Panel to consider two complaints on leasing and illegal diversion of forest land in Kerala

Two complaints from Kerala regarding illegal allotment of forest land and irregular auction of timber in Chalakudy forest division and alleged continued use of reserved forest land by Kerala Plantation Corporation even after expiration of lease will come before the Central Empowered Committee in New Delhi on Monday.

The committee constituted by the Supreme Court will consider the complaint of TJ Krishnan, president of North Paravur Ecological Conservation Society, regarding allegations of continued use of leased land and ongoing pineapple cultivation in the Kalady plantation group.

According to the complainant, an area of ​​approximately 600 hectares was reportedly subleased to a private company for pineapple cultivation, even though the lease agreement between the Ministry of Forestry and the company had expired several years ago.

In addition to the company, the defendants in the case include the Secretary General and the Commander of the Forest Forces.

Illegal mining

Ernakulam Ethics Committee for Animals and Nature, an NGO, has filed a complaint against the alleged illegal distribution of forest lands and promotion of illegal mining in Chalakudy forest division in the name of implementation of the Forest Rights Act.

The defendants in the case are the Secretary General and the President of the Forest Forces.