It has provisions for conservation

The Ordinance amending the Kerala Paddy Land and Wetland Conservation Act, 2008, has been notified.

An official pressnote issued here on Tuesday said the Ordinance had more stringent provisions for the conservation of paddy fields and wetlands.

It makes it illegal to block natural drainage channels while reclaiming wetlands. Officials are required to assess the impact of reclamation on adjoining paddy fields and report to the State-level monitoring committee, along with the steps taken for conservation of water sources.

The Ordinance empowers the District Collector to attach vehicles and equipment used for reclamation of wetlands as well as the material, including soil, earth or sand.

High-rise construction

Construction of high-rise buildings on land legally reclaimed for housing will be considered illegal. Extension of the house is also prohibited. The notification is published in full in the extraordinary gazette dated December 30, the pressnote said.