Conserving Forest forPosterity

They performed a magic – make the forests of Kerala vanish in front of our very eyes. To those responsible for this blatant act, the forests were nothing but an easy means to amass wealth. They cared not a hoot to the objections of the public. They managed, by hook or crook, to obtain the patronage of those in power, influence and weapons. And a powerful mafia was formed in Kerala. They became so powerful that they could make and destroy administrators of public trust. When they managed to move unchallenged along the corridors of power, it tolled the knell of forests. And they got the support of some political leaders who worshipped nothing but currency notes. These unscrupulous elements moving hand in hand when the Left Democratic Front assumed power in May 2006.

The LDF perfectly knows the mission of forests, the boon of nature in the form of woods and trees. This Government appreciate the fact that it should be committed to guarding and conserving the forests, which could provide unpolluted air and water, not only to the present generation, but generations still unborn. So the Government formulated an integrated forest policy, and marched ahead with firm, unerring steps. The response to this policy was mixed. Some were sceptical, some disbelieved, some spread rumours, and the few wise appreciated. After two years, with a sense of satisfaction the LDF Government, looks back and feels it could be proud of the achievement. Whereas forests marked more depletion elsewhere in India and abroad, the satellite surveys show that the forest cover has really increased in Kerala, in Kerala alone. Yes, we became a model for other states and countries to follow in one more aspect. Definitely it was the determined efforts of the Government to defeat the mafia and to afforest more area that brought about this creditable achievement. So many positive actions, like declaring the Kurinjimala Sanctuary comprising of 3200 ha. area in Munnar to ensure complete protection and prevent encroachments, taking over 440ha. land from Vagamon area from the clutches of encroachers, and 9006 ha. forest area of Mankulam, rich in bio-diversity and declaring them as reserve forests, helped in creating another excellent and suitable Kerala model in the field of forest conservation also.

The declaration of LDF Government that there was no question of compromising with forest mafia and those who destroyed forest, was indeed followed by stern action. Through concerted and firm action against thieves, poachers and the criminal mafia in Marayoor, famous for its sandal wood trees and infamous for sandal wood thefts, everybody including the criminals, got the message that the Government meant business and no efforts will be spared to bring to book the culprits and ensure that they are brought behind bars. And these actions led to the uprooting of the mafia, who had interstate connections. The reports emphasised that the thefts of sandal trees were classic examples of the mafia-political patronage connection. Official reports of thefts at that time were manipulated in such a way that the culprits could escape the law.

There are examples when observations of the Hon’ble courts in sandal wood theft cases lead to the resignation of Ministers from cabinet. When the LDF Govern ment assumed charge an average of eight sandal trees per day had been stolen. But this much trees are not lost even during a month now. It is an all time record. Sandal wood mafia, gunja cultivators and poachers have felt the sting of the actions of this Government. 140 culprits were arrested during the last two years (And many of them were abscording as per records!). The onusonus of inquiring into the notorious Walayar sandal wood case has been given to the CBI. The CBI was reluctant to take up this case initially. But the fact that the CBI was ordered to take up the case by the Hon’ble High Court of Kerala after considering the Government’s stand in this case shows the determination of the LDF to ensure punishment to offenders. And this should be read along with the Government’s action to send to prisons the people engaged in the sale of tiger skin, snake poison etc.

The Government stand is that not even an inch of forest is depleted, and to ensure this through co-operation and participation of the general public. In social forestry also a new world record was created when about 25 lakhs school children throughout Kerala planted saplings on the world environment day. And this was our humble step to prevent global warming. The planting of a live fence along the Tsunami destroyed sea coast to protect the locals under “Haritatheeram’ – Green coast project — is another example. Planting of saplings along the road sides with the assistance of head-load workers under “Vazhiyora Thanal’ - road side shade – is yet another step in social forestry. The survival rate of the saplings was very poor in the past. But this Government gave importance not only to planting, but also to maintenance and so the survival rate of the plants arecommendable. And with satisfaction Government watch the growth of the plants and the realisation of the ambitious projects.

This Government could not contribute to leaving the tribes high and dry, to their penury and miseries. Crash programmes to benefit the tribes in the forests are being implemented with excellent results. The Department of Forests give all possible assistance to the Government in implementing imaginative programmes for the welfare of the tribes.

The Eco-development Committees constituted under the Department of Forests depicted wonderful achievements during the last two years. Four tons of pepper produced under organic cultivations by the members of the Eco-development Committees of Periyar has been exported to Germany. When the tribes of Periyar prove their might in the world market by introducing pepper produced through organic methods for the first time, many orthodox groups find it unpalatable. In fact, when Government boldly took over areas as and when their lease was over, there were many who opposed this move on various grounds. They complained that the very practice of organic cultivation was at stake. Their intentions were great - that the organic farming certificate obtained must not become invalid. And that only they can really do organic farming! To their dismay, tribes found no difficulty in proving that they could equally succeed in organic farming.

In fact, during earlier days, the middlemen got all the profit where as the tribes got pittance. The middle men from adjacent states used to visit the tribes even before the cropping season and advance nominal amounts to the tribes. These simple folk felt obliged to sell all their produce to these people who had advanced them money. And of course the price was always determined by the agents and tribes never could bargain. Kerala once again becomes role model when the tribes prove that they could compete with those who had the monopoly of organic farming.

The Government also issued order for providing timber for house building to the tribes in the forests at mere 25 percent of the Government rate.

The Government also provided reeds and bamboos at subsidised rates to the traditional artisans among the tribes.

Sale of timbers was a major area where corrupt practices ruled. The rich timber merchants who participated in the auctions and would pay nothing but a small amount as earnest money deposit. Then they would leave, and come back to remove the timber paying the balance amount and meagre interest levied, when the timber prices were really high. Now they have to pay 50 percent of the auction amount immediately and remove timber after paying the balance amount within a few days. The depot officers and range officers were given the authority to grant extension of time, a maximum of three months to pay up and remove timber. After this date the timber would be re-auctioned.

Moreover the common man has been provided with great many facilities in obtaining timber for constructing his own house. He could buy timber from depots at justifiable price avoiding middle men and timber merchants through the retail sale system of the Government.

The LDF Government also amended the Act relating to growing and felling of trees in private land to ensure that common man did not face much difficulties on the one side and preventing large scale felling of trees utilising the loop holes in the Act.

The Government also gave protective armour to the Silent Valley National Park by declaring a 148 Sq. km. buffer zone area cordon.

Further, the Government ensured the ecological equilibrium of the estuary of the Kadalundi river which is very rich with waterfowl and migratory birds. To enable this the Kadalundi-Vallikkunnu area was declared a community reserve. The declaration of the Community reserve ensured that the labourers of this area engaged in various profession such as fishing, sand mining etc. could continue their profession without destroying the ecological system. This is the third community reserve in India.

The Government took over 22.45 ha. of land previously possessed by the Harison Group in Thoothumpara Estate when they violated the lease conditions. And this sent out the signal that Government would not compromise with the rich and influential.

The LDF also appreciate that the preservation and conservation of forests is essential for the very survival of human race and that the depletion of forests meant destruction of mankind. And this was the guiding principle behind the legislations and implementation of projects under the Department of Forests. Now we can have the satisfaction to know that the people and Government of Kerala march ahead, hand in hand, to conserve our forests for us, and for generations yet to be born.

The Dream of House for All

Houses for All’ is a very popular aim of the Left government. To achieve this, the government have started innovative schemes including the flagship programme `E. M. S Total Housing Project’. It is the tears of the homeless that moves the left government to get involved in the housing scheme.

The Housing Minister in the Achutha Menon government, M.N Govindan Nair formulated the 1972 “Laksham Veedu” programme. Houses constructed under this scheme, are now in a state of disrepair and need renovation. The government constituted the `M.N Laksham Veedu Renovation’ programme under which 60,000 houses will be renovated at a cost of 300 crore shared between the government and the village panchayats. For this, the budget has set apart 22 crore and a M.N. Lakshamveedu Renovation Lottery has also been started to raise money. As this project benefits the poor, I hope it will have popular support.
This government has also increased the Central allocation to the State Housing Board to 35 crore from 10 crore. Steps have been taken to sell the flats and plots of the State Housing Board and it was sold to 632 people. The salary of the employees of the Housing Board was enhanced and the dearness allowance and increments of the Nirmithi Kendra staff were also allowed. After obtaining the “A” class registration from the Public Works Department, the Housing Board has started the works themselves. In addition, the board also takes up consultancy jobs and deposit works. Projects using cost effective production materials and techniques have been started by the Central government. Testing centres for production materials will be upgraded and margin free markets will be started.

For training labourers in cost effective production techniques, short term courses will be started. The syllabus for the courses will be prepared by labour leaders and others.

The Government have increased the subsidy of those who have at least two cents of land from Rs 9000 to Rs 25000 according to the “Suraksha Housing Scheme”. As part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Kerala government, people from lower sections who have taken loans from the Housing Board will have them written off or have the interest lowered. The one time settlement scheme of the government have so far benefited 37,517 people and has been extended to March 31 2008, keeping in mind that it is for the lower sections.

Steps to make the joint project of Hudco and the Housing Board in Thiruvananthapuram to materialise Habitat Centre a reality have started. “Jagathy Housing Board”, “Pattom Commercial Complex Project”, “P.T Chacko Nagar Housing-Finance project”, “Pandit Colony Extension Project” and in Ernakulam the “Panambally Nagar project” will be started soon. The works of Nirmithi Gurukulam commenced again after a gap of five years. It was renamed “Laurie Baker Nirmithi Training and Research Institute” and expanded at a cost of 25 lakh. An award in memory of Laurie Baker popularly called “ Paavangalude Perunthachan” was also constituted to promote low cost housing. Costford received the first award.

The Housing Task Force was constituted and seminars were conducted as part of this. The problems of the homeless may not be solved by this, but they will help at certain extent in all possible ways.