Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Thursday said the State government will notify the land surrounding Toyyar lake as a “zone of influence” to ensure comprehensive protection of the ecologically sensitive area, while assuring that no hasty decisions will be taken on the matter.
Sawant clarified that the government will not challenge the court order related to Toyyar lake without first taking the local people into confidence. Emphasising transparency, he said public consultations will be initiated, beginning with a meeting scheduled for next week to discuss concerns and suggestions of stakeholders.
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The Chief Minister noted that the Toyyar lake project falls under a Central government initiative, and therefore all decisions will be taken cautiously and in coordination with the Centre. “There is no urgency to rush into any decision. The priority is to safeguard the lake while ensuring that the views of the people are duly considered,” he said.
The move to notify the surrounding land as a zone of influence is aimed at providing long-term environmental protection and preventing activities that could harm the lake’s ecosystem, Sawant added.
