THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The tree-felling challenge in Mullaperiyar has put the state authorities on the again foot amidst a name for a judicial probe by the opposition within the meeting on Monday. Forest minister AK Saseendran stated the federal government is not going to compromise on its said stance – security for Kerala, water for Tamil Nadu.
“The order issued by an officer is not going to be efficient whether it is opposite to the stand taken by the federal government earlier than the Supreme Courtroom. The federal government will study the scenario underneath which the order was issued and whether or not it had requisite permission from the Centre,” stated Saseendran within the meeting. Within the wake of the controversy, the federal government had sought a proof from the secretaries of the forest and water sources departments.
Saseendran reiterated that the federal government is not going to take any steps which can adversely have an effect on the curiosity of the state. The federal government order permitting Tamil Nadu to chop down bushes to strengthen Child Dam close to Mullaperiyar was seen as a U-turn in opposition to the state’s stand for a brand new dam to alleviate the concern of individuals dwelling downstream over an ageing Mullaperiyar Dam. Strengthening Child Dam by clearing bushes was in Tamil Nadu’s curiosity as it should assist in elevating the water degree of Mullaperiyar dam to 152 ft. Kerala however had raised considerations over the security of the 126-year-old Mullaperiyar dam and needed a brand new dam to be constructed.
Although the order issued on November 5 was frozen two days later, the opposition was not prepared for the arguments of Saseendran that he was not conscious of such an order being issued. Opposition chief VD Satheeshan questioned the authority of the minister when orders have been issued with out his data. Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan who moved the adjournment movement to debate the difficulty stated that the federal government order was issued on the velocity of Silverline (a semi-high velocity undertaking initiated by the LDF authorities).
The difficulty got here to gentle after Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin had thanked his Kerala counterpart for granting permission to chop down bushes.
The minister went on to clarify the steps taken by the federal government within the Supreme Courtroom and in dialogue with Tamil Nadu on guaranteeing the security of the Mullaperiyar dam. The Tamil Nadu Water Assets Division govt engineer submitted an software for felling 23 bushes close to Child Dam. The Principal Chief Conservator of Forest and Chief Wildlife Warden in Kerala, Bennichan Thomas, issued the order to chop down 15 bushes following a gathering at further chief secretary degree. The order was issued when Kerala had filed an affidavit within the Supreme Courtroom explaining why the demand for felling bushes couldn’t be thought of.
The minister stated the state alone couldn’t determine on felling bushes within the space. The slicing of bushes from the Tiger Reserve which is part of the sanctuary is topic to grant of clearance by the Ministry of Environmental and Forests, Authorities of India and different statutory authorities involved. Tamil Nadu additionally has to acquire approval from the Standing Committee of Nationwide Board of Wild Life. (Wildlife clearance) and environmental clearance along with forest clearance underneath the Forest Conservation Act 1980.
