The forest department reserved the case against 18 people, including Fr. James Aikkaramattom, Vicar of the Church of St. Tomas, Thommankth, for accusing the position of the cross on the reserve forest.
The divisional forest officer of Kothamanghalamu Santhosh Kumar said that the case was registered against them pursuant to sections 2 and 3 of the Act on Forest Protection and Section 27-1 let. E) of the Act on the Forest of Keral.
The department demolished the cross built next to the Neyyassery-Thokkumban 12 road 12 April. Officials said the church authorities built a cross 11 April.
On Tuesday, at a meeting in Kothamangalam among forest officials and church authorities, he demanded at the place of restoration of the cross.
Forest officials opposed the fact that in the Kothamangalam forest forest division reached the reserve forest and there were banned such activities.
“The announcement was issued to four persons in this area on the basis of interference with the forest. If the church authorities re -build a cross in this area, the ministry will demolish it and take legal steps,” the head of the official said.
Meanwhile, Kothamgalam Bishop Mar George Madhathandanathil has a criticism of the forest department.
Kothamangalam Diocesan Chancellor Fr. Jose Kulathur said that the Church would omit the cross parade on Friday.
“The forest department began to increase the demands on human dwellings in Thommankth, suggesting its interests.
“The forest department is trying to take over the waterfalls on the way to Anacadikkuh and look at income from tourism,” he said.
Published – April 16 2025 17:46
