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In Keralam, which has a limited land area and high population density, forests account for 29.15% of the state’s total geographical area. The state has 23 wildlife sanctuaries and protected areas. The minister said that, if necessary, a delegation led by CM would meet Union ministers in Delhi and seek a final decision on the issue, which has remained unresolved for the past 13 years.
Since Keralam already has strong environmental laws, including Paddy Land and Wetland Conservation Act and regulations governing tree felling, imposing further ESA restrictions in inhabited areas would adversely affect the agricultural sector and the lives of the people, the minister said. A central expert committee headed by Dr Sanjay Kumar had visited Thiruvananthapuram when the state’s demands were explained in the presence of chief minister V D Satheesan and ministers. A unanimous resolution on the matter will be passed during the forthcoming assembly session. The revised ESA plan and map will also be published on the website of the state environment department, he added.
Environment minister Sunny Joseph told a news conference on Friday that the proposal was submitted based on detailed studies and public feedback, as part of the state’s amendments and recommendations to the draft notification issued by Union environment ministry on Kasturirangan report.