Massive tree felling and illegal construction pose threat to CHR lands in Idukki

Earthmovers being used to clear the forest and construct artificial ponds on the Goodanpara estate within the Devikulam forest range, Idukki..

| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Posing a serious threat to the untouched virgin forest cover in the Cardamom Hill Reserve (CHR) of Idukki, massive tree felling and illegal construction have been reported on the Gudanpara estate. The site falls under the Ponmudi Forest Section of the Devikulam range. According to sources, the large-scale felling of rare trees and construction activities were carried out under the guise of cardamom farming.Sources stated that the illegal activities took place on 296.640 acres of cardamom title land. The land, originally claimed by three Pala natives and four Tamil Nadu residents, was leased out, after which the massive tree felling and construction began. “Within a one-and-a-half-year period, the Forest department registered three cases regarding rare tree felling. However, they continued with the work anyway,” a source said.

A fallen tree on the Goodanpara estate within the Devikulam forest range, Idukki.

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