The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board has given clearance for radiation processing units in three places of Tamil Nadu, according to J. Daniel Chellappa, senior scientist, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre.

Addressing the media on the sidelines of an international conference organised at Fatima College here on Thursday, Mr. Chellappa said the radiation processing units would come at Sriperumpudur, Tirunelveli and Tuticorin. “The units will sterilise medicinal products and treat food materials to be free of pests,” he said.

Addressing the inaugural session of the conference on ‘Solutions to ecological challenges’ through video conferencing, M.S. Swaminathan, emeritus chairman and chief mentor founder of M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, called for formation of soil health monitoring and enhancement centres in every panchayat.

“The major ecological challenges we face include loss of biodiversity, depletion of water table, climate change and challenge for sustainable food security arising from degradation of land,” he said. According to him, each ecological challenge will have to be met by appropriate methods of environmentally sustainable development.

To enhance soil quality, soil health monitoring and enhancement centres should function with the help of locally trained people. “In case of water, we concentrate on supply augmentation and not on demand management. Demand management is as important as supply augmentation and rainwater harvesting should be made mandatory in all places as in Tamil Nadu,” Mr. Swaminathan added.

More of anticipatory research should be done to meet issues such as global warming and rise in sea level. The change in climate is leading to new situations in terms of sea level, flood and drought, he pointed out.

Delivering the thematic address, David C. Nicholas of the University of Lancaster said students must take up stewardship to safeguard environment. “Conserve forests by planting more trees. Whenever trees are cut, saplings should be planted in their places,” he stated.

M.P. Vasimalai, executive director of Dhan Foundation, said, “Urban ecosystem is a new form that has evolved in recent years and 48 per cent of Tamil Nadu is urbanised. Industries and individuals have the responsibility of safeguarding common properties such as water resources,” he noted.