This draft report by the Kerala Paristhithi Aikya Vedi is an outcome of the Kerala State Environmental Convention, a two day convention that was organised in Trivandrum, Kerala by calling upon various environmental and social organisations, concerned citizens, experts, political leaders in the state to discuss the environmental crisis that the state has been facing in recent years.
The convention aimed at providing a critique of the economic policies and the development path that was being followed in the country in recent years, which had a complete disregard for the negative environmental, ecological and social impacts of these policies on the natural resources, environment and human health.
The Kerala backwaters
Image source: Wikimedia Commons
The report highlights the current and very urgent issues in the state that have led to this grave environmental crisis, and to the gradual deterioration of natural resources, which threaten to pose as serious risks to health and to the survival and sustainability of the natural ecosystems, which include:
The Kerala backwaters
Image Source:Wikimedia Commons
The report is divided into the following chapters:
The report argues for a different development paradigm that ensures economic growth based on social, environmental, ecological, secular and democratic systems with a focus on ensuring all citizens clean air, clean water, clean soil, clean food, a roof to dwell, hygienic living surroundings, basic free medical and education facilities.
The report provides an alternative perspective and proposes solutions to deal with the current situation by arguing for a green agenda for Kerala to deal with the burning environmental issues in the state and urges political parties both in the government and in opposition to make an attempt to integrate these basic requirements in their agenda for the benefit of the current populations and the generations to come.
Suggestions are invited/welcome on the draft copy of this report, which can be forwarded to the following address:
Dr. V.S. Vijayan, Salim Ali Foundation
Ayyappankavu Road, Kanimangalam,
Thrissur 680027
Mob: 9446372880
E mail: vsvijayan@yahoo.com
A copy of the report can be downloaded from below: