Thursday, August 5, 2010

Forest laws violated: Viswom

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister for Forest and Housing Benoy Viswom said here on Thursday that an inquiry by the Chief Conservator of Forests (Vigilance) had detected some violations of forest laws by wind energy companies at Attappady. However, no major encroachments had been found.

In his preliminary report, the Chief Conservator had said that high tension lines had been drawn over forest areas and 12 posts had been erected in forests for transmission of electricity. Besides, a road was cut through forests for transport of equipment.

The Minister said the Conservator had recommended a detailed survey.

His report had been submitted to the committee headed by the Chief Secretary which was considering the matter.

�The government would not countenance any encroachment on forests or alienation of tribal lands.

Mr. Viswom said the notification of more than 17,000 acres as reserve forest would be done without much delay.

The Secretarys committee had found that there were no settlers in the area in question. The area was in possession of the Forest Department from the eighties.

No comments:

bloggers