New Delhi, February 02: Union environment minister Jairam Ramesh today said wetlands will be kept free from commercial activity and any states violating the government’s decision would have to stop such practicies immediately.
“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 that are 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… the existence of Sambhar lake in Rajasthan is also in danger.”
He said officials concerned have been directed to ensure appropriate action in such cases.
–Agencies