THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Muduga tribals of the Vettilachola colony spread over 60-odd acres across the Siruvani and Kanjirapuzha forests in Palakkad have gone on the rampage clearing nearly 100 acres of evergreen forest in the catchment area of Kanjirapuzha dam. There is a growing fear that these tribals are being misled into action by extremist outfits.
There is a general feeling of distaste among the city's environmentalists when it comes to the attitude of politicians to the city environs. The manifestoes of political parties have all the colours except green, they say.
The central ridge is in the process of being surrounded by a 7-foot high wall on directions of the city government which wanted the notified parts to be protected from encroachment and vandalism.
Aug. 24: The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Central and state governments to ask the Survey of India to conduct a new survey of boundaries at five existing leased mine companies including Obulapuram mines within six weeks.
Stung by the criticism in the assembly from both the Opposition as well as the ruling MLAs, Sanvordem MLA Anil Salgaocar, who is also a well-known mine owner, said that the mining is contributing substantially to the Goan economy besides providing employment and it would be a difficult position for the State if mines close down.
The Forest Department, which is on an encroachment clearance spree in Bangalore Rural district, has been now forced to seek police assistance to achieve its objectives, following a threat from land sharks.
