Forest department issues stop memo against illegal occupation of lease-expired forestland by PCK in Chalakudy division

The Divisional Forest Office, Vazhachal division in Thrissur, has issued a stop memo against the alleged continued occupation and commercial use of about 4, 261 hectares of lease-expired forestland in Chalakudy division by the Plantation Corporation of Kerala Ltd. (PCK), including for pineapple cultivation by private parties.

The memo dated September 29 stated that the forestland was handed over to the corporation for a period of 50 years as per the lease agreements entered into between the period of 1961 and 1972.

The Kerala High Court had issued an order on August 5, restraining entry to the forestland as the lease period had expired. However, the Range Forest Officer, Athirappilly, had reported that private individuals were engaged in pineapple cultivation in various areas under the forestland in violation of the existing Forest Rules and directive of the High Court, according to the memo.