The Kerala State Wetland Cell has written to the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest for extension of the time for submitting its views on the draft regulatory framework for wetland conservation. The deadline for submission was Wednesday.This is the second time that the cell is approaching the Ministry for extension.Though the cell had organised a few discussions on the draft, more deliberations were needed considering the complexity of the subject, said E.P. Yesodharan, member secretary of the cell. Meanwhile, the Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB) has suggested to the Union Ministry that paddy lands along with ponds, tanks, streams, canals and other irrigation structures also be brought under the ambit of the regulation. The draft suggests that wetlands do not include main river channels, paddy fields, coastal wetlands such as mangroves, marine algal beds, coral reefs and others covered by the Coastal Regulation Zone notification. According to the board, this will put large tracts of wetlands outside the ambit of the regulation. Regarding constructions near wetlands, the board suggests that no construction of a permanent nature should be permitted within 200 metres of the high-tide line, 300 metres of ecologically sensitive areas and 100 metres of the maximum water spread line of inland freshwater bodies. There should be no curbs on the use of wetlands for community and traditional use. However, strict restrictions should be there for commercial and industrial uses, says KSBB. The focus of the notification should be on conservation and sustainable use of wetlands and no scope should be there for conversion. No wetlands of ecological significance or those which are either protected or proposed for protection should be converted into any other landform.
The Hindu, 16th October 2008
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