Massive tree felling and illegal construction pose threat to CHR lands in Idukki

Posing a serious threat to the untouched virgin forest cover in the Cardamom Hill Reserve (CHR) of Idukki, massive tree felling and illegal construction have been reported on the Gudanpara estate. The site falls under the Ponmudi Forest Section of the Devikulam range. According to sources, the large-scale felling of rare trees and construction activities were carried out under the guise of cardamom farming.

Sources stated that the illegal activities took place on 296.640 acres of cardamom title land. The land, originally claimed by three Pala natives and four Tamil Nadu residents, was leased out, after which the massive tree felling and construction began. “Within a one-and-a-half-year period, the Forest department registered three cases regarding rare tree felling. However, they continued with the work anyway,” a source said.

A fallen tree on the Goodanpara estate within the Devikulam forest range, Idukki.
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SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

“This is untouched virgin forest land, home to rare tree species. No farming activities had ever been held here, but now they are clearing the entire tree cover. The landowners claim they received Cardamom Title Deeds (Ela Pattayam) for the 296 acres. However, they have failed to produce copies of these deeds despite repeated demands. The Gudanpara estate borders Tamil Nadu and extends over 600 acres. Under the guise of an illegal lease agreement, they are trying to clear the entire area. In addition, under the cover of this lease, they planned to sell the entire property, including adjacent revenue land. The lease agreement was issued under the names of Satheesh Kumar, Deva Arputharaj Singh, Gnanavel Subramani, and Radhakrishnan— all residents of Tamil Nadu,” the source added.

The 600-acre untouched virgin forest is a natural habitat for wild animals, including elephants, tigers, and gaurs. “Destroying this natural habitat will inevitably drive these wild animals into human settlements,” sources warned.

The 600-acre untouched virgin forest is a natural habitat for wild animals, including elephants, tigers, and gaurs. Illegal removal of forest cover poses a threat to their movement and habitat.
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SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Sources further noted that construction activities are strictly prohibited on cardamom title deed lands. “Despite this, the leaseholders used earthmovers to construct three massive ponds spanning around one and a half acres each. Storing such large volumes of water in hilly terrains could trigger major landslides. Furthermore, by law, the maximum extent allowed for leasing cardamom title lands is 10 hectares (maximum 25 acres). This illegal lease agreement was prepared and handed over in violation of all existing land rules in the state,” the source said.

When contacted, Devikulam Range Officer E.D. Arun Kumar said the Forest department has already registered three cases against the offenders and presented them before the court. “During the investigation, the landowners have failed to produce any documents proving original ownership or lease agreements. In CHR lands, the Forest department can only book cases related to tree felling. We have reported the issue to the Devikulam Tahsildar and the Devikulam Sub-collector,” Mr. Kumar said.

Munnar Divisional Forest Officer Saju Varghese stated that upon receiving the information, the Forest department registered a case against the offenders, seized their vehicles, and stopped the tree felling.

Meanwhile, Devikulam Sub-collector V.M. Arya said, “I will look into the matter and take further steps.”

Threat of landslides

Botanist Jomy Augustine noted that clearing untouched virgin forests along the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border will allow hot air from Tamil Nadu to flow into Kerala. “These untouched virgin forests play a pivotal role in regulating Idukki’s climate and ensuring conditions remain suitable for cardamom farming. Destroying these forests and allowing construction in CHR lands will alter the local climate and trigger disasters like landslides,” Mr. Augustine said.

He further warned that the virgin forests along the border are hubs for rare and endemic plant and tree species. “Destroying these evergreen forests could lead to the extinction of these unique species,” Mr. Augustine added.