Union minister Dr Harsh Vardhan vows to protect farmers' interests in western ghats

Kottayam: Union minister for forest and environment Dr Harsh Vardhan has promised to consider the demands of the state while issuing the final notification regarding the protection of the western ghats. He told reporters after inaugurating a seminar at the Periyar Tiger Reserve( PTR) at Thekkady on Friday that the farmers need not worry as the final notification will be issued only after addressing their demands.

The centre will prepare a practical action plan for preventing the attacks against wild animals by the public, he added. He also expressed happiness and satisfaction over tiger conservation efforts by the state. The minister also visited tribal hamlets in Mannakkudy.