Govt plans to set up tree authority

The state government was studying the possibility of setting up a tree authority and bringing in the Tree Act in the state, said Forests Minister Benoy Viswom. The Minister said that the government was looking into the possibilities for an order in this regard.Speaking at a meeting of the forest officials, environmentalists and nature lovers organised by the Forest Department here on Sunday, the Minister denied allegations that the government was not keen on winning cases related to forest issues.Though there were some setbacks in cases, the government has been keenly following these activities like filing appeals and reviewing orders. "We are closely watching and reviewing cases and has been following them with proper attention. There were some setbacks. But the number of cases lost has come down," he said.Benoy Viswom said that instead of taking over properties with mangroves in various parts of the state, the department was thinking of a plan to conserve these mangroves in the existing land. In past three years, the government has planted 52 lakh trees. Reacting to criticisms on the taking over of 17000 acres of land in Munnar, the minister said that the file regarding the issue had not been withdrawn by the Forest Department as alleged.The file has reached the Chief Minister's office, he said.Referring to allegations on the take over of Thoothampara estate, he said that though there was pressure from all corners, the Department was able to complete the takeover.He said that declaring a buffer zone for Silent Valley national park was a major achievement of the state government. Unalike earlier, the reserve forest area has increased during the past three years.Speaking after nature-lovers and environmentalists expressed their concerns and complaints, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) T M Manoharan said that the government has been studying the possibility of a tree protection Act as in Maharashtra.If implemented, the responsibility of protecting trees would be on local self government institutions, he pointed out.He said that based on the suggestions at the meeting the council entrusted with the responsibility of fixing boundaries for the Parambikkulam Tiger Reserve would collect evidences from the locals once again before submitting its recommendations to the government.

 The New Indian Express, 20th April 2009