Extensive tree felling has been reported from preservation, near Santhanpar, in the Cardamom Hill Reserve in IDUKKI. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Another case of massive felling of trees was reported from the Cardamom Hill Reserve (CHR) in IDUKKI.
This case was reported from preservation, near Pethotty, in Santhanpara. Sources said the trees were felled, built ponds and terrestrial movements to clean 40 acre land in the area.
Experts warned that extensive tree felling could lead to the disappearance of cardamom agriculture in this area.
The sources of the forest department stated that the permit was not granted for the fall of trees on the land of ch.
Suni PA, officer of the Ponmudi Forest Section, said the ministry registered a reason for illegal activities on the Earth Chr. “The landowner rented 40 hectares to the resident Adimal for the cultivation of cardamom. The tenant interrupted the trees and did construction work.
Botanical Yoma Augustine said the trees on most cardamom plantations were cut to cultivate the diversity of cardamom Njalani, which required more sunlight.
“Even if it can improve the yield, it will be harmful in the long run. For cardamom cultivation, the removal of trees will lead to an increase in temperature in the area, which will affect the yield,” said Mr. Augustine.
“Pethotty is the entry into the Mathikettan Shola National Park and was considered to be the most endemic area of high ranges. The crouching of trees will lead to the destruction of many rare plant species,” Mr. Augustine said.
Meanwhile, the vice president of the district of the ARUn KS allegedly agreed to forest officials in the felling of trees. “The government should take immediate steps to stop the verification of trees in the Church area,” he said.
Environmentalist Mn Jayacandran said that some forest officials claimed that the trees were low in quality. “The statement is unethical and there are no quality trees in the Church. All trees are the same for the forest ward,” he said.
Last week, the forest department registered the case after the extensive felling of trees from the Church area in Pethotty in Santhanpar was reported. About 440 trees were cut out of the charts on pretexts on cardamom planting.
Published – July 22, 2025 9:34
