Stories
Jose K Mani Questions Keralam's ESA Report, Cites 26,500-Acre Discrepancy
- •Keralam Congress (M) chairman Jose K Mani raised concerns over the state government's report on the seventh draft Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) notification.
- •Mani highlighted that the latest report submitted to the Centre includes 8,590 sq km, which is 107 sq km (26,500 acres) more than a previous technical report covering 123 villages.
- •He warned that this additional area could lead to the ESA encroaching upon agricultural land outside forest areas, impacting farmers and residents.
- •The previous report, prepared by KSREC and the Biodiversity Board, was based on inputs from various departments and panchayat presidents following the Oommen V Oommen committee's directions.
- •Environment Minister Sunny Joseph stated Keralam aims to reduce ESA villages from 123 to 98 and limit its extent to 8,590.69 sq km, with 886.7 sq km being non-forest area.
Key Questions Answered
Jose K Mani raised concerns that the latest report submitted to the Centre proposes an Ecologically Sensitive Area of 8,590 sq km, which is 107 sq km larger than the previous technical report. He warned that this excess of nearly 26,500 acres could encroach onto agricultural land outside forest areas and impact farmers.
Environment Minister Sunny Joseph stated that the existing proposal covers 9,993.7 sq km across 123 villages, of which 9,107 sq km is forest area and 886.7 sq km is non-forest area. The state has sought to reduce the covered villages to 98 and limit the extent to 8,590.69 sq km.
The Kerala government submitted its report containing suggestions and objections regarding the seventh draft Ecologically Sensitive Area notification to the Centre on September 24.
