The Great Escape

The Great Escape

The spotting of an alien alga in the Gulf of Mannar has the scientist fraternity confused. Kalyan Ray throws light on this controversial sighting.

Was it an inadvertent leak? Was it a secret experiment gone wrong? Did anybody purposefully release it with an ulterior motive? Will it damage the ecology of India’s most valuable marine bioreserve? Though nobody knows the answers to these queries as yet, scientists are trying to figure out how an alien alga escaped into the Gulf of Mannar from its “confinement” all of a sudden in 2007, though the field trials with this alga was on for almost a decade. The multi-national company roped in self-help groups in Ramanthapuram, Pudukottai, Tanjore and Tuticorin districts in Tamil Nadu to cultivate the sea weeds and sell the produce to Pepsico. The standard cultivation practice prevents any chance of the alga’s release in the wild. The process entails anchoring the seaweeds on rafts to prevent the movement of algae, says Amit Bose, executive vice president (export), Pepsico India. The cultivation is done on 3 sq m bamboo rafts, where the seaweed is suspended on nylon ropes and allowed to grow in natural conditions. According to CSMCRI, there are approximately 8,000 rafts which should yield a minimum of 1,000 tons of dry seaweed per annum at the rate of 140 kg dry weed per raft per year, considering 7 harvests a year. Below the raft is a nylon net which serves the dual purpose of preventing fish from eating the seaweed and the drifting of the sea weed from the raft, Mr Bose explains. It was thought a fool-proof system to restrict the alga. But when the Madurai team headed by S Chandrasekharan surveyed the Tamil Nadu coast between August and September, 2007, they spotted two sites, 50 and 100 m from the shore, where the coral was engulfed by this alga. Through subsequent field visits, the CSMCRI confirmed the “surprising occurrence” of Kappaphycus in Krusadai Island. “It cannot be described as an invasion as the alga has been spotted in two small spots in the entire island. It’s a localised presence,” argues CSMCRI director Pushpito K Ghosh. While the area of the entire island is 65.8 acre, the sea weed has been spotted in two sites of approximately 300 sq m each. “Only those two patches had live corals," says Chandrasekharan. The institute says despite surveying all the islands since January 2005, it did not come across any Kappaphycus in any of the islands including Krusadai. CSMCRI also examined 15 locations over a 90 km stretch along the Gulf of Mannar coast – from Olakuda (Rameswaram) to Valinokkam (20 km beyond Erwadi) – covering a depth of 0-4 m. Again, no Kappaphycus was encountered in any of the locations. The institute’s last survey of Krusadai was conducted in March 2007. The team could not spot the alga. Subsequent to the report by the Madurai group in the journal Current Science, CSMCRI researchers are again scouring the coast as well as the gulf. They will continue to do so for another two months to check if anything unusual happens in August-September. The Madurai group collected the samples in those two months. Invasion of K alvarezii on coral reefs has been reported in the Pacific in the reefs around Kiribati, Solomon Island and Tonga. Studies carried out in Hawaii islands revealed that the alga had spread from the initial site of introduction to other reefs at a rate of 250 m per year. The alarm bell for the Indian Ocean region was sounded first in 2005 when the Goa-based National Institute of Oceanography, another CSIR laboratory, described “bioinvasion” of corals in the marine reserve by Kappaphycus alga. But CSMCRI described the 2005 report as a “false alarm” Following up on the NIO report, the Madurai group spotted these two sites. Ironically the research grant they received was from the CSIR. So what triggered the escape? Pepsi immediately distanced itself from the controversy, arguing it was not directly involved with the cultivation. “The trial cultivation in Krusadai Island was closed out in November 2003, but the seed maintenance activity inside the Gulf of Mannar is still carried out by them (CSMCRI). The SHGs never carried out any seaweed cultivation in Krusadai Island or the Gulf of Mannar,” says Mr Bose. Dr Ghosh, on the other hand, admits that scientists are somewhat puzzled to understand this incident. “CSMCRI abandoned Kappaphycus germplasm maintenance in Krusadai towards the end of 2003. If our experimental cultivation was the cause, then colonisation should have been observed soon thereafter and noted in our surveys. As that was not the case, it would mean prolonged period of dormancy which is unrealistic,” he counters. “It’s highly unlikely that the alga will come up suddenly 1.8 km away after a gap of four years,” he says without ruling out the possibility of an irresponsible experimentation by someone who has access to this alga. But this theory seems to be an unlikely one because the Gulf of Mannar being a restricted area, there are records available of those who visited the area in the Tamil Nadu Wildlife Department. It deepens the mystery further, leaving officials to grope in the dark. Meanwhile, the Aquaculture Foundation of India, an NGO, has sought permission from the Chief Wildlife warden to inspect the island with the objective of removing any seaweed which may be there. The permission is still awaited.

1 dead, 8 missing in Amreli after rains

RAJKOT: A 60-year old man identified as Roshan Sangani was swept away in swirling waters in Nabipura village in Amreli district while eight were reported missing after torrential rains pounded Bagasara taluka on Sunday.

The taluka received nearly 300 mm rainfall in just 24 hours, leaving surrounding villages inundated. The Munjiyasar dam started overflowing, washing away two temples, cutting off communication links and electricity. District administration temporarily shifted 100 people from low lying areas to safer places as a precautionary step.

In Somnath, a 100x10 feet wall surrounding the Somnath temple collapsed after the rains but no one was injured. However, situation improved on Tuesday as rains abated and waters started receding.

Many talukas in Junagadh, Rajkot, Amreli, Porbandar, Surendranagar, Jamnagar and Bhavnagar recorded heavy to moderate rainfall on Sunday. Rainfall was, however, scanty in Kutch, official sources said.

Earning opportunity in Bhavnagar

Welcome to Bhavnagar. Located in the bay of Khambhat, Bhavnagar is the one of the most flourishing city of Gujarat, India. Known for it long sea shore, and billionaire business of Diamond & Ship Breaking. We are gearing up for next generation of business development and competing the world in order to serve best quality industrial output and delivering a finest quality life to the people.
There are more than 450 small and medium scale units engaged in manufacturing and processing of different kind of plastic materials and goods. read more about country's biggest plastic center.		Due to good direct connection with Surat and Mumbai and a huge pool of skilled man power bhavnagar is most prefered outsourcing destination.
The city is located in peaceful place with availability of thousands of skilled programmers in nearby region. some good IT players are also working here on national and international level.		Bhavanagar is always known for arts and innovations. CSMCRI in Bhavnagar is internationally known R&D center. more research initiatives can also be taken due to good number of students in scince and easy availability of land and other resources.
Bhavnagar is known for onion, lemon, gua and other fruits and vegitables. A huge opportunity is there in field of food processing also. Mahuva, nearby town of bhavnagar is famous for onion dehydration in whole world.		easy and convenient transportation facility, and a well equipped medical college attracts so many health and pharmaceutical company in bhavanagar to provide good quality health service to local and international communitiy.
Kalpsar- The biggest project of its kind in the world. Bhavnagar is the host city for kalpasar project which leads to connect to parts of gujarat separated by bay of cambay, will generate electricity and drinking water also.		Bhavnagar, Mithi Viradi, Sartanpar, Alang, Ghogha, Mahuva and Pipavav. The raw of small and midium scale of ports avails easy import and export of goods.
A long sea shore, 1 natural cenctury, great raws of hills, some of the finest icelands, and large amout of open land generated possibilities of rural tourism and establishment of fun lands and fun parks.

Physiotherapy student of Bhavnagar dies in civil hospital blast

AHMEDABAD: The trauma is just too much to bear for Maya Andheria living in Bhavnagar. Barely one and a half year after her husband Prakash died of cancer, she lost her young son Sanket in the bomb blast in civil hospital on Saturday. Sanket, a second year physiotherapy student was among the two doctors who was killed in the blast Sanket's friend Hardik Parmar said that Sanket was suffering from diarrhea since last two days. On Saturday, the problem got severe and went to the trauma ward to take a pill. Just when he came out of the ward to return to the hostel, the bomb went off. Hardik said Sanket was the eldest son. His younger brother, who has just completed his class Xth, has got admission into ITI. After his father's death, it was his uncle who was taking care of the fees and other expenses of Sanket. Sanket had just cleared his first year examination. Earlier in the day, his body was taken to Bhavnagar, where the last rites were performed. One of his family member told TOI , "After his father's death, Sanket was the only person on whom his mother was depending. She was hoping that he would soon complete his studies and become the earning member of the family."

One killed as protest turns violent in Bhavnagar

Bhavnagar, July 6: One diamond worker was killed and six others were injured in the city when a private security guard allegedly opened fire on the workers who were protesting for wage hike.

The private security guard of a diamond polishing unit opened fire on the diamond workers who were violently protesting in Kumudwadi area of the city, police said.

Out of the seven workers who were injured in the 'private firing', one died in a city hospital, hospital souces confirmed.

"We have deatained the security guard who opened fire on the diamond workers," Bhavnagar distrrict superintendent of police Anupamsingh Gehlot told PTI.

Gehlot said that the situation is under control now after police canned and dispersed the agitating workers.

The agitating workers indulged in stone pelting and damaged some vehicles in Kumudwadi area, police said.

Diamond workers across the state started their protest yesterday for wage hike. The protest was organised following 20 per cent hike given to diamond workers of Surat.

Diamond workers of other parts of the state like Rajkot, Ahmedabad, Amreli and Bhavnagar are also demanding 20 per cent wage hike.

Places of Interest in Bhavnagar

Gandhi Smriti
Established with an objective of keeping Gandhian thought alive, Gandhi Smriti is a living monument to Gandhiji. Opened in 1955, the institution hoses a Gandhi picture gallery, museum, Khadi Gramodyog Bhandar and a library. The institution has kept alive Gandhiji's association with Bhavnagar and the States of Saurashtra.

Barton Library & Museum
Situated in the heart of the city, this is the oldest and the renowned library of Saurashtra, which has evolved into a cultural centre. Housed in a spacious complex, its reading room attracts large number of readers who do not have access to various newspapers, magazines and periodicals. The coin-collection is the chief attraction of its museum.

Takhteshwar Temple
Made of pure marble and constructed in late nineteenth century, the temple is situated on a hillock near the Takhteshwar railway station on the railway line between Bhavnagar and mahuva. The picturesque view from the temple adds to the serenity of the place.

The Cenral Salt Research Institute
Housed in a large and imposing building, the institute works for the improvement of salt quality and enhancing salt production.

Gogha
Historically, a nursery for the Kathiawad seafarers, the fortune of this port-town has fluctuated with the growing and diminishing might's of European seapowers and big-neighbours Surat, Khambhat and Bhavnagar. Portuguese target of fury, the port was burnt thrice for frightening the Muslim lords of Gujarat and keeping British at bay. The burning of Rahimi, 1500-ton pilgrim ship, was the last show of Portuguese power, off the coast of Gogha. With English ascendancy at sea, importance of Surat grew at the cost of Khambhat and Gogha. It temporarily flourished during 1860s due to boom in trade resulting from American War of Independence. This uptrend was short-lived due to growth of neighbouring Bhavnagar, at a distance of 13 kms, which offered better facilities. The port-town continues to contribute its valued share as a minor port. Town has a historical Jain temple of Navkhanda Parshwanath from where a horde of bronze idols have been discovered.

Gopnath
A beautiful hemlet on the coast of the Gulf of Khambhat and at a distance of 10 kms. from Talaja, the taluka headquarter of Bhavnagar district is Gopnath; vying for eminence on the tourist circuit with development of a heritage hotel - Gopnath Bungalow - the pleasant sea-shore retreat of Gohil rulers of Bhavnagar. The Bungalow, built in a European colonial style with cottages and mansions surrounding the courtyard, faces the sea and offers beautiful view of the gulf. It attracts marine life enthusiasts for the variety of the kind found in the rocky shoals on the coast. It is also renowned for the temple of Gopnath Mahadev, where Narsingh Mehta is believed to have performed penance.

Khodiyar Mata
It is a famous shrine commemorating the family Goddess of the former Bhavnagar State. The deity is held in great reverence and the shrine with 36 pillars and vast mandap presents a serene sight
Access 15 kms. from Bhavnagar and 4 kms. from Sihor

Mahuva
A minor port, Mahuva is famous for its handicraft work in wood and ivory. Lacquer work on wooden furniture and toys are its speciality. Its fertile land bears `Jamadar' mangoes akin to Alphonso. There is an old mosque, Laxminarayan Temple and a Jain Dehrasar Temple.

Sihor
Before Bhavsinghji founded Bhavnagar this was the capital of Gohil rajputs. Excellent wall paintings depicting Bhavnagar ruler Wakhatsinhji with battle scenes, armies, cavalries, etc. are found in Sihor Darbargadh. Brahma Kund is known for its excellent quality of water.

Talaja
Situated on the slope of a hill crowned with a Jain temple nearby and at the confluence of Talaji and Shetrunji rivers, Talaja is famous for its Buddhist Caves. These caves are cut into isolated conical rocks. There are 30 such caves with 15 to 20 tanks for storing water. They are simple and wanting in ornamental carving. The only cave possessing some ornamentation is known as Ebhal Mandap. It is a big hall measuring 23 x 21 x 15.5 metres. There are no cells within the hall. On the facade of the cave, there are chaitya windows with a broad band of vedika below them. The town is the birthplace of renowned Gujarti saint-poet Narsingh Mehta. The cave devoted to Kalvo Daitya is also of interest.

Delvada
The town is famous for its Juma Masjid with shaking minarets. It was built during the reign of Mohammad Tuaghlaq.

Palitana
A 56 Kms. drive from Bhavnagar, Palitana lies at the foot of the Shatrunjaya Hill, with the Shatrunjaya River flowing to its south, making this place one of the most picturesque places of pilgrimage in India. The sacred hill rises in a crescendo of magnificent temples - 863 in all - that soar in marble splendour to the top of the hill. The temples were built over an impressive span of 900 years with each generation of pilgrims making its contribution to the shrines of Shatrunjaya. Amongst all the Jain temples, Palitana temples are considered to be the most sacred. The most important temple is that of the first Terrthankara. Kuwarpal Solanki, a great Jain patron, built the earliest temple. It has a fabulous collection of jewels, which can be seen with special permission. It takes about two hours to cover the 4 kms long ascent. When you reach the top, the air is clean and the Shetrunjaya River looks glistening like a foil of silver spread on the ground. Pilgrims and even priests are not allowed to stay overnight because the Temple City has been built as an abode for the Gods. Tourists cannot carry any leather item. The 600-metre climb to Shatrunjaya is usually made on foot. Dolis or lift-chairs are also available for the ascent.

Gaurishankar Lake
A beautiful picnic spot near the lake. There is also a well-laid out park.

Lock Gate
The first of its kind in Gujarat. The seawater here is impounded by the lock gates to keep ships afloat during low tide, which could be seen with special permission.

How to get there
Air Various domestic airlines connecting Bombay and Surat.
Rail It is on the western railyway line. It is 761 Kms. from Bombay and 260 kms. from Ahmedabad.
Road State transport buses and private luxury coaches connects various centres of Gujarat. It is situated 791 Kms. from Bombay via Ahmedabad, 200 Kms from Ahmedabad via Sihor.

Bhavnagar University

UNIVERSITY has spread its wings out of city and may spread out of country also. It has affiliated two colleges at Vadodara and one centre at Ahmedabad. It has also proposal for an affiliation of a college at MAURITIUS.

Within 25 years now it has established its good academic record in the world of education. It has 6 faculties as under:

	Faculty of Arts
	Faculty of Education
	Faculty of Science
	Faculty of Commerce
	Faculty of Law
	Department of Business Administration

University Departments

University runs 3 colleges and has affiliated 25 educational institutes as under:

	Samaldas Arts College, Bhavnagar.
	Sir P. P. Institute of Science, Bhavnagar.
	M. J. College of Commerce, Bhavnagar.
	Smt. V. P. Kapadiya Mahila Arts College, Bhavnagar.
	Shree L. R. Valia Arts and P. R. Mehta Commerce College, Bhavnagar.
	Shree Gulabray H. Sanghavi Sikshan Mahavidyalay, Bhavnagar.
	Shree Sheth H. J. Law College, Bhavnagar.
	Kavi Shree Botadkar Arts and Commerce College, Botad.
	Shree V. M. Sakariya Mahila Arts College, Botad.
	Lokbharti, Lokseva Mahavidyalay, Sanosara.
	Shree K. V. Parekh Science College,
	Matushree K. T. Parekh Arts College,
	Shree G. S. Parekh Commerce College, Mahuva.
	Smt. P. N. R. Shah Mahila Arts and Commerce College, Palitana.
	Shree J. K. Lukhi Arts and Commerce College, Gariadhar.
	Shree Shantilal Shah Pharmacy College, Bhavnagar.
	Shree Dholakiya College of Music, Sihor.
	Shree K. K. Jani Institute of Medical Technology, Amargadh.
	Shree Aditya Vikram Birla Post Graduate Institute of M. Sc. Medical Microbiology Laboratory Technology, Amargadh.
	Shree N. M. Bhuta College of Commerce and Management, Sihor.
	Shree J. C. Kumarappa Mahavidyalay, Gadhada (Swaminarayan).
	Shree Y. J. J. Doshi Arts and Commerce College, Talaja.
	Shree Swami Vivekanand Homoeopathic Madical College, Bhavnagar.
	Shree Swami Narayan College of Computer Science, Bhavnagar.
	Chunilal Odhavji Jani Institute of Technology, B. C. A. College, Sihor.
	Kelavani Mandal Dhasa Sanchalit Mahila Arts College, Dhasa.
	BV Patel Pharmaceutical Education & Research Development(PERD) Centre Ahmedabad
	Shree Mahalaxmiji Mahila Homoeopathic Medical College, Vadodara.
	Smt. K. B. Parekh Computer College, Mahuva.
	R. F. Gandhi A. K. Trust – Manubhai Patel Dental College & Dental Hospital, Vadodara.

One external education department is also working well.

Presently V. C. Dr. Naresh L. Ved is taking care of all units with his experienced hands.