Human habitats will be excluded from ESA list: Oommen V Oommen

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Expert committee member Oommen V Oommen has said that 123 villages mentioned in the Kasturirangan report will be excluded from the list of Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs). 2500 square kilometre area which includes 123 villages will be excluded from the list.  

“On the other hand 9000 square kilometre forest area will be protected. Another 1000 square kilometre land with no human habitation will also be protected after bringing it under ESA. The assurance regarding this has been given by the State to Central Forest and Environment Ministry,” Oommen said.

He said Kerala’s requirements would be issued as government notification within two days. The new notification would not come in the way of cases that are before the Green Tribunal.

“The Central Forest-Environment ministry gave a positive response to Kerala’s demands. The Centre has been informed that what Kerala needs is not office memorandum but notification, which we hope will come out soon,” said Oommen.

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