Kerala - Kochi   

Special courts mooted

KOCHI: The Assembly Committee on Environment has recommended to the State government for setting up special courts for speedy disposal of cases relating to environment, Rajaji Mathew Thomas, MLA, chairman of the committee, said.

Concluding a sitting of the committee at the district panchayat hall near here on Tuesday, Mr. Thomas said the committee suggested creation of separate environment police considering the limitations of the police and Kerala State Pollution Control Board (PCB) officials in environment issues.

The sitting mainly focussed on complaints of environment pollution received in connection with the upcoming solid waste treatment plant at Brahmapuram and the destruction of mangroves at Valanthakkad.

However, various issues that posed environmental challenges across the district like functioning of stone quarries in violation of norms, indiscriminate and illegal sand-mining, pollution of water sources, farming crisis created by disruption of water flow and illegal reclamation of paddy fields came up at the meeting.

The committee received complaints regarding environmental problems caused by constructions defiling the ecological system at Valanthakkad and also on alleged threats made by land mafia.

People’s Union of Civil Liberties (PUCL) said that Valanthakkad was home to unique and rare species of mangroves and fishes. Besides, it was also the temporary shelter of migratory birds.

There was also a demand to draw up a body of scientific experts and traditional fisher folks to create awareness about the biodiversity of the region. Interestingly, Kochi metro rail project also found a mention in the proceedings when PUCL stated that the traders’ demand for realigning the project through Shanmugham Road would result in axing of a large number of trees, many of which were more than 100 years old. Besides, Shanmugham Road was home to many heritage structures.

Taking into account the widespread complaints of contamination of the Periyar, Mr. Thomas said the committee recommended a Periyar River Authority for the rejuvenation of the river and also to make use of funds of River Management Fund for the purpose.

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