Don't grant nod for mining activity in eco sensitive area: MP

Senior Congress MP Mullappally Ramachandran today shot off a letter to Union Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave asking him not to grant permission to conduct mining activity in an ecologically sensitive region, part of Western Ghats, in Kerala's Kozhikode district.
The former union minister's letter comes amid fresh move by a Karnataka-based mining firm to get green nod for starting iron ore mining project on over 400 hectares in Chakkittappara in the district.
"It is frightening to note that the proposed mining operation is intended to take place in most sensitive area along the Western Ghats. The rich and rare flora and fauna of this area make it famous for its bio-diversity," Ramachandran said, opposing the company's move.

Noting that the famous Peruvannamuzhi Wildlife Sanctuary, rich in wildlife, he said the Madhav Gadgil Committee on Western Ghats categorically stated that this is an ecologically fragile and environmentally sensitive area which cannot be tampered with.
"The famous crocodile farm is located here. The largest migrating bird sanctuary in Malabar region of Kerala is at Paiyyanikotta which is within the vicinity of the proposed mine site. The rare and vanishing species of Malabar Giant squirrel is also spotted in this area. This area is also rich in water resources like natural springs, streams, rivulets, lakes etc.," he said.
Three dams-- Peruvannamuzhy, Kakkayam and Bhanasurasagar -- are located near the proposed site and the Western Ghats is the perennial water source for these dams, he said.

Ramachandran, who represents Vatakara Lok Sabha seat, also said the British conducted a study in the 1940s about the iron ore deposits in Chakkittapara but did not proceed with the mining because of the grave environmental hazards and destruction involved in such project.
"I request your goodself to examine the matter in detail and immediate steps may be taken to stop the granting of environmental clearance/consent to start mining activities in Chakkittapara village in Kozhikode district," he said.