KANNUR: The Supreme Court order to maintain eco-sensitive zone of 1 km around protected forests is a severe setback for the state, said Forest Minister A K Saseendran. The verdict is a strong setback for Kerala’s stance. We are planning to deal with it legally, said the minister. There is concern over whether the central government will take a favorable stance on the verdict. However, we have not lost hope, he said.

If necessary, political intervention will also be made in the issue. Talks will be held with Kerala’s standing council in Delhi and AG on how to deal with the issue legally. The state government may also approach the centre on the matter. The state government will clarify the legal process in two days. Within the time, a decision will be made on how to deal with the issue. The matter will be brought to the notice of the chief minister as per the decision taken in the high level meeting held in Kannur, under the chairmanship of the minister, to discuss the court verdict. Future actions will be taken in accordance with the chief minister’s decision.

The Supreme Court had ordered to maintain eco-sensitive zone of 1 km around protected forests and no mining or construction work should be done in the areas of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. The bench, led by Justice Nageswara Rao, had directed the chief forest officer to submit a report on the construction works within three months.