Union Minister of State for Labour Kodikunnil Suresh has said the lack of coordination between various departments of the State government had led to the delay in taking up projects to protect the Sasthamcotta Lake.
Addressing a press conference here on Saturday, the Union Minister said the Centre had told the State government several times that it was ready to provide the necessary funds for the protection of the lake. The lack of coordination among the departments was the main problem. Mr. Suresh said there was a delay in setting up a steering committee in Kerala and in submitting the report to the Ministry. Three months ago, advisor to the Union Environment Minister had visited the lake and held discussions. The Minister said the Ministry of Environment had asked Joint Secretary R.K. Singh and Scientific Officer Chandan Singh to attend a meeting convened by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy to chalk out measures for the protection of the lake on May 8 in the capital. He said a unified authority was needed for the protection of lakes in the State for effective coordination as several departments were involved.
