Forest Department withdraws case against farmer over tree felling on ‘patta’ land
The Kerala Forest Department has withdrawn a case against a farmer who was accused of illegally felling trees on his own land. The decision followed an intervention by the Forest Minister, who clarified that the species cut were not protected under the Kerala Preservation of Trees Act.
Why it matters
This highlights the tension between land ownership rights and environmental regulations, emphasizing the need for clear legal guidelines for farmers.
The Forest Department has withdrawn a case registered against a farmer for cutting trees on his ‘patta’ land in Pandippara, Idukki.
The case, registered at the Kattappana section office under the Ayyappancoil forest range, had attracted attention after forest officials booked Chackochan for cutting trees from his own land.
The farmer had cut two jackfruit trees, a mango tree and a ‘pathiri’ (yellow trumpet tree) from his property. The Forest Department assessed the alleged loss at ₹4,000. Timber valued at ₹15,607 and tools worth ₹2,200 were also seized during the proceedings.
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