THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The central government has declared the areas around protected forests as Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZ). 70.9 sq km area around the Peppara and Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuaries has been made eco-sensitive zones. The centre has now issued a draft notification rejecting the state’s demand to exclude the populated areas of Amboori, Vithura, Kallikkad and Aryanad panchayats in the capital district.

With the declaration of ecologically sensitive zones, stringent restrictions are to be imposed in the area. Additional restrictions will be imposed in areas within a radius of one kilometre from the forest boundaries. Quarries, wood mills, tree-felling, hotels, resorts, industries and other constructions will now have stricter restrictions. Special permission is required to carry out constructions in addition to the existing ones in ecologically fragile areas. Strong restrictions are already in place for construction and other activities in areas close to the forests. With the central government’s new notification, restrictions will be tightened yet again. In Kerala, most of the areas surrounding forests are highly populated. The tightening of restrictions in these areas would have harsh impacts on the lives of people.

The central government has now issued only a draft notification. Those who have any objections to the same can submit their complaints and opinions within two months. If it is valid, then it will be considered, said the centre.