IDUKKI: The hartal observed by the LDF against the Supreme Court order declaring a one kilometre area of notified forest as ecologically sensitive zone (ESZ), is progressing. The hartal which started at 6 am will end at 6 pm. The 12-hour hartal observed has demanded to quash the verdict and the immediate intervention of the union government in the matter.

The Left Front workers staged a demonstration in Thodupuzha as part of the hartal. The CPM activists downed the shutters of Canara Bank branch in Kattappana. Essential services have been exempted from the hartal. Private buses have suspended services and the KSRTC are operating long distance services. The shops are completely closed.

People in the high and low ranges are responding positively. Only essential private vehicles are seen on the streets. However, the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests has indicated that they have not received any written letter from the government of Kerala expressing concerns.

The apex court had directed that mining activities should not be allowed here after the one-kilometre limit of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries has been made ecologically sensitive. The court also asked to submit a report on the ongoing construction work in three months. The state government responded to the order saying that the information would be communicated to the Centre and would try to proceed legally.