'People exploiting nature for personal reasons'

KOCHI: Forests Minister Benoy Viswom said on Sunday that it was unfortunate to label those advocating protection of environment 'enemies of development'. Inaugurating a seminar or

Forests Minister Benoy Viswam interacting with students in the Mangalavanam as a part of the Wildlife Week celebrations in Kochi on Sunday. EPS

KOCHI: Forests Minister Benoy Viswom said on Sunday that it was unfortunate to label those advocating protection of environment 'enemies of development'.

Inaugurating a seminar organised by the Kerala River Protection Council here, the minister said the people were exploiting nature for their personal interests.

"The Pampa and Chaliyar rivers have borne the brunt of unscientific developmental activities. Environmental protection should be given due prominence," the minister said. Council president N Appukkuttan Pillai, environmentalist C M Joy and Pollution Control Board chief engineer M S Mythili spoke.