Protect forests, water falls and mountains: Mohanlal urges Pinarayi Vijayan

In an open letter, ace Malayalam Actor Mohanlal urged Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to take steps to protect the remaining forests, water falls, mountains and paddy fields in the state. He also mooted a comprehensive environment protection cover around the state to keep it green for future. The actor's stress on the proection of  water falls can be read in the context of the controversy over the proposed Athirappilly Hydro Electric project, which Vijayan and his Power Minister wanted to implement. 

It may be recalled that the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government faced its first controversy after Vijayan stated that he will consider implementing the Athirappilly power project. Environmentalists, nature enthusiasts and even some partners in the government raised an alarm over the statement.

Mohanlal's stress on the protection of environment and specifically of forests and waterfalls is widely read as a reference to the clamour for the conservation of  the scenic Athirappilly waterfalls in Thrissur which is likely to be affected by the proposed power project. 

The actor also drew the attention of the Chief Minister to five crucial issues  Kerala is facing now. He listed garbage problem, road accidents, caring of the elderly and children along with the need to improve roads and to protect environment. He urged the Chief Minister to give importance to development of roads and increasing infrastructure facility in the state so that valuable time is not wasted in traffic congestion. 

Wrote by hand, the letter was published in the actor's blog where he often shares his views on various issues.  "I used to get both laurels and brick bats for airing my views. I welcome both with equal respect," Mohanlal wrote.