The first case related to Kerala in the Chennai Bench of the National Green Tribunal has turned into a matter of a reality check not only for the state and Central governments, but also for both the UDF and the LDF as all of them have their share in the proposed airport at Aranmula.
“The order by the National Green Tribunal is a relief and a recognition for the fight. Aranmula is a symbolic fight against the clearing of our hills and filling of our wetlands. It’s a shame on the state government to take share in such a controversial project. The government should withdraw from the project in the wake of the latest order,” said poet Sugatha Kumari who is in the forefront of the anti-airport movement.Mullakakra Ratnakaran, former minister and member of the Assembly committee on environment, asked how a cabinet can decide on becoming part of a company which breached a series of laws and Acts put forth by the state itself.
“One of the most baffling facts about the project is the speed with which they are getting clearance from various boards and departments. Even when state projects like Vizhinjam Harbour are lagging behind in getting environmental clearance, Aranamula’s pace is amazing despite the objection put forth by the Assembly committee on environment. The court order should be an eye opener for the state government,” he said.
Though the local population is up in arms against the project, local MLA K Sivadasan Nair and local MP Anto Antony are its biggest supporters.
“Many persons offered their support to the Aranmula airport in the name of development and they were afraid of being branded ‘anti-development.’ We have many examples in the past where projects supported by all sections were not suitable to society. The Silent Valley project which was scrapped by the late prime mister Indira Gandhi is the best example for this,” said AICC member Philipose Thomas, one of the few Congress leaders from the area who came out against the project.
http://newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/article1528180.ece
“The order by the National Green Tribunal is a relief and a recognition for the fight. Aranmula is a symbolic fight against the clearing of our hills and filling of our wetlands. It’s a shame on the state government to take share in such a controversial project. The government should withdraw from the project in the wake of the latest order,” said poet Sugatha Kumari who is in the forefront of the anti-airport movement.Mullakakra Ratnakaran, former minister and member of the Assembly committee on environment, asked how a cabinet can decide on becoming part of a company which breached a series of laws and Acts put forth by the state itself.
“One of the most baffling facts about the project is the speed with which they are getting clearance from various boards and departments. Even when state projects like Vizhinjam Harbour are lagging behind in getting environmental clearance, Aranamula’s pace is amazing despite the objection put forth by the Assembly committee on environment. The court order should be an eye opener for the state government,” he said.
Though the local population is up in arms against the project, local MLA K Sivadasan Nair and local MP Anto Antony are its biggest supporters.
“Many persons offered their support to the Aranmula airport in the name of development and they were afraid of being branded ‘anti-development.’ We have many examples in the past where projects supported by all sections were not suitable to society. The Silent Valley project which was scrapped by the late prime mister Indira Gandhi is the best example for this,” said AICC member Philipose Thomas, one of the few Congress leaders from the area who came out against the project.
http://newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/article1528180.ece
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