Greens oppose tourism in forests

Kochi: Environmentalists have warned the state government against opening susceptible forest zones like Randupuzha and Pooyamkutty under the Malaya-ttoor Forest Division to tourists.

They say tourist incursions have already started disturbing the habitat of wild animals and there are already instances of elephants turning violent. They also pointed out that the trend has gained momentum after the movie Pulimurugan.

“It is understood that certain projects to let people into very sensitive zones on the Western Ghats are under the consideration of the forest minister P. Raju as part of new tourism initiatives. These include thick forests in Perumbirikkuthu under Kanji-pparakkudi and Kambanikkuthu in Pooyamkutty. It has the blessings of some forest officials also. These are very delicate areas and the wild animals there are already facing the threat of extinction. Hence such moves should not be allowed,” said Azeez Kunnappilli, convener of Green People, a Muvattupuzha-based group.

He said studies by experts like Dr R. Sugathan had revealed the strong presence of tigers and leopards in these forests. “It is also having a high number of elephants. Following the release of the film Pulimurugan, a large number of people arrive at these places influencing forest officials and are throwing liquor bottles and plastic everywhere. Some animals have died after pieces of broken bottles pierced into their feet, which is kept as a secret by forest officials,” said Mr Azeez.

Resort lobby hand seen in tourism drive

The Muvattupuzha-based Green People has shot off a letter to the forest minister P. Raju asking him to take steps to put a full-stop to all tourism initiatives in the forests and desist from any projects to let people into these forests.

Shameer Perumattom, another Green People activist, said the most active elephant tracts are present in these regions. “However, several of them have been encroached upon, and constructions have come up following which elephants are turning violent. Three people lost lives in elephant attacks recently. Elephant uses the tracts to come to Pooyamkutty river to drink water. The tourism projects also aim to spoil the tribal settlements in Kallelimedu and Warriam areas,” said Mr Shameer.

The two also alleged that the resort lobby was involved in this move. “Resorts including that of a former MLA have come up in the area. They also use the tribals to meet their ends,” they said.