Theme park violates environment rules: HC

KOCHI: Holding that the acitivities of the CPM controlled Pappinessery Eco Tourism society in the Theme Park at Kannur, violates the CRZ notification and environment rules, Kerala high court today upheld the union environment ministry's proceedings against the park.

Dismissing the petition by the society challenging the ministry's action, a division bench comprising Chief Justice J Chelemeswar and Justice Thomas P Joseph said the fragile ecology of the area has to be protected and preserved.

The court said activities undertaken by the society violates the provisions of CRZ notification of 1991 and environmental protection rules and said it cannot give its ascent to the society's activities in the property in question.

The court ratified the authority of the environment ministry to issue notice and further proceedings against the society.

The bench said having regard to the nature of activities the society has undertaken in the area in question, 'we have no hesitation to hold that it comes within the expression of industry'.

From the documents produced by the government, it is revealed that the theme park is established in the stretch of Mangroove forest on the banks of Valapatnam and its branches.

The society contended that they were not given an opportunity to be heard and challenged the authority of the additional director of ministry of environment and forest to initiate proceedings.