KOLLAM: The long-pending demand of environmentalists to have a permanent authority to address issues related to the environment in the district has been given a green signal with the constitution of the District Environment Impact Assessment Authority (DEIAA). The authority formed for the first time in the district is under the direct supervision of the forest department. The Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests in Kollam, K.A. Mohammed Naushad IFS, has nominated the Divisional Forest Officer, Punalur and Sainudeen Pattazhy, environmentalist and associate professor in Zoology with SN college as members of the authority.
The district expert appraisal committee (DEAC) has the Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF), Punalur Divisional Forest Officer, and Social Forestry ACF as its members. Study reports by the assessment authority will be passed to the appraisal committee, which is then suggested to the Government. “The authority can address several burning issues including illegal mining, forest encroachments, unscientific constructions, and other environmental issues. And the most important of which is the sinking islets of Manroe Thuruthu,” Sainudeen Pattazhy, expert member with DEIAA, told DC.
Manroe Thuruthu has been the worst affected by mining activities that once gripped the area exacerbated because of the geographical shift in tectonic plates. This has also resulted in a change in geo-magnetic field that might in turn affect lunar attractions and even migratory bird behaviour. In Manroe Thuruthu, the land had sunk in the surrounding Lake, which was irreversible, Mr. Sainudeen added. According to the expert, the DEIAA would recommend to the Government to take immediate steps including rehabilitation of people, afforestation of mangroves, and soil rejuvenation in order to prevent further sinking of these islands. The drying up of Sasthamkotta Lake, the largest freshwater lake in the State, is another major issue in the district that seeks immediate attention.
