‘Make space for green issues in poll campaigns’

The Wayanad Prakruthi Samrakshana Samithi (WPSS) has urged political parties to discuss green politics focused on the rejuvenation of agriculture sector, restoration of ecology and conservation of the

The Wayanad Prakruthi Samrakshana Samithi (WPSS) has urged political parties to discuss green politics focused on the rejuvenation of agriculture sector, restoration of ecology and conservation of the Western Ghats in the Assembly poll campaigns, instead of “trivial matters” affecting only a minor section of the public. “Political parties had highlighted issues such as the entry of women of childbearing age into the Sabarimala Ayyappa temple and free kits distributed to the public during the outbreak of COVID-19, construction of railway lines, tunnels, and alternative roads to the district in their election manifestos, but, had failed to address major issues affecting the public such as eco-restoration projects to combat the process of desertification, conservation of water sources and forests, measures to tackle escalating human-wildlife conflict, rejuvenation of the agriculture sector and measures to improve living standards of the marginalized section of people,” said WPSS president N. Badusha. The irreparable ecological damage caused by the two recent floods or the outbreak of COVID-19 and its impact were not the concern of any political parties during the election campaign, he added.