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Articles by V Ayyappan
Tree Walk seeks public hearing on proposed relocation of Thiruvananthapuram Zoo
T‘puram: Tree Walk, a city-based collective of nature lovers, has petitioned chief minister V D Satheesan to hold a public hearing on the proposed relocation of Thiruvananthapuram Zoo and explain the plans to the public.
From Keralam to NYPD
From patrol officers to senior officers, Malayalis have carved out careers In US Law Enforcement while staying connected to their roots On a freezing January morning in New York in 2017, two police officers paused for coffee before starting their early shift. Then came a radio call about a man slumped inside a car stuck in slush near a harbour gate. What appeared to be a routine call for assistance soon turned tense when the man woke up and became agitated and violent.
200 videos, 6,000 images bring Thiruvananthapuram’s underwater biodiversity to light
T’puram: A community-driven online register of marine biodiversity has opened up a window to world beneath the waves off the city’s coast, bringing its rich underwater life into view for the public through a collection of 200 videos and 6,000 images.
Forest restoration needs scientific approach: Nameer
Thiruvananthapuram: Unscientific and poorly planned management of forests and protected areas could harm wildlife habitats and undermine natural regeneration, said P O Nameer, dean of the faculty of forestry at Kerala Agricultural University. He was speaking on ‘Status and Rising Tide of Threats on Keralam’s Wildlife in the Age of Growing Intolerance’ at Vanaspandanam, organised by Coexistence Collective and State Central Library as part of the Wildlife Week celebrations on Wednesday.
Airport expansion takes off with two new international terminals
Thiruvananthapuram: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport has initiated the process of selecting a contractor to build two new international terminal buildings, part of a Rs 2,400-crore expansion plan to significantly increase its passenger-handling capacity. The management has invited bids for the design, engineering and construction of the development works, following an expression of interest floated a few months ago.
Airport access fee may push up cab fares
T’puram: Cab fares from the city airport may increase as the airport began charging an access fee for commercial vehicles or cabs picking up passengers from the arrival terminal. Under the revised tariff, cabs are charged Rs 180 for entering the arrival terminal pick-up zone for eight minutes. The charge increases to Rs 200 for up to 30 minutes if the vehicle stays beyond eight minutes. There is concern that cab operators may pass on the additional cost to passengers hiring taxis from the airport.
Keralam documentary fest: Films capture lives shaped by uncertainty, memory and resistance
The lives portrayed in documentaries do not always end when the films do. They live on in the minds of viewers, far beyond the screen. Several films screened at the 18th International Documentary and Short Film Festival of Keralam try to capture that encounter with real life. In “Journey into Sato Tadao”, filmmaker Terasaki Mizuho comes to Keralam in search of the sense of wonder behind Japanese film critic Sato Tadao's description of G Aravindan's Kummatty as a “treasure”.
Academy to use films as a tool to reach out to Gen Z: Raveendran
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala State Chalachitra Academy plans to expand its activities beyond organising film festivals and use cinema as an educative tool to reach out to children, young people and Gen Z under its new leadership. Actor and festival curator Raveendran , who has taken charge as the academy chairperson, said the institution needed to broaden its scope and explore newer ways of engaging with society. “The academy should not be limited to holding film festivals.
Centre gives screening permission to 24 more films for IDSFFK
Thiruvananthapuram: Union ministry of information and broadcasting has granted screening permission to 24 more short films out of the 31 that had been selected for the 18th IDSFFK but initially denied clearance. These newly approved films will begin screening from Sunday onwards. The revised screening schedule will be made available on the IDSFFK website. Delegates will also be informed through messages.
Zoo site project may threaten Thiruvananthapuram’s green lung: Lessons from Chennai’s parks
Thiruvananthapuram: Chief minister V D Satheesan’s statement that the space vacated by the zoo will be used for a project “befitting the city” raises concerns that this green lung may meet the same fate as green spaces lost to projects in Chennai, where promises to restore greenery remained unfulfilled. There are several examples of infrastructure and upgrade projects undertaken in green spaces that ultimately led to their destruction.
TVM zoo’s century-old rare, endagered trees, vital greenbelt face uncertain future amid relocation proposal
Thiruvananthapuram: From its oldest surviving rubber tree to a variety of rare, indigenous, exotic and endangered species, the 36-acre Zoological Park is home to nearly 200 tree species, creating a verdant oasis in the heart of a city grappling with rapid urbanisation.
KSRTC to set up full-fledged tourism division
Times News Network Thiruvananthapuram : KSRTC will set up a full-fledged tourism division, transport minister C P John said at the launch of the corporation's Lakshadweep and Hyderabad tour packages. The Lakshadweep package marks KSRTC's foray into air-linked tourism. The first batch of 10 tourists left the city for Kochi, from where they will fly to Lakshadweep. The tours are organized by KSRTC's Budget Tourism Cell.
Invasive trees thrive on city avenues
Thiruvananthapuram : Invasive species, especially senna, are being eradicated from forests and their fringes but flourish as avenue trees in the city. Senna trees planted along Kowdiar-Pattom road have flowered, though no agency has studied invasive trees in public spaces or planned replacements, and neither state govt nor the corporation has formulated a policy.
Keralam to get two elephant ambulances from Vantara
T’puram: The state forest department will get two elephant ambulances from Vantara, Gujarat, under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative to transport elephants safely, forest minister Shibu Baby John said. Elephant ambulances are custom-made heavy-duty trucks that have special ramps, hydraulic platforms and onboard medical equipment that help veterinarians monitor the animals and give medical care when they are transported.
Sunken ship pellets continue to pollute Keralam, TN coasts Original
Thiruvananthapuram: Plastic resin pellets, or nurdles, released after container vessel MSC ELSA-3 sank off Kochi on May 25, 2025, continued to contaminate stretches of the southern Kerala and Tamil Nadu coasts for a year, with some reaching the Gulf of Mannar and beyond. Some pellets were found buried up to 20 cm beneath beach sediments. A year-long study found that the pellets accumulated pollutants, including heavy metals, and were ingested by fish.
Wayanad rehab: Construction of houses to be completed by Oct-end, says min
Thiruvananthapuram: Minister T Siddique said all houses that are under construction at the Wayanad rehabilitation township for survivors of Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslide will be completed by end of Oct. Siddique told reporters that there is no basis for concerns that construction of the second phase of houses in the rehabilitation township is progressing slowly. “The construction contractor has assured that work on 110 houses will be finished by the end of this month.
After setting up reading room, forest dept restricts visitors to central library
Thiruvananthapuram: In a clear case of bureaucracy working at cross-purposes, the forest department has put in restrictions for public access, including for students, to its central library, despite setting up a reading room, children’s area and literature section as part of a renovation project supported by the Union ministry of forests and USAID.
Ulloor Memorial Library to digitise rare books, seek revival
T’puram: For years, the Mahakavi Ulloor Memorial Library and Research Institute in the city has stood as a silent archive, its 15,000 books—including rare works from the private collections of prominent figures such as poet Ulloor S Parameswara Iyer—gathering dust on neglected shelves. Now, after years of decline, the library is poised for a revival.
24_Thi_VA_malabar cancer centre
Status: Not Approved HEAD: 24_Thi_VA_malabar cancer centre Byline: V Ayyappan Malabar cancer centre wins recognition for ai cancer care projects at india ai summit 2026 TNN Thiruananthapuram: Malabar Cancer Centre (MCC), an autonomous institute under the state govt, won recognition for its AI projects in cancer care at the India AI Summit 2026. The Centre was included among the country's top initiatives to bring revolutionary changes in cancer treatment using AI.
Fading image of god’s own land
As hundreds flocked to watch Onam Tourism Week festivities in Thiruvananthapuram , govt dealt a blow to one of the most vibrant attractions of the city — its street-food culture — abruptly barring the vendors from operating, that too without an alternative plan. Kerala ’s tourism promotion with its short-sighted policies, lack of coordination between departments and grand plans lacking clarity on implementation has been a big letdown. The latest episode underscores the incompetence.
Forest dept plans SOP to guide staff on social media
Ayyappan.V Thiruvananthapuram: The forest department is planning to introduce a standard operating procedure (SOP) to guide field staff on social media communication, including what can and cannot be posted or said online. The move is aimed at raising awareness about the department and bringing conservation initiatives into mainstream public discourse amid growing negativity towards them.
146-year-old Napier Museum in bad shape
Thiruvananthapuram: Napier Museum that houses ancient art exhibits is in a bad shape. The stone walls, wooden roof rafters and tiles look worn out. The imposing building has not been painted in a long time and cracks are visible on the walls near the ticket counter. The wooden windows are unvarnished and appear weather-beaten.
Marine accidents: Centre lacks plan to assess impact
Thiruvananthapuram: Union govt doesn’t seem to have a long-term strategy to assess the impact of shipping-related accidents or pollution on the marine ecosystem off the state’s coast, especially after two ship accidents in 2025. There are concerns about the long-term impact of MSC Elsa 3’s sinking off Kochi and a fire accident on a Singapore-flagged ship MV Wan Hai 503 off Beypore.
Jackfruit chips, Marayoor jaggery; first container to set sail from Vizhinjam
Thiruvananthapuram: The first export container from Vizhinjam International Seaport carries 4,000kg of food products, including ready-to-eat items such as jackfruit chips, banana chips and Marayoor jaggery, packed by a Thiruvananthapuram-based exporter. The consignment will be shipped to Valencia, Spain, aboard MSC Marie Leslie after it is flagged off by chief minister V D Satheesan on Aug 18.
Railways yet to find solution to jumbo deaths on rail track
Thiruvananthapuram: Elephants continue to be run over by trains as Railways delays installing an AI-enabled intrusion detection system along the busy Palakkad–Walayar stretch linking Kerala and Tamil Nadu . On Friday, an elephant and a calf were killed after being hit by Mangalore-Chennai Superfast Express on the stretch at 11.45pm. A herd was crossing and the train could not be stopped on time.
Residents seek compensation for wildlife-hit fences
Trending Thiruvananthapuram: People affected by wildlife incursions are not eligible for compensation when elephants, wild boars or other wild animals damage compound walls and fences.The issue has become a growing concern in many villages, where walls and fences serve as the first line of defence for homes and farmland.
Kerala mulls law to regulate boating, adventure tourism
News City News kochi News Kerala mulls law to regulate boating, adventure tourism Trending Thiruvananthapuram: State govt is considering a law to introduce safety protocols and strengthen monitoring of boating and adventure tourism activities, tourism minister P C Vishnunadh said on Tuesday.
As patrolling on forest route resumes, railway staff up in arms
Thiruvananthapuram: Track maintainers, who inspect Punalur-Sengottai stretch of Kollam-Sengottai line, are in a fix after railways resumed night foot patrolling along the ghat route that passes through Thenmala reserve forest.
₹13,000cr MSC deal to power Vizhinjam’s next phase
Trending Thiruvananthapuram: Handling of ships and cargo is set to increase at Vizhinjam port after Switzerland-based MSC Group acquired a 49% in the port for Rs 13,000 crore. MSC, the world’s largest container shipping company, will make the investment through its terminal investment arm, TiL. The deal is expected to boost terminal handling capacity at the port, driving expansion and a rise in cargo movement.
Peoples biodiversity registers being digitized across Kerala
Trending The people’s biodiversity register contains details of topography, waterbodies, land pattern, trees, plants, vegetables, medicinal herbs, wildlife, domesticated animals, and traditional knowledge of the people in using land, water and crops T’puram: Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB) has started digitizing People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBR) as part of an effort to create a searchable digital database of local biodiversity, plants, animals, microorganisms and traditional...
A drink half-poured, then put on ice
alcohol kerala liquor policy Thiruvananthapuram: After years of liquor policies that neither curbed alcohol abuse nor fostered a social drinking culture, the new UDF govt had finally introduced a policy permitting low-alcohol drinks, ideal for social settings and tourists seeking a better ambience at destinations.
SHRC tells jt registrar to help resolve loan repayment case in a fair manner
Trending T’puram: State human rights commission (SHRC) assigned joint registrar to help resolve a loan repayment issue in which a man who mortgaged his residential land and farmland died by suicide in Vithura.
From Ibn Battuta to Vizhinjam: How Kerala plans to revive historic waterways Original
News From Ibn Battuta to Vizhinjam: How Kerala plans to revive historic waterways Way back in the 14th century, explorer Ibn Battuta travelled by a vanchi (boat) from Kozhikode to Kollam. The journey took 10 days. Later in the 19th century, a canal was constructed to link the lakes in Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram, completing the north-south route in 1880. It helped people reach Shoranur railway station where the railway line was in place at that time.
Kalasamala, Edayilakkad Kavu to be declared biodiversity heritage sites
Trending Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB) is gearing up to declare two more sites — Kalasamala in Thrissur and Edayilakkad Kavu in Kasaragod — as biodiversity heritage sites.The board had declared around 57 hectares of mangroves in Ashramam in Kollam as state’s first biodiversity heritage site in 2019.Kalasamala and Edayilakkad Kavu sites have been identified based on rare plants and trees and its rich biodiversity, said KSBB member secretary V...
Deal signed for Rs 1k cr shipyard at Ponnani
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Maritime Board (KMB) has signed an agreement with a firm to develop a shipyard to manufacture small and medium ships under public private partnership (PPP) model at Ponnani port.
State to promote tourism and culture under one ministry
Trending Tourism and culture under one ministry Kerala Tourists enjoying a pleasant evening at Pizhala on Tuesday , where a private farm was recently opened to the public with many amenities to attract tourists . After the opening of the new Pizhala bridge connecting from the container road ,the scenic beauty of Cheriya Kadamakudy and Pizhala Islands has become a growing tourist attraction .
In office after 10 years, UDF makes strong welfare pitch Original
News India News In office after 10 years, UDF makes strong welfare pitch Trending THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Congress-led UDF returned to office in Kerala after a decade as six-term MLA VD Satheesan took oath as CM before a roaring crowd at Thiruvananthapuram's Central Stadium Monday and signalled a sharp political reset through a string of welfare measures, administrative changes and a fresh probe into a politically sensitive assault case linked to former CM Pinarayi Vijayan's Nava Kerala Yatra in...
In office after 10 years in Kerala, UDF makes strong welfare pitch
Occurred on May 17, 2026 / Peddapalli, Telangana, Info: A woman walking near her residence became the target of a chain snatching incident after a man riding a motorcycle suddenly grabbed the gold chain from her neck. The accused escaped immediately from the area before nearby residents could respond or stop him. After receiving information about the robbery, Town Inspector Indrasena Reddy along with the Godavarikhani ACP visited the location and inspected nearby areas.
Victory Day for VD Satheesan
Thiruvananthapuram: After a 10-year hiatus, a 20-member UDF ministry headed by chief minister V D Satheesan was sworn in on Monday amid applause and cheers from a sea of people who gathered at Central Stadium here nearly two hours ahead of the 10am ceremony.By 8am, the roads leading to the stadium and the nearby State Secretariat had traded their usual weekday rush for the bustle of a carnival.
Central station redevelopment leaves congestion questions
News Central station redevelopment leaves congestion questions Thiruvananthapuram: The Rs 495 crore redevelopment of Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station is unlikely to solve its chronic overcrowding problem. There are no plans to add platforms by relocating the train maintenance yard, nor to add facilities at stations like Kazhakoottam and Thiruvananthapuram North to introduce stoppages and absorb passenger load.
Online encyclopaedia on Kerala in Malayalam soon
Trending T'puram: People will soon be able to search and access encyclopaedic information in Malayalam online, as State Institute of Encyclopaedic Publications (SIEP) plans to launch an online encyclopaedia on Kerala as part of its shift from print to digital.The move comes after the institute's success in producing audiobooks, short videos and short write-ups on its website and because of a thought that printed encyclopaedias have limited reception.
Stone pelting, overcrowding raise safety fears on Kerala trains Original
News City News kochi News Stone pelting, overcrowding raise safety fears on Kerala trains Rising stone-pelting attacks expose rail passenger safety gaps (Image used for representational purpose only). I t’s 5.30pm. Several people, many of them women, with their bags slung over shoulders, sprint across traffic and dive into northbound trains seconds before departure at Thiruvananthapuram Central station.
Despite restoration, historic Attingal palace lies forgotten
Trending Thiruvananthapuram: It's been six years since attempts were made to restore the front portion of the Attingal (Koyikkal) palace and open it to the public, but it remains locked and inaccessible to the people.Though the palace, built in the traditional Ettukettu architectural style, and the town, which witnessed one of the earliest revolts against British rule — are closely tied to the early history of the Travancore royal family, the archaeology, culture and tourism departments have...
Kerala assemebly results: Indira Bhavan erupts as Congress romps home Original
News City News kochi News Kerala assemebly results: Indira Bhavan erupts as Congress romps home Trending Indira Bhavan erupts as Congress romps home It began in near silence at Cantonment House — just a handful of party workers, eyes fixed on a giant screen, clapping each time the UDF’s lead inched forward at 9am. There were only enough crowd to annoy a bevy of swans at the lawn.
Travel rules simplified but connectivity to Lakshadweep remains poor
Trending T'puram: The Union govt may have simplified the travel procedure to Lakshadweep to boost tourism but it is yet to address the poor connectivity to the islands from Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. As flights are fewer, the airfares are expensive, making it unfeasible for tourists. The Lakshadweep administration has done away with the need to have a local sponsor and police verification at hometowns of the tourists.
Snake relocation harms ecology and reptiles, say experts
Trending Thiruvananthapuram: With snakebites surging, people call catchers without checking if snakes are venomous, and this fear-driven trend harms local ecology. Yet the issue is often ignored, as the forest dept is focused on removing the problem rather than solving it holistically.Forest dept has been relocating the rescued snakes mostly into forest areas as there has been considerable resistance against releasing them even in sparsely populated areas.
Kerala Maritime board identifies investor for asramam lakefront leisure hub
Trending Thiruvananthapuram: The proposed lakefront leisure and entertainment hub at Asramam, Kollam moved a step closer to reality as Kerala Maritime Board identified an investor for the project.The hub, designed as a getaway spot to attract tourists and promote social interaction among residents, will be spread across 1.78 acres of KMB land between Ashramam Road and Ashtamudi Lake.
Gagarins across Kerala reunite to mark 65th anniversary of Yuri’s pioneering spaceflight Original
News City News thiruvananthapuram News Gagarins across Kerala reunite to mark 65th anniversary of Yuri’s pioneering spaceflight Thiruvananthapuram: It was a nostalgic tribute to the Soviet Union's halcyon days in space and its era as a lodestar of communism as ‘Gagarins' from different parts of the state reunited at the Honorary Consulate of Russia here on Saturday to mark a stellar milestone: the 65th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin's pioneering spaceflight, which falls on Sunday.
Malappuram tops in number of springs in state, Alappuzha has least Original
Trending Malappuram, Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur districts have the highest number of springs in the state, as per the first spring census report released by Union ministry of jal shakti on Monday.Of the 4,333 springs counted in the state, Malappuram has 709 of them, Thiruvananthapuram has 633 and Kannur has 572. Alappuzha with 24 has the least number of springs.
Muniyara dolmens in ruins, unprotected
Thiruvananthapuram: The Neolithic Age Muniyara dolmens are lying unprotected at Marayoor in Idukki. Of the burial sites around a large tabletop rock, only a handful remain. A few of them have been vandalised. A board installed at the site says Muniyara dolmens are prehistoric and the above-ground burial chambers are built with large stone slabs known as megaliths.
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