The CPI(M) on Friday refused point blank to obey an order from the Union environment ministry to close down a controversial mangrove theme park which it runs at Pappinesserry in Kannur.
It was on Thursday that the ministry, on the basis of a complaint by the Kannur MP and Congress leader, Mr K. Sudhakaran, asked the CPI(M)-backed eco tourism society to close down the park.
“Don’t think we will close the park just because the environment minister, Mr Jairam Ramesh, tells us to do so,” quipped a defiant CPI(M) district secretary, Mr P. Sasi. “Moreover, no order has been communicated to us.” Mr Sudhakaran and local green groups have alleged that the theme park spread over 4.5 hectares of mangrove-rich lands posed a major threat to the ecology of the area. They claim that the Rs 5 crore park was built without mandatory permits and flouting all rules, including the coastal zone management laws.
However, the CPI(M) has pooh-poohed the charge and says that the park is meant to protect fragile mangroves and promote responsible nature tourism. “It is a model of conservation and it is ridiculous to say that we are destroying mangroves,” said Ms K.K. Shailaja, CPI(M) MLA.
The theme park was inaugurated this April by cine actor Suresh Gopi and on the day of inauguration itself, CPI(M) workers beat up green activists who conducted protests. As of now, it has boating and sightseeing facilities and a floating restaurant.