Double deal exposed: KFDC received UN fund for destruction of Eucalyptus plants

Kollam: It has come to the fore that Kerala Forest Development Corporation, which has sanctioned cultivation of eucalyptus trees inside the Periyar Tiger Reserve, had spent huge amounts to destroy invasive plants. Besides, the corporation also has pocketed the UN fund to restore a suitable eco-system for wild goats called Nilgiri tahrs by destroying eucalyptus and acacia trees on 10 hectares of forest land in Meesapulimala, Idukki. They have also set up a display board acknowledging the UN aided project at Meesapulimala. 

A directive from the Ministry of Environment and Forests mandates the destruction of invasive plants on the 500 hectares of forest land owned by the corporation, with the goal of growing natural forest in their place. Despite this directive, the corporation's decision to cultivate eucalyptus trees has raised concerns.

Since the forest policy of the state demands the complete destruction of acacia, manchium and eucalyptus trees, the move of KFDC to cultivate eucalyptus has already created a controversy. They have taken steps to retain and maintain the stumps remaining at the bottom of the trees after the felling.

Environmental activists have raised concerns regarding the approach of the forest department. Despite a strict order banning the cutting down of trees near water sources inside the forest and on forest land with a 30-degree slope, this mandate is being neglected.

Meanwhile, CPI has come out with strong protest regarding the KFDC’s move to cultivate eucalyptus trees inside the forest. CPI state secretary Binoy Viswam has criticised the move saying that such a decision to cultivate eucalyptus trees inside the forest when the whole state is reeling under acute shortage of water should not have been taken. “No discussion was held before taking such a decision. Eucalyptus and acacia trees would consume so much water from the land. As of now, there is not enough water in the forest which results in the invasion of wild animals to the human inhabited areas. Since, water is the most discussed development issue in the state, any decision which would reduce the water level should not be taken without proper discussion”, he said.

Yuvakalasahithi state president Alangode Leelakrishnan and general secretary Dr OK Muralikrishnan also have demanded the withdrawal of the decision to cultivate eucalyptus trees inside the forest. 

Meanwhile, forest minister AK Saseendran has justified the decision of KFDC saying that the move to cultivate eucalyptus has been taken for the survival of KFDC. “The decision was taken for a one time deal. This is being taken following the working plan of forest development corporation, recognised by the central government’, minister said.