THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Union environment ministry has issued draft notification to include more areas around Wayanad wildlife sanctuary under Ecologically Sensitive Zones. 3.5 kms around the wild life sanctuary is designated as wild life sanctuary under the draft notification. The areas include towns like Sulthanbattery and Kattikulam and it also include 119 square kilometer in Battery and Mananthavady Thaluks. The notification have given 60 days time for the people in the area to file complaints if they have any grievances. The gazette notification was issued on January 28th.

If the area becomes an ESA then harsh regulations will be imposed on land utilisation including construction. Different kinds of mining, crusher units and activities of quarry will be banned until further notice. No permission will be given for high level construction. Nod will also not be given to start new hotels ans resorts. Along with this, industrial units which causes pollution and other new wood processing mills won’t be receiving nod to start in the area. Whereas old wood mills can continue but they won’t allowed to renovate. Trees could only be cut down after taking prior permission from the government. Consent for hydroelectric and drinking water projects will not be given.