Panamaram heronry to become a protected zone

N. Prasanth, the Sub Divisional Magistrate and Sub Collector of the Wayanad district has issued an order to take apt measures to conserve the Panamaram heronry, the largest breeding ground of different species of herons in the Malabar region.

The massive destruction of bamboo groves on the heronry and unbridled sand mining are the two vital issues the heronry is facing.

Mr. Prasanth has directed the panchayat, revenue and police authorities to implement all possible actions to protect the heronry.

The order to the panchayat and revenue officials are to stop issuing permits to collect sand from the near by areas of the heronry and deny any vessels that may be linked to unauthorized sand mining and poaching in the river near the heronry .

The order directed the officials to implement special schemes and programmes to protect the rare biodiversity from all types of destruction by the help of environmental organisations and carry out regular patrolling to prevent illicit sand mining.

Mr. Prasanth directed the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), North Wayanad forest division, to post a forest guard at the site to ensure implementation of the order.

He also asked the DFO to submit proposals to the authorities concerned, to declare the site as an ecologically fragile land under the relevant act and invoking relevant provisions of the Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972 to protect the rare species of birds covered under part III of schedule I of the Act.