The Forest Department is taking over 42.72 hectares of land from private property in Kolukkumalai
The Forest Department has taken over the land at Kolukkumali near Suryanelli in Idukki | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The forest department has reclaimed over 40 hectares of ecologically sensitive land from a private tea company near Kolukkumalai, a high-lying area under the Devikulam forest in Idukki. According to forest department officials, the land was cultivated under the Kerala Private Forests (Investment and Assignment) Act.
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Officials said that in 1975, the forest department took over 210.89 hectares of land from Harrisons Malayalam Limited (HML) under the Vest Act. However, the company approached the Forest Tribunal in 1981 and subsequently the High Court. In 1987, the Supreme Court gave its final verdict ordering the department to return 168.72 hectares to the company while allowing the forest department to retain 42.72 hectares. Although the government did not immediately acquire physical possession, the land was declared a reserve forest in 2001, although it remained in the possession of HML.
Devikulam Range Officer TD Arun Kumar remarked, “Recently, when the process of re-surveying all the land in the area began, the forest department initiated steps to formally take over the forest land.” On instructions from Munnar DFO Saju Varghese, a special team was appointed, led by Chinnakkanal Section Forest Officer Harrison Sasie and Saje Trebo, Forest Officer Sasie (Sasie TRBFO and Saloev). survey numbers and plot details. After a lot of effort, a special team traced the documents and we verified the details,” said Kumar.
Based on these findings, the officials met with HML representatives and the Taluk Surveyor to demarcate the boundaries and determine the survey numbers. “Subsequently, the forest department has officially taken over the land from HML. The 42-hectare properties have now been removed from the company’s title deeds,” the official said.
According to officials, this ecologically vital land is located in four separate parts near the famous tourist destination of Kolukkumalai, near Suryanelli in Munnar. “There was a tent camping tourism operation on the land near Kolukkumalai – known as the highest altitude tent camp in the state. When the forest department started the takeover process, it stopped the operations and handed over the land,” Mr. Kumar said.
The area of 42.72 hectares is known for its rare flora and fauna. “The land is a critical habitat for wildlife, including wild elephants and the Nilgiri marten. Besides, rare fungi are found here. The 42 hectares have shola forests, natural grasslands and eucalyptus plantations,” the official added.
Published – 28 Jun 2026 19:41 IST