Chairperson of the Confederation of Environment Associations of Nilgiris (CEAN), Surjit K Chaudhary, a retired IAS officer, has stated that both the Salem division of Southern Railways and the Tourism Department are in violation of the Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017 and has urged the District Collector to immediately stop work at both the project sites surrounding the Ooty lake.
In his letter, Mr. Choudhary stated that according to Rule 4, dealing with “any construction of a permanent nature except for boat jetties within 50 meters of the mean high flood level observed in the past ten years calculated from the date of commencement of these rules” is to be enforced by the State and district authorities.
He said it also directed authorities to list, notify, prepare and implement integrated plans to protect the wetlands by giving timelines. He said violation of the Wetland Rules attracted either a prison term or a fine amounting to ₹1 lakh.
