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Time of India
20-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
NGO issues legal notice over construction in reserve forest in Kerala
Kochi: Ernakulam-based NGO Animals and Nature Ethics Community (ANEC) Trust issued a legal notice to the principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF) demanding the immediate cessation of construction works at the Athirappilly eco-tourism centre , which is in a reserve forest. The NGO said that the ongoing construction is in violation of the wildlife and environmental protection acts. The work is underway without the approval of the Union ministry of environment and forests. The notice stated that the work is not in the approved working plan of the Vazhachal division, under which the centre falls. Still, unauthorised activities continue under the pretext of "tourism repair", amounting to clear violations of national and state laws. The activities currently taking place in this area are not included in any of the prescriptions outlined in the working plan. The forest department has not applied for permission under Forest Conservation Act. The notice raises alarm regarding the impact the "unauthorised" work will have on the forest area. "Construction near the Parambikulam–Sholayar reserve and elephant corridors constitutes a direct threat to wildlife habitats and is a punishable offence," the notice states. Illegal occupation or alteration of forest land is a cognisable offence, it said. It went on to pinpoint each violation in the construction activities in the tourism centre. The notice warned that failure to stop the construction activities, which are in violation of laws, will invite legal actions.
Time of India
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
ANEC Trust opposes clearance to granite quarries near eco-sensitive zones in Kerala
Kochi: Ernakulam-based NGO Animals and Nature Ethics Community (ANEC) Trust has written a letter to chairperson of the state board for wildlife, chief minister, prime minister and other departments concerned, objecting to the proposed clearance to 22 granite quarry projects in the state. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now According to the NGO, many of these projects fall within the statutory and default 10km radius of eco-sensitive zones around national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and reserve forests. It pointed out that the move violates various central environmental legislation , legal and other rules. The NGO warned that if the permissions are granted to these quarries, it would gravely endanger the state's biodiversity, climate resilience and protection from disasters. Approving such projects in disregard of environmental statutes, judicial pronouncements and public interest constitutes an abdication of statutory duty, the letter points out.
