FOR A GREEN EARTH: A. Pradeep Kumar, MLA, inaugurating a discussion organised as part of the World Wetlands Day observance at the Kottuli wetlands in the city on Tuesday.
Kozhikode: A discussion of scientists, environmentalists and social workers organised as part of the World Wetlands Day observance at the Kottuli wetlands here on Tuesday has asked the government to immediately construct a bio-fencing around the Kottuli wetlands to ward off encroachments or land filling.
The discussion organised by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment in association with the National Green Corps (NGC) also asked the authorities to disallow construction works at the Kottuli wetlands. It has called upon the government to amend the present laws so as to guarantee foolproof protection to the wetlands besides initiating exclusive legislations such as a Wetland Conservation Act to ensure their safety since they play a crucial role in maintaining the ground water-level and biodiversity.
The collective, which gathered at the Sarovaram Bio-park at the Kottuli wetlands to participate in the discussion, has also resolved to "oppose any kinds of construction works at the site even if it comes with the consent of the court." The district coordinator of NGC and the moderator of the discussion M.A. Johnson told The Hindu that a meeting of the environmental and social activists at the Aradhana Tourist Home on Wednesday would decide on the ways to implement the suggestions put forward by the discussion.
Earlier, the programme was inaugurated by A. Pradeep Kumar MLA. Noted environmentalist and secretary of the Institution of Engineers India, Kozhikode centre A. Achuthan, scientists Madhavan Komath, K.K. Vijayan and environmentalists Sobhindran and Sivan Madathil presented papers during the programme.
Presenting his paper on the 'Urban development versus wetlands conservation with special reference to Kottuli Wetlands in Kozhikode,' Dr. Achuthan elaborated the prominent roles wetlands play in maintaining the climatic balance, biodiversity and the groundwater levels. He said that several factors such as industrialisation, land filling, pollution and encroachments were contributing to the alarming shrinkage of the limited wetlands of Kerala. "Massive campaign is necessary to make people understand that wetlands are vital part of our life-support system," said Dr. Achuthan.
The Hindu
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