January 29, 2002

‘30’

KOTTAYAM - KUMARAKOM ECO-CITY PROJECT LAUNCHED

    The Environment and Forests Minister, Shri T.R. Baalu launched the Kottayam Kumarakom Eco-City project at a function in Kottayam, Kerala today. Talking on the occasion, Shri Baalu emphasised that Eco-city is much more than the concept of a clean or green city because it includes ecological and economic sustainability and social development in its framework. It is a planned and environment friendly integrated development of the area which will eventually lead to a whole new way of life where every citizen will be conscious of the environmental impact of his every action. Shri Baalu added that, to achieve this, we need to ensure the practice of democracy in its purest form and decision making through consultative process.

    Shri Baalu stated that the Kottayam-Kumarakom region was chosen for the first Eco-city project in the country for three reasons. First, it is fulfilment of the promise made by the Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee to the people of Kerala. Second, the rapid growth of backwater tourism warrants urgent measures to ensure its sustainability. The Third and foremost reason, however, is the positive response and enthusiasm of the enlightened people of Kerala and their representatives who have set aside political differences in endorsing the concept.

    Shri Baalu said that the launch is a moment of personal satisfaction for him because Eco-city was one of the thrust areas identified by him when he took over as the Minister of Environment and Forests. He said, he came personally for the launch of the project to affirm publicly the commitment of his Ministry at the highest level in making the project a success.

    The Minister pointed out that protection of environment is a major challenge facing humanity today in view of the rising demand for exploiting natural resources for economic development. Sustainable development is, therefore, accepted as the guiding principle by the comity of nations. This means meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the needs of the future generation and improving the quality of life within the carrying capacity of supporting Eco-systems.

    Among others, the Kerala Chief Minister, Shri A.K. Antony; State Ministers Shri K.M. Mani; Shri Abdullah; Shri Suresh Kurup, Member of Parliament; the State Chief Secretary, Shri Krishnamurthy and the Special Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forests, Shri Roy Paul attended the function.