Undeterred by the criticism that the Athirappilly hydroelectric project may cause irrevocable environment damage, the Kerala State Electricity Board Undeterred by the criticism that the Athirappilly hydroelectric project may cause irrevocable environment damage, the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) continues to bat for it.

The Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP), appointed by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), has recommended that the proposal should not be cleared citing its environmental impacts. The KSEB proposes a project with an installed capacity of 163 MW across the Chalakudy river.

With over 100 files related to Coastal Regulation Zone violations and requests for clearances pending, Kerala has approached the Centre for the reconstitution of the Kerala State Coastal Zone Management Authority (KSCZMA).

The term of the earlier committee had expired on July 22. The pending files include complaints regarding violations, requests from local fishermen for the repair of dwelling units and applications seeking clearance for construction and projects from government agencies and private builders.

The National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries of Kerala have become vulnerable to encroachment and poaching as the cash-strapped parks are being forced to cut the protection and conservation activities.

The drastic reduction in the Central allocation and the failure of the State government to compensate for the loss have resulted in the downsizing of protection staff and even fire control operations. A large number of tribal people engaged as watchers on daily wages basis were being denied salaries.

Draft proposals for formation of authority

The Vembandu-Kol Eco Development Authority (VEDA) will ensure a ‘sustainable and healthy Vembanad socio-ecological system which supports its rich biodiversity and the livelihood needs of the stakeholders,' according to the draft proposals for the formation of the authority. (The proposals, prepared by the State government, have been circulated among stakeholders).