Prepare action plan on ecologically fragile land, CAG tells Kerala

The CAG has asked the State government to obtain details of the entire ecologically fragile land (EFL) by preparing an action plan and notify the same to maintain ecological balance and to conserve biodiversity.

It should provide sufficient funds for acquisition of land under EFL Act without any further delay. All mangrove forests need to be identified and management plan prepared for their conservation.

Forest dept rapped

The CAG rapped the Forest Department for failure to initiate steps to maintain land which qualifies as ecologically fragile after including it in the working plan for protection and conservation.

The survey and demarcation of boundaries of notified EFL has been delayed indefinitely due to lack of coordination between the Forests and Revenue departments, the CAG report said.

Vesting of private plantations inside a national park was delayed unjustifiably especially when the use of chemicals and fertilisers harmed the ecology and wildlife.

Inland waterways

On inland water transport, the CAG recommended that the government may make mandatory movement of hazardous cargo by inland waterway.

The waterway should be made navigable for effective use by public sector undertakings.

A strategic plan may be drawn up for leveraging the rich endowment of inland waterways. Dredging works must be taken up in both natural ad artificial waterways and cargo terminals constructed.

An apex authority may be set up to monitor activities of different departments concerned with inland waterways for their development and maintenance.

Kerala State Inland Navigation Corporation may consider installation of GPS on the vessels to facilitate monitoring of their movement and to detect causes for delay for efficient scheduling.