KOCHI: Cutting across political lines people’s representatives and civil society leaders on Sunday vowed to do everything in their power to protect the city’s green lung ‘Mangalavanam’.
With severe pollution already choking the city, the gathering was unanimous in its view development plans should not have an adverse fallout on environment.
“The development projects should factor in mankind’s existence. Our motto is development without felling trees,” said former Minister Binoy Viswam, who inaugurated the meeting held here in connection with Save Mangalavanam programme.The meeting was held in protest against the Railways’ decision to cut down trees as part of Old Railway station’s restoration.
“Of course, the Old Railway station which had seen prominent figures, including Mahatma Gandhi, Swami Vivekananda and Sree Narayana Guru pass through its portals, should be protected as a heritage monument. But it should be carried out without affecting the ecological balance of Mangalavanam. Our meeting also declares solidarity with Medha Patkar, who is continuing with her hunger strike in protest against Sardar Sarovar dam construction,” said Viswam.The meeting took a pledge to protect Mangalavanam, besides demanding the wetland in Mangalavanam should be declared as a buffer zone.
“We are taking as a many steps as possible to revitalise Mangalavanam. Hence, the decision to fell nearly 188 trees for the renovation of Old Railway station is certainly not acceptable. If the Railways is not ready to reschedule the plan we will launch a strong protest,” said Hibi Eden MLA.
The meeting also decided to form a human chain on August 16 demanding steps to protect Mangalavanam. Ecologist Madhav Gadgil is expected to participate.Mangalavanam is also home to various species of birds and attracts large number of migratory birds. Earlier, the Forest Department had launched a programme to preserve water and greenery in the sanctuary during the summer.
However, greens said the major reasons for the migratory birds staying away from the sanctuary are lack of water, food and pollution.The marshy wetland does not have enough depth to hold water. There should be more wetland vegetation since their roots are capable of absorbing harmful substances.