Buffer zone: CM calls for high-level meeting; ‘Poor farmers are being misled’, says AK Saseendran

MALAPPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has called for a high-level meeting in the buffer zone issue. Forest minister AK Saseendran has said that they will discuss all issues in the meeting.

“Even small problems related to forests are being escalated. The poor farmers of being misled.”, said the minister. “Buffer zone is a topic that has been discussed for years. But if you listen to the news, it seems that this is an incident that has erupted just now. The protests against the government are not to help the farmers. “, he added. Meanwhile, AK Saseendran had said the other day that there are anomalies in the satellite survey. He said the survey won’t be considered totally. The satellite survey report will not be submitted to the Supreme Court. He also stated that he would accept practical suggestions.

The government plans to inform the Supreme Court that the direct inspection report will be submitted later along with the satellite survey report. A discussion will be held with the AG and Standing Counsel about the stance to be taken in the court. The government is also considering seeking an extension to submit the satellite survey report.

The government has clarified that it will not only submit the satellite image prepared by KRSEC (Kerala Remort Sensing and Environment Center) to the Supreme Court and will submit it only after receiving the land inspection report of Justice Thottathil Radhakrishnan committee. “In 115 panchayats where the buffer zone issue is raising concerns, the local department's field inspection and data collection of buildings etc. will be accelerated. The government is trying to find a solution by extending the term of the expert committee.”, the minister said.AK SASS