Thiruvananthapuram: The Vigilance Commission of the Kerala Catholic Bishops' Council has called on the Kerala government to take immediate steps to address a range of issues that it says are affecting the welfare of the people and the future of the state. The Commission has urged the government to treat matters such as the protection of the Western Ghats, the state's liquor policy, environmental conservation and transparent governance as issues of public importance that require urgent attention.
In a statement, the Commission said the government should strike a balance between development and the protection of natural resources. It expressed concern over growing pressure on the Western Ghats, which play a vital role in maintaining Kerala's biodiversity, water resources and ecological balance. The Commission stressed that any development activities in ecologically sensitive regions should be carried out with great care to avoid long term environmental damage.
The Western Ghats have remained at the centre of public discussions in Kerala for several years. Environmental experts have repeatedly raised concerns about quarrying, deforestation, illegal encroachments and unplanned construction in the hill regions. Successive governments have tried to balance environmental protection with the interests of farmers, local residents and economic development. The Commission said sustainable development should remain the guiding principle while making decisions that affect these environmentally sensitive areas.
The Commission also voiced concern over Kerala's liquor policy. It said the increasing availability of alcohol could have serious social consequences and urged the government to review its approach. According to the Commission, alcohol abuse continues to contribute to family problems, financial hardship, health issues and social challenges across the state. It appealed for policies that place greater importance on public health and the wellbeing of families.
The liquor policy has remained a subject of debate in Kerala for many years. While church organisations and several social groups have consistently called for measures to reduce alcohol consumption, the state government has defended changes to its excise policy, saying they support tourism, improve regulation and generate revenue. Recent amendments have also sought to bring greater uniformity to the operation of bars, hotels and beer and wine parlours.
Apart from environmental and social issues, the Vigilance Commission called for stronger measures to ensure transparency and accountability in governance. It urged the government to take firm action against corruption and illegal activities that affect public welfare. The Commission said public confidence in institutions depends on fair administration, responsible decision making and effective implementation of policies.
The statement also emphasised the importance of involving local communities in decisions that directly affect their lives. It said greater public participation would help create policies that are more inclusive and better suited to the needs of the people. According to the Commission, governments should listen to the concerns of citizens while framing policies related to development, environmental conservation and social welfare.
As of Thursday, the Kerala government had not issued an official response to the latest observations made by the KCBC Vigilance Commission. However, the issues highlighted by the Commission continue to be part of wider public discussions in the state, particularly those related to environmental protection, governance and liquor policy.
The Commission expressed hope that the government would take constructive steps to address these concerns and adopt policies that promote sustainable development, social responsibility and the long term welfare of the people of Kerala.