Kerala Biodiversity board not consulted about plant

Thiruvananthapuram: The state government has not consulted the Kerala State Biodiversity Board (KSBB) on the IMA biowaste treatment plant proposed to come up in Peringammala panchayat. Even as experts say that the area is rich in biodiversity, the Board has not been made a part of any of the meetings held to discuss the proposed project.

The meeting convened by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan which decided to expedite the process of granting clearance to it, had no member from the Board.

There was no representation from the Board even during the public hearings held at the Collectorate and the panchayat.

Former KSBB chairperson V.S. Vijayan says, “The opinion of the Board should have been sought before any procedures were started. Even before that, the biodiversity management committee should give clearance. This is the only such swamp in south India. KFRI has conducted a detailed study regarding the rich biodiversity of this area.”

Even at this point, the Board can initiate a study on the issue suo motu, he said.
However, S.C. Joshi, who serves as its chairperson, told DC that the Board has no authority to look into the problem on its own.

“If there is some direction that we must study it, we would love to. When there is a government level discussion on the issue, we can offer our opinion,” he said.

He added that the Board comes into the picture if there is a very clear violation or damage brought to its notice.

“Suppose a complaint goes to the National Green Tribunal and the government wants the Board to conduct a study, we will do it,” he said. In this case, Forest and Environment departments are supposed to look into the issue, according to him.