measures to protect wetlands. The steps should be initiated at the
local body level. He also mooted a central framework for conservation
of wetlands. The minister was inaugurating a seminar on 'significance
of wetlands in Kerala's development' here on Tuesday.The minister
lamented that wetlands were being destroyed or vandalised.The
situation had contributed to climate change. Ground water depletion
was causing concern. Kerala had recorded 35 per cent less rain last
year.There was heavy rain during summer season. The Electricity Board
was forced to impose power cut and a harsh summer is ahead.Wetlands
help preserve the ecology in several ways. Apart from retaining the
water table, they provide succour to flora and fauna. He urged the
Union government to consider the local environmental conditions while
implementing special schemes such as the Kuttanad package.
The Hindu, 14th January 2009
No comments:
Post a Comment