Hibi: Efforts on to Make Mangalavanom Buffer Z

KOCHI: A resolution has been passed by the Environment Advisory Committee to declare the Mangalavanom bird sanctuary and the areas adjacent to it as a buffer zone, said Hibi Eden MLA on Monday. Hibi, who chairs the Environment Advisory Committee, said that the declaration of this sanctuary as a buffer zone comes under the purview of the Union Government. “I have written a letter to the Centre explaining the need to declare it as a buffer zone. Moreover, Chief Wild life warden Gopinath and Nagesh Babu, Chief Conservator for Forest was also present on the occasion. We hope that this goal can be achieved soon,” he said after visiting the sanctuary with Deputy Mayor and other dignitaries.He added that an interpretation centre would be set up to conduct advanced research on birds. Hibi said that the areas adjacent to the sanctuary have to be acquired for the purpose. “The areas which lie near the sanctuary belongs to different government departments. These areas have to be procured. Talks are on,” he said.