The Hindu Business Line : Move for parking space creates a flutter in Kochi

PROTEST is brewing over the reported move to set up a parking space for the new High Court complex in the buffer zone of Mangalavanam bird sanctuary, which is described as the lungs of Kochi city.

More organisations are coming forward to oppose the move by authorities. A meeting organised by some environmental organisations, to discuss the threat posed to Mangalavanam, had decided to initiate protest measures against the proposal.

It was also decided to hold a convention in the city soon in which renowned environmentalists are expected to participate.

The greens point out that Mangalavanam is rich in mangrove habitation and any move to tamper with the mangrove would be a challenge against social justice. Eminent scientists and agencies such as Food and Agriculture Organisation under the United Nations have emphasised the significance of mangroves while analysing the impact of natural disasters such as tsunami, they said.

They have called for dropping the move that would lead to the destruction of the diverse eco-system of Mangalavanam, as there are alternative spaces for the High Court complex parking lot. Though the official version contends that the only buffer zone of the Mangalavanam is being used as parking space and not the entire Mangalavanam itself, the environmentalists pointed out any variation that takes place in the buffer zone would be reflected on the core area. The pollution from vehicles using the parking space would eventually destroy the rare plant species found in

Mangalavanam and would force the reptile species to come out.

The greens also demanded that the number of vehicles coming to the High Court complex should be restricted and multi-storeyed parking space should be constructed instead of destroying the Mangalavanam. It may be noted that the city has no mandatory regulations on parking facilities so far, they added.

Seeking the intervention of the Chief Justice of India, the Association of Environmental Protection said constitutional courts were always rendering judgments to protect the environment. They also pointed out that the area comes under CRZ-I category on account of its mangrove and to convert the sanctuary into parking area would adversely affect the eco sensitivity of the area.

The Lawyers Environmental Awareness Forum (LEAF), a green wing of the Kerala High Court Advocates Association, also urged the Supreme Court Chief Justice to take steps to explore the possibility of providing car parking on the High Court premises where buildings earmarked for demolition are situated.

Greens see red; pledge today

KOCHI: A group of green activists has decided to take a pledge on Saturday at the buffer zone of the Managalavanam bird sanctuary to protect it from being converted into a parking lot.

In a joint statement issued here, they said the High Court should reconsider its decision to construct a parking bay at the buffer zone as it will jeopardise the bird sanctuary. They also soughtpublic support to protect the mangroves.

Meanwhile, the district committee of the Solidarity Youth Movement has urged the authorities to desist from the move that may damage the sanctuary. The Government should conduct a study to assess the ecological importance of the area, it said.

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