ALAPPUZHA: Socially impactful projects on Wayanad landslides and other disasters in the state were showcased in the social science category at the ongoing State School Science Fair here.
The highlight was how the students utilised technology and resources to make models for disaster management, landslide prevention, and sustainability.
Niramaya A and Sreyas A M, two students from Durga HSS in Kasaragod came up with a device for early detection of landslides and an alert system.
The device featured a radar that would be embedded on hillslopes to detect dangerously rising water levels early, and thus to aid the rescue operations.
They also developed an app that links with the device, to send alert notifications to the people.
“We have built this against the backdrop of the recent landslides in Wayanad and the scientific prediction that there would be more devastating landslides in our state in the future. Implementation of technologies like this would help us reduce impact and loss in such unstoppable natural disasters,” said Niramaya.
Sreyas said they have also developed an app that links with the device, to send alert notifications to the people so that they can move to a safe place.
“The chapter on disaster management that was included in the school curriculum after the 2018 floods inspired them to make the model,” he added.
Meanwhile, Kavya K K and Rithika R from Cherupushpam Girls HSS, Palakkad explained how the increased pollution and falling air quality index in the country can cause damage and the ways to prevent another disaster, through a working model representation of sustainable town planning.
“Here we show two realities, the one that we practice with high carbon emissions and another for us to follow for better sustainable goals. It shows methods like the production of electricity using renewable energy, alternative uses of plastic, hi-tech farming methods, etc. The aim is to create awareness among the public and children about sustainable living,” said Kavya.
The duo built models representing the dangers of the current environmental conditions of carbon emission levels, reasons for it and solutions.