‘Pollution of water bodies has led to

food insecurity’

‘Exploitation of ground water has resulted in a severe water crisis’

Hosur: Environmental organizations have urged the State Government to initiate stringent action against those who pollute the environment in terms of degradation of natural resources due to encroachment on water bodies, sand mining and industrial pollution. Addressing a consultation meeting on ‘Addressing the environmental issues’ organized by the Tamil Nadu Environment Council here recently the State convener of TNEC Antonysamy asked the Government to focus on environmental issues and initiate action against those who pollute the livelihood resources of both the community and the Government.

Global warming

Presiding over the meeting the West zone convener of TNEC A. Renganathan said that environmental degradation caused global warming resulting in climatic changes.

Encroachment

Martin State convener Environmental Lawyers Forum said that rampant encroachment and pollution of water bodies had led to food insecurity and water crisis.

Exploitation of ground water has also led to a severe water crisis.

‘Maintain vigil’

Mr. Martin asked panchayat presidents to maintain vigil and take action against industries and quarries that affected the livelihood of the people.

He also asked them to make use of the Right to Information Act.

Speakers also voiced concern on the increased degradation of the Sanathkumar River in Krishnagiri district due to rampant pollution caused by granite and crushing units.

Out of a total of 137 crushing units in the district about 7 units alone had obtained license from the Department of Mines.

Though granite and crushing units had to obtain clearances from the Pollution Control Board, Revenue and Health Departments the rule was seldom followed.

Sardar Indian Rivers Federation warned that Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri districts would soon turn into Rajasthan due to pollution by crushing units.

Sand mining

The biodiversity in the districts was severely affected due to sand mining.

Keshavraj, District convener, TNEC and Director ARCODE, Annadurai, State Convener, Tamil NaduRiver Protection Network, Jothi Venkatesan, Association of Consumer and Environment Protection and Watch (ACEPW), Advocate N. Gnanasekaran, Ilayaraja, Advocate, Madras High Court took part.

http://www.hindu.com/2008/01/09/stories/2008010951610300.htm