Government not concerned about environment, allege activists

Coming under the banner ‘Nature Protection Forum’ in Madurai on Saturday, they pointed out that all the recent protests in the state are against implementation of such projects detrimental to nature.

Hosts of activists involved in fighting against many a harmful environment projects came together for a seminar organised by the People’s Union for Civil Liberties in Madurai. 

Actress and social activist Rohini said that the Centre is trying to bring genetically modified (GM) crops back into India. 

Earlier in 2010, when government tried to bring in GM brinjal, it was stopped due to heavy opposition. Now, again the Centre is trying to bring in GM mustard. A 2010 like protest should be carried out again to stop the entry of GM crops into the nation, she said. 

Professor T Jayaraman, chief coordinator, Anti-Methane Project Movement, said that Cauvery delta is the rice bowl of the state, but oil companies see it as oil fields. If ONGC continues its exploration there will be a great challenge to food security in the state. Demanding that the ONGC be sent out of the Cauvery basin, he wanted delta to be declared as a ‘Protected Agricultural Zone.’ 

Student activist Valarmathi said that the Centre continues to disrespect the Supreme Court by not following its direction in various schemes meant for the state. In case of Sterlite, permission had been obtained for expansion plans and a public hearing was not conducted, she added.