River linking to spell disaster : Environmentalist

Kolkata, July 27 (UNI) Sounding an alarm against the proposed river linking project, noted environmentalist Debi Goenka today said the measure would spell catastrophe for places like the Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove area.

'' The object of the river linking project is to take away the excess water from one river to the deficit areas. But once it is implemented the Sundarbans will vanish for the mangroves of the area need regular floods, '' he said while speaking at a programme related to the fourth Green Guard award for wildlife service.

Mr Goenka observed that interlinking of rivers could also spell disaster for Kolkata and Assam and affect neighbouring Banladesh as well.

British Deputy High Commissioner in Kolkata Simon Wilson, who was present at the programme, said the UK would enter into an agreement with the West Bengal Government for protection of wetlands and birds in the state.

The British Government was also likely to embark on a project for protection of birds in Assam, he said.

The Green Guard award, largest of its kind in the country, was instituted in 2000-01 by the Junglees, a non-government organisation in association with Bengal Chamber of Commerce.

Altogether 25 awards for 2004-05, nominations for which are being invited, will be given to both individuals and groups working in the country's 750 wildlife sanctuaries. The awards will be given for best anti-poaching operation, natural habitat conservation and protection of wildlife reserve and well as for outstanding reporting on wildlife issues.

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