The Forest department has reclaimed more than 40 hectares of ecologically sensitive land from a private tea estate company near Kolukkumalai, a high-elevation region under the Devikulam Forest Range in Idukki. According to Forest department officials, the land was reclaimed under the Kerala Private Forests (Vesting and Assignment) Act.

Officials stated that in 1975, the Forest department had taken over 210.89 hectares of land from Harrisons Malayalam Limited (HML) under the Vesting Act. However, the company approached the Forest Tribunal and subsequently the High Court in 1981. In 1987, the High Court pronounced its final verdict, directing the department to return 168.72 hectares to the company while permitting the Forest department to retain 42.72 hectares. Although the government did not immediately take physical possession, the land was declared a reserve forest in 2001, even while remaining under HML’s possession.

Devikulam Range Officer T.D. Arun Kumar noted, “Recently, when the resurvey process for all land in the area began, the Forest department initiated steps to formally take over the forest land. “Following directives from Munnar DFO Saju Varghese, a special team was appointed, led by Chinnakkanal Section Forest Officer Harrison Sasi and Beat Forest Officers (BFOs) S. Sajeev Kumar and T.R. Saju, to locate the survey numbers and land details. After a major effort, the special team traced the documents, and we verified the details,” Mr. Kumar said.

Based on these findings, officials held a meeting with HML representatives and the Taluk Surveyor to demarcate the boundaries and identify the survey numbers. “Following this, the Forest department officially took over the land from HML. The 42-hectare property has now been removed from the company’s title deeds,” said the official.

According to officials, this ecologically vital land is situated in four separate portions near the famous tourism destination of Kolukkumalai, near Suryanelli in Munnar. “A tent-camping tourism operation—known as the highest elevation tent camp in the State—was being conducted on the land near Kolukkumalai. When the Forest department began its takeover proceedings, they halted operations and handed the land over,” Mr. Kumar said.

The 42.72-hectare tract is renowned for its rare flora and fauna. “The land is a critical habitat for wildlife, including wild elephants and the Nilgiri marten. Additionally, rare mushrooms are found here. The 42 hectares comprise shola forests, natural grasslands, and eucalyptus plantations,” the official added.