Forest Department to Survey Disputed Athirappilly Leased Land

The Kerala Forest Department and the Plantation Corporation (PCK) will jointly survey leased land at Athirappilly following disputes over expired lease agreements and elephant corridor obstructions. The department opposes renewing the lease, citing unauthorized private pineapple farming and potential threats to a core wildlife habitat.

Officials flagged fencing that allegedly blocks elephant passage and causes human-wildlife conflict. A meeting convened by the State Forest secretary mandated the demarcation of the corridor and the removal of inconsistent activities. While PCK management claims the resort project remains within leased boundaries, the department maintains that current operations violate lease conditions and forest clearance regulations.

Editor's note: Accurate summary of the land dispute, covering both the environmental concerns and the specific management conflicts mentioned in the source.