rs3 billion investment made by an NRI from Europe," Chandradathan said about the waste-to-energy gasification plant.
There will be tendering process for plants coming up in other districts, he pointed out.
There is another project, the former scientist has realised - geospatial mapping, which will be completed by June or July.
"This was a project for last one year or more and I took Isro authorities help in this regard. We have Kerala State Remote Sensing and Environment Centre, which wasn't properly managed. So, I got a senior Isro scientist from Hyderabad as the director. Mapping of paddy fields, water bodies, forestation data and such things is going on very well. With this, your land survey number, boundary, shapes and everything will be available at the click of a mouse. Entire mapping will be done by June or July."
A big initiative worked upon is cloud seeding, which will be tried this summer.
"The chief minister came up with this plan. We had planned to experiment last year but in October-November period there was good rainfall and we didn't get a slot for operation. We are planning to do it again this April-May. Instead of costly means of using aircraft, we are looking at ground flare method."
He noted the advancement made by the UAE in this aspect.
"The UAE has invested a lot in research and improving the technique. The US and Australia too have similar technology."
Taking further steps towards water conservation, Chandradathan said the government is cleaning and rejuvenating water bodies. "More than 60 per cent of original water bodies have diminished. Whatever water bodies are available, we are trying to clean and rejuvenate. There is a big campaign coming up. Rejuvenating rivers is being planned in a big way. Worse will be desalination of water in certain sea shores, which the UAE is doing from the very beginning," he added. "We have a hope that things will change by having all these projects."
Chandradathan also interacted with children at an education event held by India Social and Cultural Centre's Professionals and Entrepreneurs Forum.
Chandradathan's projects on hand
> The scientific adviser to Kerala Chief Minister is overseeing several projects like energy-from-waste, cloud seeding, geospatial mapping and water conservation among others
> His big project is having solid waste treatment plant in every district of the state
> The former scientist says geospatial mapping will be completed by June or July
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com
 

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