Exclude areas under agriculture, habitation ESZs: MPs to govt

MPs from six states falling under the Western Ghats region today urged the government to explore the possibility of excluding areas under agriculture and habitation from the Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) in the bio- diversity rich region.
Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar, who held a review meeting, in which around two dozen MPs from the region participated today, said that the government has undertaken a major "democratic" exercise and a final call on implementation of Kasturirangan report will be taken based on studies and reports by the states and people's opinion.
The Union Minister said for further consultations, another meeting would be convened next week where remaining MPs can give their suggestions.

"We have received written report, completed in all respects from Kerala and Goa. We have enquired with remaining four states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Gujarat and all the four states were ready with the report, but we have not received it.
"I hope that we will receive the report in the next two- three days and start studying it and factor in all suggestions given by the MPs because this is the most democratic exercise which we are carrying out. Based on that study and peoples' opinion only, we will take a final call," he said.
The MPs urged the government to protect the nature and habitat of people simultaneously and suggested that mining and highly polluting industries should not be allowed in the ESZs.

But, the MPs said, other activities related to agriculture should be allowed.

"The overall tone of their suggestions was that we have to protect environment but the people who are settled there, their farming, plantations...That should not be declared as forest or ESZs.
"Second suggestion was about sand mining, which is a local necessity and should be allowed. Mining and high polluting industries should not be kept there. Major issue is plantation, agriculture and people, habitated area should be excluded from ESZ. That was a major suggestion and many written representations have also come," Javadekar said.
We are doing this big consultation before arriving at a decision, he added.

MPs from various parties including Union minister Anant Geete, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor were present during the meeting.