The Hindu : Front Page : Forest encroachments will be curbed: Chandy

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Monday, Jun 06, 2011
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Forest encroachments will be curbed: Chandy

Staff Reporter

Says urgent action will be taken in Chinnakkanal to clear encroachment

The State will balance growth
and conservation
To take up waste management as
a priority

Oommen Chandy says forests and waterbodies require equal attention.

KOCHI: Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said here on Sunday that the State could no more afford to allow encroachments on forests. Immediate action would be taken against such an encroachment in Chinnakkanal that had been brought to his notice.

At a function organised by the Kerala State Pollution Control Board as part of the World Environment Day celebrations, he sought public support to curb forest encroachments.

The Chief Minister said the State had to protect its waterbodies just as it conserved the forests.

As tourism developed, efforts would be made to maintain a balance between the industry's growth and the environment.

Funds for local bodies

He said the State would finance local bodies to take up solid-waste management. Proper waste management was an urgent necessity in keeping with Kerala's motto of a waste-free State. Addressing the issue of waste management was part of the State's commitment to protecting the environment.

Mr. Chandy said development was an urgent need and environmental protection was inevitable for a stable tomorrow. The government's aim was to balance these ideals.

He congratulated the companies that had won various environmental awards, saying that their efforts against pollution will benefit the State as a whole.

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd.-Kochi Refinery, Binani Zinc Ltd., HLL Lifecare Ltd., Cochin Minerals and Rutiles Ltd., Victory Granites Metals, Malabar Institute of Medical Sciences, MRF Ltd., Hindustan Newsprints Ltd., the NTPC's Kayamakulam plant, and Sud-Chemie India are among the companies that have bagged the awards instituted by the board under various categories. K. Sajeevan, Chairman of the Pollution Control Board, welcomed the gathering. Health Minister Adoor Prakash presided over the inaugural function.

Union Minister of State for Food and Civil Supplies K.V. Thomas, Transport and Devaswom Minister V.S. Sivakumar, Excise Minister K. Babu, Kochi Mayor Tony Chammany, and Hibi Eden, MLA, were present.

Prof. Thomas released an air- and water-quality directory prepared by the board.

Mr. Babu launched an environment surveillance van that will augment the 24-hour monitoring facility established by the board in the Eloor industrial area.

Mr. Eden released pamphlets prepared by the board.

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