The Green Forum is seeking the removal of another private secretary to the Minister of Forests

The Coexistence Collective, Kerala, a broad coalition of environmental organizations, conservationists, researchers, scientists and civil society groups, has demanded the removal of Sijumon Francis from the post of Additional Private Secretary in the Office of the Forest Minister.

In memoranda submitted to the Chief Minister and Forest Minister, the collective expressed concern over the appointment. It alleged that Mr. Francis had been involved in protests and campaigns against the forest department and its policies for several years and feared that the appointment could affect the neutrality of Kerala’s forest and environment management system and undermine public confidence.

Mr. Francis is alleged to have organized protests and mobilized public opposition against the state government and the forest department on various issues, including buffer zones and demarcation of forest boundaries. He also challenged the department’s positions through court proceedings, including the official stand regarding the proposed road development on the Neriamangalam-Valara section of the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway 85.

In addition, during his tenure as the Ernakulam District President of the Independent Farmers’ Association of Kerala and later through the Farmers’ Awareness Revival Movement, Mr. Francis is said to have opposed the forest department on matters relating to forest conservation, buffer zones, demarcation of forest boundaries, wildlife management and forest management.

Environmentalists said the appointment placed him in a strategic position in the same administrative system he opposed.

The collective also said that several issues related to the environment, forests and wildlife affecting high-rises are currently being heard by courts, tribunals and other legal bodies. He warned that the appointment of a person who allegedly took positions contrary to the protection of forests and wildlife could be seen as part of an effort to undermine such proceedings. The memorandum also expressed concern over cases involving ecologically fragile land, private plantations whose leases have expired and forest trusts being heard before tribunals and courts.

Responding to objections raised against his appointment, Mr. Francis denied allegations that he was campaigning against the forest department or its policies. He said he consistently supports forest conservation, ecology and wildlife while advocating healthy coexistence between humans and wild animals.

He said that efforts should be made to ensure that people living in the affected areas can live without fear. He also pointed out that there had never been any criminal proceedings against him. Mr Francis added that he would not have been selected for the Forests Minister’s personal staff if he had previously campaigned against the department.

Published – 10 Jun 2026 19:11 IST