Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Assembly witnessed a heated debate on Thursday over the removal of unauthorised fences and structures in the forest-fringe areas of Chinnakanal and Shanthapara in Idukki district.
The opposition alleged that the action could be part of an attempt to bring inhabited areas under forest land, potentially affecting farmers and people dependent on the land for their livelihoods. The government rejected the allegations, maintaining that the measures were intended to remove unauthorised structures and protect human lives.
Opposition Questions Government Action
The opposition moved an adjournment motion seeking a discussion on the demolition drive and restrictions in areas associated with elephant movement.
Presenting the notice, MLA K U Jenish Kumar questioned the removal of fences erected on revenue land and alleged that the government order was being used to interfere with inhabited areas. He also raised concerns over the Forest Department’s authority to remove such fences.
The opposition further claimed that the action could lead to the conversion of Cardamom Hill Reserve (CHR) land into forest land.
Government Defends Removal of Unauthorised Fences
Forest Minister Shibu Baby John said the action was restricted to unauthorised fences and constructions, including structures associated with two major resorts.
He clarified that Chinnakanal did not have an officially declared elephant corridor. According to the minister, the district administration ordered the removal of unauthorised fences following demands from local residents after an Adivasi youth died in an elephant attack on September 23.
The minister said the government would examine whether legally erected fences in inhabited areas had also been removed.
Revenue Minister A P Anilkumar said the measures were intended to protect human lives. He also pointed out that the demand to remove unauthorised fences had initially come from the president of a panchayat governed by the CPI(M).
Chief Minister V D Satheesan said encroachments were widespread in Chinnakanal and maintained that the government had no intention of converting CHR land into forest land. He also accused the previous Left Democratic Front (LDF) government of attempting to bring CHR land under forest classification.
Resort Encroachment Issue Raised
During the debate, Shibu Baby John questioned why the previous government had not recovered land allegedly encroached upon by Mahindra Resorts despite a Kerala High Court order in 2022.
The opposition rejected the government's criticism and said it was defending farmers and others whose livelihoods depended on the land. Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan called for transparency in the removal drive and alleged that the action could serve undisclosed interests under the pretext of clearing illegal structures.
Opposition Walks Out
The Speaker rejected the adjournment motion, prompting opposition members to stage a walkout in protest.
The opposition said it was dissatisfied with the refusal to allow a dedicated discussion on the issue. The dispute has brought renewed attention to the challenges of managing encroachments, protecting livelihoods and addressing human-wildlife conflict in Idukki’s forest-fringe regions.
The allegations raised by both sides remained part of the Assembly debate, with the government maintaining that its actions were directed at unauthorised structures and public safety.
