Leased forest land in Kerala’s Athirappilly to be explored amid controversies over blocking elephant corridor

Pineapple cultivation in Athirappilly. | Photo credit: THULASI KAKKAT

The leased forest land held by the Plantation Corporation, Kerala (PCK) for its Plantation Valley Farm Resort in Athirappilly will be jointly explored by the forest department and the corporation amid controversy over lease violations, obstruction of the elephant corridor and cases of human-wildlife conflict in the project area. The move comes ten years after the lease on the two-hectare holding expired.

PCK’s proposal to renew the lease and make more land available was strongly opposed by the ministry, which argued that the holding extended beyond the leased area and “into an area forming part of the essential natural environment”.

A detailed study will be conducted to identify areas of leased forest land required for wildlife movement and habitat connectivity and outline steps for their restoration and maintenance to reduce human-wildlife conflicts.

“Breach of Lease Terms”

The resort objected to reported violations of the terms of the lease, including the hiring of private agencies for pineapple cultivation and other activities in the holding. Officials also cited a recent Kerala High Court order that said “no sub-leasing, sub-contracting or other operating arrangements with private parties in violation of lease terms or forest clearance conditions shall be allowed” to make their case in a meeting called by the state forest secretary two weeks ago.

Divisional Forest Officer Chalakudy expressed concern over human-wildlife conflict in the resort area, including sightings of tigers.

Environmentalists unhappy

The PCK’s “ongoing occupation” of forest land and the alleged blockade of elephant corridors and the resulting cases of human-wildlife conflicts have angered environmentalists as well. The department flagged the reported fencing done by the PCK on the leased land, which allegedly prevented elephants from passing through the compound. The meeting also decided on the identification and delimitation of the extent of the elephant corridor in the leased space and on the preservation of the corridor. It was decided that all activities in the corridor incompatible with its maintenance will be cleaned up and pineapple farming will not be carried out in the elephant corridor.

However, George Joseph, CEO of PCK, said the resort project was more or less limited to the leased area. Mr. Joseph informed the audience that private agencies were engaged to grow pineapples during the crown replanting to cover operating and planting costs.

Published – 31 Oct 2026 0:29 IST