Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said here on Monday that the government had initiated the process of setting up a State-level Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) committee.
Delivering the inaugural address at the World Environment Day celebrations organised by the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE), he said the committee would speed up the process of securing environmental clearance for priority projects in the State.
Mr.Chandy said the previous LDF government had failed to set up the committee despite instructions from the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
The Chief Minister said unscientific development and unsustainable exploitation of natural resources were leading to environmental problems like river pollution, poor solid waste disposal, and drinking water scarcity.
The government, he said, would go all out to promote eco clubs in schools. “As many as two lakh children in 3,500 schools will be taught the importance of protecting forests and conserving the environment through the activities of these eco clubs. Children hold the key to creating awareness about the environment and understanding the pitfalls of tampering with nature,” he reminded the audience.
Mr.Chandy said the State would seek Central assistance for the Sabarimala master plan, Vizhinjam international container transhipment terminal project, reducing man-animal conflict, and in managing the problems caused by the Coastal Regulation Zone regulations.
He added that the issues would be taken up with Union Minister Jairam Ramesh who was arriving in Kerala on June 13.
Underlining the need to strike a balance between development needs and protection of the environment, he said the government was committed to the scientific utilisation of natural resources.
The Chief Minister distributed awards for the winners of a photography contest organised by the KSCSTE in connection with this year's World Environment Day. He also released three publications by the council.
Dr. K.V. Jayakumar, Executive Director, Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM), received the first copy of a report on an environmental monitoring programme on water quality.
A report on soil resources of panchayats was presented to Dr. P.N. Premachandran, Additional Director, Soil Survey Department, while a handbook for National Green Corps teachers was released by handing over a copy to Dr. N.P. Kurien, Director, Centre for Earth Science Studies.
Dr. K.K. Ramachandran, member secretary, KSCSTE and Dr.Kamalakshan Kokkal, Joint Director were present.
