The Hindu Business Line : Kerala action plan to conserve freshwater bodies

THE State Government proposed to initiate an action plan for protecting freshwater lakes and work towards this direction has already begun, according to the Chief Minister, Mr A.K. Antony.

The Chief Minister said this while intervening in a Calling Attention motion in the State Assembly on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the Water Resources Minister, Mr T.M. Jacob, told the House that work would soon begin on a project to take up construction and retention of the `Sasthankotta Lake wells.' It was expected to cost Rs 17.56 crore.

The two announcements came during the course of discussions on the need for saving the Sasthankotta freshwater lake in Kollam, the State's biggest.

Mr Antony said he had held discussions with scientists and agencies on measures aimed at protecting freshwater bodies in the State. According to Mr Jacob, an awareness campaign would be launched highlighting the need for keeping the lakes clean and pollution-free.

Walkout over suicides: The Chief Minister announced that the State Government was formulating a special package for weather-stricken farmers in partnership with the Centre, but that was not enough to prevent the Opposition from walking out of the House.

It was the second time that the issue had come to dominate proceedings in the House, before leading to their total disruption.

The leader of the Opposition, Mr V.S. Achuthanandan, had raised the issue through a submission and alleged that the State Government had misled the Centre into publicly denying suicides by farmers in the State. This had led to the bereaved families forfeiting their rightful claims to special assistance from the Centre.

Lease on forestland: The State Government has plans to increase lease rates applicable to forestland brought under the occupation of private parties, the Minister for Forests, Mr K. Sudhakaran, announced in the House.

The Government was of the view that most of the rates fixed needed to be revised, the Minister said in reply to questions. Lease charges had run up arrears of Rs 58 crore in terms of collections overdue.