Buffer zone agitation gains strength again; government cornered over map

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government was in a state of relief thinking that the buffer zone agitation had subsided after the Chief Minister held direct discussions. However, the map that was published on Friday has suddenly changed the situation and the people living in the high ranges are on agitation mode. The publication of the map has put the government on the backfoot.

The map submitted by the government to the Central Environmental Ministry in 2021 to solve the concerns of the satellite survey, is affecting the populated areas and causes more concerns.

The Christian churches which had welcomed the intervention of the CM is now blaming the forest department and raising accusations. The Christian leadership has taken the CM’s statement, that the people’s concern will be informed to the Supreme Court, at face value and has decided to observe silently. What the Supreme Court will say is a matter of concern for both the government and the protesters.

The SC will consider the case on January 11th. Complaints can be given till January 7th. But the protesters are asking how the government can find a solution before 11th. Number of petitions, claiming that populated areas and buildings are included in the map, is increasing. Till now, around 30,000 petitions have been filed.

Panchayats situated in the high ranges are approaching the government seeking permission to join party in the case at the Supreme Court. The satellite survey was done by the government after SC’s verdict on June 3rd. Therefore, this must be submitted in the court.

Even if the government informs the court about the concerns of the people and if SC rejects is and gives verdict based on satellite map, then that would cause huge implications in the LDF and the stance of Kerala Congress (M).

Forest Minister, AK Saseendran is now the target of the protesters. Thamaraserry Bishop Remigius Maria Paul Inchananiyil had said in an interview that Saseendran’s intervention is not right. There is already an accusation that the Forest Department is trying to get a foreign fund related to carbon emission by showing larger amount of forest area.