India lags in implementing Vetiver System: Bhatia

Kochi, Feb 21 (UNI) Kerala Governor R L Bhatia today said India lagged behind in implementing the Vetiver System (VS) to check soil erosion and maintain soil moisture.

Inaugurating the national workshop on 'Vetiver System for Environmental Protection and Natural Disaster Management' here, Mr Bhatia said; ''India is far behind in utilising the multiple applications of VS as against Asian, African and Latin American countries.'' He said enormous amount of soil eroded due to deforestation, resulting in large-scale pollution and damage of downstream reservoirs.

Mr Bhatia said the active participation of stakeholders in different sectors like agriculture, highways, railways and industry would have a positive impact on the implementation of VS in the country.

''Vetiver is a cost-effective viable alternative to stop soil erosion, maintain soil moisture, bio-engineering and bio-remediation,'' Mr Bhatia said.

Speaking on the occasion, Vetiver Network International Chairman Richard Grimshaw said it was a challenge to know about VS and use it effectively to reduce soil erosion and depletion of water tables.

Around 200 delegates from India and abroad are participating in the three-day workshop jointly organised by the India Vetiver Network and Vetiver Network International.

UNI MA AJ HS RN1445