The panel will consider two complaints of leasing and illegal diversion of forest land in Kerala

Two complaints from Kerala regarding reported illegal diversion of forest land and irregular auction of timber in Chalakudy forest division and alleged continued use of reserved forest land by the Plantation Corporation of Kerala even after the lease period has expired will be placed before the Central Empowered Committee in New Delhi on Monday.

A committee set up by the Supreme Court will look into the complaint of TJ Krishnan, president of the Ecological Conservation Society, North Paravur, against the alleged continued use of leased land and continued cultivation of pineapples in Kalady plantations.

Although the lease agreement between the forest department and the corporation expired a few years ago, large tracts of land were allegedly leased to a private company for pineapple cultivation, according to the complainant.

Apart from the corporation, the chief secretary and the head of the forest force are the respondents in the case.

Illegal mining

The Animal and Wildlife Ethics Committee, an Ernakulam NGO, is the complainant regarding the alleged illegal diversion of forest land and promotion of illegal logging in Chalakudy Forest Division in the name of implementing the Forest Rights Act.

The Chief Secretary and the Chief of Forest Force are the respondents in the case.

Published – 19 Jul 2026 21:04 IST