I. GENERAL INFORMATION
The Department of Soil Survey & Soil Conservation serves to provide sound soil and land resource information highlighting soil and water conservation needs for optimizing resource utilisation adopting scientific land use as per land capability for ensuring soil health. The soil and land resource inventory of each area carried out by the Department will provide necessary scientific database for adopting suitable soil and water conservation measures to prevent soil erosion, enhance ground water recharge and to synergise agricultural sector through enhancing productivity.
Under the Department of Soil Survey & Soil Conservation, the Soil Survey wing and the Soil Conservation wing are functioning with the following mandates.
a. The generation of scientific database on soil and land resources through various kinds of Soil Surveys for formulation and execution of developmental programmes at micro and macro level is a priority concern. Detailed Soil Survey of panchayats on cadastral basis to provide sound data base for execution of various developmental programmes and recommendations for sustainable agriculture consistent with soil and land characteristics and terrain features.
b. Various soil and water conservation programmes implemented by the Soil Conservation unit aims at the improvement of the local production environment of the concerned areas by providing the required basic infrastructure for controlling soil erosion, regulating water flow, promoting in situ conservation of water, moderation of floods and related damage, control of saline intrusion in drainage lines etc for facilitating increased productivity. Emphasis has been given on striving to rebuild the resource base of soil, water and vegetation cover while striving to generate and sustain economic and social well being of the community.
II. OFFICES UNDER THE DEPARTMENT AND THE NATURE OF ACTIVITY
Directorate of Soil Survey & Soil Conservation
The Department of Soil Survey and Soil Conservation has its headquarters at Thiruvananthapuram. The Directorate of Soil Survey and Soil Conservation is located in the 3rd and 4th floor of Centre Plaza Building at Vazhuthacaud, Thiruvananthapuram.
The Director is the Head of the department. He is assisted by the Additional Director, Soil Survey who supervises all soil survey activities and Additional Director, Soil Conservation who supervises Soil Conservation works in the State. He has also the Finance Officer and Administrative officer and other technical staff under him as listed below .
|
No |
Name of post |
Number of posts |
|
1 |
Director |
1 |
|
2 |
Additional Director, Soil Survey |
1 |
|
3 |
Additional Director, Soil Conservation |
1 |
|
4 |
Deputy Director, Soil survey |
1 |
|
5 |
Deputy Director, Soil conservation |
1 |
|
6 |
Deputy Director, WGDP |
1 |
|
7 |
Assistant Director, Soil Survey |
3 |
|
8 |
Assistant Director, Soil Conservation |
3 |
|
9 |
Technical Assistant |
2 |
|
10 |
Research Assistant |
2 |
|
11 |
Soil Conservation officer |
3 |
|
12 |
Assistant Engineer |
3 |
|
13 |
Cartographer |
1 |
|
14 |
Draftsman/Surveyor |
5 |
|
15 |
Overseer |
3 |
|
16 |
Work Superintendent |
1 |
|
17 |
Blue printer |
1 |
|
18 |
Tracer |
1 |
Regional and district offices
There are offices in all districts under the department. Their contact address and phone numbers are listed below
|
Sl no |
Offices |
Contact no |
|---|---|---|
|
|
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM DISTRICT |
|
|
1 |
Assistant Director (Soil Survey) KAICOBuildings, Fort P.O., Thiruvananthapuram |
0471 2469709 |
|
2 |
Assistant Director of Soil Conservation, Aruvikkara Scheme, Vanchi Poor Fund, Pazhavangadi, Fort P.O., Thiruvananthapuram – 23 |
0471 2478030 |
|
3 |
Deputy Director Soil Survey (Southern Region) KAICO buildings, Fort P.O Thiruvananthapuram |
0471 2468237 |
|
4 |
District Soil Conservation Officer, A Block, 4th Floor, F-5, Civil Station, Kudappanakkunnu, Thiruvananthapuram – 695 043 |
0471 2732648 |
|
|
KOLLAM DISTRICT |
|
|
5 |
Assistant Director (Soil Survey), Mullathara Appartment, Jawahar Junction, Kollam – 691 001 |
0474 2767121 |
|
6 |
District Soil Conservation Officer, Devi Nivas, Olayil, Jayan Nagar, Thevally P.O., Kollam – 691 009 |
0474 2768816 |
|
7 |
Deputy Director of Soil Conservation, IWDMK – Chadayamangalam Near K.S.R.T.C Bus Stand Chadayamangalam Kollam – 691 534 |
0474 2475051 |
|
8 |
Assistant Director of Soil Conservation, Sasthamcotta, Kollam – 690 521 |
0476 2837080 |
|
|
PATHANAMTHITTA DISTRICT |
|
|
9 |
Assistant Director (Soil Survey) IInd Floor, Laketh Building, Behind General Hospital, Doctor’s Lane, Pathanamthitta – 689 645 |
0468 2323105 |
|
10 |
District Soil Conservation Officer, MTS Commercial Complex, Stadium Junction, Pathanamthitta – 689 645 |
0468 2224070 |
|
|
KOTTAYAM DISTRICT |
|
|
11 |
Assistant Director (Soil Survey) 3rd floor, A block, Mini Civil Station Kottayam- 686 001 |
0481 2300978 |
|
12 |
District Soil Conservation Officer, DistrictPanchayath Building Collectorate P.O. Kottayam – 686 002 |
0481 2568519 |
|
|
ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT |
|
|
13 |
Assistant Director (Soil Survey) Thondankulangara Ward, Avalukunnu P.O., Alappuzha – 688 006 |
0477 2236293 |
|
14 |
District Soil Conservation Officer, Districtpanchayath Building, 3rd Floor, Collectorate P.O., Alappuzha – 688 001 |
0477 2254927 |
|
|
ERNAKULAM DISTRICT |
|
|
15 |
Assistant Director (Soil Survey) Ernakulam, Old Block, 3rd Floor, Civil Station, Kakkanad, Kochi-30 |
0484 2421509 |
|
16 |
District Soil Conservation Officer, Civil Station, Kakkanad P.O., Ernakulam – 682 030 |
0484 2423301 |
|
|
IDUKKI DISTRICT |
|
|
17 |
Assistant Director (Soil Survey) TharaniyilBuilding. Thodupuzha P.O., Idukki – 685 584 |
04862 228725 |
|
18 |
Assistant Director of Soil Conservation, Idukki Project, KalayathinalBuilding, Parakadavu, Kattappana P.O., Idukki |
0486 8273322 |
|
19 |
District Soil Conservation Officer, Moolamattom P.O., Idukki – 685 589 |
0486 2252650 |
|
|
THRISSUR DISTRICT |
|
|
20 |
Assistant Director (Soil Survey) Mini Civil Station Chembukkavu. P.O., Thrissur – 680 020 |
0487 2323965 |
|
21 |
District Soil Conservation Officer, DistrictPanchayath Office Building, Ayyanthole P.O., Thrissur – 680 003 |
0487 2360426 |
|
22 |
Deputy Director Soil Survey (Northern Region) Mini Civil Station, 1st Floor Chembookavu P.O., Thrissur – 680 020 |
0487 2321296 |
|
|
PALAKKAD DISTRICT |
|
|
23 |
Assistant Director (Soil Survey) Civil Station (2nd Floor) Palakkad -678 001 |
0491 2505455 |
|
24 |
District Soil Conservation Officer, Civil Station, Palakkad – 678 001 |
0491 2505860 |
|
|
MALAPPURAM DISTRICT |
|
|
25 |
Assistant Director (Soil Survey) Civil Station, B3 Block, Ground Floor, Malappuram – 676 505 |
0483 2739001 |
|
26 |
District Soil Conservation Officer, Industrial – Estate Road, Manjeri Malappuram – 676 121. |
0483 2767872 |
|
|
KOZHIKODE DISTRICT |
|
|
27 |
Assistant Director (Soil Survey), Civil Station B Block 5th Floor, Kozhikode– 673 020 |
0495 2371060 |
|
28 |
District Soil Conservation Officer, Civil Station P.O., C Block, 5th Floor, Kozhikode– 673 020 |
0495 2370790 |
|
|
WAYANAD DISTRICT |
|
|
29 |
Assistant Director (Soil Survey) Meenangadi P.O. Wayanad – 673 591 |
04936 246330 |
|
30 |
District Soil Conservation Officer, North KalpettaP.O., Civil Station, Wayanad – 673 122 |
0493 6203756 |
|
31 |
Joint Director of Soil Conservation, Kabini Project, Arun Tourist Home, Near Municipal Bus Stand, Kalpetta, Wayanad – 673 121 |
0493 6205732 |
|
32 |
Assistant Director of Soil Conservation, Engineering Hydrology Sub Division, Kabini Project, P.B.M.Hospital Building, Meenangadi P.O., Wayanad – 673 591 |
04936 247160 |
|
33 |
Assistant Director of Soil Conservation, Mananthavadi (Kabini Project), Building No. VP – X/6G, 5th Mile, Kelloor, P.O., Wayanad – 670 645 |
04935 227163 |
|
34 |
Assistant Director of Soil Conservation, Kabini Project, Vythiri P.O., Wayanad – 673 576 |
04936 255227 |
|
35 |
Assistant Director of Soil Conservation, Kaniyambetta Sub Division, R.V.P. Kabini, PBMHospital Building, Meenangadi Post, Wayanad – 673 591 |
0493 6247430 |
|
36 |
Assistant Director of Soil Conservation, Kabini Project, Karakkamala, Wayanad – 670 645 |
04935 227565 |
|
|
KANNUR DISTRICT |
|
|
37 |
Assistant Director (Soil Survey) Civil Station F Block 2nd Floor, Kannur – 670 002 |
0497 2712818 |
|
38 |
District Soil Conservation Officer, Civil Station P.O., Kannur – 670 002 |
0497 2768260 |
|
|
KASARAGOD DISTRICT |
|
|
39 |
Assistant Director (Soil Survey) Civil Station F Block Vidyanagar P.O., Kasargod – 671 123. |
04994 257450 |
|
40 |
District Soil Conservation Office F-Block, Civil Station, Vidyanagar P.O. Kasaragod 671 123 |
04994 4256658 |
Soil Conservation Offices
|
Sl no |
Offices |
Contact no |
|---|---|---|
|
|
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM DISTRICT |
|
|
1 |
Soil Conservation Officer, Mini Civil Station Neyyattinkara P.O., Thiruvananthapuram – 695 121 |
0471 2222712 |
|
2 |
Soil Conservation Officer, Mini Civil Station Kilimanoor Thiruvananthapuram – 695 601 |
0470 2675748 |
|
|
KOLLAM DISTRICT |
|
|
3 |
Soil Conservation Officer, Kottarakkara P.O., Kollam – 691 506 |
0474 2452828 |
|
4 |
Soil Conservation Officer, Kottiyam P.O., Kollam – 691 571 |
0474 2535572 |
|
|
PATHANAMTHITTA DISTRICT |
|
|
5 |
Soil Conservation Officer, MTS Commercial Complex Stadium Junction Pathanamthitta – 689 645 |
0468 2322671 |
|
6 |
Soil Conservation Officer, KarthikaBuilding, (Opp.) NSS Office Kacherypady, Thiruvalla Pathanamthitta – 689 101 |
0469 2602664 |
|
|
KOTTAYAM DISTRICT |
|
|
7 |
Soil Conservation Officer, MunicipalStadium Building, Near Revenue Tower, Changanassery P.O., Kottayam – 686 101 |
0484 2412892 |
|
8 |
Soil Conservation Officer, Mini Civil Station, Palai P.O., Kottayam – 686 575 |
0482 2200492 |
|
|
ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT |
|
|
9 |
Soil Conservation Officer, Mini Civil Station, 2nd Floor Cherthala P.O., Alappuzha - 6880524 |
0477 2254927 |
|
10 |
Soil Conservation Officer, Mini Civil Station, 1st Floor (West) Chengannur P.O. Alappuzha - 689121 |
0479 2456552 |
|
|
ERNAKULAM DISTRICT |
|
|
11 |
Soil Conservation Officer Kolencherry P.O. Ernakulam 0 682 311 |
0484 2765327 |
|
12 |
Soil Conservation Officer, Mini Civil Station Mudavoor P.O., Moovattupuzha Ernakulam – 686 669 |
0485 2814939 |
|
|
IDUKKI DISTRICT |
|
|
13 |
Soil Conservation Officer, Idukki Colony P.O., KSEB Colony, Vazhathoppe Idukki – 685 602 |
0486 2236396 |
|
14 |
Soil Conservation Officer, Mini Civil Station Peerumedu Idukki – 685 537 |
0486 9232157 |
|
|
THRISSUR DISTRICT |
|
|
15 |
Soil Conservation Officer, Mini Civil Station Chalakudy Thrissur – 680 307 |
0480 2707710 |
|
16 |
Soil Conservation Officer, Near Court Wadakkancherry P.O., Thrissur – 680 582 |
0488 4235462
|
|
|
PALAKKAD DISTRICT |
|
|
17 |
Soil Conservation Officer, Pallykkayttom East OttappalamP.O., Palakkad – 679 101 |
0466 2248217 |
|
18 |
Soil Conservation Officer, Bank Road, Alathur Palakkad – 678 541 |
0492 2223430 |
|
|
MALAPPURAM DISTRICT |
|
|
19 |
Soil Conservation Officer, Jaseela Complex Nilamboor Road, Manjeri Malappuram – 676 121 |
0483 2765963 |
|
20 |
Soil Conservation Officer, K.N.E.S.T. House, Perinthalmanna P.O. Malappuram – 679 322 |
0493 3229727 |
|
|
KOZHIKODE DISTRICT |
|
|
21 |
Soil Conservation Officer, Vadakara Kozhikode– 673 325 |
0496 2515788 |
|
22 |
Soil Conservation Officer, Thamarassery Kozhikode– 673 525 |
0495 2223672 |
|
|
WAYANAD DISTRICT |
|
|
23 |
Soil Conservation Officer, Mini Civil Station, Mananthavady (PO) Wayanad – 670 645 |
0493 5241482 |
|
24 |
Soil Conservation Officer, CanaraBank Building Meenangadi Wayanad – 673 591 |
0493 6248270 |
|
|
KANNUR DISTRICT |
|
|
25 |
Soil Conservation Officer, Mini Civil Station, 3rd Floor TF9 Thaliparamba, Kannur – 670 141 |
0460 2200058 |
|
26 |
Soil Conservation Officer, SyndicateBank Building Narangapuram Thalassery P.O., Kannur – 670 101 |
0490 2341560 |
|
|
KASARAGOD DISTRICT |
|
|
27 |
Soil Conservation Officer, Railway Station Road, Thayalangadi Kasargod – 671 121 |
04994 230353 |
|
28 |
Soil Conservation Officer KMC -3 -639/1, Hosdurg, Kanhangad P.O., Kasargod – 671 315 |
0467 2209866 |
Soil Analytical Laboratories
|
Sl no |
Offices |
Contact no |
|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Principal Soil Chemist Central Soil Analytical Lab Parottukonam, Nalanchira P.O Thiruvananthapuram - 695015 |
0471 2541776 |
|
2 |
Assistant Director (Soil Survey) IInd Floor, Laketh Building, Behind General Hospital, Doctor’s Lane, Pathanamthitta – 689 645 Soil and Plant health clinic attached to the District office |
0468 2323105 |
|
3 |
Senior Chemist Regional Soil Analytical Lab Thodankulangara Ward Kuruppan’s Building, AMC-XI/687 B Avalukunnu P.O., Alappuzha |
0477 2236294 |
|
4 |
Senior Soil Chemist Regional Soil Analytical Lab 2nd Block, Mini Civil Station, Chembookavu P.O. Thrissur – 680 020 |
|
|
5 |
Senior Chemist Hi-Tech Soil Analytical Lab Ammu’s Complex, III Floor Kalpetta, Wayanad - 673121 |
04936 207750 |
|
|
KASARAGOD DISTRICT |
|
|
6 |
Assistant Director (Soil Survey) Civil Station F Block Vidyanagar P.O., Kasargod – 671 123. Soil and Plant health clinic attached to the District office |
04994 257450 |
Activities at the Directorate of Soil survey and Soil Conservation
The Directorate functions as the center for administrative and technical activities of the department. The head office co-ordinates and monitors various soil survey and soil and water conservation activities carried out in the State.
Activities at the Regional soil survey offices/ Joint Director (Soil Conservation office)
There are two regional offices under Soil Survey viz. Office of the Deputy Director (Soil Survey), Southern Region, Thiruvananthapuram and Office of the Deputy Director (Soil Survey), Northern Region, Thrissur. They have supervisory control over seven offices each of northern and southern districts for planning and monitoring of schemes undertaken in each region.
Office of the Joint Director of Soil Conservation functioning at Wayanad co-ordinates the activities of the five Assistant Director of Soil Conservation offices functioning in the district.
Activities of the District Soil Survey offices and District Soil Conservation office
There are 14 soil survey district offices. Detailed soil survey of panchayats and watersheds and user defined surveys within the district are being carried out by the District Soil Survey Offices. Delineation, prioritization and codification of micro watersheds for different watershed based development programmes is being undertaken here. Sample collection for Soil Health card distribution in selected panchayats is also undertaken. Training programmes carried out by the organisation within the district are also the prerogative of the district level officer. The district office acts as valuable extension center on soil based information to researchers, scientists, planners etc.
There are 14 District Soil Conservation offices in the state. The major activities of the district offices are
- Coordinating and supervising all the activities of the Soil Conservation offices in the District.
- Identification and prioritization of watersheds area which requires immediate intervention
- Investigation, preparation and submission of realistic and need based project proposals
- Implementation of the sanctioned projects in a participatory manner
- Issue of work orders
- Super checking of completed works and technical scrutiny and counter signature of work bills
- Overall monitoring of activities in the district and ensuring timely completion of the projects
- Active involvement in all the activities of the District panchayat
- Imparting trainings for creating awareness regarding Eco restoration
- Member of various technical committees pertaining to Development and Eco restoration activities.
Besides these 14 offices, three Assistant Director offices are functioning at the special schemes areas for the protection of the catchment of reservoir Aruvikkara water supply scheme and Sasthamkotta and catchment of the Idukki reservoir at Kattappana in Idukki Districts. Five Assistant Director Offices are functioning at Wayanad under the River valley Project Kabini for carrying out Soil and water conservation works for the protection of the catchment of Kabini river. Presently these 5 offices are implementing soil and water conservation schemes sanctioned under various State and Central sector schemes.
Activities undertaken at Soil Conservation offices
Soil Conservation offices are the Grass root level functionaries involved in the implementation of watershed development projects and eco restoration activities
The main works implemented through the soil conservation offices are
- Investigation and formulation of need based projects, formulation of DPRs for the identified watershed projects in the area under their jurisdiction
- Field level implementation of sanctioned watershed projects with active peoples participation
- Motivating farmers for undertaking soil conservation activities
- Check measurement , technical scrutiny of the Measurement Books and processing of work bills
- Monitoring of progress of the schemes and timely completion of the projects, submission of the project completion reports
- Involvement of the activities of three tier panchayatiraj system
- Imparting trainings for creating awareness regarding Eco restoration
- Member of various technical committees pertaining to Development and Eco restoration activities
Activities undertaken in the Soil Analytical Laboratories
There are seven laboratories under the Soil Survey wing. Soil sample analysis of the soil samples are being carried out at the Central Soil Analytical Laboratory, Thiruvananthapuram, Regional Soil Analytical Laboratories at Alappuzha , Thrissur and Kozhikode, theSoil and Plant Health Clinics at Kasaragod and Pathanamthitta and the Hi-Tech lab at Kalpetta, Wayanad. Soil analysis is carried out for soil profile samples which act as supplementary data on soil profile characteristics. Surface sample analysis is undertaken for fertility studies including for preparation of soil health cards. Farmers samples are also analysed in the labs and fertility cards issued from the respective labs. Special user defined analysis is carried out for different users like academic scholars, research scientists etc.
III. PRESENT ACTIVITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT
The activities undertaken by the department are
1. Soil and Water Conservation on Watershed Basis (RIDF)-NABARD assisted
2. Laboratories
3. Soil health management system
4. Stabilisation of Landslide Areas
5. Detailed Soil Survey At Panchayat Level
6. Soil Informatics And Publication Cell
7. Protection of Catchment of Reservoir of Water Supply Schemes(PCRWSS)
8. Training for Departmental Staff and Others
9. Application of Information Technology
10. Training To Soil Survey Officers
11. Integrated Survey Of Soil And Land Resources Of Western Ghat Region On Watershed Basis
12. Establishment of the State soil museum
1. Soil and Water Conservation on Watershed Basis (RIDF)-NABARD assisted
Soil and water conservation projects with the assistance of NABARD are being implemented in the state since 1995-96.The main objective of the scheme is to bring in improved and sustainable agricultural productivity in identified watershed areas by adopting soil and water conservation activities. Contribution of the projects in the enhancement of ground water recharge, mitigation of floods and moderation of droughts in the treatable watershed are quite substantial.
2. Laboratories
The seven soil analytical laboratories carry out different soil analysis, for soil classification and soil health management. Analysis of soil samples received from external agencies, universities, school and college students, farmers etc are also being conducted as per the request from user agencies. Water analyses and pesticide residue analysis are also carried out in selected labs.
3. Soil Health Management System
Soil Health Card programme, the flagship programme of the department, is a tool to help the farmer to monitor and improve soil health based on the basis of scientific data on soils. Soil Health card provides a qualitative assessment of soil health and the purpose is to use indicators that assess each soil’s ability to support crop production within its capabilities and site limitations. The scheme is monitored and soil health cards published from the Directorate.
4. Stabilisation of Landslide Areas
The Scheme envisages scientific Soil and Water Conservation/management for the stabilisation/reclamation of the land slide prone/affected ecosystems in the hilly terrains of the State. The projects help to stabilize/restore natural ecosystems prone to /affected by phenomena like landslide, landslip etc.
5. Detailed Soil Survey At Panchayat Level
The main objective of the scheme is generation of comprehensive information on soil and land resources, socio-economic data and infrastructural facilities at panchayat level after detailed soil and land resources survey and creation of thematic maps and data sets for setting up Web based Soil Information System under GIS environment.
It also includes the development of a GIS based spatial model for delineating suitable sites for agriculture development along with a land resource action plan for the future development. The various utilities available in the panchayat will also be represented spatially using GIS. A user friendly Graphical User Interface will also be developed incorporating the above aspects. The soil resource database at cadastral level scale will be transmitted to local self government institutions and other stakeholders.
6. Soil Informatics And Publication Cell
The Soil Informatics and Publication Cell acts as a consultancy Cell in various aspects of integrated management of soil and land resources and is mainly engaged in the publication of technical reports and maps. The scheme envisages additional support for publication of technical reports of panchayats, district farms and other bulletins required for soil and land development programmes. The cell is entrusted with the task of publication of all Soil and Land Resource Inventory reports, watershed etc. The activities undertaken under this scheme include establishment of Soil Museum, publication of reports, special reports etc and the thematic maps associated with these reports.
7. Protection of Catchments of Reservoirs of Water Supply Schemes
The scheme is being implemented in the Catchments of the reservoirs of Water Supply Schemes at Aruvikkara in Thiruvananthapuram District and at Sasthamcotta in Kollam District. The Project aims to check siltation in the reservoirs of the water supply projects. The Scheme being implemented by the Department of Soil Survey & Soil Conservation is funded by the State Environment Department. Works are being implemented in a phased manner subject to the budgetary availability.
8. Training Programme for Departmental Staff and others
The training and extension centre of Soil Conservation viz.Institute for Watershed Development and Management, Kerala (IWDM-K)at Chadayamangalam has been imparting training on Watershed Management and the principles and practices of integrated scientific soil and water conservation treatments to various target groups including selected people's representatives of the local self governments. The trainees include departmental staff, staff from other departments, school and college students, people’s representatives etc. The institute is also designated as one of the Programme Study Centres of IGNOU offering 2 Diploma courses and a Certificate course.
9. Application of Information Technology
As a part of the promising initiatives from the Government of Kerala in the area of e-governance, the Soil Conservation Department too has expedited necessary steps to bring all its subordinate offices under a computer network. Minimum required no. of computer systems have been installed in all the Soil Conservation Offices and it has proved to be very effective in improving the service quality and efficiency of the department. Purchase of necessary hardware, software and updation of the existing computer for the e-governance is being carried out.
10. Training to Soil Survey Officers
The scheme has been implemented with the objective of imparting training to soil survey personnel in various fields like computer application, remote sensing, GIS and advancements in soil survey techniques, watershed management and capacity building. The officers of the department were deputed for training in institutes both inside and outside the state in soil survey related fields, Remote sensing and GIS applications, watershed based development etc enabling exposure of officers to latest developments in the field of information technology and its applications in watershed development, soil survey related activities etc.
11.Integrated Survey Of Soil And Land Resources Of Western Ghat Region On Watershed Basis
Integrated survey of soil and land resources of the Western ghat region on watershed basis is undertaken by the department. The department has developed a district level prioritized watershed atlas which is the basis for selection of watersheds
12. Establishment of State Soil Museum:
During the year 2013-14, Department of Soil Survey & Soil Conservation has established a State Soil Museum, a state of the art venture, to showcase the diversity and uniqueness of the nonrenewable resource “the Soil”. The State Soil museum was formally inaugurated by the Hon’ Chief Minister of Kerala on 01/01/2014 and the same has been opened to general Public. The Soil Musuem aims to create an in-depth awareness about the importance of soils and to transfer the vast information about the soils of our state gathered by the scientific initiatives of the Department of Soil Survey and Soil Conservation to the general public. It also aids students, researchers and planners in scientific research and planning activities by imparting a scientific know-how about soils. It will also help farmers in managing their meager but precious soil resources in a balanced and rational manner. The soil museum will also help the youth and the future generation in gaining a scientific first hand information on soils which otherwise they could normally acquire only by way of reading textbooks.
Other activities
1. Mitigation of agrarian distress in Kuttanad, Upper Kuttanad and Onattukara region through eco restoration under Kuttanad Package
Government has accorded administrative sanction for soil and water conservation activities for eco restoration of Kuttanad, Upper Kuttanad and Onattukara region under Kuttanad Package under 13th Finance Commission award. The programme aimed at reviving the rich agrarian culture of the locality gives emphasis for various water conservation activities aimed at ensuring potable water for domestic use and irrigation purposes. The various activities devised under the programme include renovation of wells, ponds, well curbing, planting of Vetiver, supply of medicinal and horticultural plants etc. The Project activities commenced in the districts of Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha and Kottayam during March 2012.
2. Infrastructure Development to augment cool season vegetable and temperate fruit production in Kanthalloor and Vattavada Grama Panchayat of Idukki district.
As per the recommendations of Swaminathan Commissison for mitigation of agrarian distress in Idukki district, the Department is implementing an infrastructure development project for augmenting cool season vegetable and fruit production in Idukki district availing assistance from State Horticulture Mission under RKVY.
IV. OUR USERS
Soil survey and soil conservation department aids in planning, monitoring agricultural developmental schemes with special reference to soils. The offices serve as valuable extension center on soil based information to administrators, researchers, scientists, planners etc. The ultimate aim is to provide farmer centric information on soils of Kerala and provide ameliorative suggestions to improve production and productivity and sustain the same. Soil and water conservation activities are carried out by the department on watershed basis thus serving the watershed community.
V. JURISDICTION AND OFFICE HOURS
The jurisdiction of the offices is given below. The office hours are 10am to 5 pm in all offices
|
Sl no |
Offices |
Jurisdiction |
|---|---|---|
|
|
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM DISTRICT |
|
|
1 |
Directorate of Soil Survey & Soil conservation |
State-wide |
|
2 |
Assistant Director (Soil Survey) Thiruvananthapuram |
Thiruvananthapuram district |
|
3 |
Assistant Director of Soil Conservation, Aruvikkara Scheme, Thiruvananthapuram – 23 |
Vellanad, nedumangad (part), Nedumanad municipality |
|
4 |
Principal Soil Chemist Central Soil Analytical Lab Thiruvananthapuram - 695015 |
State- wide laboratories |
|
5 |
Deputy Director Soil Survey (Southern Region), Thiruvananthapuram |
Southern districts |
|
6 |
District Soil Conservation Officer, Thiruvananthapuram – 695 043 |
Thiruvananthapuram district |
|
7 |
Soil Conservation Officer, Neyyattinkara P.O., Thiruvananthapuram – 695 121 |
Parasala, Perumkidavila, Nemom, Athiyanoor Vellanadu (part) blocks |
|
8 |
Soil Conservation Officer, ChandrikaBuilding Kizhake Road, Vamanapuram, Venjaramood Thiruvananthapuram – 695 607 |
Pothencode, Vamanapuram, Kilimanoor,Chirayinkeezhu, Varkala and Vellanadu (part) blocks |
|
|
KOLLAM DISTRICT |
|
|
9 |
Assistant Director (Soil Survey), Kollam – 691 001 |
Kollam district |
|
10 |
District Soil Conservation Officer, Kollam – 691 009 |
Kollam district |
|
11 |
Deputy Director of Soil Conservation, IWDMK – Chadayamangalam Near K.S.R.T.C Bus Stand Chadayamangalam Kollam – 691 534 |
Training only |
|
12 |
Assistant Director of Soil Conservation, Sasthamcotta, Kollam – 690 521 |
Sasthamcotta, Mynagapally, West kallada panchayat |
|
13 |
Soil Conservation Officer, Kottarakkara P.O., Kollam – 691 506 |
Kottarakkara, Vettikavala, Pathanapuram, Sasthamkotta, Anchal, Chadayamangalam, Chittumala block |
|
14 |
Soil Conservation Officer, Kottiyam P.O., Kollam – 691 571 |
Chavara, Ittikkara, Mukhathala, Ochira Block |
|
|
PATHANAMTHITTA DISTRICT |
|
|
15 |
Assistant Director (Soil Survey) Pathanamthitta – 689 645 |
Pathanamthitta district |
|
16 |
District Soil Conservation Officer, Pathanamthitta – 689 645 |
Pathanamthitta district |
|
17 |
Soil Conservation Officer, Thiruvalla |
Pulikeezhu, Mallappally, Ranni, Koyipuram block |
|
18 |
Soil Conservation Officer, Pathanamthitta – 689 101 |
Elanthoor, Konni, Pandalam, Parakkode, Kulanada Block |
|
|
KOTTAYAM DISTRICT |
|
|
19 |
Assistant Director (Soil Survey) Kottayam- 686 001 |
Kottayam district |
|
20 |
District Soil Conservation Officer, Kottayam – 686 002 |
Kottayam district |
|
21 |
Soil Conservation Officer, Changanassery P.O., Kottayam – 686 101 |
Kottayam, Changanassery, Kanjirapally taluk |
|
22 |
Soil Conservation Officer, Palai P.O., Kottayam – 686 575 |
Meenachil, Pala taluk |
|
|
ALAPPUZHA DISTRICT |
|
|
23 |
Assistant Director (Soil Survey) Alappuzha – 688 006 |
Alappuzha district |
|
24 |
District Soil Conservation Officer, Alappuzha – 688 001 |
Alappuzha district |
|
25 |
Senior Chemist Regional Soil Analytical Lab Alappuzha |
Alappuzha district & special schemes |
|
26 |
Soil Conservation Officer, Cherthala P.O., Alappuzha - 6880524 |
Chertala taluk, Kuttanad taluk, Ambalapuzha taluk |
|
27 |
Soil Conservation Officer, Chengannur P.O. Alappuzha - 689121 |
Karithakapally, Mavellikkara, Chenganoor taluks |
|
|
ERNAKULAM DISTRICT |
|
|
28 |
Assistant Director (Soil Survey) Ernakulam |
Ernakulam district |
|
29 |
District Soil Conservation Officer, Ernakulam – 682 030 |
Ernakulam district |
|
30 |
Soil Conservation Officer Kolencherry P.O. Ernakulam 0 682 311 |
Kanayanoor, Kunnathunad, Kochi and part of Paravoor Taluk |
|
31 |
Soil Conservation Officer, Moovattupuzha Ernakulam – 686 669 |
Aluva taluk, Muvattupuzha taluk, Kothamangalam taluk, part of Paravoor Taluk |
|
|
IDUKKI DISTRICT |
|
|
32 |
Assistant Director (Soil Survey) Idukki – 685 584 |
Idukki district |
|
33 |
Assistant Director of Soil Conservation, Idukki Project, Kattappana P.O., Idukki |
Kattappana, Azhutha, Idukki, Nedumkandam Block |
|
34 |
District Soil Conservation Officer, Moolamattom P.O., Idukki – 685 589 |
|
|
35 |
Soil Conservation Officer, Vazhathoppe Idukki – 685 602 |
Idukki (part), Nedumkandam (part), Devikulam, Adimali blocks |
|
36 |
Soil Conservation Officer, Peerumedu Idukki – 685 537 |
Azhutha (part), Elaamdesom, Idukki (part) Thodupuzha Blocks and Thodupuzha municipality |
|
|
THRISSUR DISTRICT |
|
|
37 |
Assistant Director (Soil Survey) Mini Civil Station Chembukkavu. P.O., Thrissur – 680 020 |
Thrissur district |
|
38 |
District Soil Conservation Officer, Ayyanthole P.O., Thrissur – 680 003 |
Thrissur district |
|
39 |
Senior Soil Chemist Regional Soil Analytical Lab 2nd Block, Mini Civil Station, Chembookavu P.O. Thrissur – 680 020 |
Thrissur district & special schemes |
|
40 |
Deputy Director Soil Survey (Northern Region) Mini Civil Station, 1st Floor Chembookavu P.O. Thrissur – 680 020 |
Seven northern districts |
|
41 |
Soil Conservation Officer, Chalakudy Thrissur – 680 307 |
Kodungalloor,Chalakudy and Mukundapuram taluk |
|
42 |
Soil Conservation Officer, Near Court Wadakkancherry P.O., Thrissur – 680 582 |
Thalapally, Chavakkad, thrissur |
|
|
PALAKKAD DISTRICT |
|
|
43 |
Assistant Director (Soil Survey) Civil Station (2nd Floor) Palakkad -678 001 |
Palakkad district |
|
44 |
District Soil Conservation Officer, Palakkad – 678 001 |
Palakkad district |
|
45 |
Soil Conservation Officer, Pallykkayttom East OttappalamP.O., Palakkad – 679 101 |
Tritala, Pattambi, Ottapalam, Sreekrishnapuram , Mannarkad, Palakkad, Attappadi |
|
46 |
Soil Conservation Officer, Bank Road, Alathur Palakkad – 678 541 |
Alathur, Chitoor, Kollengode, Kuzhalmannam, Nemara, Malampuzha Blocks |
|
|
MALAPPURAM DISTRICT |
|
|
47 |
Assistant Director (Soil Survey) Malappuram – 676 505 |
Malappuram district |
|
48 |
District Soil Conservation Officer, Manjeri Malappuram – 676 121. |
Malappuram district |
|
49 |
Soil Conservation Officer, Manjeri Malappuram – 676 121 |
Areacode, manjeri, vengara, kondoty, Thirurangadi, Nilambur, thanur, malappuram Block |
|
50 |
Soil Conservation Officer, Perinthalmanna P.O. Malappuram – 679 322 |
Perinthalmanna, Kuttippuram, Mankada,Tirur, Ponnani, Wandoor, Perumpadappu likavu Blocks |
|
|
KOZHIKODE DISTRICT |
|
|
51 |
Assistant Director (Soil Survey), Kozhikode– 673 020 |
Kozhikodedistrict |
|
52 |
Senior Chemist Regional Soil Analytical Lab Kozhikode- 673020 |
Kozhikodedistrict & special schemes |
|
53 |
District Soil Conservation Officer, Kozhikode– 673 020 |
Kozhikodedistrict |
|
54 |
Soil Conservation Officer, Vadakara Kozhikode– 673 325 |
Vadakara, Tuneri, Kunnumel, Thodannur, Melady, Perambra, Panthalayini (Part) Block |
|
55 |
Soil Conservation Officer, Thamarassery Kozhikode– 673 525 |
Balussery,Chelannoor, koduvally, Kozhikode, kunnamamangalam ,Panthalayini ( Part) Block |
|
|
WAYANAD DISTRICT |
|
|
56 |
Assistant Director (Soil Survey) Meenangadi P.O. Wayanad – 673 591 |
Wayanad district |
|
57 |
District Soil Conservation Officer, Wayanad – 673 122 |
Wayanad district |
|
58 |
Senior Chemist Hi-Tech Soil Analytical Lab Kalpetta, Wayanad - 673121 |
Wayanad district & special schemes |
|
59 |
Joint Director of Soil Conservation, Kabini Project, Kalpetta, Wayanad – 673 121 |
|
|
60 |
Assistant Director of Soil Conservation, Engineering Hydrology Sub Division, Kabini Project, Meenangadi P.O.,Wayanad – 673 591 |
|
|
61 |
Assistant Director of Soil Conservation, Mananthavadi (Kabini Project), Wayanad – 670 645 |
|
|
62 |
Assistant Director of Soil Conservation, Kabini Project, Vythiri P.O., Wayanad – 673 576 |
|
|
63 |
Assistant Director of Soil Conservation, Kaniyambetta Sub Division, R.V.P. Kabini, Wayanad – 673 591 |
|
|
64 |
Assistant Director of Soil Conservation, Kabini Project, Karakkamala, Wayanad – 670 645 |
|
|
65 |
Soil Conservation Officer, Mananthavady (PO) Wayanad – 670 645 |
Manathavady and Panamaram Block |
|
66 |
Soil Conservation Officer, Meenangadi Wayanad – 673 591 |
Sulthan Bathery and Kalpetta Block |
|
67 |
Soil Conservation Officer, VythiriGrama Panchayath Building Vythiri P.O. Wayanad – 673 579 |
|
|
|
KANNUR DISTRICT |
|
|
68 |
Assistant Director (Soil Survey) Kannur – 670 002 |
Kannur district |
|
69 |
District Soil Conservation Officer, Civil Station P.O., Kannur – 670 002 |
Kannur district |
|
70 |
Soil Conservation Officer, Thaliparamba, Kannur – 670 141 |
Pannayannor, Thaliparambu, Kalliyasseri, Irikkur, Kannur blocks |
|
71 |
Soil Conservation Officer, Thalassery P.O., Kannur – 670 101 |
Edakkadu, Thalassery, Kuthuparambu, Panoor, Iritty, Peravoor blocks |
|
|
KASARAGOD DISTRICT |
|
|
72 |
Assistant Director (Soil Survey) Civil Station F Block Vidyanagar P.O., Kasargod – 671 123. |
Kasaragod district |
|
73 |
District Soil Conservation Office Kasaragod 671 123 |
Kasaragod district |
|
74 |
Soil Conservation Officer, Kasargod – 671 121 |
Manjeswaram, Kasargode, taluk |
|
75 |
Soil Conservation Officer Kanhangad P.O., Kasargod – 671 315 |
Hosdurg, Vellarikundu taluk |
VI. Services rendered to citizens
Soil survey serves the farming community through inventorization of soil and land resources of a tract, providing suggestions for betterment of agriculture with special reference to natural resource management. Soil health cards are issued to individual farmers on per plot basis based on soil fertility tests. The State Soil Museum and State information Centre serves as a centralized repository on soils of Kerala. Soil and water conservation activities are implemented in the farmers field directly on watershed basis.
VII. Criticisms and suggestions
Any criticisms can be mailed to Director, Dept of Soil Survey and Soil Conservation, Centre Plaza buildings, Vazhuthacaud, Thiruvananatahpuram-14
