World · India Bureau
Video raises questions over forest access at Kerala reservoir
Environmental groups have called for an investigation into unauthorised activity near the Sholayar reservoir in Kerala, citing video evidence of people accessing the restricted forest area. Forest department officials counter that those captured in the footage were police personnel conducting routine operations.
LSN India ·
Environmentalists in Kerala have raised fresh concerns about forest protection protocols following the circulation of video footage allegedly showing unauthorised entry into restricted zones near the Sholayar reservoir. The clips have prompted calls for a formal probe into whether access restrictions at the ecologically sensitive location are being adequately enforced.
Local conservation groups argue the incident highlights potential lapses in monitoring and security at the reservoir area, which falls within protected forest boundaries. They have urged authorities to undertake a comprehensive review of access control measures and conduct inquiries into how the individuals captured in the video gained entry to the restricted zone.
The District Forest Officer (DFO) has clarified that the personnel visible in the video were members of the police force engaged in authorised patrol and enforcement activities within the forest area. Officials stated that such operations are conducted regularly as part of standard forest protection and law enforcement procedures.
The matter underscores ongoing tensions between environmental protection and operational access in Kerala's forest reserves. The Sholayar reservoir region, recognised for its biodiversity value, continues to be a focal point for discussions on balancing conservation goals with necessary administrative and security activities.