Kolkata: With intellectuals up in arms over construction activities near Khoai, an area adjacent to the Tagore's abode of peace, Santiniketan in West Bengal, a high power committee appointed by President A P J Abdul Kalam has recommended its protection.

"We recommend that steps for protection of Khoai against construction be worked out scientifically for protective action by the Society for preserving the heritage core of Visva-Bharati," the committee, chaired by West Bengal Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi in his capacity as 'Rector' of the university, said in the report.

The report was submitted to the President on November 27.

Construction activities near Khoai, known for its peculilar soil pattern, has evoked protests from intellectuals on ecological disturbance in the proximity of Santiniketan.

Taking into account the ecological fragility and sensitivity of Santiniketan, the preservation of its environs was imperative, the report said.

On encroachment of land of the Visva-Bharati, the Committee recommended that forests, trees and the eroded Khowai land should be surveyed to number all trees and water bodies.