Greens urge BMC in all panchayats in state

Thiruvananthapuram: Though the state has formed biodiversity management committees (BMC) at all local bodies in the state, none of them are active. With back-to-back floods devastating the state, the green activists are demanding fully-functional BMCs at local bodies to regulate quarrying and other development activities which could ruin the natural ecosystem of a particular region.

The Prakruthi Samrakshana Vedhi, fighting for the protection of the environment, has come forward demanding the implementation of Madhav Gadgil Report in the state. The Vedhi is planning to stage a Secretariat dharna on Wednesday demanding the implementation of Madhav Gadgil report in the state. Environmental activist N.C. Induchoodan will inaugurate the dharna at 10 am.

State chairman of the Vedhi M.N. Jayachandran said that the BMCs are not properly functioning in any of the local bodies in the state. "As per the rules, every BMC should maintain a biodiversity register of each panchayat, municipality or corporation. The BMC is responsible to give nod for quarrying. This is not happening in the state because the political parties are not very keen," said Mr Jayachandran.

He said that the government should stop issuing ordinances and government orders amending the existing Act to facilitate unscientific constructions and quarrying activities. "Environment impact assessment is not happening properly. Many rules go for a toss when some major development activities come up. The Madhav Gadgil Report should be implemented in the state. Natural disasters would hit the state but we would be able to reduce the impact of the disasters if we scientifically approach development activities," said Mr Jayachandran.

Prakruthi Samrakshana Vedhi is planning to submit a memorandum to the Chief Minister after the dharna.