The Hindu : Kerala News : Achuthanandan calls for coordination

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Nov 05, 2006
ePaper

Kerala

Kerala

Achuthanandan calls for coordination

Special Correspondent

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan has called for coordinated approach at the policy level and collective action at the ground level by various States to conserve the forest wealth of the country.

Addressing a conference of the Forest Ministers of southern States here on Saturday, he said the Western Ghat and Eastern Ghat forests, in general, marked the political boundaries of the southern States.

"I firmly believe that, instead of dividing us, these forests should become our connecting link. We should start by having a shared understanding of the values of the forests and pool our resources to strengthen this base," he said.

"Borders are always problem areas and the advantage always goes to the antisocial elements. The ganja mafia, sandal mafia, poachers and the smugglers fully take advantage of the weakness of the State machinery in the border regions. This is where we should strike together," he said.

Mr. Achuthanandan said the States could also learn from one another how forest protection and conservation efforts could be strengthened. The Eco Development Programme in Periyar Tiger Reserve, which had created a strong base of people's participation in conservation, was one initiative in Kerala that could be adopted as a model by the other States.

"Sandalwood smuggling can be checked effectively only if the States join hands at the policy level and in field action. Poaching and smuggling of wild animal parts are threats of global proportions, but we can do quite a lot at the local level by joint patrol in sensitive areas and by strengthening communication across the border," he said.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Kerala