Kerala forest survey ordered as lease row threatens Athirappilly elephant corridor

The Forest Department in Kerala has initiated a survey of leased forest land at Athirappilly following escalating tensions with the State Plantation Corporation over the terms of land tenure in the ecologically sensitive region. The standoff centers on the corporation's proposal to renew its lease agreement and gain access to additional land holdings in the area.

The Forest Department has raised significant objections to the corporation's renewal bid, arguing that existing lease conditions have been violated. Officials have specifically cited the engagement of private agencies for pineapple farming operations on the leased holding as a breach of agreed-upon terms.

The dispute assumes added significance given Athirappilly's status as a critical wildlife zone. Conservationists and forest officials have expressed concern that the proposed lease expansion could further compromise elephant migration corridors in the region, potentially disrupting movement patterns of the area's elephant population.

The survey is expected to document current land use patterns and assess compliance with lease agreements. Forest Department officials have indicated that findings from the survey will inform their response to the Plantation Corporation's renewal application and any potential modifications to the existing lease arrangement.

The matter highlights ongoing tensions between commercial forestry operations and wildlife conservation efforts in Kerala's forest zones, where multiple stakeholders compete for use of state-managed forest resources.