The expert committee appointed by the State government on the Kasturirangan report led by Kerala State Biodiversity Board Chairman Oommen V. Oommen on Wednesday said that a report reflecting the anxiety of farmers on the issue would be submitted to the government.
At a sitting at the collectorate in Painavu, he said the farmers in Idukki had always protected the environment and the report would be pro-farmer.
Earlier, at Kattappana, committee member P.C. Cyriac said the Kasturirangan report had no reference affecting to land transactions.
It was due to a faux pas by officials that the impression that land transactions would be affected if the report was implemented was created. He said specified areas needed to be identified for quarrying. At present, quarrying spread over wide areas has affected not only the environment but also the natural beauty of the hilly district, he said, adding that the purpose would be met by limiting quarrying to particular areas where the government could have control over the activity.
On sand mining, he said it is needed for the smooth flow of rivers but when it is overdone, it not only creates environmental issues but results in the drying up of rivers. What was needed was controlled sand mining, he said. He said that misconceptions about the report had resulted in creating anxiety among the people, especially in the High Ranges.
