Bharatpur (Rajasthan): Union Environment
Minister Jairam Ramesh today said no commercial activity would
be allowed on wetlands and all such practices will be stopped
in states, violating the government decision.
"No commercial activity on wetlands will be allowed in
the interest of environmental conservation. We will stop all
such practices in the states where efforts are being made to
transform wetlands into wastelands," he told reporters on the
sidelines of a function here.
Expressing concern over some states permitting commercial
activities on wetlands, the minister said, "Gujarat has
permitted a cement plant on its wetlands, buildings are being
constructed on wetlands in Tamil Nadu, power plants are being
set up in such areas in Andhra Pradesh...Existance of Sambhar
lake in Rajasthan is also in danger."
He said officials concerned have been directed to ensure
appropriate action in such cases.
The minister said a breeding centre for Siberian cranes
will be set up in Keoladev national park here.
PTI
First Published: Wednesday, February 02, 2011, 18:26