States turning wetlands into wastelands: Ramesh

Union environment minister Jairam Ramesh today said no commercial activity would be allowed on wetlands and all such practices will be stopped in states, which are violating the government decision in this regard.

"No commercial activity on wetlands will be allowed in the interest of environmental conservation. We will stop all such practices in the states where efforts are being made to transform wetlands into wastelands," he told reporters on the sidelines of a function at Bharatpur in Rajasthan, where a famed bird sanctuary is located.

Expressing concern over some states permitting commercial activities on wetlands, the minister said, "Gujarat has permitted a cement plant on its wetlands, buildings are being constructed on wetlands in Tamil Nadu, power plants are being set up in such areas in Andhra Pradesh ... the existence of Sambhar Lake in Rajasthan is also in danger."

He said officials concerned have been directed to ensure appropriate action in such cases.

The minister said a breeding centre for Siberian cranes will be set up in Keoladev national park near Bharatpur.