Thiruvananthapuram: :With the cancellation of the Civil Aviation Ministry’s sanction for the proposed Aranmula greenfield airport, a renewed hope has emerged for those who are fighting to protect soil, water and environment, said leaders of the Aranmula Paithruka Grama Karma Samithi.
“It is a triumph not only for the greens but also for the victims affected by the project. Besides, it’s a stark reminder to everyone who still think that money power and eminent lawyers can buy you justice and help you indulge in crass violations with absolute impunity.
The wind has shifted, now victims can hope for justice,”said Peelipose Thomas, former Congress leader, who had to quit the party over his stand against the project.
Poet-activist Sugathakuamari was the unifying force. Because of her, all political and social organisations came together under a common platform, he said. Five petitions were filed with the green tribunal focusing on five different angles.
The lawyers were committed to the cause and appeared claiming bare minimum expenses while KGS fielded Mohan Parasaran and the like to argue their case.
RTI Act also had been a powerful tool in the hands of the victims. Over 14 violations were exposed through effective use of RTI Act. A lawyer, Jacob Alex, chanced upon the crucial finding that Enviro Care which conducted the Environment Impact study was not an accredited agency.
01/06/15 N V Ravindranathan Nair/New Indian Express
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“It is a triumph not only for the greens but also for the victims affected by the project. Besides, it’s a stark reminder to everyone who still think that money power and eminent lawyers can buy you justice and help you indulge in crass violations with absolute impunity.
The wind has shifted, now victims can hope for justice,”said Peelipose Thomas, former Congress leader, who had to quit the party over his stand against the project.
Poet-activist Sugathakuamari was the unifying force. Because of her, all political and social organisations came together under a common platform, he said. Five petitions were filed with the green tribunal focusing on five different angles.
The lawyers were committed to the cause and appeared claiming bare minimum expenses while KGS fielded Mohan Parasaran and the like to argue their case.
RTI Act also had been a powerful tool in the hands of the victims. Over 14 violations were exposed through effective use of RTI Act. A lawyer, Jacob Alex, chanced upon the crucial finding that Enviro Care which conducted the Environment Impact study was not an accredited agency.
01/06/15 N V Ravindranathan Nair/New Indian Express
