THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Forest Minister AK Saseendran said in the assembly that the state cabinet will look into re-examining its 2019 decision to declare 1 km around the boundaries of protected forest areas as Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ). However, this will not be included in the resolution asking the Centre.

Red-listed industries and large mining operations are not allowed in the buffer zone under any circumstances. The central government has declared this area as a buffer zone with the intention of preventing exploitation. Due to the peculiarities of Kerala, the buffer zone is not possible everywhere. It is in this situation that the state is demanding changes.

"If one kilometre of land around the boundaries of Mangalavanam becomes a buffer zone, the concern regarding the further development of Ernakulam city is valid. The government will take action to avoid this," he said.