Malabar sanctuary on the anvil
Published May 21, 2008 | 
Thiruvananthapuram: A bevy of eco projects are in the pipeline for Kerala. The Preliminary steps for the declaration of the Malabar sanctuary has been completed and the proposed sanctuary will be declared later this year said the Forest Minister Benoy Viswom. This sanctuary would ensure the protection and growth of forests near Peruvannamozhi.
Another project aimed at protecting turtles and other marine species arriving on Kerala coast as part of their reproductive cycle has also been submitted to the centre. The project is estimated to cost the exchequer Rs.6.65 crore.
Some of the other proposals that are under consideration include a rehabilitation centre for elephants at Kottoor in Thiruvananthapuram. Plans are afoot for the acquisition of around 131.5 hectares from private parties at Periya in Wayanad to set up an elephant corridor for the free movement of elephants. The green signal from the Central Zoo Authority is awaited for setting up a Lion Safari Park at Thamarassery in Kozhikode district for research purposes.
A bevy of projects including the production of reeds, bamboo and ratton with a plan outlay of Rs.5.90 crore, protection of medicinal trees and native plants of Kerala proposed at Chaliyam are also pending. The forest department has also proposed to reinforce the coasts by developing a shelter belt on 77.50 hectares apart from planting mangrove species on 14.75 hectares.
The afforestation programme to compensate for the forest land taken over to improve pilgrim facilities at sabarimala would also be taken up this year in 305 hectares of land in Idukki district. An array of programmes, taken up during the past couple of years for the enhancement of green cover and protection of forests has already started bearing fruits. By the declaration of a buffer zone for the silent valley the forest cover has increased, much to the jubilation of the department as well as the green loving populace of this State.
