KOTTAYAM: Former Idukki MP P.T. Thomas has demanded the speedy implementation of the Gadgil report in view of the rain disaster that has struck Idukki district.
Mr Thomas, who is now the Thrikkakara MLA, dismissed the fears of the Highrange Samrakshana Samthi(HSS) about the displacement of the people and agricultural loss as baseless. “They are opposing the report because they have either vested interests or are unaware of the the content of the report,” he told DC.
Mr Thomas, who had earlier supported the Gadgil report, said that the report will affect only those running illegal rock quarries and doing illegal businesses. The report has only demanded that cultivation of annual agricultural crops on the hilly slopes having leanings up to 60, 70, 80, and 90 degrees should be avoided so that soil erosion can be contained, he said.
“This was blown out of proportion and the people were misguided,” he said. Mr Thomas was allegedly denied his sitting Idukki Lok Sabha seat last time owing to his stand. He demanded a special code for granting construction of buildings in Idukki district.
However, the HSS has opposed the Gadgil report. HSS convenor Father Kochupurackal termed the flood as natural and said that it cannot be considered as a ‘man-made disaster.’
Devikulam MLA S. Rajendran said that the Gadgil report had become irrelevant following the floods. A new code of living should be formed so that the people can live in unison with nature, he said.
