NGO issues legal notice over construction in reserve forest in Kerala
Athirappilly eco-tourism centre
, which is in a reserve forest.
The NGO said that the ongoing construction is in violation of the wildlife and environmental protection acts. The work is underway without the approval of the Union ministry of environment and forests.
The notice stated that the work is not in the approved working plan of the Vazhachal division, under which the centre falls. Still, unauthorised activities continue under the pretext of "tourism repair", amounting to clear violations of national and state laws. The activities currently taking place in this area are not included in any of the prescriptions outlined in the working plan. The forest department has not applied for permission under
Forest Conservation
Act.
The notice raises alarm regarding the impact the "unauthorised" work will have on the forest area. "Construction near the Parambikulam–Sholayar reserve and elephant corridors constitutes a direct threat to wildlife habitats and is a punishable offence," the notice states. Illegal occupation or alteration of forest land is a cognisable offence, it said. It went on to pinpoint each violation in the construction activities in the tourism centre.
The notice warned that failure to stop the construction activities, which are in violation of laws, will invite legal actions.
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