18-05-2025
NGO files complaint over mysterious wildlife deaths linked to illegal pineapple plantations in state
Kochi: Ernakulam-based NGO ANEC Trust filed a complaint with the chief wildlife warden of Kerala over the mysterious deaths of
wild elephants
and a herd of Sambar deer in
Vazhachal forest
area. The incidents have been occurring within Vazhachal, Chalakudy and Malayattoor forest divisions in recent months this year.
However, no accountability has been fixed over the mysterious deaths so far.
The repeated mysterious deaths of wild elephants and other Schedule I wildlife, such as Sambar deer, in and around unauthorized pineapple plantations on forest leased land raise serious concerns about negligence, illegal activities and systemic failure in the enforcement of wildlife and forest protection laws. The complaint pointed out Kerala govt's failure in allowing pineapple cultivation on forest land.
"Plantation Corporation of Kerala currently holds approximately 3,900 hectares of forest land on lease from the forest department, primarily in Vazhachal region, for rubber and oil palm cultivation. However, a substantial portion of this leased land was illegally sub-leased to private entities for large-scale pineapple monoculture in blatant violation of the original lease terms and forest conservation principles," reads the complaint.
In Athirappilly forest range under Vazhachal division, four wild elephant carcasses were discovered over the past three months, often near areas under pineapple cultivation, it noted. Mass deaths of Sambar deer were reported in Vettilappara. It also pointed out violations of rules in the area and the unlawful use of electric fencing.
The NGO urged the warden to initiate a thorough investigation into the mysterious deaths, revoke pineapple cultivation in the plantations, dismantle electric fences and take action against the officers complicit in the violations in the area.
