Waste dumping along forest borders will be prevented: Kerala Forest Minister

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Forest Minister Shibu Baby John presenting a Vanamitra Award instituted by the Forest department on the occasion of the World Environment Day, in Thiruvananthapuram, on Friday. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Forest Minister Shibu Baby John has said that waste dumping along forest borders will be strictly controlled.

Inaugurating the State-level observance of World Environment Day organised by the Forest department here on Friday, the Minister announced that cameras will be installed to identify those who dump waste inside forest areas. Legal action will also be adopted against offenders. Moreover, plastic products will not be allowed inside forests, he added.

Mr. John said that the Social Forestry wing will monitor the maintenance of saplings planted as part of environmental conservation efforts. He also said that a proposal to provide funds to local bodies for biodiversity conservation is under active consideration.

Transport Minister C.P. John, who presided over the function, said that the Forest department is the foremost guardian of the environment. He stated that the government is seriously considering measures to reduce carbon emissions, which would benefit nature.

The Forest Minister distributed the annual Vanamitra Awards presented by the Forest department at the district level to organisations, individuals, and institutions that have made significant contributions to nature and biodiversity conservation. He also launched a specially designed logo for forestry clubs that function in 1,195 schools across the State.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests P. Pugazhendi, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forest L. Chandrasekar, and Chief Wildlife Warden Pramod G. Krishnan also participated in the programme.