KOCHI: Alleging the State government was supporting the land mafia engaged in destroying the Western Ghats, various environmental organisations on Monday sought the Centre’s immediate intervention in the Munnar issue.
“The land mafia has encroached more than 30,000 acres in Mathikettanchola, Devikulam, Udumbanchola and the Kurunji National park. Encroachments and unscientific constructions are causing land degradation in Anamudi region. This has affected the climatic condition of the entire state. Though six significant reports were submitted by bureaucrats on encroachments in the past 15 years, no action has been taken. Moreover, the MP and MLA are supporting the lawbreakers. We want the Union Government to intervene in the issue,” John Peruvanthanam, chairman of the Coordination Committee for Protection of Western Ghats, told reporters here.
“The atmospheric temperature in the region has gone up. Also, the increase in the number of buildings has raised the possibilities of landslides. The huge buildings obstruct the free flow of rain water, diverting it from its natural course. Also, the water shortage has hit the tea estates in the region hard,” said John.
The environmental organisations are planning to stage a protest in front of Parliament and submit memorandums to the President and the Prime Minister in this regard.
Sitaraman, president of the Kerala River Protection Committee, V D Majeendran, vice-president of the Kerala Independent Fish Workers Federation and others participated in the press conference.