Kochi: Former member of Kerala Biodiversity Board and director of Salim Ali Foudation Dr V.S. Vijayan has proposed alternative proposals to save the forest and groves from axing at Santhivanam near Paravur for Kerala State Electricity Board Limited’s 110 KV transmission line.
Dr Vijayan, who is also the leader of Santhivanam Samra-kshana Samithi, told reorters at Ernakulam Press Club on Tuesday he proposed a couple of suggestions such as a new alignment which is only five meter on the north of the straight line which will not cause much damage to the forest and underground cabling, though it is expensive.
Dr Vijayan also suggested a deviated route which is just opposite the one being considered now. “It may be noted that the distance of this alternative route is less than that of the current alignment. More than that, no forest will be affected by this,” said Dr. Vijayan.
“An experienced engineer familiar with power distribution system suggested exploring the feasibility of using 33 KV aerial bunched cables, supported on standard electric posts. These insulated cables prevent the hazard of bare conductors causing faults while tree branches touch them,” he added.
“The KSEBL has already destroyed more than 20 cents of forest for erecting the tower, violating the permission granted for 0.62 cents. The new proposal to increase the height of the tower to 22 meters by cutting three trees also cannot be accepted.”
As per scientific studies, one single tree of moderate size produces 1,00,375 liters of oxygen annually. The destruction of Santhivanam is not a good idea even if its commerial relevance is taken into account, he said.
As per the studies of Salim Ali Foundation, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Malabar Natural History and Cochin Natural History, Santhivanam is a rare combination of the elements of evergreen, semi evergreen, lowland and midland vegetation with several species of trees, amphibians, birds and butterflies.
Santhivanam: HC sends notices to KSEBL, govt
Kerala High Court on Tuesday issued notices to the Central and state governments and Kerala State Electricity Board Limited (KSEBL) seeking explanation on setting up 110 KV power cable line through Santhivanam. The court issued the notice on a petition seeking the intervention of the court for relocating the alignment of the cable line.
The court has also sought an explanation from the head of the Ernakulam rural police. The court, however, declined to stay the ongoing construction work of the KSEB at the site.
