THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said the government is aiming at development protecting the environment. But a blind opposition to all the development projects in the name of environment would not be encouraged. There should be control on the environmental extremism which should not affect development.
While inaugurating the state level world environment day observance, he said the LDF government would give due importance for the protection of environment. An environment policy that suits to the present day world is most essential.
While exploitation of environment needs to be dealt with sternly, unscientific, extremist and blind positions on such issues should be avoided. The government is for an environment protection which does not stagnate development activities. "Let us all come together for environment friendly decentralised comprehensive development culture," he said.
He stressed the need for extensive research to handle issues related to environment. Those who have gained expertise in this field have to be consulted with while dealing with environment issues and protecting the interests of the people.
Issues like waste disposal, over exploitation of natural resources, wastage of energy, unlawful exploitation of nature, non-scientific exploitation of rivers and water sources, have to be studied in detail and if required law should be framed to check misuse.
The chief minister made it clear that closing down of pollution making industrial units is not only the solution but we need to put in scientific methods to make it environment friendly. On mineral sand mining he said that the government will not go back from the policy that mining should be remained the public sector. There will not be any rethinking on this and will ensure that it remains in the public sector.
The chief minister also threw light on the situation where the water bodies of the state are serving as a dumping pit for the state's garbage, including bio medical and construction waste. He said that the government has already started working on an action plan to bring the garbage and other environmental issues under control. "There are several central and state laws that ensure protection of our environment, but conducting mass awareness programmes is the most effective way to discourage people damaging the nature" he added.
Pinarayi also said that cleaning up of the water bodies and ensuring clean drinking water to all citizens of the state will be one of the major priorities of the government. 25% of the total forests of Kerala are declared as reserved forests which is above the national average and has a total of 17 wildlife sanctuaries.
The chief minister also got an unexpected support from K Muraleedharan in the event. "Though I disagree with the chief minister on the Mullaperiyar issue, I back his government's stand on the Athirapally hydroelectric project" said K Muraleedharan who is a former power minister.
