The Hindu : Kerala News : Kerala objects to Centre’s wetland conservation policy

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Monday, Feb 09, 2009
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Kerala objects to Centre’s wetland conservation policy

T. Nandakumar

Terms it infringement of State’s rights to its water resources

Complex nature of Kerala’s wetlands makes their management difficult: Premachandran
Kerala for State-level management system based on a decentralised and participatory approach

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government has conveyed its objections to the Centre on the draft Regulatory Framework for Wetlands Conservation notified by the Ministry of Environment and Forests.

Minister for Water Resources N.K. Premachandran told The Hindu that the government had approved a report terming the proposed framework as an infringement on the rights of the State on its water resources. “We accept the need for a regulatory mechanism for wetlands. But taking into account the local environment and other factors, we have requested the Ministry to bring out a broad National Wetland Policy and guidelines, based on which each State can prepare its own legal framework,” the Minister said.

The Minister said many provisions in the proposed framework were cause for concern. “Water being a State subject, the proposal to bring wetlands listed in category A under a Central Wetlands Conservation Committee is questionable. It will force the State to relinquish administrative control over major water bodies.” He said the complex nature of wetlands in Kerala would make their management a difficult proposition under the system proposed by the Centre.

“We have recommended a State-level management system based on a decentralised and participatory approach,” he said. Mr. Premachandran said Kerala was already working on an action plan for wetland conservation involving various departments.

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