Tamil Nadu was yet to respond on sending the proposal for demarking Eco Sensitive Zone (ECZ) in the Western Ghats, while proposals from all other States have already been received, Union Environment and Forest Minister, Prakash Javadekar said today.

Speaking at the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) situated at Anaikatty, Javadekar said that the whole sensitive zone of Western Ghats was reviewed to conserve its bio-diversity, while ensuring sustainable development.

“Though all other States have sent their proposals, Tamil Nadu is yet to respond,” the Minister said.

“India has 1,200 of the 10,000 birds found world over and only 100 are here. And 80 per cent of them are endemic to our country. Hence nature should be put to sustainable use by people’s participation and not exploited,” he said.

“Scientists can only find methods for conservation, but it can be executed only by involving people,” he said.

Stating that the Government may consider giving autonomous status to SACON, he called upon the researchers to rediscover and reinvent their strategies by involving public for a sustainable growth in conserving nature.

Javadekar released three SACON publications to commemorate the event and also unveiled a plaque to mark the inauguration of a hostel building.

Post Mast General, Western Region (Tamil Nadu), Manju Pillai, released a special postal envelope in commemoration of the Silver Jubilee celebrations of the institution.

Later replying to a question on the proposal for revisiting the forest policy, taking into account the growing complexities in conserving nature, Javadekar said that

Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) needed to be passed in the Parliament as soon as possible to unlock Rs. 40,000 crore that was lying idle.

“This is a huge fund lying idle over the last 10 years. It needs to be unlocked and given to States for preserving nature,” he said.