The Legislative Committee on Environment will be visiting the Aranmula Puncha (paddy fields) and wetland at Aranmula on February 29 where a private company has proposed setting up of an international airport, according to Mr Mullakkara Ratnakaran, MLA.
Talking to The Hindu , Mr Ratnakaran said the decision was taken at a sitting of the committee held at the Legislature Complex in Thiruvanathapuram on Tuesday on the basis of the complaints it had received from certain socio-environmental organisations in connection with the alleged conversion of paddy fields, wetland and natural streams at Aranmula.
Mr N.K. Sukumaran Nair, Pampa Parirakshana Samiti general secretary; K.P. Sreeranganathan of Darpanam Kala Sahitya Vedi, Prasad Verumkal of Bhoomi Samrakshana Janakeeya Vedi and T.Induchoodan of Palliyoda-Pallivilakku Samrakshana Samiti appeared before the Assembly committee which was chaired by Mr Ratnakaran in the absence of the chairman, C.P. Mohammed on Tuesday.
Mr Ratnakaran said the committee has taken the alleged illegal conversion of the ecologically sensitive paddy land, wetland and natural streams at Aranmula in all its seriousness. He said illegal land conversion was a criminal offence and the District Collector would be directed to provide the details regarding the same.
Mr K. Jayakumar, Agriculture Production Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary, reportedly informed the committee that the Government has not received any application for conversion of wetland or paddy land at Aranmula in connection with the proposed airport project or any other project.
Mr Ratnakaran said the committee would visit Aranmula on February 29 and convene an official meeting at the collectorate conference hall in Pathanamthitta, later.
The MLA said conversion of natural streams, wetland and paddy fields would lead to irreparable damage to the environment and eco system and stern action should be taken against the culprits.
Mr Ratnakaran said the Assembly panel would submit its report to the State Legislature after its scheduled visit to Aranmula and the proposed official meeting in Pathanamthitta.
