Expert bets on VS for pollution control

Kochi, Feb 20 (UNI) Vetiver Network International Chairman Richard Grimshaw today said Vetiver System (VS) could be effectively used for pollution control and checking soil erosion.

Speaking to reporters here, Mr Grimshaw said vetiver grass could trap sediments, control run-off, increase soil moisture, recharge and stabilise soil during heavy rainfall and floods.

''The VS plays a vital role in watershed protection on large scale in slowing down and spreading rainwater run-off, recharging ground water reserve, reducing siltation of drainage systems, lakes and ponds and reducing agrochemical load in ground water,'' Mr Grimshaw said.

The grass was found in abundance in South India, especially Kerala. The VS was widely used in Punjab to clean lakes and ponds.

The system, originally called vetiver grass technology, is a low-cost simple technology for soil and water conservation and environmental protection.

Mr Grimshaw said around 200 delegates from India and abroad would particpate in the three-day workshop on VS to be inaugurated by Kerala Governor R L Bhatia tomorrow.

The workshop, jointly organised by India Vetiver Network and Vetiver Network International, would have sessions on bio-engineering, phyto-remediation for environmental protection, natural disaster management, social economics and other applications of the VS.

UNI MA DS KN1508