Tamil Nadu is yet to respond and send the proposal for demarcating Eco-Sensitive Zone in the Western Ghats, while proposals were received from all other states, Environment and Forest Minister Prakash Javadekar said today.
Speaking at the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) situated at Anaikatty, some 25 km from here, Javadekar said that the whole sensitive zone of Western Ghats was reviewed to conserve its bio-diversity, while ensuring sustainable development.
"Though all other states have sent their proposals, Tamil Nadu is yet to respond," the minister said.
"India has 1,200 of the 10,000 birds found world over and only 100 are here. And 80 per cent of them are endemic to our country. Hence nature should be put to sustainable use by people's participation and not exploited," he said.
"Scientists can only find methods for conservation, but it can be done only by involving people," he said.
Stating that the government may consider giving autonomous status to SACON, he called upon the researchers to rediscover and reinvent their strategies by involving public for a sustainable growth in conserving nature.
Javadekar released three SACON publications to commemorate the event and also unveiled a plaque to mark inauguration of a hostel building.
Later replying to a question on the proposal for revisiting the forest policy taking into account the growing complexities in conserving nature, Javadekar said Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) bill needed to be passed in Parliament as soon as possible to unlock Rs 40,000 crore lying idle.
"This is a huge fund lying idle over the last 10 years. It needs to be unlocked and given to states for preserving nature," he said.
Post Master General, Western Region (Tamil Nadu), Manju Pilla released a special postal envelope observing the silver jubilee celebrations of the institution.
