Munnar Division Working Plan 2010-20

GOVERNMENT OF KERALA
FORESTS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT
WORKING PLAN
MUNNAR DIVISION
(2010-11 to 2019-20)
K. C. Prasad
Working Plan Officer, Munnar
Under the guidance of
Dr. B. SHIVARAJU, IFS

Chief Conservator of Forests (WP & R)
Thiruvananthapuram
&
SHRI. N. V. TRIVEDI BABU, IFS
Additional PCCF (WP & R)
Thiruvananthapuram
March, 2011
PREFACE
As per the GO (MS) No.1011/62/Agri. Dated 05..06..1962, the Munnar

Forest Division was formed by bifurcating the Malayatoor Forest Division. The
eastern portion and portions of Kothamangalam Range of undivided previous
Malayatoor division become the new Munnar Division. This division is formed with
effect from 01..04..1963. It came under the High Range Circle which was
constituted in 1981 as per GO (MS) 197/81/Forest dated 31..07..1981.
This Working Plan is the third Working Plan for Munnar Forest Division.
The previous Working Plan for the division are the first working plan for the period
1973 to 1983 by Shri. James Varghese and 2nd by Shri. M. G. Narayanan for the
period 2001-02. Thereafter, the division was functioning with approved Plan of
Operation and short-term Management Plans.
Regeneration survey, collection of field data etc were completed by the

previous Working Plan officers Sri K. V Uthaman and Sri P. K Rajan. Discussion
for Preliminary Working Plan was held on 30..11..2006 and the draft plan was
submitted to Chief Conservator of Forests (Working Plan and Research).
Subsequently, during the review of the Plan on 16..12..2009, major modifications
were suggested in Part II. The suggested modifications were incorporated and
the modified draft was submitted to the Regional Chief Conservator of Forest,
Bangalore for formal approval.
MoEF vide their letter No.F(C)A/11.6/283/KER/WP/8751 dated 16th

March, 2011 addressed to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Kerala
conveyed their approval.
I am indebted to Shri. Bennichan Thomas, the then Conservator of

Forests (High Range Circle), Shri. Amarnath Shetty, Dr. Mehar Singh, Shri.
Lakhwinder Singh, Dr. B. Shivaraju Chief Conservators of Forests, Shri.S. P.
Singh and Shri. N. V. Trivedi Babu, Additional Principal Chief Conservators of
Forests, Shri. V. K. Sinha, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (SF) and Shri.
T. M. Manoharan Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & HOFF to a great
extent for their valuable guidance from time to time.
The active involvement and assistance by the Forest Range Officers and
other members of field and office staff in completion of this task is acknowledged
herewith.
K. C. Prasad
Forest Working Plan Officer, Munnar
19..03..2011
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GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Archaean Rocks Broadly, rocks of Pre-Cambrian age, the term is sometimes

restricted to the older, rystalline part of the pre-Cambrian
Abundance The number of individuals of any species per sampling units of
occurrence.
Alluvial soil Soil, formed by the deposits, which have been carried in
suspension by River/flood and laid down where, the speed of flow
has come to a check. They are very much productive.
Amphibians Transitional between aquatic and terrestrial life. Have gills in
young and lunge in adults. Limbs are fingered and toed.
Exoskeleton absent.
Basic dykes A sheet of igneous rock formed by crystallization of magma that
has forced its way up through a cleft inclined at a high angle to the
layers of pre existing rocks.
Biotite A black mica of variable composition, consisting of silicate, with
Potassium and hydroxyls. Widely distributed, original constituents
of igneous rocks.
Breast height Standard height for measuring grith, diameter etc. of standing
trees. In India and other former British colonies it is taken as 1.37
m above Ground level. On slopes, BH is taken on uphill side.
Commercial volume A measure of volume of trees, which consists of the volume of the
commercial bole plus volume measured to a thin end diameter.
Current Annual Strictly, the increment in a specific year. Usually taken as the
Increment periodic annual increment over a short preceding period.
Density Numerical strength of a species in the community. The number of
individuals of a species in any unit area is its density.
Dominant trees All trees which form the uppermost leaf canopy
Diseased trees Trees, which are infected with parasites, to such an extent that,
their Growth its seriously affected, or they are a danger to their
neighbours.
Erosion The lowering of the land surface by weathering, corrosion, and
transportation under the influence of gravity, wind, and running
water.
Ecology Study of organism in relation to its surroundings.
Felspar a very important group of rock forming minerals, essentially
silicates of Aluminium, Potassium, Sodium, Calcium and Barium.
The number of sampling units in percent in which a particular
Frequency
species occurs.
It is the practical application of the scientific technical and
Forest management
economic principles of forestry.
Soil having the deposition of organic matter derived from the
Forest soil
forests.
A foliated crystalline rock, generally Felspatic and of Granitic
Gneiss
composition. Individual folia are discontinuous.
The sum by number of Volume of all the trees growing in the forest
Growing stock
or on a specified part of it.
In common parlance, it connotes to the place in which an
Habitat
organism lives.
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The invisible water vapour present in the air. This is the amount as
Humidity percentage of the maximum quantity that the air can hold at a
prevailing temperature.
All rocks of magnetic and plutonic origin, such as lava dykes, silts
Igneous rock
and intrusions.
The rate at which, a tree or a crop increases with age. The term is
often applied to the increase in girth, diameter, basal area, height,
Increment
volume, quality price or value of individual trees or crops during a
given period.
A detrital material deposit consisting of nearly equal proportions of
Loamy soil
particles of sand, silt and clay grades
Highly evolved animals, derived from their reptilian ancestors
Mammals
between 250-150 million years ago.
Mean Annual
The total increment up to a given age divided by that age.
Increment
An important mineral; SiO2, resistant o acids, slightly soluble in
Quartz
alkalis
Reserved Forests An area, legally notified as Reserved Forests under the status
Characterized by scaly skin. Have two foetal membranes. Have no
Reptiles
gills, and cold blooded.
The time chosen for any proposed cycle of operation. Often
Rotation applied to the planned number of years between the formation or
regeneration of a crop and its final felling.
A measure of the relative productive capacity of a site for a
Site quality particular species. The top height is generally taken as the basis
for classification
Continuous production with the aim of achieving in the earliest
possible time the highest practical level or approximate balance
Sustained yield
between net growth and harvest by annual or somewhat longer
period.
An area subjected to one and the same cultural treatment by
means of a distinct series of operations. Where, the condition and
composition of the crop render it advisable, a working circle for
Working Circle
which, definite method of treatments is prescribed may overlap for
which, definite method of treatment is prescribed may overlap
portions of the whole of other working circles.
A region or area, bounded peripherally by a water parting and
Watershed
draining ultimately to a particular watercourse or body of water
It is the calculation of the amount of material that can be removed
Yield regulation consistent with the prescribed treatment and how and from where
in the forest that quantity is to be removed.
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ABBREVIATIONS
Ar Aar (River)
CA Compensatory Afforestation
CAI Current Annual Increment
CMA Clonal Multiplication Area
CPI Consumer Price Index
CRZ Coastal Regulation Zone
DA Daily allowance
DFEIC District Forest Extension and Information Centre
DFO Divisional Forest Officer
F & WLD Forest & Wildlife Department
FCA Forest Conservation Act
FDA Forest Development Agency
FIT Forest Industries Travancore Ltd
FMIS Forest Management Information System
GBH Girth at Breast Height
GIS Geographic Information System
GO Government Order
GOK Government of Kerala
GOI Government of India
HRD Human Resource Development
IRM Industrial Raw Materials
KFD Kerala Forest Department
JFM Joint Forest Management
KFP Kerala Forestry Project
KFRI Kerala Forest Research Institute
MAI Mean Annual Increment
MSL Mean sea Level
MoEF Ministry of Environment & Forests
NGO Non Governmental Organization
NWFP Non Wood Forest Produce
NRF Non Revertible Forest
PCCF Principal Chief Conservator of Forests
PCK Plantation Corporation of Kerala
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PRA Participatory Rural Appraisal
PFM Participatory Forest Management
PFMS Participatory Forest Management System
QC Quality Class
RDF Rehabilitation/Restoration of Degraded Forests
RFPF River Forest Protection Fund
RO Range Officer
RR Random Rubble
SSP Site Specific plan
SPA Seed Production Area
STP Stores, Tools and plants
VSS Vana Samrakshana Samithy
WGDP Western Ghat Development Programme
EFL Ecological Fragile Land
KDH Kannan Devan Hill
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COMMON ANIMALS AND BIRDS OF MUNNAR
Local Name English Name Scientific Name

Kaduva Tiger Panthera tigris
Aana Elephant Elephas maximus
Puli Leopard Panthera pardus
Nilgiri marten Nilgiri marten Martes gwatkinsi
Karadi Sloth bear Melursus ursinus
Kattupothu Indian Bison Bos gaurus
Chennai Indian wild dog Cuon alpinusis
Vallakurangu Bonnet Macaque Macaca radiate
Simhavalan Kurangu Lion tailed Macaque Macaca silensus
Karimkurangu Nilgiri langur Prebytis johni
Kalaman Barking deer Muntjacus muntjak
Pulliman Spotted deer (Chital) Axis axis
Mlavu Sambar Cervus unicolor
Kooran Mouse deer Trangulus meminna
Poochapuli Leopard cat Felis bengalensis
Kattumakan Jungle cat Felis chaus
Kurukkan Jackal Canis aureus
Veruku Malabar civet Veverra megaspila
Marapatty Palm civet Paradous hermaphroditus
Grey mangoose Grey mangoose Herpestes edwardsi
Brown mangoose Stripped necked mongoose Herpestes vitticollis
Ruddy mangoose Ruddy mangoose Herpestes smithy
Kattupanni Indian wild boar Sus scrofa
Mullanpanni Indian porcupine Hystrix indica
Alunku Pangolin Manis pentadactyla
Mulleli Hedgehogs Peraechinus
Annan Palm squirrel Funambulus palamarum
Kuttithevangu Slenderloris Loris tardigradus
Paran Flying squirrel Petaurista pataurista
Malayannan Malabar squirrel Ratufa indica
Vaval Bats Chiropata
Naricheer Pipistrelle Vaspeugo abramus
Neernai Otters Lutra lutra
Varayadu Nilgiri tahr Hemitragus hylocrius
Kurukkan Jacakal Canis aureus
Kattu muyal Black napped hare Lepus nigricollis nigricollis
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REPTILES
Local Name English Name Scientific Name

Aama Tortoise Testudo travancorica
Onthu Common Garden Lizard Calotes versicolor
Udumbu Monitor Lizard Varanus
Maraonthu Draco Draco dussumieri
Arana Common Indian Monitor Manis crassican
Perumpampu Indian Python Python molurus
Chera Common Rat Snake Pytas mucosus
Pachilapapmu Common Green Whip Snake Ahaetulla nasutus
Ettadiveeran/Sankuvarayan Coomon Indian Krait Bungarus candidus
Moorkhan Indian Cobra Naja naja
Raja Vembala King Cobra Ophiophagus Hannah
Kuzhi anali Large scaled pit viper Trimeresurus macrolepis
Saw scaled viper Saw scaled viper Echis carninatus
Malabar pit viper Malabar pit viper Trimeresurs malabaricus
Anali Russel’s Viper Vipera russeli
Neerkoli Watersnake Nerodia piscator
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CHECKLIST OF THE BIRDS OF MUNNAR
Sl Common Name Scientific Name

No.
Cormorants/Shags Phalacrocoracidae
1 Little Cormorant (28) Phalacrocorax niger (Vieillot, 1817)
Grebes Podicipedidae
2 Little Grebe (5) Tachybaptus ruficollis (Pallas, 1764)
Herons, Egrets & Bitterns Ardeidae
3 Indian Pond-Heron (42-42a) Ardeola grayii (Sykes, 1832)
4 Little Egret (49) Egretta garzetta (Linnaeus, 1766)
5 Cattle Egret (44) Bubulcus ibis (Linnaeus, 1758)
Swans, Geese & Ducks Anatidae
6 Spot-billed Duck (97-99) Anas poecilorhyncha J.R. Forester, 1781
Hawks, Eagles, Buzzards, Old World Accipitridae
Vultures,
Kites, Harriers
7 Short-toed Snake-Eagle (195) Circaetus gallicus (Gmelin, 1788)
8 Bonelli’s Eagle (163) Hieraaetus fasciatus (Vieillot, 1822)
9 Booted Eagle (164) Hieraaetus pennatus (Gmelin, 1788)
10 Changeable Hawk-Eagle (160-162) Spizaetus cirrhatus (Gmelin, 1788)
11 Oriental Honey-Buzzard (129-130) Pernis ptilorhynchus (Temminck, 1821)
12 Black-shouldered Kite (124) Elanus caeruleus (Desfontaines, 1789)
13 Brahminy Kite (135) Haliastur indus (Boddaert, 1783)
14 Crested Serpent-Eagle (196-200) Spilornis cheela (Latham, 1790
15 Crested Goshawk (144-146) Accipiter trivirgatus (Temminck, 1824)
16 Shikra (137-140) Accipiter badius (Gmelin, 1788)
17 Common Buzzard (155-156) Buteo buteo Linnaeus, 1758
18 Black Eagle (172) Ictinaetus malayensis (Temminck, 1822)
19 Rufous-bellied Eagle (165) Hieraaetus kienerii (E. Geoffroy, 1835)
20 Besra Sparrowhawk (149-151) Accipiter virgatus (Temminck, 1822)
Falcons Falconidae
21 Common Kestrel (222-224) Falco tinnunculus Linnaeus, 1758
Pheasants, Partridges, Quails Phasianidae
22 Painted Bush-Quail (262-263) Perdicula erythrorhyncha (Sykes, 1832)
23 Grey Junglefowl (301) Gallus sonneratii Temminck, 1813
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No.
Rails, Crakes, Moorhens, Coots Rallidae
24 White-breasted Waterhen (343-345) Amaurornis phoenicurus (Pennant, 1769)
25 Common Moorhen (347-347a) Gallinula chloropus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Plovers, Dotterels, Lapwings Charadriidae
26 Red-wattled Lapwing (366-368) Vanellus indicus (Boddaert, 1783)
Sandpipers, Stints, Snipes, Godwits Scolopacidae
& Curlews
27 Common Snipe (409) Gallinago gallinago (Linnaeus, 1758)
28 Common Sandpiper (401) Actitis hypoleucos Linnaeus, 1758
Pigeons & Doves Columbidae
29 Mountain Imperial-Pigeon (510-512) Ducula badia (Raffles, 1822)
30 Blue Rock Pigeon (516-517) Columba livia Gmelin, 1789
31 Nilgiri Wood-Pigeon (521) Columba elphinstonii (Sykes, 1833)
32 Spotted Dove (537-540) Streptopelia chinensis (Scopoli, 1786)
33 Emerald Dove (542-544a) Chalcophaps indica (Linnaeus, 1758)
34 Pompadour Green-Pigeon (496-500) Treron pompadora (Gmelin, 1789)
Parakeets & Hanging-Parrots Psittacidae
35 Indian Hanging-Parrot (566, 567) Loriculus vernalis (Sparrman, 1787)
36 Plum-headed Parakeet (557-558) Psittacula cyanocephala (Linnaeus, 1766)
37 Blue-winged Parakeet (564) Psittacula columboides (Vigors, 1830)
Cuckoos, Malkohas & Coucals Cuculidae
38 Brainfever Bird (573-574) Hierococcyx varius (Vahl, 1797)
39 Indian Plaintive Cuckoo (584) Cacomantis passerinus (Vahl, 1797)
40 Greater Coucal (600-602) Centropus sinensis (Stephens, 1815)
Owls Strigidae
41 Oriental Scops-Owl (616-618b) Otus sunia (Hodgson, 1836)
42 Collared Scops-Owl (619-624) Otus bakkamoena Pennant, 1769
43 Brown Hawk-Owl (642-645) Ninox scutulata (Raffles, 1822)
44 Jungle Owlet (636-637) Glaucidium radiatum (Tickell, 1833)
Swifts Apodidae
45 White-rumped Needletail-Swift (692) Zoonavena sylvatica (Tickell, 1846)
46 Brown-backed Needletail-Swift (691) Hirundapus giganteus (Temminck, 1846)
47 Alpine Swift (693-695) Tachymarptis melba (Linnaeus, 1758)
48 House Swift (702-706) Apus affinis (J.E. Gray, 1830)
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No.
Tree-Swifts Hemiprocnidae
49 Crested Tree-Swift (709) Hemiprocne coronata (Tickell, 1833)
Trogons Trogonidae
50 Malabar Trogon (710-712) Harpactes fasciatus (Pennant, 1769)
Kingfishers Alcedinidae
51 Small Blue Kingfisher (722-724) Alcedo atthis (Linnaeus, 1758)
52 White-breasted Kingfisher (735-738) Halcyon smyrnensis (Linnaeus, 1758)
Bee-eaters Meropidae
53 Chestnut-headed Bee-eater (744-745) Merops leschenaulti Vieillot, 1817
Hornbills Bucerotidae
54 Malabar Grey Hornbill (768) Ocyceros griseus (Latham, 1790)
Barbets Capitonidae
55 White-cheeked Barbet (785) Megalaima viridis (Boddaert, 1783)
56 Crimson-throated Barbet (790-791) Megalaima rubricapilla (Gmelin, 1788)
Woodpeckers Picidae
57 Brown-capped Pygmy Woodpecker Dendrocopos nanus (Vigors, 1832)
(851-854)
58 Little Scaly-bellied Green Woodpecker Picus xanthopygaeus (J.E. Gray & G.R.
(808) Gray, 1846)
59 Greater Golden-backed Woodpecker Chrysocolaptes lucidus (Scopoli, 1786)
(860-863)
60 Heart-spotted Woodpecker (856) Hemicircus canente (Lesson, 1830)
61 Common Golden-backed Woodpecker Dinopium javanense (Ljungh, 1797)
(825-826)
62 Lesser Golden-backed Woodpecker Dinopium benghalense (Linnaeus, 1758)
(818-823)
63 Great Black Woodpecker (830) Dryocopus javensis (Horsfield, 1821)
Pittas Pittidae
64 Indian Pitta (867) Pitta brachyura (Linnaeus, 1766)
Swallows & Martins Hirundinidae
65 Wire-tailed Swallow (921) Hirundo smithii Leach, 1818
66 Dusky Crag-Martin (914) Hirundo concolor Sykes, 1833
67 House Swallow (919-920) Hirundo tahitica Gmelin, 1789
68 Red-rumped Swallow (923-928) Hirundo daurica Linnaeus, 1771
Wagtails & Pipits Motacillidae
69 Large Pied Wagtail (1891) Motacilla maderaspatensis Gmelin, 1789
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No.
70 Oriental Tree Pipit (1852-1853) Anthus hodgsoni Richmond, 1907
71 Grey Wagtail (1884) Motacilla cinerea Tunstall, 1771
72 Paddyfield Pipit (1858-1860) Anthus rufulus Vieillot, 1818
73 Nilgiri Pipit (1870) Anthus nilghiriensis Sharpe, 1885
74 Brown Rock Pipit (1866-1869) Anthus similis Jerdon, 1840
Cuckoo-Shrikes, Flycatcher-Shrikes, Campephagidae
Trillers, Minivets, Woodshrikes
75 Large Woodshrike (1067-1068) Tephrodornis gularis (Raffles, 1822)
76 Small Minivet (1090-1095) Pericrocotus cinnamomeus (Linnaeus,
1766)
77 Scarlet Minivet (1080-1083) Pericrocotus flammeus (Forster, 1781)
78 Pied Flycatcher-Shrike (1064-1066) Hemipus picatus (Sykes, 1832)
Bulbuls & Finchbills Pycnonotidae
79 Red-whiskered Bulbul (1118-1122) Pycnonotus jocosus (Linnaeus, 1758)
80 Red-vented Bulbul (1126-1132) Pycnonotus cafer (Linnaeus, 1766)
81 Yellow-browed Bulbul (1143-1145) Iole indica (Jerdon, 1839)
82 Black Bulbul (1148-1151) Hypsipetes leucocephalus (P.L.S.
Muller, 1776)
Ioras, Chloropsis/Leafbird, Fairy- Irenidae
Bluebird
83 Common Iora (1097-1101) Aegithina tiphia (Linnaeus, 1758)
Shrikes Laniidae
84 Brown Shrike (949-950a) Lanius cristatus Linnaeus, 1758
85 Rufous-backed Shrike (946-948) Lanius schach Linnaeus, 1758
Thrushes, Shortwings, Robins, Turdinae
Forktails, Wheaters
86 Blue-headed Rock-Thrush (1723) Monticola cinclorhynchus (Vigors, 1832)
87 Malabar Whistling-Thrush (1728) Myiophonus horsfieldii (Vigors, 1831)
88 White-throated Ground Thrush (1734) Zoothera citrina cyanotue (Jardine &

Selby)
89 Eurasian Blackbird (1751-1757) Turdus merula Linnaeus, 1758
90 White-bellied Shortwing (1638) Brachypteryx major albiventris (Jerdon,

1844)
91 Indian Blue Robin (1650, 1651) Luscinia brunnea (Hodgson, 1837)
92 Pied Bushchat (1700-1703) Saxicola caprata (Linnaeus, 1766)
93 Oriental Magpie-Robin (1661-1664) Copsychus saularis (Linnaeus, 1758)
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No.
Babblers, Laughingthrushes, Timaliinae
Babaxes, Barwings, Yuhinas
94 Grey-breasted Laughingthrush (1309- Garrulax jerdoni Blyth, 1851
1311)
95 Indian Scimitar-Babbler (1172-1177) Pomatorhinus horsfieldii Sykes, 1832
96 Jungle Babbler (1261-1265) Turdoides striatus (Dumont, 1823)
97 Quaker Tit-Babbler (1389-1391) Alcippe poioicephala (Jerdon, 1844)
98 Spotted Babbler (1152-1159) Pellorneum ruficeps Swainson, 1832
99 Indian Rufous Babbler (1259-1260) Turdoides subrufus (Jerdon, 1839)
Goldcrest, Prinias, Tesias, Warblers Sylviinae
100 Plain Prinia Prinia inornata
101 Broad-tailed Grass-Warbler (1546) Schoenicola platyura (Jerdon, 1844)
102 Paddyfield Warbler (1557-1558) Acrocephalus agricola (Jerdon, 1845)
103 Blyth’s Reed-Warbler (1556) Acrocephalus dumetorum Blyth, 1849
104 Thick-billed Warbler (1549) Acrocephalus aedon (Pallas, 1776)
105 Tickell’s Warbler (1579) Phylloscopus affinis (Tickell, 1833)
106 Greenish Leaf-Warbler (1602-1605) Phylloscopus trochiloides (Sundevall,
1837)
107 Large-billed Leaf-Warbler (1601) Phylloscopus magnirostris Blyth, 1843
108 Tytler’s Leaf-Warbler (1578) Phylloscopus tytleri Brooks, 1872
109 Western Crowned Warbler (1606) Phylloscopus occipitalis (Blyth, 1845)
Flycatchers Muscicapinae
110 Brown-breasted Flycatcher (1408) Muscicapa muttui (Layard, 1854)
111 Black-and-Orange Flycatcher (1427) Ficedula nigrorufa (Jerdon, 1839)
112 Nilgiri Flycatcher (1446) Eumyias albicaudata (Jerdon, 1840)
113 Grey-headed Flycatcher (1448-1449) Culicicapa ceylonensis (Swainson, 1820)
Monarch-Flycatchers & Paradise- Monarchinae
Flycatchers
114 Black-naped Monarch-Flycatcher Hypothymis azurea (Boddaert, 1783)
(1465-1469)
Tits Paridae
115 Black-lored Yellow Tit (1809-1811) Parus xanthogenys Vigors, 1831
Nuthatches Sittidae
116 Velvet-fronted Nuthatch (1838) Sitta frontalis Swainson, 1820
Flowerpeckers Dicaeidae
117 Plain Flowerpecker (1901-1903) Dicaeum concolor Jerdon, 1840
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No.
Sunbirds & Spiderhunters Nectariniidae
118 Small Sunbird (1909) Nectarinia minima (Sykes, 1832)
119 Loten’s Sunbird (1911-1912) Nectarinia lotenia (Linnaeus, 1766)
120 Purple Sunbird (1916-1918) Nectarinia asiatica (Latham, 1790)
121 Little Spiderhunter (1931) Arachnothera longirostra (Latham, 1790)
White-eyes Zosteropidae
122 Oriental White-eye (1933-1936) Zosterops palpebrosus (Temminck, 1824)
Finches Fringillidae
123 Common Rosefinch (2010-2013) Carpodacus erythrinus (Pallas, 1770)
Munias (Estrildid Finches) Estrildidae
124 Black-throated Munia (1971-1973) Lonchura kelaarti (Jerdon, 1863)
125 White-rumped Munia (1967-1970) Lonchura striata (Linnaeus, 1766)
Sparrows & Snowfinches Passerinae
126 House Sparrow (1938-1939a) Passer domesticus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Starlings & Mynas Sturnidae
127 Jungle Myna (1009-1011) Acridotheres fuscus (Wagler, 1827)
128 Southern Hill-Myna (1016) Gracula indica (Cuvier, 1829)
Orioles Oriolidae
129 Eurasian Golden Oriole (952-953) Oriolus oriolus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Drongos Dicruridae
130 Greater Racket-tailed Drongo (976-981) Dicrurus paradiseus (Linnaeus, 1766)
131 Ashy Drongo (965-966b) Dicrurus leucophaeus Vieillot, 1817
Woodswallows/Swallow-Shrikes Artamidae
132 Ashy Woodswallow (982) Artamus fuscus Vieillot, 1817
Crows, Jays, Treepies, Magpies Corvidae
133 Indian Treepie (1030a-1034) Dendrocitta vagabunda (Latham, 1790)
134 House Crow (1048-1051) Corvus splendens Vieillot, 1817
135 Jungle Crow (1054-1057) Corvus macrorhynchos Wagler, 1827
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CONTENTS
PART – I
SUMMARY OF FACTS ON WHICH PROPOSALS ARE BASED
CHAPTER – I
THE TRACT DEALT WITH
Name and Situation 2
Configuration of the Ground 3
Geology, rock & soil 4
Climate and Rainfall 8
Water Source 9
Major water sheds and their distribution 10
Distribution of the area 15
Munnar Forest Division 16
State of boundaries 19
Maps 27
Legal Positions 27
Rights and concessions – Munnar Division 37
Hillmen settlements 41
Chapter II – A
Forest Flora
Trees 49
General description of growing stock 49
Status of natural regeneration 55
Injuries to which crop is liable 56
Chapter – II - B
Forest Fauna
Proximity to Protected Areas 65
Mammals 65
Birds 69
Reptiles 80
Amphibians 82
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Fish 83
Invertebrates 83
Injuries to which Fauna is liable 84
Chapter – III
Utilization of the Produce
Agriculture customs and wants of the population 91
Markets and marketable products 92
Demand and supply of forest produce and pressure on forest 98
Methods of harvesting and their costs 101
Cost of extraction 102
Line of export 103
Roads 103
Past and current prices 103
Chapter – IV
Activities of Kerala Forest Development Corporation
Origin of KFDC 107
Main objective of the Company 108
KFDC activity in Plan Area 109
Chapter – V
Five year plan
Pulpwood Plantation 111
Chapter – VI
Staff and labour supply
The Staff 113
Labour 114
Wage rate 114
Infrastructures 114
Chapter – VII
Past system of Management
General History of the Forest 119
Past System of Management 122
Formation of Red Gum Plantation 124
xviii
Working Plan prepared by Shri.Dhanushkodi Pillai 124
Working Plan prepared by Shri.T.P.Viswanathan 125
Working Plan prepared by Shri.James Varghese 125
Period 1982-83 to 1997-98 128
Management Plan for 1997-98 to 1999-2000 128
Working Plan for the period upto 2000-01 to 2001-02 131
Past Yield, Revenue and Expenditure 148
Chapter VIII
Statistics of Growth And Yield
Quality class mapping in teak & pulpwood plantations 151
Growing stock enumeration in teak plantation 152
Growing stock enumeration in pulpwood plantations and 152
miscellanies plantations
Growing stock enumeration in natural forests 152
Capital value of Forest 154
Part - II
Future Management discussed and prescribed
Chapter – I
Basis of proposals
Objectives of management 159
Method of treatment 159
Working circles and their constitution 160
The period of the Working Plan 162
Chapter – II
Protection and water conservation working circle
General constitution of working circle 163
General character 163
Protection of existing Forests 165
Improvement of Ecological value by water shed management 168
Restoration of Wattle Plantation to Shola Grassland – Shola Eco- 182
system
xix
Soil and Moisture Conservation 183
Fire management plan 186
Ganja cultivation 190
Weed management 190
Grazing 191
Firewood Collection 191
Communication Network 191
Roads and Trek Path 192
Upgradation of Professional & Technical Skill of Staff 192
Strengthening, Protection & Improving Amenities to Staff 193
Chapter – III
Plantation working circle
General constitution 195
Special objectives of management 196
Chapter – IV
Non – Wood Forest Produce Working circle
General Constitution of working circle 221
General Characteristics 221
Role of NWFP in socio economic development 222
List of available NWFP 222
Collection of NWFP 223
Problems due Unscientific and Unsustainable Collection of NWFP 224
Market of NWFP 225
Main threats of NWFP 225
NWFP based Eco-restoration 227
Augmentation 227
Ex-situ Conservation 228
Cultivation of Medicinal Plants by VSS 228
Extension training to Officers 229
Chapter – V
Reed bamboo and Rattan working circle
Constitution working circle 241
xx
Reed 241
Bamboo 254
Rattans 260
Chapter – VI
Cardamom Hill Reserve Working Circle
Constitution of Working Circle 265
General History of CHR 265
Ecologically importance of CHR 269
Objectives of Management 269
Present condition of CHR 269
Implementation of CRC Programme 272
Chapter – VII
Bio Diversity & Wildlife Conservation Working Circle
General constitution 276
Objective of Management 276
The Common Wildlife Present 276
Wildlife Census 276
Reason for Depletion of Wildlife Population 277
Wildlife Offence 277
Human Animal Conflict 277
Details of Disbursement of Wildlife Compensation 278
Management 278
Critical Wildlife Habitat 280
Sholas 281
Chapter – VIII
Joint Forest Management & Eco Tourism Working Circle
Constitution of Circle 289
Vana Samrakshna Samathies 290
VSS in Munnar Division 290
Munnar FDA 290
CRC Programme in CHR area 294
Tourism in Munnar Division 296
Eco-Tourism 298
xxi
Chapter – IX
Miscellaneous Prescription
Wind fallen trees 303
Ganja cultivation 303
Protection of Chinnacanal areas 303
Human elephant conflict in Chinnacanal 304
Conservation of Forest areas in KDH 305
Anaimudi Reserve Forests 307
Ecological Fragile Lands 308
xxii
LIST OF TABLES
1 Administrative Unit and sub unit 2

2 Highest peaks of Munnar Division 4
Salient attributes of the soils occurring in different physiographic 7
3
regions
4 Micro water sheds in Periyar water shed 11
5 Micro water sheds in Muvattupuzha water shed 15
6 Distribution of the area 17
7 Details of notified Reserves in Munnar Division 28
8 Details of Tribal Settlements in Munnar Division 44
9 Details of Fire occurrence 57
10 Details of Fire Protection Works from 1995- 96 to 2008-09 57
11 Details of encroachment in Munnar Division 58
12 Details of construction of cairns from 1995 – 2008 59
13 Details of Offences in Munnar Division 59
14 List of Endemic plants in Munnar Division 61
15 Details of Wildlife Offences in Munnar Division 86
16 Disbursement of wildlife compensation 87
17 List of Endemic mammals and birds 88
18 Taluk wise population percent decadal. growth and literacy rate 91
19 List of hardwood, pulpwood, matchwood and packing wood 93
20 Classification of timber 94
21 Classification of teak poles 96
22 Classification of billet and firewood 96
23 Details of collection of bamboo 97
24 Details of collection of reed 97
25 Year wise collection of pulpwood in Munnar Division 99
26 Wood based industries in Munnar division area 99
27 Fuel consumption pattern of Urban households 100
28 Taluk wise details of village 100
29 Details of Panchayat and ward adjacent of plan area 101
30 Import of wood to Kerala from neighboring state 104
31 Import of timber to Kerala from other countries 104
xxiii
32 Details of Activity area of KFDC 109
33 Details of pulpwood plantations 109
34 Details of expenditure under plan scheme 112
35 Sanctioned strength of staff under various category 113
36 List of roads in Munnar Division 115
37 List of trek paths 116
38 List of plantations raised in revenue land during 1959 to 1975 137
39 List of plantations assigned to landless tribals 137
40 List of materials collected from 1938 T.P during final felling 138
41 Distribution of Captive Plantation area 147
42 Revenue during last 10 years 149
43 Details of quality class mapping in Teak plantations 151
44 Major parameters determining forest degradation 164
45 List of streams and streamlets in plan area 168
46 List of micro watershed in plan area 171
47 Abstract of study report of sedimentation 178
48 Criteria for selection of area 180
49 List of plantations proposed for eco-restoration 183
50 Range wise Distribution of plantations in various categories of land 195
51 Range wise Distribution of plantations 196
52 List of teak plantation in Munnar Division 196
53 List of plantations due for thinning in Plan period 200
54 No. of trees/Ha. to be retained at each thinning 200
55 List of eucalyptus plantations 202
56 Plantations to be extracted and replanted with natural species 209
57 List of wattle plantations 211
58 List of pine plantations 213
59 List of alnus plantations 214
60 List of ailanthus plantations 215
61 List of grevealia plantations 215
62 List of bamboo plantations 216
63 List of elavu plantations 217
64 List of miscellanies plantations 217
xxiv
65 List of Mixed (pulpwood) plantations 219
66 Short rotation of medicinal plants 237
67 Growing stock of reed and expected yield 246
68 Abstract of growing stock of reed 247
69 Table of felling for reed 247
70 Bamboo growing stock 255
71 Felling sequence for bamboo 256
72 Details of protected area adjacent to plan area 277
73 Shola patches in Munnar Division 283
74 Shola patches augmented with enrichment planting 287
75 Expenditure incurred by Munnar FDA 293
76 List of unit level organization 296
77 Visitor Details – Rajamala Tourism Zone 297
xxv
APPENDICES
I Government Order regarding Formation of Munnar Division 309
II Government Order regarding Formation of Marayoor Division 315
III Rainfall, Temperature and relative humidity 320
IV Govt. Order regarding Formation of Mathikettan Shola National Parks 324
V Govt. Order regarding Formation of Pampadum Shola National Parks 326
VI Govt. Order regarding Formation of Anamudi Shola National Parks 328
VII Government Order regarding Formation of Forest Stations 330
VIII Notification of Anamudi Reserve 333
IX Notification of Malayattoor Reserve 335
X Notification of Nagrampara Reserve 336
XI Notification of Fuel Reserve 337
XII Letter from Dewan of Kerala regarding Unreserves 339
XIII Government Order Connected with Trees preservation Act 340
XIV Notification of Vested Forest 342
XV List of EFL land 343
XVI & 346

Notification of CHR
XVI (a)
XVII Kannan Devan Hill (Resumption of land) Act 350
XVIII Details of lease land 391
Govt. Order regarding Fixation of lease rent for the Lease land 392
XIX
leased out to KFDC
XX List of HNL Captive Plantation in Munnar Division 394
XXI Details of NWFP Collection 395
XXII Cost of extraction of Forest produce in ordinary area 398
XXIII Price trent of timber in various auctions 399
XXIV Fixation of Selling price 403
XXV Officers held in charge of Munnar Division 404
XXVI Fixation of wage rate for different category of mazdoors 406
xxvi
XXVII List of building in Munnar division 407
XXVIII List of vehicle in Munnar division 409
XXIX List of modern equipments in Munnar Division 410
XXX List of treatment area under KFP 412
XXXI List of Plantations raised under compensatory afforestation scheme 415
XXXII Government order pertaining revolving fund 416
XXXIII Allotment and expenditure 421
XXXIV Projected growing stock of teak plantation based on 5% enumeration 423
XXXV Projected growing stock of miscellaneous plantation 424
XXXVI Projected growing stock of Wattle plantations based on 5% enumeration 426
XXXVII Projected growing stock of Pine plantations based on 5% enumeration 428
Projected growing stock of Eucalyptus plantations based on 5% 429

XXXVIII
enumeration
Projected growing stock of Nagarampara Reserve based on 2% 430

XXXIX
enumeration
XL Projected growing stock of Malayattoor Reserve based on 2% enumeration 432
XLI Projected growing stock of Anamudi Reserve based on 2% enumeration 434
XLII Regeneration survey in Malayattor Reserve 437
XLIII Detail of regeneration survey in Nagarampara Reserve 439
XLIV Detail of regeneration survey in Anamudi Reserve 440
XLV Capital value of Forest in Munnar Division 442
XLVI Guidelines for Forest Management 443
XLVII Details of places where boundary consolidation is required 449
XLVIII Schedule of operation in Micro water sheds 452
XLIX Areas requiring soil conservation measures 454
L Circular for Fire Management 456
LI Details of ganja raid 463
LII Study Report of IFGTB 468
LIII Schedule for felling of Eucalyptus 470
LIV Schedule for felling of Wattle 477
xxvii
LV List of plantations to be deleted from Plantation list 478
LVI TGBRI study report 480
LVII Redlisted plants in Plan area 504
LVIII Travencoreans to be encouraged for cardamom cultivations 506
LIX Abstract of Assigned land under various scheme 507
LX Cardamom cultivation rules 508
LXI Report of Central Empowered Committee 521
LXII Case study by Marcus Moench about CHR 530
LXIII Census Report 559
Revised Order for payment of compensation to the victims of attack 560

LXIV
by wild animals
LXV Details of VSS 561
LXVI Approved programmes of Munnar FDA 562
LXVII Planting Activity by Munnar FDA 568
LXVIII Details of Social welfare activities done by VSS under Munnar FDA 569
LXIX Govt. Order regarding implementation of CRC programme 570
LXX Reserve Notification of Mankulam Division 572
LXXI Government Order regarding distribution of land to landless people 574
xxviii
LIST OF MAPS
1 Location map
2 Division Map
3 Adimaly Range map
4 Neriyamangalam Range map
5 Devikulam Range map
6 Munnar Range map
7 Adimaly Range – Tribal Settlement
8 Neriyamangalam Range – Tribal Settlement
9 Devikulam Range – Tribal Settlement
10 Munnar Range – Tribal Settlement
11 Kannan Devan Concession Land
12 Pallivasal Unreserve
13 Chinnacanal Unreserve
14 Cardamom Hill Reserve
15 Land of different reserves area in Munnar
16 Munnar Watershed Map
17 Munnar Topography Map
18 Soil Map
19 Site Quality Map
20 Stock and Quality Map – 1
27 Stock map of Munnar Forest Division
28 Vegetation Map Munnar Forest Division
29 Fire management map of Adimaly Range
30 Fire management map of Neriyamangalam Range
31 Fire management map of Munnar Range
32 Fire management map of Devikulam Range
33 Road Map – Munnar Forest Division
34 Treatment Area taken in Munnar Division
35 Reed Coupe – Munnar Forest Division
36 Munnar Tourism Locations
37 Plantation Map – Adimaly
38 Plantation Map – Neriyamangalam
39 Plantation Map – Devikulam
40 Plantation Map – Munnar
xxx
PART - I
SUMMARY OF FACTS
ON WHICH
PROPOSALS ARE BASED
CHAPTER – I
THE TRACT DEALT WITH
INTRODUCTION
The Northern Forest Division of erstwhile Travancore state was
bifurcated into Malayattoor and Muvattupuzha Divisions in July 1946. With
the integration of Travancore - Cochin State in 1950, both these Divisions
were amalgamated and a new Division namely “Malayattoor Forest
Division” was formed with headquarters at Kodanad. Malayattoor Forest
Division was again bifurcated by excluding the Eastern portion which
formed a new forest Division called Munnar Forest Division with
headquarters at Mattupetty, with effect from 01/04/63 vide G.O. (M.S)
1011/62/ Agri dated 05/06/1962 consisting of three Ranges namely
Devikulam, Marayoor and Adimaly. The headquarters of Munnar Division
was shifted from Mattupetty to Devikulam during 1970. The Division came
under the purview of High Range Circle, which was constituted in 1981 as
per Govt. order GO (MS) 197/81/Forest dated 31/07/1981. Adimaly Range
was bifurcated into Neriamangalam and Adimaly Ranges with
Headquarters at Adimaly and Neriamangalam respectively, in order to
control large-scale illicit tree fellings and encroachments. Similarly,
Devikulam Range was bifurcated into Devikulam and Munnar Ranges with
headquarters at Devikulam and Munnar. Till the formation of Marayoor
sandal Division in 2005, Munnar Forest Division had five Ranges, namely
Munnar Range with headquarters at Munnar, Devikulam Range with
headquarters at Devikulam, Adimaly Range with headquarters at Adimaly,
Neriamangalam Range with headquarters at Neriamangalam and
Marayoor Range with headquarters at Marayoor. To combat the large
scale illicit felling and smuggling of sandal wood trees Marayoor Range
was upgraded as Marayoor Sandal Division, as per Notification G.O (MS)
No. 67/05 Forest dated 08/06/05. The Govt. orders regarding formation of
Munnar and Marayoor Division are given in Appendix – I & II.
There are two interpretations for calling the tract Munnar. One
version is that the place was named Munnar after Dr. JOHN DANEL
MUNRO the founder of High Range plantation area.
Another version is based on the conflunce of three rivers flowing

through this area. These three rivers (Moonu Aaru) are (1) Kadalar, (2)
Nallathanni Aar and (3). Kallar. These three rivers flowing down from
various directions and confluence at one plance which came to be known
as Munnar.
Table – 1 – Administrative Units of Munnar Division
Range Forest station Section

1.Munnar 1. Pettimudy Nil
2.Neriamangalam 1. Nagarampara Nil
Range Forest station Section
2. Inchathothy Nil
3. Valara Nil
3.Adimaly 1. Machiplavu 1.Koompampara
2. Panamkutty 2. Mukkadom
3. Perinjankutty
4.Devikulam 1. Bodimettu
2. Ponmudy
3. Pallivasal
4. Thevarammettu
5. Aruvikadu
6. Chinnakanal
1.1 NAME AND SITUAION

1.1.1 Name: The proposals in this Working Plan cover the Munnar Forest
Division. This Working Plan will be the third Working Plan for Munnar
Forest Division. The first Working Plan of Munnar Forest Division for the
period from 1973 to 1983 was prepared by Sri. James Varghese. The
second Working Plan prepared for the period from 1994 to 2004 by Sri. N.
G. Narayanan was approved by the Government of India for the period
from 2001 to 2002. Thereafter the Division was functioning with approved
short-term management plans. The Present Working Plan deals with all
Reserve Forests, Kannan Devan Hill area, Cardamom Hill Reserves,
Unreserves, Vested Forests and other lands at the disposal of the
Government lying in Munnar Forest Division.
1.1.2. Situation: The tract dealt with is situated between 760 52’ 30’’ and
770 15’ East longitudes and between 90 52’ and 10 10’ North latitudes.
The area dealt with in the Working Plan falls within the Devikulam and
Udumbanchola Taluks of Idukki Revenue District. A small portion of about
12 Sq.Km of Malayattoor Reserve Forest of Neriamangalam Range is
lying in Kothamangalam Taluk of Eranakulam Revenue District. The
Headquarters of Munnar Division is at Devikulam, about 6 Km from
Munnar town.
The nearest railway station Aluva is about 115 Km from Munnar town
and the nearest airport is Nedumbassery which is about 115 Km from
Munnar town.
2
1.2 CONFIGURATION OF THE GROUND
1.2.1 Topography: Munnar Division is situated in the High ranges of
Southern Western Ghats. The whole area is hilly in character with undulating
terrain. The general direction of the main ridges in the Division runs from
North East to Southwest and it is often difficult to describe them as such
because of the presence of numerous hill features and subsidiary ridges that
take off in various directions. The Working Plan area is situated on the
western slopes of Western Ghats. Here the tract is divided into four sub
regions namely the High range Plataue of Kannan Devan Hills in North,
valleys of Pooyamkutty and Edamala on western side, the Cardamom Hills in
South East and the gorge of the main Periyar River in South. The Western
slopes of the central high ranges are deeply carved out into a complex of
valleys by the Northern tributaries of Periyar River namely Deviyar,
Idamalayar and Pooyamkutty Aar. As one traverses from Neriamangalam to
Munnar, altitude increases gradually from 33 meters to 1525 meters.
To the East of the Kannan Devan hills, there is a spur hill range of the
Western ghats extending to North East into Tamil Nadu. This ridge with an
extensive high elevation plateau is the Palani hills or the Kodaikanal hills.
1.2.2 Altitude: Altitude varies from 33 meters near Palamattom on the

bank of River Periyar in Neriamangalam Range to Anamudi (2695 M) in
Munnar Range, the highest peak in South India, which is located on the
boundary between Eravikulam National Park and Munnar Division. The
second highest peak in this Division is the Meesapulimala on the state
boundary with an altitude of 2637 M.
3
Table – 2 – High Peaks of Munnar Division
Name Range Height (M)

Anamudi Munnar 2695
Meesapulimala Devikulam 2637
Mannamala (Aruvikadu) Devikulam 2614
Kundalathalaimala Devikulam 2534
Thandermala Munnar 2522
Umayamala (Pettimudi) Munnar 2434
Sambanmala Munnar 2306
Kannimala Munnar 2280
Erumamala Munnar 2278
Devimala Devikulam 2206
Rajamala Munnar 2193
Chokkanadu Devikulam 2183
Ottakkambumala Munnar 2164
Erumapettimala Munnar 2131
Nellimala Devikulam 2115
Kolukkumala Devikulam 2056
Parvathimala Munnar 1930
Pettikuttamudi Munnar 1906
Ottapparamala Adimaly 1853
Pattakattimala Munnar 1670
Pattivaramala Devikulam 1552
Kooradikkumala Devikulam 1538
1.2.3 Aspect: The tract consists of numerous main and subsidiary hills. It
is highly undulated owing to the rugged nature of the land with numerous
hills having both the main and subsidiary ridges that take off in various
directions. Therefore, all aspects are found in the tract. The general
course of the main rivers and streams is westwards. This tract constitutes
the “Upper Region” of the Periyar watershed, as delineated by the Kerala
Land Use Board.
1.3 GEOLOGY, ROCK & SOIL

1.3.1 Rock: Geologically this area is part of the Archaean system. The
rocks formed in this area are made up of Metamorphic Archaean i.e.
Precambrian rocks represented by Charnockite, Granite, Silimanite,
Gneiss, Biolicgneis and Magnalites. Most of the exposed gneiss, which is
2500 million years old, has undergone metamorphism. One of the results
of the metamorphism due to the moist tropical condition is the formation of
Laterite, which is reddish brown in colour with irregular pockets or galleries
4
filled with yellowish clay. The Laterite is soft when dug out, but hardens on
exposure. It is more common at the foot hills than in the higher ridges.
1.3.2 Soil: The ridges and hilltops are often entirely rocky and devoid of
any soil. The higher hill-slopes, on the other hand, have a fair amount of
soil, but it is mixed with a good deal of boulders. The soil on the lower
slopes and valleys is considerably deeper and finer. The best soil consists
of chocolate coloured loam with an admixture of humus and sand. The
river and stream banks generally support large deposits of Alluvium. In
depressions and low-lying lands where the drainage is particularly poor
there is an accumulation of clayey loam, which results in a semi-marshy
condition. Four different types of soils are met with in the tract.
1.3.2.1 Laterite Soil: Laterite is yellowish brown in colour with cellular

structure and rich in hydroxides of iron and Aluminium. It develops in high
rainfall areas with tropical climate. It is derived from the atmospheric
weathering of rocks under monsoon conditions of alternate dry and wet
climates. Laterite soils vary in depth from 2 to 3 meters and have a thick
layer of kaolin below it. This type of soil is highly porous, well drained but
poor in water holding capacity. This soil has low fertility and contains a fair
amount of organic matter and nitrogen but is very deficient in
phosphorous, potash and lime. The process of laterisation is due to
leaching out of silica by high rainfall, and accumulation of sesquioxide.
Laterite soils are common in the forests of Western Ghats in cleared areas
and denuded forests. It is highly acidic and only a few species thrive well
in it.
1.3.2.2 Alluvial soil: This type of soil is found on banks of streams and
river, richly supplemented with organic matter and deposits of alluvium but
deficient in lime and phosphorous. The upper layer is generally rich in
organic matter derived from the decomposed organic debris. It is acidic in
reaction. Due to the presence of fine sand fractions the soil is well drained.
This highly fertile soil on river and stream banks supports for good tree
growth.
1.3.2.3 Red soil: This type of soil is reddish in colour due to the presence
of Ferric oxide and is deficient in organic matter and nutrients. Commonly
it is met with in non-forest areas of this Division. The pH value varies
between 6-8.
1.3.2.4 Forest and hill soil: This is the typical soil met in the evergreen
and semi evergreen forests of this Division, characterized by a thick layer
of organic matter derived from the forest cover. The soil is usually rich in
nitrogen with low phosphate content. It is usually loamy with different
proportions of sand and clay depending on locality. Soil is yellow, red, dark
in colour and usually acidic in nature. Usually the forest soil is well drained
along slopes, and swamps are common wherever drainage is poor. Along
the ridges, the depth of soil is shallow. Along valleys, loamy soil is very
common. Alluvial deposits characterize the riverbanks.
5
Major soils Minor soil
Tentatively classified under Clayey,
Tentatively classified under clayey, mixed, hyperthermic, Udic Kanhaplustults.
mixed, thermic, Typic Palehumults --- These well drained hill soils with depth
These are well drained hill soils with less than 150m are developed from
depth more than 105 cms are developed gneissic parent material. These are dark
from gneissic parent material. Soils are greyish brovm to yellowish red in colour
dark reddish brown to yellowish red with with clay loam to clay texture. Gneissic
silty clay to clay texture. material in advanced stages of weathering
is observed below 100cm.
Mountainous terrain with summits and
rocky cliffs of western ghat. Slop Ranges
from 20 to 70 percentage --- Tentatively Tentatively classified under fine loamy
classified under fine loamy mixed thermic, mixed thrmic, Umbric Dystrohrepts. These
Mollic Paleudalfs. These well drained well drained mountain soils with depth
forest soil with depth more than 150 cm more than 150 cm are developed from
are developed from gneissic parent gneissic parent material. Soils are dark
material. Soils are dark reddish brown to yellowish brown to brown in color with clay
reddish yellow with silty loam to clay loam texture.
texture. Gneissic material occupy 30 to
40 percentage of volume 100 to 125 cm.
6
1.3.2.5 Properties of Soil: The edaphic features play an important role in
determining the type of vegetation in a locality. In the conventional forestry
practices that are generally followed, no distinct measures are adopted to
alter the texture and composition of the soil, with a view to better the
edaphic conditions and to ensure profitable production of biomass. As
such, for planting species which suit the prevailing soil conditions are
selected. Of the various soil properties, the most important from forestry
point of view are its fertility, depth, texture, structure, drainage, organic
matter content, hydrological features, nutrient level and the pH. The soil
fertility varies with factors such as soil depth, texture, topography,
chemical composition, presence of vegetation etc. The ability of soil to
support tree growth by providing a firm substratum and supplying an
adequate amount of mineral nutrients in an absorbable form to meet the
requirements for tree growth is of fundamental importance. High hilltops
are generally with bare rock or with scanty soil capping covered by grass
and herbaceous vegetation. The gentle slopes with fairly deep
sedimentary soil with a top layer of humus can hold good tree growth. In
the valleys, the soil is deep, fine, and highly fertile and is capable of
supporting luxuriant tree growth. While the soil conditions influence the
growth and composition of plant life, the vegetation present on a site
influences the nature of the soil. A close-canopied well-protected forest
eventually results in the formation of a thick layer of humus, which will
appreciably improve soil productivity and may bring about a progressive
change in the habitat. On the other hand in the slopes which are planted
with teak after clearing the original tree crop, the soil is seen to be dry,
hard and deteriorated due to the detrimental effects of annual ground fires,
erosion and exposure to the scorching sun that prevent accumulation of
vegetative debris and formation of humus.
Table – 3 –Salient attributes of the soils in different physiographic

regions of the Division
Mid
Midland Upland Highland Mountainous
Characteristics upland Highland I Highland II
(ML) (UL) III Region
(MUL)
Elevation MSL 20 to 100 100 to 300 300 to 600 600 to 900 900 to 1200 900 to 1200 Above 1200
Slope 5 to 10% 10 to 25% 30 to 60% 30 to 50% 15 to 50% 20 to 70% 20 to 70%
Very deep Very deep Very deep Very deep Very deep
Well Very deep and
Drainage and well and well and well and well and well
drained well drained
drained drained drained drained drained
Yellowish Reddish Dark reddish

Dark Dark
red colored brown to Black to Reddish brown to
yellowish reddish
with clayey Yellowish Yellowish brown to reddish yellow
brown to brown to
Texture loamy. red with red with red in color with silty,
red with Yellowish
Gravel is clayey loamy to with clayey loamy, and
clayey red with
present in loamy in clayey loamy clayey in
loamy silty clay
surface texture. nature.
Depth 80 to 90to120cm Above Upto Upto Upto 100 to 125 cm

150cm 150cm 150cm 150cm 150cm
(Source: - Published By Soil Survey Organization, 1999)
7
1.4 CLIMATE AND RAINFALL
1.4.1 Climate: High degree of altitudinal variations and changes in
aspects induces remarkable difference in the climate within this tract. The
climatic conditions in the high Ranges are different from those of the low
Ranges. The climate on the western side of the Western Ghats is
extremely different from that of the Eastern side. Appreciable changes in
climatic conditions are noticed from one end to the other. The climate is
more or less temperate in the high ranges of Munnar Division. During
winter, in high altitude areas lying above 1525 M are characterized by
severe cold nights but the days are normally warm/hot. In certain valleys
pool frost occurs in winter months causing damage to young plants. Pool
frost is the result of inverted temperature gradient setup at winter nights in
the valley causing a convection current of cold air sliding down. In
enclosed valleys, a pool of chilled air accumulates at the bottom of the
valley which reduces the temperature causing damage to vegetation. The
adverse effect of winter is so severe that the younger plants get frozen or
chilled to death, stems of trees may get split and plants may even be
uprooted due to frost lifting caused by the expansion of freezing water.
1.4.2 Rainfall: Major area of the Division falls in the western slope of the
Western Ghats. This area receives rains from both monsoons viz the
South - west and North - East and showers during April – May. The annual
average rainfall is about 3000 mm. The regular monsoon commences by
June and lasts till the end of August. The heaviest precipitation is during
June - July. The North east monsoon starts by October and continue till
the end of November. During this period, rain starts in the afternoon
accompanied by thunder and lightning. During the rainy season severe
cold is experienced, especially in Munnar region due to the continuous
drizzling during days and nights, it is cold even in the midday. The high
relative humidity also adds to the fury of the climate. The lowest rainfall
recorded during the period 1997 to 2008 is 4380 mm in 2003 and the
highest rainfall was 6500 mm in 2005.
1.4.3 Wind: Wind is generally light to moderate, which strengthens in

monsoon season. During the period from January to May wind strengthens
in afternoon. In the Southwest monsoon season wind is mainly westerly or
North westerly. During the rest of the year wind is mainly North Easterly to
Easterly in morning and blow from direction between Southwest and
Northwest in the afternoons.
1.4.4 Temperature: The climate is more or less temperate in the high

altitude areas. The temperature varies from 6 to 260C. Minimum
temperature during the last ten years was 6.40C recorded in 1997
February and maximum was 25.90 C recorded in March 2004.
1.4.5 Relative Humidity: The air is highly humid throughout the year,
Relative Humidity is 80 % and above. In interior regions, the humidity from
December to March is between 70 to 80 % in the after noon. Rainfall,
temperature and relative humidity for the last ten years are given in
Appendix – III.
8
1.4.6 Cloudiness: During May due to, Southwest monsoon season, sky is
thickly clouded. In the post monsoon month of October and November sky
is moderately clouded and in the other months it is lightly clouded.
1.5 WATER SOURCE

The highly elevated undulating terrain which receives heavy rains
from Southwest and North East monsoons, result in the formation of
network of rivers and streams and hence there is no scarcity of water in
the western slope of tract. The area is well drained.
1.5.1 Major water sources
1) 1. Periyar River: Periyar river with its perennial supply of water is the
main source of discharge from Nagarampara Reserve and the
southern half of Malayattoor Reserve. From the northern half of
Malayattoor Reserve originate the Kunji Aar, Thuduppi Aar and
Kuttampuzha – the first two joining the Pooyamkutty Aar and the last
at Idamala Aar. Idamala Aar itself it formed by the union of Anamalai
and Mannali rivers which take their origin in the Anamudi reserve.
The Deviyar originates from Thalamaly area of Malayattoor Reserve
Forests in Adimaly Forest Range and flows westwards to join Periyar
at Neriamangalam. Three rivers namely Nallathanni Aar, Kannimala
Aar and Kundala aar that originate in the KDH have their confluence
at Munnar Town and flow down towards Periyar as Muthirapuzha aar.
1.5.1.1 Tributaries of Major Rivers
1) Nallathanni Aar:- It begins from Nallathanni and flows towards

North – East direction and joins Muthirapuzha Aar at Munnar and
then flows down to join Periyar river at Panamkutty.
2) Kannimala Aar:- It originates from Anamudi Reserve Forest and

flows Eastwards to join Muthirapuzha at Munnar.
3) Kundala Aar:- This river orginates from Top station at the state
boundary and flows Westwards to Kundala Dam Reservoir and then
flows to Mattuppetty Dam Reservoir and finally to Munnar to join
Nallathanni Aar and Kannimala Aar.
4) Kallar Aar:- It originates from Pallivasal Unreserve Forest area,

flows Southwards to join the Muthirapuzhayar at Kallarkutty.
5) Idaliyar Aar:- This river has its origin from Malayattoor Reserve
Forests at Kerala-Tamilnadu border near Noorady Tribal Settlement
and then flows westwards to Pooyamkutty.
6) Panniyar Aar:- This river arises from Chinnakanal – Surianelli area

of Devikulam Range and reaches Anayirankal Dam Reservoir and
9
then flows westwards to Ponmudi Dam Reservoir; then joins
Muthirapuzha at Vellathoovel.
7) Deviyar Aar:- Its origin is at Thalamaly area of Malayattoor

Reserve Forests of Adimaly Forest Range in Munnar Forest
Division and flows westwards to join Periyar at Neriamangalam.
8) Chemmannar Aar:- It starts from CHR region at Udumbanchola

and supports cardamom cultivation in the region and flows
westwards to join Panniyar at Kuthungal Hydro electric project area,
then flows to Ponmudi Dam Reservoir and thereafter joins
Muthirapuzha River at Vellathooval.
1.5.2 Reservoirs: Many dams have been constructed across the rivers in
the Munnar Division for power generation and irrigation. The details
regarding dams and reservoirs are given in last Part of this Chapter
dealing with legal positions.
1.6 WATERSHED AND THEIR DISTRIBUTION

1.6.1 Watershed development concept: Generally, forests consist of
multi-storied vegetation with closed and spreading canopy levels and
dense undergrowth. The thick leaf litter on the forest floor provides
protective cover to the soil and regulates the pace of run-off of water,
leading to the formation of steady and mild flowing streams and rivers.
Forests of the region once supported luxuriant vegetation. Denudation and
consequent degradation of vegetation of the locality caused due to various
forms of biotic pressures such as uncontrolled grazing, repeated annual
fires and illicit removal of firewood. Once the soil is exposed, the soft and
nutrient-rich soil is lost due to accelerated run-off leading to soil erosion
and degradation. This soil loss is more in steep hills with the result, soil is
structurally fragmented paving the way for formation of gullies, which
reduce the area that supports and sustains vegetation. In such a situation,
the forests instead of developing into richer form of ecosystem by
progression will undergo retrogression.
River / stream bank erosion continues with the rising river stream
flow during the monsoon causing widening of rivers and streams with
raised beds filled with sand and rubble. This results in their reduced
carrying capacity and such a situation creates floods, which are
responsible for the damage and loss of life and property. If stream banks
are stabilized by suitable species like bamboo, reeds and other soil
binders, the water courses can remain regulated, their safe and steady
carrying capacity can be increased and finally the life of reservoirs can
also be enhanced considerably. This increases ground water potential also
as the water slowly percolates down to the deeper soil strata. Therefore it
is necessary to afford stabilization of river / stream banks, wherever
practically possible.
10
The management of forests on watershed principles involves,
besides other aspects, the improvement of soil condition, conservation and
judicious utilization of the life supporting natural resources such as water
and soil. Watershed is managed as a hydrological unit.
Table – 4 – Micro water sheds of Periyar water shed

(Watershed code 14p)
Micro watershed Extent

Sl. No. Station 2
(km ) (km2)
Neriyamangalam Range
1 Inchathotty 14P32a 8.268
2 Inchathotty 14P30bn 12.475
3 Inchathotty 14P33a 9.6868
4 Inchathotty 14P30bm 21.3205
5 Valara 14P30vj 25.4998
6 Valara 14P30bi 17.106
7 Valara 14P34a 10.453
8 Valara 14P35a 6.868
9 Valara 14P35e 5.74
10 Valara 14P36a 6.917
11 Valara 14P35b 13.5844
12 Nagarampara 13M38k 1.281
13 Nagarampara 13M38l 2.892
14 Nagarampara 14P34a 10.453
17 Nagarampara 14P31c 1.628
Adimaly Range
19 Perinjankutty Section 14P41a 6.0812
20 Perinjankutty Section 14P41b 7.2943
21 Perinjankutty Section 14P40b 25.2227
22 Perinjankutty Section 14P41c (pt) 12.626
23 Perinjankutty Section 14P40bg 3.2321
11
Sl. No. Station 2
(km ) (km2)
24 Perinjankutty Section 14P41c (pt) 12.6268
25 Mukkudam Section 14P40bf 0.2894
26 Mukkudam Section 14P40be 10.6649
27 Mukkudam Section 14P40bd 4.5527
28 Mukkudam Section 14P40bb(pt) 10.488
29 Mukkudam Section 14P41c 12.6268
30 Mukkudam Section 14P40bc(pt) 8.0489
31 Mukkudam Section 14P40bg(pt) 3.231
32 Koombanpara Section 14P35c(pt) 30.7343
33 Koombanpara Section 14P40a(pt) 17.6844
34 Koombanpara Section 14P40b(pt) 31.943
35 Machiplavu Station 14P30bf 8.1842
36 Machiplavu Station 14P30bd 9.6793
37 Machiplavu Station 14P30be 14.9524
38 Machiplavu Station 14P30bc 10.9203
39 Machiplavu Station 14P30bg 8.4002
40 Machiplavu Station 14P30bh 38.303
41 Machiplavu Station 14P35b(pt) 9.589
42 Machiplavu Station 14P35c(pt) 12.293
43 Machiplavu Station 14P40bb 10.488
44 Panamkutty Station 14P36a(pt) 2.075
45 Panamkutty Station 14P37a 7.23190
46 Panamkutty Station 14P35d 12.854
50 Panamkutty Station 14P40e 8.565
Devikulam Range
51 Pallyvasal Section 14P40b 31.943
52 Pallyvasal Section 14P40c 10.2333
53 Pallyvasal Section 14P40h 7.3822
12
Sl. No. Station 2
(km ) (km2)
54 Pallyvasal Section 14P40ac 8.1459
55 Pallyvasal Section 14P40g 5.8403
56 Pallyvasal Section 14P40f 9.6096
57 Pallyvasal Section 14P40e 8.565
58 Chinnakanal Section 14P40ar 20.091
59 Chinnakanal Section 14P40at 7.9092
60 Chinnakanal Section 14P40au 13.352
61 Chinnakanal Section 14P40aq 10.174
62 CHR area 14P41a 6.0812
63 CHR area 14P41b 7.2943
64 CHR area 14P40bg 150540
65 CHR area 14P41bt 5.6973
66 CHR area 14P40be 10.665
67 CHR area 14P40bd 4.5527
68 CHR area 14P40bc 8.0489
69 CHR area 14P40aj 9.5078
70 CHR area 14P40ai 10.665
71 CHR area 14P40ah 7.5883
72 CHR area 14P40ae 6.4658
73 CHR area 14P40ad 12.423
74 CHR area 14P40at 11.302
75 CHR area 14P40ag 17.996
76 CHR area 14P40aq 10.174
77 CHR area 14P40ap 5.9001
78 CHR area 14P40av 5.4932
79 CHR area 14P40aw 28.382
80 CHR area 14P40ax 23.393
81 CHR area 14P40ba 47.328
82 CHR area 14P41e 15.057
83 CHR area 14P41d 11.671
84 CHR area 14P41c 12.627
13
Sl. No. Station 2
(km ) (km2)
85 CHR area 14P40bc 8.0489
86 CHR area 14P40bb 10.489
87 CHR area 14P40az 7.4956
88 CHR area 14P40ay 10.558
89 CHR area 14P40ao 10.918
90 CHR area 14P40an 8.008
91 CHR area 14P40am 9.1187
92 CHR area 14P40al 12.427
93 CHR area 14P40ak 13.96
Munnar Range
94 Pettimudi station 14P30p 9.6793
95 Pettimudi station 14P30q 5.8077
96 Pettimudi station 14P30r 10.633
97 Pettimudi station 14P30s 6.6736
98 Pettimudi station 14P30t 4.0755
99 Pettimudi station 14P30u 16.99
100 Pettimudi station 14P30v 8.1765
101 Pettimudi station 14P30x 30.115
102 Pettimudi station 14P30w 10.509
103 Pettimudi station 14P30y 6.7374
104 Pettimudi station 14P30at 32.137
105 Pettimudi station 14P30av 6.8875
1.6.1.1 Major watersheds in Munnar Division: Periyar River is the major

River system in this Division. The river Periyar and its tributaries form the
Periyar Watershed. The Muvattupuzha water shed form a very small area
of this Division.
1. Periyar Watershed: The Periyar Watershed is divided into 183 sub

watersheds, which are further subdivided into 448 micro watersheds
based on the Watershed atlas prepared by Kerala Land Use Board. Out of
these, 13 sub watersheds and 93 micro watersheds are in Munnar Forest
Division. The forests of Munnar Division constitute upper region of this
watershed. The status of the soil erosion is moderate to severe in the
upper region. The degradation of forestland is a problem in this area. This
14
may be due to the faulty management practices and overexploitation of the
natural forest. For controlling the degradation, soil conservation works
were done in these areas. Soil conservation works under watershed
management were first launched in Kerala at Koompanpara (1964), in
Adimaly Range of Munnar Division. Under Kerala Forestry Project, (1998-
2003) large extent of degraded areas in different locations of Munnar
Division have undergone various types of treatments as per treatment
plans approved under the project. Gully plugging was taken up extensively
in order to check soil erosion and degradation of the tract. Planting of
bamboo, reeds and cane were also resorted for restocking the stock and
to check soil and water erosion. In order to restock the gaps created by
over exploitation and illegal fellings, gap planting was resorted to. In this
process, naked as well as basketted seedlings of preferred local species
were planted in the gaps. In an effort to restock the degraded forest tract
and to develop heterogeneous forest vegetation of desired species,
extensive areas were treated by broadcasting seeds of local species, after
removing the weeds. These treatment areas were maintained well during
the subsequent years by carrying out necessary tending operations and
providing ample protection against the possible fire damages. All such
treatment areas of miscellaneous species and the plantations of bamboo,
reeds and canes raised in this Division during (1998-2003) are part of the
ecorestoration of Periyar Watershed. But after a few years, the works as
per this scheme were discontinued due to paucity of funds.
2. Muvattupuzha watershed: Micro watersheds, 13M38k and 13M38l of

Muvattupuzha watershed are in Neriamangalam Range of Munnar
Division. According to watershed atlas of Kerala Land Use Board, the
Muvattupuzha watershed is divided into 320 Micro watersheds. As per the
watershed atlas, the erosion status in this area is moderate to severe.
Table – 5 – Micro water sheds of Muvattupuzha water shed
(Watershed code: 13M)
Sl.No Watershed code Area(km2)

1 13M 38 k 128.117
2 13M 38 l 289.259
1.7 DISTRIBUTION OF THE AREA

Munnar Forest Division was constituted vide G.O (MS) 1011/62/
Agri. Dated 05/06/1962 and came into effect on 01/04/1963, with
Devikulam Marayoor and Adimaly Ranges. With the formation of High
Ranges Circle vide G.O. (MS) 197/81/ forest dated 31/07/1981 two more
Ranges namely Munnar and Neriamangalam with territorial status were
formed. It had 5 territorial Ranges namely Marayoor Range with head
quarters at Marayoor, Munnar Range with head quarters at Munnar,
Devikulam Range with head quarters at Devikulam, Adimaly Range with
15
head quarters at Adimaly and Neriamangalam Range with Head Quarters
at Neriamangalam.
1.7.1 Areas transferred to wildlife wing: Considering the great

ecological, faunal, floral and geomorphologic importance of the Shola
Forest of Mathikettan, an extent of 1281.742 Ha in CHR area of Devikulam
Range was declared as Mathikettan National Park vide the Govt Order
(Ms) No.50/2003/F&WLD Dated 10th October 2003.
Subsequently, the Pambadum shola with an extent of 131.80 Ha

was declared as Pambadum shola National Park vide order No.
12875/F2/2003/ F&WLD dated 14/12/2003.
The Mannavan shola Reserve No. 58, Iddiyaar shola Reserve

No.56 & Pullaradi shola Reserve No.57 were constituted as Anamudi
shola National Park and declared as per order No. 12876/F2/2003 F&WLD
dated 14/12/2003. The total extent is 750 ha. The Govt orders pertaining
formation of National Parks are given in Appendix – IV to VI.
1.7.2 Area Formed as Marayoor Division: The Marayoor Range of

Munnar Forest Division was recently converted into Marayoor Sandal
Division as per the G.O (MS) 67/2005/F&WLD Dated 08/06/2005.
At present Munnar Division has four territorial Ranges and has an

extent of 320.5546 Sq Km of Reserve Forest.
1.8 MUNNAR FOREST DIVISION

The Forest Station system was introduced in Munnar Division w.e.f
01/11/1991 as per Govt. order with reference GO (MS) 56/91 dated
16/07/1991. Forest Station / Beat is the smallest working units in the
Forest Division. Among the four Ranges, Forest stations are
operationalised in three Ranges i.e. in Munnar, Neriamangalam and
Adimaly Ranges. All the Section and Beat areas except the areas in the
Cardamom Hill Reserve and Pallivasal un-Reserve in Adimaly Range and
the whole of Devikulam Range with Chinnakanal un Reserve, were re-
organized and not brought under Forest Stations. However the Forest
Stations were not operationalised in Devikulam Range and in the CHR and
Unreserve areas of Adimaly Range. In these areas the sections/beat
system is in vogue.
1. Neriamangalam Range: The Headquarters of the Range is at

Neriamangalam. This Range has three Stations named Nagarampara with
head quarters at Karimanal, Inchathotty with head quarters at Inchathotty
and Valara with head quarters at 6th Mile.
2. Adimaly Range: The Range headquarters is at Koompanpara near

Adimaly. Machiplavu and Panamkutty are the two stations in this Range
16
with headquarters at Machiplavu and Panamkutty. Sections are
functioning in CHR and Unreserve area.
3. Devikulam Range: The headquarters of this Range is at Devikulam.

Bodimettu, Pathinettampady, Pallivasal and Aruvikadu are the sections in
this Range.
4. Munnar Range: The Range headquarters is at Munnar. Only one

Forest Station named Pettimudy is functioning in this Range with
headquarters at Nymakkad.
Table – 6 – Distribution of the area (km2)
Sl Extent
Reserve Remarks
No (km2)
Devikulam Range
Original notified area is 191.32 acres (as
Devikulam Fuel
1 per Notification No 406/F&MR dated
Reserve
08.10.1920)
Disreservation of 11.89 acres (as per
Notification ROC No.4603/40/Devpt dtd
06.03.1941)
Land transferred to Revenue department
0.7546 on 10.04.1964 as per GO(MS) 304/63/
Rev dated 04.04.1963 is 10.80 acres.
Area taken back from Revenue

Department on 24.04.1964 is 17.84 acres
vide GO (MS) 281/64 Rev dated
24.04.1964. The present area is 0.7546
Sq.Km
2 Vested Forests 2.45
The land lies in 11 Re-Survey Blocks for
3 KDH Lands 44.31203 which section 4 Notification under Kerala
Forest Act, 1961is proposed to be issued.
As per Notification dated GO (MS) No.
804 – Revenue Dept. (A) dated
09/08/1958, the total extent of CHR is 334
Sq. Miles = 865.055 Sq. Km. Out of this
an extent of 479.258 Sq. Km comes under
the jurisdiction of Kottayam Division as
per the approved Working Plan of
Kottayam Division. An extent of 12.817
4 CH Reserve 310.284
Sq. Km is with Mathikettan Shola National
Park (GO (MS) No. 50/2003/F&WLD
dated 10/10/2003). The balance area of
372.98 Sq. Km is coming under the
jurisdiction of Munnar division. The extent
in Adimaly Range is 62.696 Sq. Km. The
Balance area of 310.284 Sq Km is in
Devikulam Range.
17
Sl Extent
Reserve Remarks
No (km2)
As per approved Working Plan for the
period up to 2001-02 the extent of
Chinnakkanal Unreserve is 47.00 Sq Km.
Out of the total extent of 47 Sq Km of the
Unreserve, an extent of 21.37 Sq Km was
Chinnakanal in the custody of Forest Department until
5 47.00
Unreserve the year 2003. During the year 2003 an
extent of 413 ha (4.13 Sq Km) has been
taken over by Revenue Department for
distribution to the landless tribals. As such
the balance area available in the custody
of Forest Department is 17.24 Sq Km.
The total extent of Pallivasal Unreserve is
79.00 Sq. Km comprising Pallivasal,
Kunjithanny, Vellathooval and Anaviratty
6 Pallivasal Unreserve 69.134 Revenue Villages. Out of this 79.00 Sq.
Km, an extent of 69.134 Sq. Km is in
Devikulam Range and the balance is in
Adimaly Range.
Total 473.93463
Munnar Range
1 Anamudy Reserve 106.19 FA – 1084/57/AD dated 06/08/1969
The land lies in 5 Re-Survey Blocks for
2 KDH lands 22.170503 which section 4 notification under Kerala
Forest Act, 1961 is proposed to be issued.
EFL notified sholas Notification No. EFL 12-35/2006 dated

3 4.24 11/01/2007 published in Kerala Gazette
(12 nos) No 8 dated 20.02.2007.
Total 132.600503
Adimaly Range
1 Portion of Malayattoor 110.87 Gazette notification dated 29/03/1895
Reserve (Appendix – IX of Working Plan)
2 CH Reserve 62.696 As per Notification dated GO (MS) No.
804 – Revenue Dept. (A) dated
09/08/1958, the total extent of CHR is 334
Sq. Miles = 865.055 Sq. Km. Out of this
an extent of 479.258 Sq. Km comes under
the jurisdiction of Kottayam Division as
per the approved Working Plan of
Kottayam Division. An extent of 12.817 is
with Mathikettan Shola National Park (GO
(MS) No.50/2003/F&WLD dated
10/10/2003). The balance area of 372.98
Sq. Km is coming under the jurisdiction of
Munnar division. The extent in Devikulam
Range is 310.284 Sq. Km and the balance
area of 62.696 Sq Km is in Adimaly
Range.
18
Sl Extent
Reserve Remarks
No (km2)
3 Pallivasal Unreserve 8.9583 The total extent of Pallivasal Unreserve is
79.00 Sq. Km comprising Pallivasal,
Kunjithanny, Vellathooval and Anaveratty
Revenue Villages. Out of this 79.00 Sq.
Km, an extent of 69.134 Sq. Km is in
Devikulam Range and the balance, 9.866
Sq. Km is in Adimaly Range. The notified
EFL under Sl No. 4 below is also in
Pallivasal Unreserve and as such the
extent is 8.9583 Sq Km is after excluding
the extent of 0.9027 Sq Km notified as
EFL.
4 EFL 0.9077 Notified as per Notification No.C6-
21497/2000 dated 27.03.2001 published
in Kerala Gazette No 23 dated
05.06.2001.
Total 183.432
Neriyamangalam
Range
1 Nagarampara 20.72 Gazette notification dated 24/06/1902
Reserve (Appendix – X of Working Plan)
2 Portion of Malayattoor 82.02 Gazette notification dated 29/03/1895
Reserve (Appendix – IX of Working Plan)
Grand total (473.93463 + 132.600503 + 183.432+102.74)
= 892.707133 km2
Abstarct of Distribution (km2)
Range RF Unreserve CHR VF EFL KDH Total

Neriamangalam 102.74 - - - - 102.74
Adimaly 110.87 8.9583 62.696 - 0.9077 - 183.432
Munnar 106.190 - - - 4.24 22.170503 132.600503
116.134
Devikulam 0.7546 310.284 2.45 - 44.31203 473.93463
Total 320.5546 125.0923 372.98 2.45 5.1477 66.482533 892.707133
1.9 STATE OF BOUNDARY
1.9.1 The External Boundary: Most of the Reserve boundaries are

demarcated with permanent RR masonry cairns to prevent further
encroachment into the Reserve Forest. The portions of Reserve forests
which were encroached prior to 01/01/1977 are identified jointly by the
Forest and Revenue authorities. The boundaries of the forests excluding the
19
encroached bits have been refixed. Boundary notification of the Division
after excluding Eravikulam National Park, Shola National Parks and
Marayoor Division has not been done. Necessary action has to be taken by
the Divisional Forest Officer, Munnar for notifying the present boundary of
Munnar Division excluding the above areas.
1.9.2 Boundary Description of Munnar Division
North: From Pannimadakuthu to the north-west point (1619) in Idamalai

river where the state boundary runs south from Mukkothumudi meets the
Idamalai river from the north east corner of the Malayattur Reserve Forest,
the boundary runs eastwards along the boundary of Kerala State separating
it from Coimbatore District to the point (1707) where the boundary of
Eravikulam National Park that meet it, at south east of Sambamalai (1934)
then to Erumamalai, then towards west along Eravikulam National Park
boundary through Kolukkumalai (2056) then to Bheemamalai (1480)
crossing Bheemamalai Ar, point 1674 then to Sambamalai (2306) towards
north running towards north to Umayamalai (2436) then towards west wards
through the top of Anaimudi (2690) to the point Rajamala (2193) along 2187
then towards east through the northern boundary of Pettimudi estate,
eastern boundary of Rajamala estate to the point 2006 then to Thirumudi
(1284) near Pallanadu through the northern boundary of Nemakkadu tea
estate, top Vaguvarrai tea estate, Lakkom tea estate, Vayalkadavu coffee
estate and western boundary of Chattamunnar estate from Thirumudi along
the western boundary of Theerthalar proposed reserve then through the
point Ottakombu mala (2164) to the point (2505) southern most point of
Mannavan shola from this point to Thandamala (2522) towards southern
direction up to the point 1998 at Top Station ie. South east corner of
Chettivara estate and south west corner of Pampadum shola.
East:- Starting from south west boundary of Pampadum Shola National

Park to the point 1998 M then to point 2014 and 2059, through the state
boundary reaches 2637, thence through the boundary of Kolukkumala tea
estate and Nagamala reaches 2280 then through Chinnakkanal reaches
Bodimettu and end in northeast corner of Mathikettan National Park. Then
through north west of Mathikettann Shola through Aduvilanthankudi,
Thondimala, and in point at Pooppara (1067) then through southern side of
Mathikettan shola National Park reaches the point between 1486 and 1590
to south east wards through the point 1590 to 1525 then westwards along
state boundary through the eastern side of Thakilmedu end in point 1410,
thence along boundary of Pathinettampady mettu estate reaches point 1283
then end in point 1019. Palachenamedu which is the south east corner.
South:- Starting from Palachanamedu runs west passes Kumili road at

Parathodu joins Perinjamkutty river up to Panamkutty, crosses Idukki road
west up to Pambla, turns south up to Pazhayarikandam, thence to west up
to Thalakode, along the Alwaye-Munnar road up to Neriamangalam and
then to along Periyar river up to Palamattom.
20
West:- From Palamattom runs north east direction and crosses
Kuttampuzhayar and reaches Parapoya then along Kanikiyar river up to
Kujiyar then passes through Perumbankuthu and ends at Pannimadakuthu.
1.9.3 Interstate Boundary Description: This Division has about 55 Km of

Inter - state boundary with Tamil Nadu (Munnar Range 18 km, Devikulam
Range 37km Approximate). Pannimadakuthu was fixed in 1877 as tri-
junction of the territories of erstwhile Madras Presidency and Travancore -
Cochin States. From the tri junction eastwards, the boundary is formed by
the Idamalai Aar for about three and one quarter miles (5.20 Km), then by
Iddali Aar for about six and three fourth miles (10.86Km). Both are large
perennial rivers running in deep gorges and as they thus form unmistakable
natural boundaries, no demarcation along this portion of the line is
necessary. The boundary continues to follow the Iddali Aar up to the point
1707. This is a trijunction point where Manampully Range of Anamalai
Division, Munnar Range of Munnar Division and Eravikulam National Park
meet.
The Devikulam Range of this Division shares the inter state boundary
with Theni Forest Division. Starting from Western boundary of Pampadum
shola National Park to the point 1998 thence point 2014 thence to 2085
from there to point 2015 thence to point 2059, through the state boundary
reaches the point 2637 thence through the boundary of Kolukkumala Tea
estate and the Nagamala reaches point 2280 thence through Chinnakanal
reaches Bodimettu end in northeast corner of Mathikettan national Park.
(Tamil Nadu- Theni Division).
Starting from southeast corner of Mathikettan National Park between

the point 486 and 1590 to southwards through point 1590 to south
eastwards through the point 1525 then west wards along state boundary
through the eastern side of Thakilmedu end in point 410 thence along
boundary of Pathinettampadi mettu estate reaches point 1534 then go
southwards to point 1224 thence to 1283 and end in point 1019(Tamil Nadu,
Theni Division).
As per existing rule the Intern-State boundary has to be verified

jointly by Divisional Forest Officers, of Munnar, Pollachi, and Theni once in
three years. Joint verification of inter - state boundary has to be carried out
once in 3 years as required.
1.9.4 Boundary Descriptions of Ranges in Munnar Division
1. Neriamangalam Range
North:- Starting from a point at Palamattom near Periyar where

Columbanthodu joins Periyar river runs towards east along the Division
boundary passing through Puzhumrnudi (1764) Periyarmala (2971) up to
Parapoya.
21
East:- From Parapoya runs towards south through Kunjiyar up to
Irumbupalam and then crossing the Alwaye- Munnar road and then again
towards south and joins Periyar and then along Periyar up to Panamkutty
towards east.
South & West:- Thence towards southwest along the Division boundary till
it joins the starting point at Palamattom.
2. Adimaly Range
North:- Starting from a point at North-eastern of Neriyamangalam Range at

Parapoya runs west through Division boundary then towards Division
boundaries and joins at Perumala.
East:- Thence running along the concession both towards the north east up
to number 10 Pallivasal-Pakkuthi, then turns towards south along the river
till it joins with Muthirapuzha then takes a turn towards east along
Muthirapuzha and Panniyar joins then towards south Sinapettythodu and
joins the Division boundary.
South:- Thence runs along the Division boundary towards west upto
Panamkutty and then Panamkutty towards west through Periyar up to South
eastern comer of Valara, Neriyamangalam Range.
West:- From this point turns towards north passing lrumbupalam and joins
the starting point along eastern boundary of Neriyamanagalam Range.
3. Munnar Range
North:- Starting from northwest point 1619 in Idamalai river where the state
boundary runs south from Mukkothumudi meets the Idamalai river from the
north east corner of the Malayattur Reserve Forest, the boundary runs
eastwards along the boundary of Kerala State separating it from
Coimbatore District to the point (1707) where the boundary of Eravikulam
National Park that meet it, at south east of Sambamalai (1934) then to
Erumamalai, then towards west along Eravikulam National Park boundary
through Kolukkumalai (2056) then to Bheemamalai (1480) crossing
Bheemamalai Ar, point 1674 then to Sambamalai (2306) towards north
running towards north to Umayamalai (2436) then towards west wards
through the top of Anaimudi (2690) to the point Rajamala (2193) along 2187
then towards east through the northern boundary of Pettimudi Estate,
eastern boundary of Rajamala Estate to the point 2006 then to Thirumudi
(1284) near Pallanadu through the northern boundary of Nemakkadu tea
estate, top of Vaguvarrai tea estate, Lakkom tea estate, Vayalkadavu coffee
estate and western boundary of Chattamunnar estate from Thirumudi along
the western boundary of Theerthalar proposed reserve.
East:- From junction point of Thirthalar proposed reserve towards southeast

direction to point (1538) Karadikumed, then to Thalaivarai (1892), thence to
Ottakombu Mala (2164) then towards south through left side of Kundala
22
mala (2534) then through the left boundary of Puthukudy estate, then
through reservoir towards point 1511.
South:- Along the right boundary of stream Kuttiyar up to point 1465 then
southwards up to point 1438. Then turns right, then towards west upto point
1470 then to point 1599, then to point 1740 reaches origin point of Kallar
river then end at eastern boundary of Mankulam Division.
West:- Starting from the boundary point of Mankulam Division through the
eastern boundary of Mankulam Division from point 1696 then to point 1537
Nallathanni Tea Estate through the Division boundary point 826, then to
point 1859 then northwards to point 1860, then along the Division boundary
to point 1490 then to point 2006 to reach Rajamala.
4. Devikulam Range
North:- From Theerthamala to the southern most point of Mannavan

shola(2055) then to point Thandamala (2522) towards southern direction
up to the point 1998 at Top Station ie. South east corner of Chettivara
estate and south west corner of Pampadum shola.
East:- Starting from south west boundary of Pampadum Shola National

Park to the point 1998 M then to point 2014 and 2059, through the state
boundary reaches point 2637, thence through the boundary of Kolukkumala
tea estate and Nagamala reaches point 2280 then through Chinnakkanal
reaches Bodimettu and end in northeast corner of Mathikettan National
Park. Then through north west of Mathikettann Shola through
Aduvilanthankudi, Thondimala, and in point at Pooppara (1067) then
through southern side of Mathikettan shola National Park reaches the point
between 1486 and 1590 to south east wards through the point 1590 to 1525
then westwards along state boundary through the eastern side of
Thakilmedu end in point 1410, thence along boundary of Pathinettampady
mettu estate reaches point 1283 then end in point 1019. Palachenamedu
which is the south east corner.
South:- thence towards west along the Division boundary up to the points
where Sinapotthodu joins on Perinjankutty river.
West:- The boundary line then goes towards north along the Sinapettithodu
through eastern boundary of Mukkudom beat turns towards west and runs
along Muthirapuzha river till it meets with Kallar river. Then goes towards
north along Kallar River, till it meets the concession boundary number 10
Pallivasal pakuthy, then towards east along the concession boundary till it
reaches southeastern boundary of Chokkandae Estate, then runs towards
north along the eastern boundary of Munnar Range and joins the
concession boundary at Nachivayal pakuthy.
23
1.9.5 Boundary description of Sections
1. Adimaly Range - Mukkudom Section
North:- Starting from Kallarkutty dam to Ponmudi dam through Panniyar

river then Ponmudi Rajakkadu road up to Chelachuvadu, then up to
Kuthumgal (930) along the boundary of Devikulam Range.
East:- From Kuthungal to south wards crossing the reservoir then to

Panniyar nirappu, then to Muniyara along the Devikulam Range boundary
up to Mullarikudy.
South:- Starting from Mullarikudy along west wards through Myladumpara –

Kallarkutty road up to Kambilikandom. Then south wards from
Kambilikandom through Kambilikandom - Murikkassery road up to Chinnar
bridge. Then up to Panamkutty through Chinnar river which joints with
Muthirappuzha and Periyar.
West:- From Panamkutty to Kallarkutty along Muthirappuzha river.
Perinjamkutty Section
North:- From Kambilikandom up to Mullirikudy along the right side of

Kallarkutty – Myladumpara road
East:- Starting from Mullirikudy to Perinjamkutty along the boundary of

Devikulam Range
South:- Starting from Perinjamkutty bridge up to Chinnar bridge along

Chinnar river.
West:- From Chinnar bridge along the Murikkassery – Kamblikandom road

up to Kamblikandom junction.
Koompanpara Section
North:- Starting from tri-junction point of Malayattoor reserve, Mankulam

Division and Pallivasal unreserve then to Plamala from then to Viripara
tunnel along the boundary of Mankulam Division. Then turns to south east
up to Ambazhachal through Devikulam Range boundary.
East:- From Ambazhachal up to Kallarkutty dam along the Kallar river
South:- From Kallarkutty dam westwards through Kallarkutty – Adimaly

road up to Adimaly Junction.
West:- Starting Adimaly Junction along the right side of Aluva – Munnar
road up to Koompanpara then turns north wards along the Reserve
boundary of Malayattoor up to tri-junction where Malayattoor Reserve
Forest, Mankulam Division and Pallivasal un reserve.
24
2. Devikulam Range - Bodimettu Section
North: Boundary of Chinnakkanal section (Poopara to Bodimettu,

Aruvikkadu Section and south pothamedu)
East : From Bodimettu, the state boundary, upto Uchilikuthumedu.
South: A foot path from Uchilikuthu medu proceeding eastwards through

Poopara estate, Crosses the Manjakuzhiyar passes through Poopara estate
Crosses the manjakuzhiyar passes through Kachinippara and to south of
Pottankadu and goes westwards until it reaches the kunjithanniyar, until it
joins muthira puzha river
West: West from the junction of Muthira puzha river with the Kunjithanniyar
the line goes to north east till it crosses the Pallivasal river and thence along
the Cardamom Hill Reserve boundary till it meets the southern boundary of
KDHP Concession area at a point somewhere between the Gundumalai
and Chokanadumalai upto Lockhart gap.
Chinnakkanal Section
North: The southern boundary of the KDHP land from Lockhart gap
eastwards along the ridge to the state boundary (Gap to Meesapulimala)
East: From the junction of state boundary and the southern boundary of
KDHP land the state boundary upto Bodimettu. (Bodimettu to
Meesapulimala, Tamilnadu border (inter state boundary)
South: From Bodimettu the boundary goes westwards along Bodimettu

Pooppara road upto the junction where it meets Kumily-Devikulam Road.
From the trijunction the line goes along the road upto Anayirankal junction
(Kankani Junction)
West: Road starting from Anayirankal junction proceeding north west

through Periakanal factory, meet again the old Kumily-Devikulam road at
powerhouse junction and thence along Kumily-Devikulam road upto lockhart
gap.
Ponmudi Section
North: A foot path starting from Uchilikuthumedu proceeding eastwards

through Poopara estate crosses the Manjkuzhiyar passes through
Kachinipara and to the south of Pottankadu and goes eastwards until it
reaches the Kunjithanniyar until it joins Muthirapuzha river.
East: the state boundary from Uchilikuthumettu along the

Pathinettampadymettu upto the point in state boundary which is nearest to
the source of Chemmannar.
West: the Muthirapuzha river from its junction with Kunjithanniyar to its
Junction with Panniar.
25
South: The Chemmannar starting from near the state boundary and
running between Thalayar kavu and Udumbanchola until it joins the river
Panniar until it flows into the Muthirapuzha river.
Thevarammettu Section
North: The southern boundary of Ponmudi Section.
East: The state boundary from near the source of Chemmannar upto
Kambammettu, near the source of Palar joining the south eastern most limit
of the Range.
South: Southern boundary of the Range which is also the Division

boundary .
West: The Range boundary going towards north along the Sinapotthodu
through the eastern boundary of Mukkudam section of Adimali range.
Aruvikadu Section
North: From Theerthamala to the southern most point of Mannavan shola

(2055) then to point Thandamala (2522) towards southern direction up to
the point 1998 at Top station ie. South east corner of Chettivara estate and
south west corner of Pampadum shola.
East: From the point, the boundary goes upto the southern boundary of
Devikulam estate. Then towards south through the Division boundary (state
boundary) upto to Meesapulimalai and thence towards south west along the
concession boundary till it joins to north east corner of Devikulam estate.
South: Goes towards west along the concession boundary upto the point
where the common boundary of Munnar and Devikulam Ranges meet on
the concession boundary. Along the Northern boundary of Devikulam,
Lockhart estate and Devikulam Katcheriland.
West: Thence proceeds towards north along the eastern side of

headquarters land and government land, then turn towards east along the
southern boundary of Mattupatti estate and Mattupatti reservoir thence turns
towards the north along the eastern boundaries of Gundumalai,Vaguvurai
and pambumalai estate and joins at a point in the concession boundary
adjoining the Theerthamala pakuthy on the north.
Pallivasal Section
North: From the point where Kallar ar meets with the concession boundary
near no.10 Pallivasal pakuthy towards east along the concession boundary
till it reaches the north western corner of the Bodimettu section.
East: Then towards south along the eastern boundary of Bodimettu and
Ponmudi section till the junction of Panniar and Muthirapuzha river.
(Headworks dam to Chokkarmudi, Aruvikkadu section Chokkarmudi to
Bodimettu section Yellakall to Panniyarkutty)
26
South: From the above point towards west along the range boundary along
Muthirapuzha river till it meets with Kallar river.
West: Range boundary along Kallar river.
1.9.6 Boundary Description of Forest Stations in Munnar Division

(Appendix – VII)
Checking Stations
There are 5 checking stations in plan area. They are situated at

Thalakodu in Neriyamangalam Range, Panamkutty in Adimaly Range, at
Palar and Bodimettu in Devikulam Range and at Chattamunnar in Munnar
Range. The check post functioning at Chattamunnar in Munnar Range area
is managed by Marayoor Sandal Division. These checking stations are for
checking the vehicles transporting Forest produce from this tract to adjacent
areas and adjacent states. All the vehicles passing through the checking
stations will be closely checked to ensure that they do not carry any forest
produce illegally collected from the forest areas. These checking Stations
help a lot in preventing smuggling of sandal, timber, firewood etc by
vehicular transport.
1.10 MAPS
Authenticate maps of Reserves are not available. The boundary
description of East of Malayattoor Reserve with reference to the western
boundary of the Poonjar Chief’s land is not clear and the boundary of
Poonjar Chief’s Land is not declared. Hence it is difficult to demarcate the
exact Eastern boundary of Malayattoor Reserve. The western boundary of
Anamudi Reserve as per notification coincides with the Eastern boundary of
Malayattoor Reserve. This boundary has to be re-fixed. At present there are
no illegal occupations and hence serious legal problems may not arise in re-
fixing this boundary.
Similarly, due to encroachments and allocation of lands for food

production, the old boundaries of Nagarampara and Malayattoor Reserves
have been changed considerably. Several pockets of habitations inside the
forest have developed. Water spread areas of hydel projects have also
come up. These areas have to be surveyed and demarcated in the field
and incorporated in the maps. This is a major work to be done. The
boundaries of the plantations are well demarcated and maintained annually.
1.11 LEGAL POSITIONS

1.11.1 Reserve Forests: The Reserve Forests of Munnar Division
consists of portion of Malayattoor, Nagarampara Reserves and the whole
area of Devikulam fuel Reserve and Anamudi Reserve. All Reserved
27
Forests covered by this plan excluding the legalized deletions from its own
registry or dis-reservation are the absolute property of the State. The
Table No. 7 shows the details of notified Reserves of Munnar Division.
Table – 7 – Reserve Notification
Extent
Sl.No Reserve District Taluk Village Notification
(sq.mile)
Kunnathunadu, Under
1 Malayattoor 345 Idukki,
Muvattupuzha, Manjapra, section 18 of
Eranakulam Kothamangalam, Regulation II
Thodupuzha
Kumaramangalam, of 1068,
Karimannoor dated 29 th
March 1895
Under
section 18 of
Nagarampara - Regulation II
2 130 Idukki Thodupuzha Kanjikuzhy
Reserve No.60 of 1068 ,
dated 13th
June 1902
FA 2.
Anamudy 1084/57/AD
3 41 Idukki Devikulam Devikulam
Reserve dated 6th
August 1969
Under
Section 18
of
Devikulam Fuel
4 0.77 Idukki Devikulam Devikulam Regulation
Reserve
Act II of
1068 dated
12/10/1920
Under
section 18 of
CHR Regulation II
5 334 Idukki Udumbanchola Poopara
Reserve No.37 of 1068,
dated 24th
August 1897
1. Anamudi Reserve: - The extent of this Reserve is about 41 Sq.miles

(106.19 Sq.km). This area was originally notified under section IV of
Travancore Forest Act in 1946. This Reserve comes in Munnar Range of
Munnar Division. Larger part of Anamudi Reserve receives heavy rainfall
of about 6000 mm. The type of vegetation varies due to altitudinal zonation
from tropical evergreen type to wet temperate montane sholas. Many hill
men settlements (Muthuvans) are present in this Reserve. Copy of the
notification is given in Appendix – VIII.
2. Malayattoor Reserve:- The notified extent of this Reserve is 345

Sq.miles (893.54 Sq.Km). An extent of 192.89 Sq.km (Adimaly Range
110.87Sq.km, Neriamangalam Range 82.02 Sq.km) of this Reserve area
comes in Munnar Forest Division, and the rest falls in the neighboring
Malayattoor and Kothamangalam Divisions. It was the first Reserve
notified in the Travancore state in 1895. Tropical wet evergreen, Moist
deciduous and Semi evergreen forest types are met within this Reserve.
Cane and Reeds are also available. An area of 2775.94 Acres of Reserve
at Mannamkandam valley was disreserved under section -20 in the year
1938. This Reserve is one of those that has been affected very badly by
food production scheme. Suitable areas within the Reserve were given on
28
lease under grow more food scheme and subsequently these old lease
holders became the cause of further encroachment and devastation of the
forests. The actual area of Reserve lost will be more and as such can be
known only by completion of survey and demarcation work. In the past,
small extent was planted with teak and other miscellaneous species. The
copy of Reserve Notification is given as Appendix – IX.
Mannamkandam Valley – Area disreserved under section 20.
No. and date of notification : 5137/38/Devpt., dated 2nd August 1938
Area:- Block A : 1678.12 Acres
Block B : 275.65 Acres
Block C : 334.16 Acres
Block D : 488.01 Acres
Total : 2775.94 Acres
3. Nagarampara Reserve: - Only a small portion of Nagarampara

Reserve comes in Munnar Division i.e. 257.08 Hectare or 635 acres. The
forest types occurring in this Reserve Forest are moist deciduous to semi
evergreen. No extraction was carried out in this Reserve.
Perincherikandam food production area falls within the Reserve. The copy
of Reserve Notification is given as Appendix – X.
Rights :- Nil
Area disreserved under section 20:
Name of block : Land for Neriamangalam Sastha temple
No. and date of notification: 1163/36/Devpt., date 21st May 1936
Area : 5 acres
4. Devikulam Fuel Reserve: - Original notified area of this Reserve is

191.32Acres (77.46 Ha). Some alterations of areas call for a revision of
the original notification. The entire Reserve is planted with Redgum
managed on a coppice system and is meant for fuel purposes. Redgum is
gradually replaced with Eucalyptus rostata for fuel. Reserve lands adjacent
to the fuel Reserve are now being planted with Eucalyptus grandis.
Reserve notification is given in Appendix – XI.
Areas disreserved under section - 20 - A portion of the Devikulam

Cutcherry Fuel Reserve near Devikulam Cutcherry – comprising in Sy.
Nos. 155/6, 155/7, 155/8 by Gazette, dated 6th March 1941 – area: 11.89
acres. As per G.O (MS) 304/63 Rev. dated 04/04/1963 and extent of 10.80
acres of land has been transferred to Revenue Department on 10/04/64.
29
As per G.O (MS) 281/64 Rev. dated 24/04/1964 an extent of 17.84 acres
of land is Sy. No. 20/1 has been taken from the Revenue Department.
Exclusion from the Reserve
The Reserve notifications given in the Appendices show the area of

the Reserve at the time of original notifications. The subsequent dis-
reservation notifications are also given in the same Appendix. But the
actual area of the Reserves is further reduced by encroachment. The old
encroachments (prior to 01/01/1977) are decided to be permanently
excluded from the Reserve. After survey and computation of areas and
preparation of map these are to be disreseved. The lists of the locations
where this exclusion from Reserves are to be made are given below. The
areas are mostly in Adimaly Range. There are a few non encroachment
areas also which could be excluded from the Reserves and these are also
included in the list given below.
1 Mannamkandam
2 Mamalakandam
3 Padicuppu
4 Urulanthanni
5 Muthicad East
6 Muthicad West
7 Area East of Valera
8 Deviar colony
9 Mannankala
10 Knacherikandam
11 Inchathotty
12 Kanjiravely
13 Hindu colony Kadikandam
14 Chempkuzhi
15 Neendapara
16 Edakanna
17 Korangatty
18 Ettachal
19 Neriamangalam Power House
20 Panniar Power House
1.11.2 Unreserves: Land at the disposal of the Govt. but not notified as
“Reserved land” will be considered to be ‘Unreserved land as per Rule 3,
section 22 of Regulation II, 1068. The unreserved land shall not be cleared
or broken up for cultivation and no patta shall be granted for such land
30
without the sanction of the Govt. This land has to be treated similar to RF
in status as held by the Supreme Court of India in Gothavarman
Thirumulpad V/s Union of India.
Pallyvasal Unreserve with an extent of 113.796 km2 is laying in

Devikulam and Adimaly Ranges. Chinnakanal Unreserve with an extent
of 54.40 Sq. Km is extended only in Devikulam Forest Range of this
Division. The legal status of the land is revenue land with cardamom
cultivation. Like Cardamom Hill Reserve the duel control system is in
vogue in this land. The land at the disposal of the Govt. is with the
Revenue Department and the right to protect the tree growth in the area,
which is permanently preserved for providing shade to the cardamom
plants vests with forest Department. During 1949 this area was surveyed
and proposals were submitted to Govt. to declare this area as Reserved
Forest. But due to certain administrative reasons the proposals could not
be implemented so far. These un reserve lands have the same status of
CHR as per the letter from Dewan of Kerala dated 19/11/1896. Copy of the
letter is given as Appendix – XII.
The management of these lands by the Revenue Department has

resulted in its almost complete occupation by encroachers. A major portion
of these lands, which are controlled by Revenue department, except for a
few cardamom areas here and there, has been brought under
miscellaneous cultivation. The original purpose of keeping them as
Unreserved for development of cardamom estates is lost with passage of
time.
These areas have been notified under section 5 of Preservation of

Trees Act 1986. Copy of the Act is given in Appendix – XIII. During the
beginning of this decade large-scale encroachment and series of resorts
and hotel complexes were constructed on lands meant for cardamom
cultivation.
1.11.3 Vested Forest: Vested Forests are private forests, vested in

Government as per Kerala Private Forest (Vesting and Assignment) Act,
1971 (Act 26 of 1971) as on 10/05/1971. These forest were subsequently
notified, surveyed and demarcated Many O. A. cases were filed by ex-
owners and as per court orders several areas were restored. At present
this Division has an extent of 2.45 Sq. Km of vested forest in Devikulam
Range.
An extent of 53.75 ha of land in Chinnakanal Village under the

jurisdiction of Devikulam Range was notified as vested forest under
section 6 of Kerala Private Forest (vesting & Assignment) Act 1971 and
Rule 2 A of Kerala Private Forest (Vesting and Assignment) Act 1974 vide
Government notification No.82055/FS-1/76/AD dated 11/01/1977 and No.
82055.F.S2/76/AD dated 11/01/1977 and published in gazette No.4 dated
25/01/1977. The notified Vested Forest is given in Appendix – XIV.
1.11.4 Ecologically Fragile Land: Ecologically Fragile Land means “any

portion of forest land held by any person and lying contiguous to or
31
encircled by a Reserved forest or a vested forest or any other forest land
owned by the Govt. and predominantly supporting natural vegetation.
“Forest” means any land covered with trees and undergrowth and includes
all statutorily recognized forests, whether designated as Reserved,
protected or otherwise and any land recorded as forests in the Govt.
records irrespective of the ownership. The land includes rivers, streams
and other water bodies. Govt. can declare such lands as EFL by a
notification in the official gazette under relevant section of the Kerala
Forest (Vesting and management of Ecologically Fragile Lands) Act, 2001.
After the notification the ownership and possession of all ecologically
fragile lands held by any person or any other form of right over them shall
stand transferred to and vested in the Govt. free from all encumbrances,
and the right, title and interest of the owner or any other person thereon
shall stand extinguished from the said date.
Munnar Division has many bits of revenue land with shola forests
adjacent to Reserve Forest and protected areas which were notified as
EFL land vide Gazette notification dated 03/10/06. The ownership and
possession of the notified lands are vested with the Forest Department.
The details of the notified EFL land are given in Appendix – XV.
1.11.5 Revenue surplus Land: In Munnar Division, large extent of

Revenue surplus land were available in Chinnakanal village of
Udumbanchola Taluk, coming under the jurisdiction of Devikulam Range.
The Forest Department started raising of pulpwood plantations in these
surplus lands during the 60’s with species like pine, wattle and eucalyptus.
During the 60s the catchment area of Anayirangal dam was planted with
pine in localities namely B.L.Ram, Surianelli, Pappathishola, Chinnakanal
and Nagamala etc. Total extent of planted area is 581 ha. The total extent
planted with pine is 413 ha which has been assigned to the landless tribals
during 2003 by the Govt. of Kerala. Till 2003 the assigned Pine plantations
were thick forests with heavy undergrowth of reeds and herds of elephants
having a population of more than hundred were present there. It shows it
was a good habitat of wild elephants which was destroyed due to the
human interference subsequent to assignment. Another 365 ha of
Eucalyptus plantation raised by Forest Department was transferred to M/s
Hindustan Newsprint Limited for raising their captive plantations. As part of
compensatory afforestation scheme 105 ha of Wattle plantations were
raised at Nagamala and is still managed by the Forest Department. This
105 ha has been already handed over to the Forest Department.
Immediate steps has to be taken to notify 470 ha of plantations as
Reserved Forest.
These vast extents of Revenue surplus land are to be protected and

prevented from further encroachment, considering the ecological
sensitivity of Munnar region. Either these areas are to be declared as
Reserved Forest or to be declared as Ecologically Fragile Land.
1.11.6 Cardamom Hill Reserves: The Cardamom Hill Reserve (CHR)

was declared under the erstwhile Travancore Forest Regulation II of 1068
vide notification dated 24/08/1897. The copy of notification is given in
32
Appendix – XVI & XVI (a). CHR is situated in the old Taluks of
Devikulam, Peerumedu and Udumbanchola in Idukki Revenue District
extending to 334 Sq.miles situating coming under Kottayam and Munnar
Forest Divisions. The CHR is extended in Devikulam and Adimaly Ranges
of Munnar Forest Division.
Originally the area was under the dual control of Revenue and
Forest Departments. The Revenue Department having ownership and
control over the land and the Forest Department having only the control
over the entire tree growth in the assigned land of the registry. In 1952 the
control over land as well as tree were vested with forest department.
However, in 1958 the control over the entire land was again vested with
Revenue Department, Forest Department having control over the trees
alone.
Dual control and liberalized policy of the Government resulted in the

large scale clearance of CHR for agricultural purposes. Only few hectares
of cardamom plantations are left. The valuable trees left in the cleared
areas were extracted by Forest Department under salvage felling scheme.
Once the entire area of CHR was having evergreen forests, which
was degraded due to incessant human interference.
1.11.7 Kannan Devan Hills: Kannan Devan Hills (KDH) was a vast
mountainous tract of forests and grasslands in Devikulam Taluk which
according to history was named after Kannan Thevar, a local headman of
the locality in 19th century. The tract remained largely unexplored,
undeveloped and covered with forests and grasslands almost till the end of
19th Century.
This tract of land belonged to the Chief of Poonjar Kovilakam

situated at Poonjar in present Kottayam District. The Poonjar Kovilakam
had originated from Pandya Dynasty, which ruled Madurai and adjoining
parts of Tamilnadu. The branch of Pandya Rajas migrated to Poonjar
where they have established a chieftain ship which was known as Poonjar
Kovilakam. Thus the Poonjar Kovilakam acquired vast lands at the foothills
of Western Ghats in and around Poonjar and established itself as a Royal
Family. In about AD 1189, the Poonjar Kovilakam purchased Manjappara
Malayakom embracing localities like Munnar, Devikulam, Mankulam and
Anakulam from Chegamanad Devaswom and Vadakkumkur Kingdom.
These areas are presently known as Kannan Devan Hills.
During 1877, John Daniel Munro an officer of the Independent

Kingdom of Travancore and designated Superintendent of the cardamom
hills made an application to Poonjar Chief for the grant of property called
Kannan Devan Anchanattumala on payment. By a document dated
11/07/1877, the Chief of Poonjar had granted to Late Mr. J. D. Munroe,
lease of a tract of land extending over 227 sq. miles. in extent known as
Kannan Devan Hills for Coffee plantation at an annual rent of Rs. 30001/-.
No time limit was prescribed as per the lease deed. Mr. J. D. Munroe was
then the Superintendent of Cardamom Hills. He had formed a Society
33
namely the ‘North Travancore Land Planting and Agricultural Society’ for
developing the area covered by the lease. The members of the Society
had developed their own estates in various parts of Kannan Devan Hills.
Though many crops like cinchona, coffee, sisal, cardamom and tea were
tried, tea was finally found to be most suitable to the area. The first
cultivation was under taken by A.W.Turner at Devikulam in 1877. By 1895,
most of the estates in KDH were purchased by M/s. James Finlay and
Company. The first tea was planted by A.H. Sharp at Parvathi estate, now
forms a part of Sevenmalai estate. Kannan Devan Planters association
was formed in 1888. The land was bought by Finley Muir and Company
known as James Finley and Company Limited in 1895. Two companies
are associated with Finleys (1) The Devan Hills Produce Company Limited
and (2) Anglo American Direct Trading Company Limited. They owned 28
estates in all. Other British and Indian companies not affiliated to this
group owned the remaining 7 estates. Experienced tea plantation workers
were brought from Ceylon. Large extents were planted with tea for which
roads were opened and transport organized, houses and factories built.
By the royal proclamation dated 24/09/1899, the rights of Poonjar

Edavagai in and over the above mentioned tract of land were vested in the
Government of Travancore. The obligation of the lessee to pay the rent to
Poonjar Edavagai remained intact as per the said proclamation. Thus the
impugned tract of land came under the ownership of Government of
Travancore and the persons in possession became lessees under that
Government.
Though the pace of development of tea estates had subsequently

been hastened, major portion of the Kannan Devan Hills remained a hilly
wilderness tract. By 1960's all the estates in Kannan Devan Hills except
four estates namely Thalayar, Lockhart, Devikulam and Vayalkadavu were
owned by M/s. Kannan Devan Hills Produce Company belonging to James
Finlay Group.
Out of 1,37,431 acres of land in KDH Concession Area, 1,27,881

acres were in possession of M/s. KDHP Company Ltd. The remaining area
of 9550 acres excluding the extent in the possession of Government and
the Government agencies, was with estates like Lockhart belonging to
M/s.Anglo American Direct Tea Trading Co. Ltd., (a sister Tea planting
concern of M/s. KDHP Co. Ltd.), Talliar belonging to the Thalayar Tea and
Coffee Co. Ltd., Devikulam of Malayalam Plantation Ltd., and a few
individuals.
In January 1971, Govemment of Kerala promulgated the Kannan

Devan Hills (Resumption of Lands) Act 1971 as a part of the land reforms
in the state and resumed possession of the entire extent of Kannan Dewan
Hill lands. The copy of the Act is given as Appendix – XVII. As per sub-
section (1) of Section 3 of Kannan Devan Hills (Resumption of Lands) Act
1971 the possession of all land situated in the Kannan Devan Hills village
in Devicolam taluk stood transferred to and vested in the Govemment with
effect from 21/01/1971 (Appointed Day) free from all encumbrances
except such lands which are exempted under sub- section (2) of Section 3.
34
Section 4 of the said Act provides for restoration of possession of lands in
certain cases for which application can be preferred before the Land Board
claiming exemption from vesting.
On 21/01/1971, as per Sec.3 (1) of the Kannan Devan Hills

(Resumption of Lands) Act 1971, the entire extent of land situated in
Kannan Devan Hills Village under Devikulam Taluk of Idukki District stood
transferred to and vested In Government free from all encumbrances, and
the right, title and interest of lessees and all other persons including the
rights of mortgagees and holders of encumbrances, if any, in respect of
such lands stood extinguished. The Land Board considered the petition
filed by Kannan Devan Hills Produce Company and after careful
consideration of the various issues involved, passed its order in its
proceedings No. LB (A)-2/5227/71 dated 29/03/1974. As per the said order
of the Land Board, 70522.12 acres of land continued to vest in the
Government free from all encumbrances and KDHP Company was
allowed to retain 57359 acres of land for cultivation of tea and Eucalyptus
and for other ancillary purposes. An abstract of the extent of land allowed
by the Land Board to M/s. KDHP Co. Ltd., is given in the Table I below.
Sl. No. Purpose Extent (acres)

1 Area under tea crop 23239.06
2 Area under fuel trees 16898.91
3 Area under grazing 1220.77
Area under buildings, sites, roads, workers
4 2617.69
gardens etc
5 Area under streams and swamps 2465.20
6 Area uncultivable 6393.59
Area interspersed in estates and in between
7 4523.92
estates
TOTAL 57359
Out of the 70522.12 acres of uncultivated forest land finally

resumed by Government, the Land Board found only about 5000 acres of
land available in the Melacheri River Valley for distribution of landless
poor. The rest of the area containing forest growth and being very steep
was considered 'not fit for occupation'. The Land Board was also of the
view that areas having good forests should be handed over to the Forest
Department and should be declared as Reserved Forests. (Refer Paras
11, 12 and 13 of Land Board Award).
Government of Kerala appointed an Expert Committee as per

G.O(MS) No.993/75/RD dated 02/09/1975 to decide as to how the area of
70522.12 acres of land was to be utilized. The Expert Committee
consisting of Chief Conservator of Forests, Director, Survey and Land
Records, Deputy Director, Soil Conservation and District Collector
(Member Convener) submitted its report to the Government after
35
inspecting all the lands and after conducting soil survey. The report gives a
detailed description and utilization pattern of the different land blocks. This
report also contains a detailed description of the natural forests in these
blocks besides recommendations to the effect that these natural forests
should be preserved. An abstract of extent of land recommended by the
Expert Committee for various purposes is given in Table II below:
Extent of lands to be Extent of lands to be

Extent of lands not
reserved for specified Assigned together with
needed for reservation
public purposes crop pattern which is to
and unfit for
consistent with the Act be insisted as a condition
assignment (Acre)
(Acre) of assignment (Acre)
2870.00 5250.00 62402.00
The Government after examining the report of the Expert

Committee issued G. O. (MS) No. 262/77/RD dated 19/02/77 accepting
the recommendations of the Committee in general Subsequently as per
the G.O(MS) No.379/80/RD dated 18/04/1980, an extent of 43452.82
acres of the land ordered to be left as such and 17922 acres ordered to be
set apart for afforestation, were ordered to be transferred to the Forest
Department immediately. The District Collector Idukki was also directed to
take further action for transfer of the land to the Forest Department
immediately. As per G.O (MS) 787j88jRD dated 02-11-88, the pattern of
utilization of the resumed land as ordered by G.O. dated 18/04/1980 was
slightly modified as indicated below.
As per G.O.(MS) No. As per GO(MS) No.

Utilization pattern 379/80/RD/ dated 787/88/RD dated
18/04/1980 02/11/1988
To be left as it is 43452.80 acres 43242.55 acres
Afforestation 17922.00 acres 17922.200 acres
Assignment 5139.00 acres 5189.00 acres
Dairy Development 3487.49 acres 3824.85 acres
Housing 272.21 acres 272.21 acres
Vegetable Cultivation 127.11 acres -
Total 70400.61 acres 70451.61 acres
It may please be noted that there is no change in the area of 17922

acres set apart for afforestation.
As per the Land Board Award and in view of the Government orders
dated 19/ 02/1977 and 18/04/1980 mentioned above, 43452.80 acres of
land which was decided "to be left as it is" was handed over to Forest
Department. In 1975 itself the Eravikulam-Rajamallay area was declared a
sanctuary and in 1978 it was elevated to the status of a National Park
under the provisions of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Regarding
Mankulam area, the Land Board had observed that "it is desirable that as
36
much of the Mankulam area as possible is preserved as forests, in the
larger interest of agricultural population, ensuring rainfall, preservation of
climate and availability of electric power etc." The Land Board had also
noted that the Mankulam area is the starting point for several rivers like
Melacheri Ar, Karimthiri Ar and Ethashola Ar which are tributaries of
Edamalayar. The Expert Committee had also agreed with the views of the
Land Board. For protection and management of this area Mankulam
Special Forest Division was formed as per G.O (MS) No.127 /80/ AD
dated 16/04/1980. Consequently an area of 22253.37 acres in Mankulam
was also handed over to the Forest Department for protection and
management as per the order No.C4-37166/77 of the District Collector,
Idukki dated 28/06/1980. In view of the Government orders G.O. (MS) No.
379/80/RD dated 18/04/980 and G.O.(MS) No.787/88/RD dated
02/11/1988, the Forest Department took over the lands set apart for
afforestation and started raising forest plantations wherever possible.
Details of the area to be handed over to Forest Dept. are given

below:
1 Area to be handed over to Forest Department 17922.00 Acre

2 Area already planted by Munnar Division 8870.93 Acre
3 Area under the custody of KFDC 2995.00 Acre
4 Area under custody of HNL as captive 1139.26 Acre
plantation
Balance area 4916.84 Acre
1.11.8 Area Leased to KFDC and HNL: Kerala Forest Development

Corporation (KFDC) and Hindustan Newsprint Limited (HNL) are the two
leasess in this Working Plan area. The KFDC has raised pulpwood
plantations and cardamom plantations in their land and HNL is maintaining
Eucalyptus plantations as captive plantations for feeding their industry.
The details of lease, duration, extent and list of captive plantations are
given in Appendix – XVIII – XX.
1.12 RIGHTS AND CONCESSIONS

Forest land from this Division was diverted in the past for non-
forestry purposes. Such areas include, the area transferred for long-term
leases as well as area diverted for developmental activities.
1.12.1 Area Diverted for Non-Forestry Purpose
1. Kallarkutty Dam: - The Kallarkutty dam commissioned in the year

1961. The Dam is constructed across the river Muthirapuzha. It
provides water to Neriamangalam H.E Project. The Full Reservoir
Level of the dam (FRL) is 1498 feet. The dam is erected at Kallarkutty.
37
2. Ponmudi Dam: - The Ponmudi dam was commissioned in the year
1963, constructed to utilize the river Panniyar, the dam supports
Panniyar H.E. Project installed at Vellathooval. Full Reservoir Level of
the dam is 2322 feet and it is constructed at a place called Ponmudi.
3. Anayirankal Dam: - The Anayirankal Dam is a supporting Dam to

Ponmudi dam. During summer season when the water level of
Ponmudi dam is low, water is let in from Anayirankal dam. It was
constructed in the year 1965. Full Reservoir Level of the dam is 874 M.
The dam is constructed across the River Panniyar at Anayirankal.
4. The Weir at Kuthungal: - The Kuthungal weir was constructed for

providing water to Kuthungal H.E. Project. When compared to other
dams, it is a small one. It was constructed across the river Panniyar, in
the year 2001. The FRL of the Weir is 880M.
1.12.2 Power production : Eighty per cent of the power production of

Kerala is from Idukki district and is generated from different hydro – electric
projects situated in the high Ranges of Idukki district. The power projects
functioning within this Division are detailed below.
1. Pallivasal Stage I: The first hydroelectric power station in the state

utilizing the waters of Muthirapuzha river was commissioned in 1939 at
Pallivasal with an installed capacity of 13,500 KW. The acute power
shortage as a result of increased industrial activities during the wartime
necessitated the second stage development of the Pallivasal project. The
area is not part of Reserve forest. The project is located in Kannan Devan
estate.
2. Pallivasal Stage II: Under this stage a storage dam was constructed at
Mattupetty across Muthirapuzha for regulation of water supply to the power
station and two units of 7500 KW each, generators were installed. During
the first five year plan one unit of 7500 KW and three more Units of 5000
KW each were installed. The storage capacity of the Kundala and
Mattupetty Reservoirs are 270 Million cubic feet and 1950 Mcu feet,
respectively. A barrage built across the river at Munnar diverts the water
through a tunnel 10,235 feet long and through four pipelines to a power
station on the right bank of the river at Pallivasal. This water is used to
generate 32.5 MW of power.
3. Sengulam Hydro- Electric Project: This scheme was completed during

the first Five year plan. The tail water from the Pallivasal power station is
led along a 2000 feet long open channel to pump house fore bay. Water is
pumped from this fore bay to the inlet of a 5700 feet long tunnel which takes
water to four generating units of 1200 KW each. The power generation at
this station is 21.5 MW.
4. Neriamangalam Hydro- Electric Project: The project utilizes the tail

waters of Sengulam and Panniyar power stations and the excess catchment
of the Muthirapuzha River below Munnar. The diversion dam constructed
across Muthirapuzha at Kallarkutty has a live storage capacity of 230 Mcu.
38
feet. The power station is at Panamkutty, a little downstream of the
confluence of Muthirapuzha with Periyar River. The generation capacity of
this station is 27 MW. The maximum water level of the dam is 456 feet.
5. Panniyar Hydro – Electric Project: It is developed on river Panniyar, a

tributary of Muthirapuzha river. The two reservoirs, an upper reservoir at
Anayirankal and a lower reservoir at Ponmudy, have storage capacity of
1730 Mcu. feet and 1674 Mcu. Feet respectively. The water is led through
9615 feet along tunnel and two 2495 feet along pipelines to a power station
situated on the left bank of Muthirapuzha opposite to Sengulam power
station. The power generation capacity is 10 MW. Now a scheme known as
Panniyar augmentation scheme has been formulated to enhance the
capacity of the project. It envisages the construction of three diversion
structures connected by three underlined tunnel of minimum diameter to
divert the water from a total catchment area of 89.92 Sq.Kms to the
Panniyar reservoir. Increased power generation can be achieved through
this diversion in the existing power station.
6. Lower Periyar Hydro – Electric Project: This project is constructed in

Periyar for the purpose of using water from Periyar, the tail water from the
existing Neriamangalam power station and the spill from Kallarkutty head
works, the available yield from the Perinjankutty catchment and also the
yield contributed by the free catchment area below the dam at Kallarkutty,
Perinjankutty (proposed) and Idukki. This project was commissioned on
27/09/97. The reservoir is constructed at Pambla about 20 Km away from
the power house which was constructed at Karimanal near Aluva –
Kattapana Road. The maximum water level of the dam is 253 feet. The
power generation capacity of this station is 180 MW.
7. Mankulam Hydro Electric Project: The purpose of the project is to

generate electricity in Mankulam area by constructing the Dam and other
related structures in Malayattoor Reserve of Adimaly Range. The production
capacity is 40 MW and the extent of land required for the said purpose is
11.913Ha. Since the diversion is for non-forestry purpose, permission has
been granted vide order No. 4KLCO89/25-8AN/ dated 8th December 2005,
with direction to raise the compensatory afforestation over double the area
at the cost of the user agency.
8. Kuthungal Hydro Electric Project: This project was initiated with the
objective of generating power under private sector. The site selected for the
Dam construction and the proposed catchment area is 6.53 Ha of CHR land
and 3 acres of river Purampoke and river at Kuthungal, in Rajakkad and
Kathippara villages of Udumbanchola Taluk, in Devikulam Range. The area
selected for the purpose is the land cultivated with agriculture corps.
9. Thottiyar Hydroelectric Project: The proposed site of this project in

Neriamangalam Range of Munnar Division and has an objective of
generating 40MW of power. The extent of forestland required for the
construction and other related activities is below 4Ha. The permission for
the construction has been issued by the Central Govt under Section 2 of
Forest Conservation Act 1980 vide No.4KLB090/2005-BAN dated 23/09/05.
39
10. Sengulam Augmentation Scheme: The Sengulam Powerhouse is
erected at Vellathooval and it is working in full swing since long. The tail
water of the Pallivasal Powerhouse is pumped and stored at Sengulam
after constructing a wear dam. The water from the above dam is allowed
to flow to powerhouse at Vellathooval for producing electricity. However,
the limitation of the scheme is that one of the generators of Pallivasal HE
Project is fully utilized for pumping the tail water of Pallivasal to Sengulam
Wear. In order to avoid this loss, water from the nearby Kallar river is
allowed to flow naturally to Sengulam Wear by tunnel. By doing so, the
generator pumping tail water of Pallivasal powerhouse can be freed and
may be used for other purposes. This scheme is called Sengulam
Augmentation scheme.
Area required for the purposes is 5.155 Ha in Munnar Forest

Division. Approval has been received from Government of India as per
reference letter No. F (c) A/16.1/61/IP/KER dated 09/08/2000 on the
conditions for compensating afforestation in 11 Ha of degraded forest.
40
1.13 HILLMEN SETTLEMENTS
There are 27 Hill men settlements situated inside RF, 16 settlements

out side of RF in CHR and KDH area under the jurisdiction of this plan.
Among the hillmen settlements Edamalakkudy is the largest settlement
which contains more than 28 colonies and 700 number of families.
Muthuvan, Mannan, Hillpulaya, Uraali and Ulladar are the Hillmen inhabiting
in the plan area. Their reluctance and refusal to social development has
changed very little and they are being motivated continuously for a better
life. The language that most of the tribal sects speak has very little
connection with Malayalam and is more related to Tamil having peculiar
accent. On the other hand it is probable that both Tamil and Malayalam
originated from such tribal languages. The tribal population in Munnar area
are aborigines and they prefer a secluded life fostering their own traditions
and customs.
1.13.1 Details of tribals in Munnar Forest Division: -
Muthuvans: Muduvans constitute the major tribal community in Munnar

Division. They are living inside the forest for many generations and having
the habitat of cultivation, rearing of cattle and collection of NWFP. Each
family has three to ten acres of land. They cultivate raggi in their own
farmland. In addition to their farm land cultivation they also cultivate
cardamom in forest area. Their ignorance in modern farming methods and
their inability to invest money for agriculture are being exploited by money
lenders.
According to tribal legend Muthuvas were loyal subjects of the

dynasty of Madurai. When the dynasty was deposed, the surviving royal
members migrated to mountainous tracts of Travancore, central Kerala. On
their way, the Muthuvas carried the idols of Madurai Meenakshi, the deity of
the royal family, on their backs. The word Muthuvas seems to stem out from
the word ‘muthuku’ which means ‘back’ in Tamil and Malayalam. The tribe
which carried the idols on their ‘muthuku’ later settled in the forests near
Tamil Nadu, and came to be known as Muthuvans. Muthuvans tribe is very
independent and reluctant to mingle with outside world. They do not trust
the civilized world and are hesitatent to get educated. Their women folk are
strictly prohibited to have contact with outside clan or other people,
especially other men. The Muthuvan women usually are secluded in the
bamboo huts and are not allowed even to talk to or see men outside their
tribe. The major cultivations of Muthuva tribe are raggi and cardamom.
2. Mala Arayan: This tribal group is found in Neriamangalam and Adimaly

Ranges of Munnar Division. Their main occupation is agriculture and
collection of NWFP. They are the most advanced of all the tribal groups.
3. Ulladan: The tribals belonging to Ulladan caste is found in

Neriamangalam and Adimaly Ranges of Munnar Division. Their educational
and cultural developments are very low when compared to other tribal
communities. Their main occupation is agriculture and NWFP collection.
41
ULLADANS are seen all over Kerala, and those confined to the Hills
are in the Quilon and Kottayam Districts. The prefix Hill Dwellers or Mala
becomes necessary to differentiate those Ulladans who live in the forest
tracts and come under the classification of Scheduled Tribes from those in
the rural and urban areas who come under the category of Scheduled
Castes. The differentiation is unnecessary for both sects are ethnically the
same. Till recently they were known as Kattalans, and this name survives
in some Districts. They are also known as Nadis, which is an abbreviation
of Nayadis. Mala Ulladans (hill Ulladans) are seen at Kadamanchira,
Paruva, Kakkudukka, Mannadishola, Erumelli, Ashutta, Ponnambalamedu,
Chittambalamedu, Pambakadavu, Thalapparakotta, Karimala, Perinad,
Vadaserikara, Peruthenaruvi, Rajampara, Manakayam, Pambini,
Kodumudi and Allungul in the Ranny Range of the Pathanamthitta Taluk,
and in the Meenachil Thodupuzha and Ponkunnam Taluks. The early
name is the combination of the words Kadu (forest) and Al (people) to
connote that they are people of the forest. The name Kattan is a corruption
of Kattalan. The name Ulladan is the combination of the words Ull (interior)
Nadu (country) and cannotes that they are people of the interior. It is also
possible that their name originated from various Adalls (dances) that they
perform. Formerly men had a tuft of hair on the top of the head and
women knotted their hair at the back. This has changed to short crops for
men, and women dress the hair like other Malayali women. Their colour
varies from light brown to dark brown, and a majority have none of the
external features of primitive tribes. Both sexes wear rings, bangles and
ear-rings. Ulladathies (females) use metal tubes or coiled palm leaves in
their dilated ear-lobes. The necklaces of small pieces of bone have now
been replaced by metal necklaces. All the advanced groups and even the
tribes except Mala Kuravans and Mala Adyans treat the Ulladans as a low
and polluting tribe. In early society it was absolutely imperative that they
maintained a distance from the others to avoid pollution. Mala Ulladans
are included in the list of Scheduled Tribes and Ulladans in the list of
Scheduled castes maintained by the Union and Kerala Governments.
Ulladans claim to be autochthons of Kerala who had their early

home in Kottathati in the Ranny Range. They claim that the Talappara
Kotta (fort) and the Murthi Paddies (steps) were constructed and
maintained by their ancestors, and that they have special ceremonies at
those places. There are legends to establish that they are the progeny of
Sage Valmiki. There are hear say reports that they were slaves who were
purchased by a Ruler of Travancore, and were commissioned to collect
honey and hill produce, make boats, and accompany the Ruler on his
shooting outings. They figured as the property of the Government and
were not subject to any discriminations. The modern Ulladans have many
divisions, and of these the Mala Ulladans ranked high in their society and
the Nadi was next. Vizhavans are described as one of their sections who
took to living in the deep forests. The differences have now disappeared;
they meet, mix and intermarry. They present all the characteristic features
of the early Dravidians, but it would be wrong to presume that they are a
tribe similar to the Parayans of Kerala and Madras. Ulladans are not seen
in the neighbouring states. Exogamous and endogamous clans that
42
existed in their early society are now unknown. They gracefully dance to
the tune of the flutes and drums that they themselves make. Both sexes
dance and sing. Dances known as Thalayattam and Kolukali are
impressive. Some dances are performed in double circular lines with a
baton in hand. Marumakkathayam (succession through the female) was
the early rule, but that has been replaced by the Makkathayam (patrilineal)
rule of succession.
Mala Ulladans are seen engaged in cultivation, and as farm

labourers. The greater majority are wanderers subsisting by food gathering
and hunting. They are good in the manufacture and use of traps, snares
and nooses. In Central Travancore many own muzzle-loading guns of
local manufacture. They are reported to be clever in the use of fire arms.
They eat whatever is available, even carrion. Rats form an important part
of their menu and they are very clever at capturing them. Some of them
have specialised in the capture of crocodiles, the flesh of which is a
delicacy, and the skin and fat are sold. They collect medicinal herbs and
vend them for an income. Ulladathies (females) seldom go out to work.
They are busy with domestic affairs, and during their spare time make
mats and baskets for sale. The Ulladans are reported to be highly
specialised in the preparation of spurious talisman and in the Odi and
other cults that help them to injure those who have done them harm when
physical retaliation is not possible. This can only be done by the paternal
or maternal grandfather. The man against whom it is directed is believed
to get intestinal disorders to start with and later serious ailments that will
cause death or make him bedridden. There is the possibility of the black
magic Nodivatha acting back on the one who commissioned it; that danger
is averted by killing a fowl and letting the blood flow on the spirit on its
return. Ulladans are leading personalities in witchcraft, black magic,
sorcery and spiritualism. There have been many conversions to
Christianity during the past two decades.
Mala Ulladans and those seen in the rural areas have no conception of
any religion. They are animists, totemists, and devil worshippers of an
unique order. They have many ceremonies for propitiating Aruvelas
(spirits of ancestors) and for protection against epidemics and wild life.
Every man and woman is expected to learn the mantrams and methods to
propitiate devils and spirits, and to perform various witchcrafts.
4. Mannan: This community stays inside the forest of Neriamangalam,

Adimaly and Devikulam Ranges of Munnar Division. They have unique
customs and hereditary traditions. Since they are living inside the forest
their occupation is agriculture and NWFP collection. They keep cattle
which is their main wealth. They have a king as titular head and they
give symbolic respect to that position. There is only one King for the
Mannan tribal kingdom in the entire Kerala. His kingdom has 4 Divisions
mainly Thekkottu katturajyam, Nadukuda Katturajyam, Athal orupuram
and Chenganattu Mala. Their Goddess (Kuladeivam) is Madhura
Meenakshi Amma.
43
5. Oorali: This community stays in Adimaly Range of Munnar Division.
They have the third position among the tribes in literacy and basic
educational qualifications. Their main occupation is agriculture. They also
engage in rearing of cattle and NWFP collection. Table No.8. gives
details of tribal settlements in Munnar Division area.
Table – 8 –Tribal Settlements in Munnar Division
Sl.
Settlement Community No.of families Population
No
Devikulam Range
1 Pachpulkudy Muthuvan 35 140
2 Chembakathozhu Muthuvan 130 550
3 Thankukudy Muthuvan 70 280
4 Singukandam Mixed 301 1505
5 80 acre Resi:colony Hillpulaya 68 340
6 Pathadikalam Mixed 62 310
7 Surianelly Mixed 154 720
8 Aduvalanthankudy Muthuvan 30 116
9 Mullanthandukudy Muthuvan 7 16
10 Kozhippannankudy Muthuvan 16 56
11 Pooppara colony Mannan 47 168
12 Anachal Mannan 64 201
13 20 acre Muthuvan 18 70
14 Chokramudi Mixed 64 240
Neriamangalam Range
1 Pinavoorkudy Mixed 312 1048
2 Elamblassery Mixed 166 829
3 Fifth mile Mixed 60 195
5 Ozhuvathadam Mixed 126 442
6 Kulamankuzhy Mixed 40 110
7 Pattayidambu Muthuvan 12 44
Adimaly Range
1 Kozhiyala Muthuvan 55 183
2 Veliyampara Mannan 86 334
44
Sl.
No
3 Mangapara Muthuvan 21 63
4 Choorakkattan Mixed 96 405
5 Thumpipara Muthuvan 47 181
6 Thalayoorappan Muthuvan 39 165
7 Machiplavu Mannan 245
8 Kattamudi Muthuvan 231
9 Kunchipetty Muthuvan 384
10 Kurathykudi Muthuvan 215 731
11 Padikkappu Muthuvan 68 220
12 Chattupara Mannan 113 390
13 Kuthirayila Mannan 50 147
14 Korangatti Mixed 110 448
15 Thalamali Mixed 118 268
16 Pettimudi Muthuvan 92 384
17 Nooramkkl Muthuvan 47 214
18 Plamala Mixed 65 237
19 Chinnapara Mannan 243 993
Munnar Range
1 Nooradikudy Muthuvan 25 90
2 Periyakudi Mannan 7 24
3 Vellavarakudy Muthuvan 40 153
4 Channayaparakudy Muthuvan 22 95
5 Parappayarkudy Muthuvan 44 153
6 Valayamparakudy Muthuvan 11 52
7 Vellavarakudy Mannan 40 153
8 Ellapparakudy Muthuvan 15 48
9 Vellukasamkudy Muthuvan 8 32
10 Idalipparakudy Muthuvan 60 249
11 Shedukudy Muthuvan 41 199
12 Puthukudy Mannan 26 100
45
Sl.
No
13 Andavankudy Muthuvan 27 142
14 Nadukudy Muthuvan 18 66
15 Ambalapadikudy Muthuvan 14 88
16 Kandathikudy Muthuvan 26 100
17 Ambalaparakudy Mannan 9 41
18 Kavakattukudy Muthuvan 10 49
19 Meenkuthykudy Muthuvan 28 122
20 Koodallarkudy Muthuvan 11 55
21 Vazhakuthukudy Muthuvan 18 66
22 Udumpanparakudy Mannan 6 21
23 Keezhilviyamparakudy Muthuvan 15 59
24 Mulakutharakudy Muthuvan 22 79
25 Nenmanalkudy Muthuvan 17 71
26 Keezhupatham Mannan 12 54
27 Iruppukallukudy Muthuvan 22 92
28 Melpathamkudy Muthuvan 7 26
Formerly the control and management of the tribals were vested

with Forest Department and the rules relating to Hillmen settlements are
given in the Travancore Forest Manual Part I. Under these rules the tribes
enjoyed the following concessions.
1. Cultivation of forestland free of tax.
2. Use of timber, firewood, bamboo, reeds, and canes free of

charges for domestic and agricultural purposes.
3. Use of bamboo, reeds and canes for the manufacture of

petty articles for sale.
4. Collection of minor forest produce for their own consumption

and catching fish and shooting such game that are not
prohibited. Cardamom lands in Kanni Elam tract are also
leased to Hillmen under certain concessions.
1.13.2 Present position: As a result of constant and intimate contact with

the fast changing modern society, acculturation has taken place to a great
extent among the tribals. Due to lack of education and, inability to
46
understand the intricacies and stay afloat in the present socio economic
scenario, all tribes except perhaps Mala Arayans are like rudderless boats
in a tumultuous sea. They have lost their old moorings but are still unable
to make use of the benefits of modern development. Most of the tribal
groups have become totally dependent on various types of welfare
activities provided by Govt. Departments. Anti social elements have taken
advantage of this by involving them in ganja cultivation, sandal smuggling,
encroachment, poaching and illicit brewing. By intervening through PFM
many small scale welfare activities are done utilizing the fund for entry
point activities through VSS under FDA. Department can think of
increasing the percentage of share for AVSS, so that improved facilities
for health care, education and vocation training can be provided.
47
CHAPTER – II A
FOREST FLORA
INTRODUCTION
The undulating terrain with high altitude and the consequent
variation in climate has given rise to the formation of a variety of
vegetation. The plan area is located in the windward portion of the
Western Ghat, which has the widest width in this tract. Floristically, the
tract is one of the richest areas in the country harbouring not less than
3500 species of angiosperms, which is 27% of flowering plants in the
country. This diversity coupled with endemism is equally seen in fauna
also.
2A.1 TREES
The altitude of Munnar forest Division varies from 33 M near
Palamattom on the bank of Periyar river in Neriamangalam Range to 2695
M at Anaimudi in the KDH village near Munnar. The range in altitude and
the consequent variation in climate have given rise to the formation of a
variety of vegetation. Different species of trees with different age and girth
seen in different type of forests are met in these areas. The health and
quality of the dominant trees are generally good especially in the
evergreen and semi evergreen forests. Diseased trees as well as those
affected by parasites and pests are also occasionally seen in these areas.
Thus different types form different units of vegetation that possess varied
characteristics in physiognomy and structure, sufficiently pronounced to
permit its differentiation from other such units. The extent of shola forest in
and around Munnar is gradually declining due to biotic interference. The
main types of forests of this Division are Wet evergreen, Semi evergreen,
Moist Deciduous, Dry deciduous, Broad-leaved hill forest, Montane wet
temperate forest and Grasslands.
2A.2 GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE GROWING STOCK

The varying climatic, topographical and edaphic factors lead to
variation in composition and quality of vegetation. Biotic factors have
altered this in some places to secondary growth. The main types of forests
of this Division are described below in accordance with the revised
classification of H.G.Champion and Seth.
49
I. Southern tropical wet-evergreen Forests- Sub group (I-A/C4)
1. Floral Characteristics: This is climatic climax vegetation. These forests

are dense and evergreen containing lofty trees characterised by the
presence of large number of species occurring together to form a closed
multi storied canopy. They constitute the most luxuriant type of forest
vegetation with complex floristic composition mainly broad leaved
evergreen species of different ages, sizes and shapes arranged in distinct
tiers. It is one of the most complex and complicated ecosystems. This
dynamic entity which utilizes the solar energy at higher rate than in any
other ecological units and produces the maximum biomass can be
described as the most productive, successful and self sufficient ecosystem
in the nature. It is always in a state of dynamic equilibrium that influences
the habitat in most productive state. It is richest in species diversity. This
type of forest helps to retain the soil moisture, which includes incessant
microbial activity in the upper layers of the soil and accumulation of
nutrient rich humus. No single species contributes more than one per cent
of the total number. Many of the trees in the top canopy have clear boles
up to 40 meters long with buttresses. The bark is thick and smooth. The
crown is proportionally small. The autumnal and vernal tinges of the
juvenile leaves will be exhibiting varying and colourful hues due to the
presence of a protective covering of certain colouring pigments formed to
prevent the destruction of chlorophyll of the juvenile leaves by the radiant
solar energy. Small inconspicuous flowers and cauliflory are the salient
features of this type of forests. Epiphytes, ferns, mosses and orchids are
numerous. Woody climbers are present but not in abundance.
2. Distribution: This type of forests are represented mainly in parts of

Anamudi Reserve, where the highest incidence of species Mesua ferrea,
Cullenia excelsa (Vediplavu) and Palaquium ellipticum (pali) are noticed. It
is also found in CHR, but in a highly degraded stage.
3. Floristic composition
Top canopy: Acrocarpus fraxinifolius, Aglaia roxburghiana, Ailanthus

triphysa, Anacolosa densiflora, Antiaris toxicaria, Artocarpus hirsutus,
Bischofia javanica, Calophyllum elatum, Carallia brachiata, Cedrela toona,
Cullenia exarillata, Dysoxylum malabaricum, Elaeocarpus tuberculatus,
Eugenia arnottiana, Eugenia chavaran, Hopea parviflora, Lophopetalum
wightianum, Machilus macrantha, Mangifera indica, Mesua ferrea,
Myristica attenuata, Myristica malabarica, Palaquium ellipticum, Polyalthia
fragrans, Peterospermum reticulatum, Pterospermum rubiginosum,
Sterculia guttata, Tetrameles nudiflora, Vateria indica.
Lower canopy: Acronychia laurifolia, Actinodaphne hookeri, Amoora

rohituka, Aporasa lindleyana, Baccaurea courtallensis, Boccagea dalzelli,
Canarium strictum, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Diospyros microphylla,
Elaeocarpus serratus, Euodia roxburghiana, Euodia lunu-ankenda. Ficus
species, Garcinia cambogia, Holigarna arnottiana, Hopea glabra,
Hydnocarpus wightiana, Litsea species Macaranga roxburghii, Mallotus
philippensis, Memecylon edule, Mimusops elengi, Myristica beddomei,
50
Nephelium longana, Pithecellobium bigeminum, Pygeum wightianum,
Vernonia travancorica, Xanthophyllun flavescens, Zanthoxylum rhetsa etc.
Canes are found in good numbers. Evergreen shurbs constitute the

undergrowth, which consists of the following species. Antidesma
diandrum, Antidesma menasu, Calamus rotang, Calamus travancoricus,
Calamus rheedii, Elaeagnus latifolia, Flacourtia cataphracta, Glycosmis
pentaphylla, Ixora notoniana, Laportea crenulata, Murraya exotica. Sparse
ground vegitation consists of Strobilanthus spp, Curcuma pp. (channa),
Cardamom etc. Epiphytes, Mosses, Ferns and Orchids are numerous.
Climbers: Climbers are present, chief being Entada scandens, Dioscorea

species, Derris species.
II. Southern Tropical Semi - Evergreen Forests (2A/C2)
1. Floral Characteristics: This type is intermediate vegetation between

the wet evergreen forests and the moist deciduous forests. Hence it is the
transitional stage between the evergreen and deciduous vegetation. It
forms a closed canopy but comparatively less than that of evergreens
containing mixture of evergreen and deciduous species. The number of
species is high but comparatively less than that of the evergreens. Usually
they are seen adjoining the evergreen belt on the banks of rivers and on
hill slops. They occur in localities where the annual rainfall is between
2000 - 2500 mm. The upper reaches where this type of forest merges with
the evergreen, the proportion of the evergreen species will be higher. The
higher canopies will be occupied by both evergreen and deciduous
species. Both the evergreen and deciduous are intimately mixed in varying
proportions. The upper reaches do not exhibit the same type of liking to all
localities within the forests. Buttressed stems are frequent. Ground
grasses are absent. Gregariousness of species appears within this type of
forests. They favour certain type of areas to regenerate profusely. The
dominant species regenerate under their own shade. Bamboos are seen
scattered here and there. Epiphytes are more common. Evergreen
undergrowth is in abundance.
2. Distribution: This type of forests occur adjacent to wet evergreen

forests. The upper slopes of the hills of Malayattoor Reserve, depressions
and shallow valleys both in Malayattoor and Nagarampara Reserves and
portions of Anamudy Reserve contain this type of forest
3. Floristic Composition
Top canopy: The main species of top canopy are Anthocephalus

cadamba, Artocarpus hirsutus, Bombax malabaricum, Calophyllum
tomentosum, Cedrella toona, Eugenia chavaran, Syzygium cumini,
Holoptelea integrifolia, Hopea parviflora, Lagerestroemia lanceolata,
Lagerstroemia speciosa, Mangifera indica, Melia dubia, Milusa velutina,
Mitragyna parvifolia, Polyalthia fragrans, Pterospermum reticulatum,
Pterospermum rubignosum, Spondia pinnata, Stereulia alata, Pterygota
51
alata, Terminali paniculata. Tetrameles nudiflora, Vateria Indica and Vitex
altissima.
Lower Canopy: Anacolosa densiflora, Aporusa lindleyana, Baccaurea

courtallensis, Beccaurea dalzeli, Canarium strictum, Cinnamum
zeylanicum, Euodia roxburghisns, Euodia lunuankenda, Mallotus
philippensis, Pygeum wightianum, and Xanthophyllum flavscens.
Bamboos and Reeds: Bambusa arundinacea is seen in this type of

forests. Ochlandra rheedi occurs in large patches in certain localities
where the forest was once cleared for cultivation by the tribals.
Under growth: Antidesma diandrum, Calamus rortang, Calamus

travancorica, Clerodendron infortunatum, Clausena willdenovii, Croton
malabaricus, Eleaeagnus latifolia, Glycosmis pentaphylla, Ixora notoniana,
Leea sambucina, Limonia acidissima, Murraya exotica, Strobilanthus sp.
etc., are chief species of undergrowth.
Climbers: Entada scandens (Parandavalli, Kakkan Valli), Spatholobus

roxburghii (Athambu valli) Dioscorea species etc., are common.
If favorable conditions prevail, the semi evergreen forest will

improve into an evergreen type of vegetation. But the present conditions
are not at all encouraging. The large scale encroachment, conversion of
forest areas in to agricultural lands and regular annual fires accelerate the
deterioration of the semi evergreens and this type of forest is changing in
to moist deciduous type.
III. Southern Moist - Deciduous Forests (3B/C1)
1. Floral Characteristics: This is the largest type of forests in this

Division. The dominant species are mostly deciduous. Although intimate
mixture of the species is the rule, a relatively small number of species form
the greater part of the canopy. The vegetal composition is mixed and
irregular. They sustain and support less number of species when
compared to the evergreen and semi evergreen forests, and contain a
large number of valuable species.
2. Distribution: This type of forest has the widest distribution in a greater

portion of Malayattoor and Nagarampara Reserves. Its presence in the
Anamudy Reserve is restricted to the surrounding of hillmen settlements.
3. Floristic composition
Top Canopy: Adina cordifolia, Albizia odoratissima, Albizia procera,

Alstonia scholaris, Anthocephalus cadamba, Salmalia malabarica, Cedrela
toona, Dalbergia latifolia, Grewia tiliifolia, Holoptelea integrifolia,
Hymenodictyon excelsum, Lagerstroemia lanceolata, Lagerstroemia
flosreginae, Lannea coromandelica, Melia dubia, Miliusa velutina,
Pterocarpus marsupium, Spondias mangifera, Stereospermum
52
personatum, Stereospermum xylocarpum, Tectona grandis, Terminalia
tomentosa, Vitex altissima, Xylia xylocarpa.
Lower Canopy: Albizia stipulata, Bauhinia malabarica, Bridelia retusa,

Careya arborea, Cassia fistula, Dillenia pentagyna, Erythrina stricta,
Euodia lunuankenda, Ficus sp, Gmelina arborea, Macaranga roxburghii,
Pajanelia rheedii, Sterculia villosa, Sterculia urens, Strychnos nuxvomica
and Zanthoxylum rhetusa.
Under growth: The under growth of the forests is heavy. Bambusa

arundinacea forms the main component of the undergrowth. The other
species are Ardisia spp., Callicarpa lanata, Clerodendron infortunatum,
Cycus circinalis, Flueggea microcarpa, Glycosmis pentaphylla, Helicteres
isora, Hibiscus frucatus, Holarrhena antidysenterica, Lantana camara,
Limonia acidissima, Randia dumetorum, Urena lobata.
Climbers: Acacia intsia, Acacia pinnata, Bauhinia vahlii, Caesalpinia

bonducella, Calycopteris floribunda, Spatholobus roxburghii.
Regenration status of these forests is very poor. Scattered

seedlings mostly of Xylia xylocarpa, Lagerstroemia lanceolata, Terminalia
paniculata occur but not establishing due to recurring annual fires and over
grazing.
IV - Southern Sub Tropical Broad Leaved Hill Forest (8A/C2)
1. Floral Characteristics: These types of forests occur in higher

elevations between 900 m to 1500 m in the upper reaches of Malayattoor
and Anamudi Reserves. These localities receive well-distributed high
rainfall. Due to high elevation, the localities are windy, bringing in
considerable changes of climatic condition which affect the growth of the
vegetation. The trees are short boled and branchy having compact
umbrella like thick crowns for resisting severe winds. Mosses, Ferns and
other epiphytes are plenty. Reed patches are present.
2. Distribution: This type of forest occur in higher elevation between 900

m to 1500 m in the upper reaches of Malayattoor and Anamudi Reserves
and also in parts of CHR.
3. Floristic Composition: Actinodaphne hookeri, Alseodaphne

semecarpifolia, Bauhinia, Machilus spp, Myristtica spp., Nephelium
longana etc. The under growth consists of Arundinaria wightiana,
Ochlandra travancorica, Teinostachyum beddomei, Strobilanthus spp. etc.
V- Southern Montane Wet Temperate Forests (11A/C1)
1. Floral Characteristics: This type of forest is usually within the higher

hills above 5000 feets. The Climate is Temperate and equable. Rainfall is
high and well distributed throughout the year. Winter is extremely cold with
misty days and even frost in certain place is common. These forests are
locally called as sholas. They are confined to the sheltered folds and
53
depression in the hills and the rest of the hill is covered with grasslands.
The vegetation is evergreen in nature. The trees are rather short boled
and branchy. It is difficult to differentiate the vegetation into upper and
lower canopy. The height of trees is generally below 10 meters. The
height of the trees decreases further as the elevation increases. Foliage of
especially Eugenia species is reddish in colour when young. The branches
of the tree are clothed with mosses, ferns and other epiphytes whose
luxuriant growth is due to the prevailing moisture and relative humidity of
these areas. Main spices of the vegetation are Cinnamomum spp.,
Elaeocarpus spp. Eugenia arnottiana, Eugenia gardneri, Eugenia
montana, Actinodaphne hookerii, Actinodaphne semecarpifolia, Bauhinia
racemosa, Eurya japonica, Ficus speceis, Gaultheria fragrantissima,
Humboldtia spp., Ixora spp., Litsea spp., Lauras sp., Spicatta sp.,
Meliosma wightii, Michelia spp., Nathophegia dalzelli, Photinia notoniana,
Rhododendron sp. and Xilagiricum spp.
2. Distribution: This type of forest is usually on the higher hills above

1500 Mts. It is seen in the depression of valleys, glens and between
hillocks of Devikulam and Munnar Ranges. A small extent in the upper
portion of Anamudy Reserve in Munnar Range also anchors this type of
vegetation. Major portion of KDH Concession area and part of CHR area
have this type and most of the tea plantations were raised after clearing
such shola vegetation.
3. Floristic Composition: Main species of the vegetation are

Cinnamomum species, Elaeocarpus species. Eugenia arnotiana, Eugenia
gardneri, Eugenia montana, Actinodaphne hookerii, Actinodaphne
semecarpifolia, Bauhinia racemosa, Eurya japonica, Ficus species,
Gaultheria fragrantissima, Humboldtia species, Ixoara species, Liszea
species., Laurina spp, Spicatta species., Meliosma wightii, Michelia
species, Nathopheyia dalzelli, Photinia notoniana, Rhododendron,
Xilagiricum species.
The under growth consists of Ardisia species, Arundinaria species,

Ligustrum spp, Rhamnus species, Strobilanthus species, Viburunum
species, etc. Berberis nepalensis, Dodonea viscosa, Eupatorium species,
Gaultheria fragrantisima etc. occur in the open patches. Climbers like
Rosa species, Clematis species, Rubus species, Elaeagnus latifolia,
Toddalia species occur.
VI - Grass Lands (11A/C1/DS2)
1. Floral Characteristics: The grass lands of this Division are situated

interspersed with the shola forest (Montane temperate type forest). There
exists divergent views regarding the ecological status of these grass lands.
One school of thought opines that grasslands are climax formation.
Another school of thought advocates that the grasslands are a pre-climax
formation brought about by the biotic factors like fire and grazing. Grass
lands have been in existence from time immemorial. While sholas are
confined to the sheltered folds and depressions, mostly along the river
54
stream bases in the hills, grasslands occupied the rest of the hills. In other
words, sholas are surrounded by grasslands.
2. Distribution: They are found interspersed with the shola forests

(Montane temperate type forest) in the upper reaches of KDH, Anaimudi
Reserve and Chinnakanal.
3. Floristic Composition: Species of grasses occurring in the grass lands

are Andropogon percusa, Arndinella spps, Ischaemum sp, Pilosum sp.,
Themeda sp., Cymbopogon sp., Eragrostis rigram, Pennisetum sp.,
Aristida sp. and Dicanthium sp.
2A.3 STATUS OF NATURAL REGENERATION

2A.3.1 Natural Regeneration : Good natural regeneration is seen in the
Interior forests where the influence of fires and other biotic interference is
absent. Some species like Hopea parviflora, Vateria indica and Disoxylum
malabaricum show tendency to regenerate naturally in places of light
canopy. There are instances of complete destruction of the natural
regeneration by fire.
The large gaps created by overexploitation, the heavy damages

areaked on the existing natural regeneration by the fall of the tree and their
subsequent extraction and the large proportion of the rejections that were
left at the site all these caused very high degree of disturbance to the
stand and the regeneration. Due to the sudden and grievous exposure,
many species perished and the less valuable lower storey species took
over and occupied the top canopy. As a result the original composition of
the stand changed and retrogression crept in. Regeneration in a wet
evergreen stand are controlled by factors such as seed year, seed fall,
viability of seeds, predation by animals, light conditions, germination,
establishment etc. However, the regeneration is prolific and sufficient
number of seedlings gets established in undisturbed evergreen forests.
But the natural regeneration in the semi-evergreen and deciduous forests,
even though good, fails to get established due to many limiting factors,
such as annual ground fires, drought, heavy weed growth, grazing, etc.
Sweeping annual ground fires, not only destroy the seeds and the
established seedlings, but also cause exposure and deterioration of the
soil. Prolonged drought spells as well as the breaks in monsoon affect the
waterregime through increased evapotranspiration. Grasses and
obnoxious weeds hinder the regeneration in many ways. They prevent the
seeds reaching the soil, compete for space, water and nutrients and
suppress the seedlings. Helecteres isora, Lanta camara, Eupatorium
odoratum etc are the prominent weed growth. In addition to these, Mikenia
has started to come up in the moist clearings and the open space along
the banks of rivers. They have just started to smother the tree growth near
by. Large climbers like Calycopterix floribunda, Acacia torta, Butea species
etc also hinder the growth. Grazing by cattle is common in areas near to
the populated part. The wild Elephants, Gaur, Sambar, Wild Boar etc. also
55
trample the regeneration. In the degraded areas the number of established
seedlings is often less than 500 per ha as per the regeneration survey
carried out in the interior areas where the growth is not much affected by
the annual fires, the regeneration is profuse and they get established in a
satisfactory and promising manner.
2A.4 INJURIES TO WHICH THE CROP IS LIABLE

A forest is very vulnerable in as much as it can easily be depleted
and destroyed unless carefully protected. The establishment,
development, and extension of the forests are affected by many factors,
either natural or manmade. The natural causes comprising the climatic
and edaphic factors and the resultant effects, and the biotic causes
including the interference of living things and their influences, hamper the
establishment and development of the vegetation and they are presently
referred to as threats or constraints in the management and are to be
mitigated effectively. While formulating management policies threat scope
analysis is essential and they are to be dealt with after prioritizing them.
2.A.4.1 Natural Causes
1. Drought: Drought is not so harmful to the mature forest crop. Delayed

monsoon may affect the regeneration programme. Erratic and irregular
rains lead to the uneven establishment of plantations with less survival
rate and poor growth. Drought kills the tender seedlings and saplings in
the forest. Prolonged drought retards the growth of mature trees. Drought
causes and increases the fire hazard.
2. Wind: The wind damages the forests mostly by interfering with the
physiological processes. Wind causes increased evapo-transpiration,
constant bending of stems affecting cambial tissues and tearing of leaf
lamina which in turn affects photosynthesis. Severe wind conditions cause
breakage of branches. Strong winds during fire season often renders
raging fires extremely difficult to control.
3. Fire: Wild fires rarely occur in the natural forests. Forest fires are
caused mainly by the people residing in and around the forest. The
adverse effects of forest fires on the vegetation result in far reaching
consequences. Forest fires destroy the advance regeneration of valuable
species with the result the forests are degraded ecologically. The recurring
annual forest fires change the character and composition of the
vegetation, thus reducing their quality. Fire damaged trees become more
susceptible to insect and fungal attack. Fire hardy species like Anogeissus
latifolia and Emblica officinalis etc., which are of low economic value are
gradually seen replacing the valuable species. Humus content of the soils
is being destroyed by fire, which affects the nutritional status, besides
altering the structure of the soil. Poor quality vegetation is known to
develop and thrive on such soil. Forest fires are more common in Adimaly
and Neriamangalam Ranges. Grasslands of the upper reaches of KDH
56
are also highly susceptible to fires. Table No. 9 and 10 give details of fie
occurrence and fire protection works done during the last 10 years in plan
area.
Table – 9 – Details of fire occurrence
Munnar Range Devikulam Range Adimaly Range Neriamangalam
Year Area
No of Loss No. of Area Loss No.of Area Loss No.of Area Loss
burnt
fires Rs. fires burnt Rs. fires burnt Rs. fires burnt Rs.
(Ha)
1999-
- - - - - - - - - - - -
00
2000-
- 4 - - - - - - - - - -
01
2001-
- - - 4 13 19000 3 28 - 12 343 2500
02
2002-
1 130.5 2000 - - - 1 4 2000 3 104 -
03
2003-
- - - - - - - - - - - -
04
2004-
- 43 2000 1 2 1000 2 15 2000 - - -
05
2005-
- - - - - - - - - - - -
06
2006-
- 5 20000 3 18.7 - 7 21.1 - 16 40.9 500
07
2007-
Nil 5 Nil Nil Nil 2 5 Nil Nil Nil Nil
08
2008-
5 8.25 - 11 22.65 - 5 4.12 - 21 39.46 0
09
Table – 10 – Details of Fire Protection Works from 1998- 99 to 2008-09
Sl. Area of Fire Man Cost

Year Division
No rotection (km) Mazdoor (Rs)
1 1999-00 483.25 53 2324171 Munnar
2 2000-01 407.115 109 5303884 Munnar
3 2001-02 652.25 120 1149610 Munnar
4 2002-03 666.95 150 1035459 Munnar
5 2003-04 370.812 170 1402141 Munnar
6 2004-05 425.195 175 2122433 Munnar
Not Not
7 2005-06 393.005 Munnar
available available
8 2006-07 273.572 182 1618301 Munnar
9 2007-08 249.26 31 1674538 Munnar
10 2008-09 280.45 132 1950574 Munnar
57
4. Floods: Incessant and heavy rains during the Southwest monsoon
cause floods when the rivers and streams are swollen. Floods uproot
trees; remove fertile soils from the forests. River and stream banks are
eroded and huge quantities of deep soil is washed off.
5. Frost: Frost damage is noticed in pockets of depressions in high

altitude regions around Munnar commencing from the end of November to
end of February. During this period the temperature goes down to –50 C.
This period coincides with the profused shooting of vegetation. The cell
sap solidifies in sub zero temperature causing rupturing of cell wall leading
to drying of shoots. Plants in the valleys are heavily affected by frost,
giving an appearance of damage by fire from a distance. Frost covering
will be provided to younger plantations during this season.
2. A. 4.2 Biotic Causes
1. Man: Humans are mainly responsible for the destruction of forests by

way of illicit felling and removal of valuable trees, unauthorized clearance
of forest vegetation and encroachments, setting fires to the forests etc.
The pressure on the land is so heavy, that prevention of illegal occupation
of forest areas has become a difficult task. Thus due to these acts of
human interference, the area under forest Division has dwindled
considerably and the quality of the forest vegetation has degraded
drastically. The encroached forest area has been verified jointly by the
officers of forest and Revenue Department and the plots encroached prior
to 01-01-77 have been identified. 1729 plots in Munnar Forest Division
area with an extent of 1099.6520 acres encroached after 01/01/1977 has
been identified and is to be evicted. Padikkapu, Parisakallu, Kambiline 6th
mile, Kanjiraveli, Kulmankuzhi, Pattayidumbu, Kanjiraveli Kambiline,
Mamalakandam, Thattekani, Kaduvakuzhi, Kodakallu, Pambla,
Panamkutty, Pakuthipalam, Ezhamkuppu, Manniam, Neriamangalam are
the encroachment areas in Munnar Forest Division area.
Table – 11 – Encroachment in Munnar Division (After 01/01/1977)
Munnar Division
Neriamangalam Adimaly
Priority
No.of Extent No.of Extent
cases (Acres) Cases (Acres)
Encroachment with extent up to 1

648 130.869 405 109.055
Acre

204 149.0816 171 122.776
Acre to 2 Acre

83 95.2903 109 124.2314
Acre to 3 Acre

11 17.7848 30 47.0893
Acre to 4 Acre
58
Munnar Division
Neriamangalam Adimaly
Priority
No.of Extent No.of Extent
cases (Acres) Cases (Acres)

18 35.9738 13 26.192
Acre to 5 Acre

16 124.0903 21 117.2189
Acre to 6 Acre
RangeTotal 980 553.0894 749 546.5626
Division Total 1729 1099.652
For avoiding encroachment cairns were constructed along

boundaries during past years Details regarding boundary consolidation
works done during 1995 – 2008 is given in Table No. 12.
Table – 12 – Details of construction of cairns from 1999 – 2009
Sl.No Year No.of Cairns Expenditure(Rs)

1 1999-2000 142 1,69,032
2 2000-01 169 2,19,293
3 2001-02 Nil Nil
4 2002-03 82 83,262
5 2003-04 Nil Nil
6 2004-05 1264 17,09,088
7 2005-06 436 5,62,335
8 2006-07 Nil Nil
9 2007-08 125 2,99,882
10 2008-09 90 2,12,823
2. Smuggling: Smuggling of timber from forest is another serious

problem. Illicit felling of trees has become a trade. Financially sound
persons employ illiterate poor people from local area for illicit felling and
removal of valuable trees. The poor workers are caught and the real
culprits do escape.
Table – 13 –Offences in Munnar Division
Sl.
Range 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
No
1 Adimaly 79 102 71 116 108 81 51 34 29 93
2 Munnar 7 4 3 4 5 5 13 12 8 7
59
Sl.
Range 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
No
3 Devikulam 196 122 97 135 100 106 95 86 86 48
4 Neriamangalam 92 72 88 94 68 54 39 25 45 28
5 Marayoor 52 49 131 300 211 338 480 0
Total 426 349 390 649 492 584 678 157 168 176
3. Weeds: Weeds retard the growth of younger plants by depriving them

of moisture, light and heat. Lantana, tall and thick grass, Eurpatorium and
Mikania are the common weeds besides other miscellaneous growth.
These weeds, especially grasses, increase the chance of fire incidences
in the forests.
5. Climbers: They are common in all forests especially in younger

plantations. The damage caused by climbers is more pronounced in the
Teak and jungle wood plantations of Adimaly and Neriyamangalam
Ranges. Mikania a climber which is fast spreading mostly in natural forest
has become a menace. It comes up well in places where the canopy is
open.
6. Parasites: Loranthus is the common epiphyte as noticed in other parts

of the State. It infests the Teak plantation and at times lead to epidemic
spread. On severe and continuous infestation the Teak trees dry and die
resulting in diminishing of the stock and consequent yield also.
7. Insect and Pests: The teak plantations are subject to infestation of

various insect pests of which the defoliator (Hyblaea peura), skeletoniser
(Hapalia machearalis) and Stem borer ( Inderbella Spp.) are of economic
importance in grown up plantations. Teak nurseries are prone to
infestations of Aphids, Mealy bugs, Coccids and thrips. Teak trees of all
age are generally attacked by the caterpillars of defoliators and
skeletonisers leaving behind a skeleton of veins in place of the leaf
lamina, hence the name. They damage the crop with severe infestations
leading to economic losses.
8. Diseases: Fungi attack is noticed in Eucalyptus and Pine plantations

especially in their younger ages. The incidence is severe in plantations
raised in the plains. Teak nurseries are prone to pathogens causing
decay, root wilt and root rot, leaf spot etc. These can be effectively
controlled by using appropriate fungicides.
9. Grazing: Cattle rearing is a source of additional income to the local

people. Many grassland areas are set on fire for inducing new flush of
grass for cattle.
10. Wild Animals: Wild elephants cause some damage to young plants
by breaking down the saplings and pealing off the bark. Maximum damage
by elephants is seen in Devikulam Range. The private planters drive away
the elephants from their estates and all elephants naturally roam in the
Reserve forests and plantations.
60
Table – 14 – List of endemic plants in Munnar Division
Sl.No Species Family

1 Hypericum japonicum Thunb Hypericaceae
2 Impatiens tomentosa Heyne Balasaminaceae
Impatiens modesta W.
Impatiens maculta W
Impatiens pandata Barnes
Impatiens chinesis
Impaties goughii
3 Crotalaria Formosa Fabaceae
Crotalaria fysoni
Crotalaria tomentos
Crotalaria walkeri
Crotalaria ovlifoia
Flemingia nilgheriensis
Smithia gracilis
4 Kalanchoe grandiflora Crassulaceae
5 Drosera burmanni Droseaceae
6 Osbeckia leshenaultiana Melastomaceae
7 Bupleurum distichopllum Apiaceae
Vanasushava pedata
8 Hedyotis stylosa Rubiaceae
Hedyoti swertiodes
Hedyoti atticullris
Hedyoti corymbosa
Hedyoti buxifolia
9 Valeriana beddomei Valerianaceae
Valeriana lesehnaultii
10 Anaphalis bournei Asteraceae
Anaphalis travancorica
Anaphalis meevoldhii
Senecio lavandulaefolius
Vernonia anamudica
11 Campanula alphonsii Campanulaceae
12 Rhododendrom arboreum Ericaceae
13 Lysimachia leschenaultia Primulaceae
61
Sl.No Species Family
14 Exacum wightianum Tentianacea
Swertia corymbosa
15 Utricularia caerulea Lentibulariaceae
16 Andrographis neesiana Acanthaceae
Phlebophyllum kunthianum
Strobilanthes foliosus
Strobilanthus homotropus
17 Leucas vestita var. devikolemensis Lamiaceae
18 Brachycorythis splendida Orchidaceae
Brachycorythis wighttii
Habenaria crassifolia
Habenaria elliptica
Habenaria longicorniculata
Malaxis densiflora
19 Commelina irsute Commelinaceae
20 Luzula multiflora Juncaceae
21 Fimbristylis kingii Cyperaceae
22 Agrostis peninsularis hook Poaceae
Andropogon lividus
Arundinella vaginata
Arundinella purpurea
Bothriochloa parameswaranni
Chrysopogon tadulingamii
Isachne fischeri
Isachne bourneorum
Tripogon narayanii
Tripogon anantaswamianus
Zenkeria jainii
NEELAKKURINJI
The plant is originally described by a European botanist, Nees in 1832. Nees published it
in Plantae Asiaticae Rariores by Nathaniel Wallich, under a different genus
Phlebophyllum and named it as Phlebophyllum kunthianum. Another European and
renowned botanist, Robert Wight, who explored the flora of erstwhile British India,
mentioned this species in his leones Plantarum Indiae Orientalis under the same name.
Later T. Anderson and George Bentham of present U.K, transferred the species under
Strobilanthes and retained the species name according to the laws of International code
of Botanical Nomenclature. This species mentioned in many of the floras such as Flora of
British India by J D Hooker, Flora of Presidency of Madras by J S Gamble, Flora of South
Indian Hill Station by Fyson, etc. under the same name.
62
The plant is a bushy shrub. Large number of plants in vast areas especially in
grasslands flowers gregariously once in 10 or 12 years. Intermittent flowering is
observed here and there in the area. The plant is noticeable when most of the plants
are in full bloom and which cover vast area of grassland. The plant is exclusive to the
Southern montane wet grasslands and ecotones of shola forests (Montane wet
temperate forest). Plant is smaller and bushy in grasslands while in ecotones it attains
Cl. height of up to 2 m.
THE GENUS ‘STROBILANTHES’ IN GENERAL
The genus Strobilanthes is belonging to the family Acanthaceae. There are 43 species
of Strobilanthes reported from Kerala (Sasidharan, 2004 - 'Flowering Plants of Kerala’.
The Strobilanthes of Peninsular India have long taxonomic and nomenclatural
complexity because of the 'similarity and differences' in the floral and vegetative
characters among them. Earlier the species in this genus were treated under different
genera such as Phlebophyllum, Nilagirianthes, Didyplosandra, Endopogon, etc. Genera
like Nilgirianthus, Phlebophyllum, Pleocctulis and Taeniandra, the splinter genera of
Strobilanthes now treated udder Strobilanthes following the new 'genus concept'
(Matthew, 1999; Carine & Scotland, 1998). All the members of this genus locally known
as Kurinji (Malayalam) or Kurinchi (Tamil). Among these, Strobilanthes kunthianus is
legendary because of the peculiarity in distribution flowering, etc. and is known as
Neelakurinji, which denotes the colour of the flower. This name is popular as early as
Sangam age and mentioned in Sangam poems. A wide phytogeographical area, ie.
Neelagiri, known related to the local name of this Strobilanthes. The plant is endemic to
high Ranges of Southern Western Ghats, especially Anamalai and Neelagiri
phytogeographical region. Many of the Strobilanthes flowering once in 8-12 years of
duration. They are mostly in higher altitudes (above 1500m). Some species have an
yearly flowering habit such as Strobilanthes ciliatus, Strobilanthes wightianus, etc. These
species are mostly in lower altitudes (below 1500m). Some species of Strobilanthes
used in various medicinal preparation of Ayurveda. Strobilanthes ciliatus is the important
one and known under the trade name 'Karimkurinji'.
SPECIES OF STROBlLANTHES REPORTED FROM MUNNAR FOREST DIVISION AND

ADJACENT PROTED AREAS
1. Strobilanthes asperrimus
Distribution: South India and Sri Lanka
Local distribution: Common along forests margins
2. Strobilanthes calycina
wcal name: Muttakkannikurinji
Distribution: Southern India and Sri Lanka
Local distribution: Rare along forests margins
3. Strobilanthes cuspidatus
Local name: Kannarakurinji
Distribution: Endemic to Southern Western Ghats
Local distribution: Common along shola margins
4. Strobilanthes foliosus
Local name: Kallukurinji, Vettilakurinji
Local distribution: Common along shola margins.
5. Strobilanthes gracilis Local name: Thoka Kurinji
Distribution: Endemic to Southern Western Ghats.
Local distribution: Common undergrowth in sholas.
6. Strobilanthes homotropus Local.name: Thoka Kurinji
63
Local distribution: Occasional in shola borders.
7. Strobilanthes kunthianus Local name: Neelakkurunji
Local distribution: Common in shola ecotones and grasslands.
8. Strobilanthes luridus
Local name: Muttakannikurinji
Local distribution: Common along shola borders.
9. Strobilanthes micranthus Local name: Kallankurinji
Local distribution: Common along shola borders.
10. Strobilanthes neilgherrensis
Local distribution: Common along shola ecotones
11. Strobilanthes papillosus
Local distribution: Occasional along shola borders.
12. Strobilanthes perrottetianus Local name: Chonakurinji
Local distribution : Common is Sholas.
13. Strobilanthes pulneyensis
Local name: Chonayamkallu Kurinji
14. Strobilanthes tristis
Local distribution: Rare in sholas.
15. Strobilanthes urceolaris
Local name: Panjikurinji
16. Strobilanthes violaceus
Local distribution: Occasional in shola borders.
17. Strobilanthes wightianus
Distribution: Endemic to Western Ghats.
18. Strobilanthes zenkerianus
Distribution: Endemic to Western Ghats.
Local distribution: Common undergrowth in shola.
Note: Some of the species are very are hence there is no local name.
64
CHAPTER – II - B
FOREST FAUNA
INTRODUCTION
Munnar Division area is situated on the Western slope of the High
range portion of western ghat. This area has been deeply carved out in to
a complex of valleys by the tributaries of Periyar, Muthirapuzha and
Pooyamkutty Aar. The streams feeding the rivers are perennial. Since the
area is drained by a network of these rivers, it supports good growth of
vegetation that provides a mosaic of habitat types and is rich in faunal
wealth.
2B.1 PROXIMITY TO PROTECTED AREAS

The Division is located adjacent to the protected areas of Eravikulam
National Park, newly declared National Parks of Pampadum shola,
Mathikettan shola, Anamudi shola and Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary. As
these forest areas are not easily accessible and are far away from human
habitations the wildlife has better quality of environment for their living.
Being situated at a strategic position amidst the network of protected area
in Munnar region, the shola grass land and other natural habitat are
important wildlife corridors. The frequent migration of wildlife occurs from
these protected areas to the adjacent territorial forest areas and vice versa
at times due to biological and ecological reasons. The trees and lush
vegetation present in these Reserves along with perennial water sources
and marshy land create an ideal habitat for different fauna. Varayattumudi
in Adimaly Range harbours a good population of endangered Nilgiri tahr.
2.B.2 MAMMALS
1. Elephant (Elephas maximus): Among the mammals the elephant is
seen throughout the forest area of this Division where the terrain is hilly or
undulating and where bamboos and reeds grow in profusion. They are
extremely adaptable and can live in steamy humid jungle or in cool
elevated forests with equal ease. They roam about in the forests and
probably during unfavorable conditions like summer descend to the
cultivated slopes and villages in herds creating havoc in the villages.
2. Monkeys: The langur or monkeys seen in this forest area are the
representatives of the order Primates of class Mammalia. The different
types of monkeys found in the region are;
65
i. Nilgiri Langur – Karinkurangu (Trachypithecus johni): IUCN status –
vulnerable-I. It is seen abundant in shola patches and stretches of dense
evergreen forests which usually mark the nullahs and water courses on
their grass covered slopes. They are found mostly in the higher altitudes of
Munnar and Devikulam Ranges. The early morning whooping of a deep
ringing hoo….hoo…hoo…. is a familiar sound in the deep forest.
ii. Bonnet monkey – Vella kurangu (Maccaca radiata): IUCN status –

lower risk-II. These are more common in both High Ranges and plane
areas of Munnar Division. The troops of as many as 20 to 30 animals may
be found feeding on the ground or in trees. In some places they are
abundant and become bold enough to get in to human habitations and
make themselves a nuisance.
iii. Lion Tailed Macaque – Simhavalan Kurangu – (Macaca silenus):

IUCN status – Endangered-I. They are usually found in dense evergreen
areas and are gregarious, living in herds of 12 to 20 animals or more.They
normally live deep inside forests and far away from human interferences.
Very shy in nature and try to avoid human contacts. They occur in the
Eastern portion of Anamudi Reserve. They were once common in CHR
and the first study on them was carried out by the Japanese scientist
Sugiyama in the Panniyar Cardamom Estate of Chinnakanal area.
3. Slender loris – Kutty thevangu – (Loris lyddekerianus): IUCN status

– Vulnerable-I. It is another primate found in the dense evergreen forests.
Its limbs are long and slender, ears are larg and snout is pointed. It is
nocturnal in habit and feeds on berries of lantana bush, insects, lizards,
small birds and tree frogs.
4. Leopard – Pullipuli – (Panthera pardus): IUCN -status lower risk-I

(declining). They belong to the cat family Fellidae of order Carnivore in
class of Mammalia. They are found in all types of forests as well as in
open country among rocks and scrubs. They can kill and feed on anything
they can over power with safety and are particularly fond of domestic dogs
which is the reason for their frequent sighting in and around human
habitations.
5. Tiger – Kaduva – (Panthera tigris): IUCN status – Endangered-I

(declining). Tiger is the top predator in the food pyramid of forest
ecosystem and belongs to family felidae. It is usually found in the moist
deciduous and dry open jungle and maintains territory. The Division is
adjacent to different Protected Areas and hence there is a continuity of
geographical area through which different animals move around and
forage freely. Abundance of herbivorus animals is an indication of healthy
habitat.
6. Leopard Cat – Poochapuli – (Prionailurus bengalensis): IUCN status

– Lower risk-I (declining). This cat is about the size of domestic cat, but
rather longer in the legs. Its colour and marking are similar to miniature
panther. It is nocturnal in habit and preys on small birds and animals. The
66
hollows in trees are the favourite shelter. Being fond of poultry it frequents
human habitations.
7. Jungle Cat – Kattumakkan – (Felis chaus): IUCN status – Lower risk-

II. It has long legs and comparatively short tail and pale green eyes. At
times it is a menace to poultry and can attack smaller cattle also.
8. Jackal’s – Kurukkan – (Canis aureus): IUCN status – Lower risk-II.

The jackals, wild dogs and sloth bears all belong to the family Canidae,
order Carnivora. The jackal’s long drawn eerie howling at dusk or before
dawn in the forest is very familiar to people living in the vicinity. It roams
over the hills and the low country and is known as for stealing poultry.
9. Wild dog – Chennai – (Cuon alpinus): IUCN status – Vulnerable-II.

These animals are similar to domestic dogs with long body and short legs.
They lead a social life with prolonged association between parents and
young. The pack is a union of two or more families or some times of
several families. They hunt in packs within the forest and their favoured
prey is sambar.
10. Sloth bear – Karadi – (Melursus ursinus): IUCN status – Vulnerable-I.

They are found in Adimaly and Neriamangalam Ranges. Usually they
come out shortly before sunset, hunt for food all night and retire in the
morning. They climb trees for collecting honey and dig termatorium for
feeding on termites.
11. Mangoose – Keeri – (Herpestes edwardsii): The mangoose belongs

to family Herpestidae, order carnivora. They are very adept in killing
snakes and rats. Four species of mongoose are found in the Division. The
common grey mangoose (Herpestes edwardsi) is seen in forest as well as
in the plains of both Divisions. It has long coarse fur with uniform Rufus
color darker on the legs. The stripe necked mangoose (Herpestes
vitticollis) and the ruddy mangoose (Herpestes smithy) are found in
Munnar and Devikulam Ranges. The Brown mongoose (Herpestes
fuscus), though not common, is also found in the higher altitudes.
12. Otters-Neernai-(Lutra lutra): Otters are in the sub family Mustelidae

of class Mammelia. The common otter is found in the rivers of Munnar
Division. Their bodies are streamlined with flattened muzzle and brown
with pale under parts. Tail has a thick base and the feet are usually
webbed.
13. Nilgiri-Marten- (Martes gwatkinsi):- It is larger than the stone marten

with longer tall measuring about three-fourths the length of head and body.
Its colour varies with individuals and with season. But it is never the
uniform brown or gray brown of the stone marten. The dorsal fur is less
marked and is deep brown from head to rump and the fore quarters being
reddish in colour.
14. Clawless-Otter- (Amblonyx cinereus):- It is the smallest of our otters

with length 40-60 cm. The claws of these otters are rudimetaray, no more
67
than small upstanding spikes which except in small cubs do not project
beyond the top parts. Its dorsal side is dark brown colour and paler in
ventrals. It is found in the higher altitudes of Munnar and Devikulam
Ranges.
15. Porcupines-Mullanpanni-(Hystrix indica): These animals belong to

the order rodentia. Their chisel like upper and lower incisor teeth grow
continuously and is kept in shape by continuous gnawing. The continuous
growth of the incisors is the most distinct feature and it is adapted for
feeding habit.
16. Squirrels-Annan: Squirrels are the easily recognized rodents by their

slender build and long body. Palm squirrels – Annan- (Funambulus
palmarum), Flying squirrels – Paran- (Petaurista petaurista) the Malabar
squirrel (Ratufa indica), Dusky stripped Squirrel (Funambulus Sublineatus)
are common types of squirrels found in this Division. The flying squirrels
and Malabar squirrel can become pests of cash crops adjacent to forest.
17. Rats and Mice: The ordinary rats and mice are well known for
nuisance every where while the burrowing Bandicoots (Thorappan, Panni-
Eli) and the antelope rats (Gerbillus) do considerable harm in the gardens.
Malabar spiny dormouse (Plata canchomys lasiurus), is the common
animals found in this group.
18. Black napped Hare- Kattu Muyal- (Lepus nigricollis): They are
found in bushy areas of this Division. They have long soft fur, long ears
short tail fully furred feet and slit like nostrills. They are mostly nocturnal
and their enemies are foxes, mangoose, wild dogs and wild cats.
19. Bats: Bats belong to the order chiroptera of class mammalia. They are
the only mammals capable of flight. Usually they rest with their head
hanging down. They are nocturnal. The flying fox (Petropus giganteus)
and Fruit bat (Roassettus leschenaulti) are common in this area. The
smaller insectivorous bats hide during the day in some crevice in tree trunk
or roof of house etc. They come out towards dusk feeding on flying
insects. The familiar insectivorous bat is Naricheer (Vesperugo abranms).
20. Indian Bison – Gaur - (Bos gaurus): They belong to family Bovidae,
order Artiodactyla of class Mammalia. Seen in forests of this Division and
is one of the biggest oxen in the world.
21. Nilgiri Tahr – Varayadu-(Hemitragus hylocrius): Tahrs come under

the family Bovidae. They are seen in the highly elevated area of this
Division. Like the other goats they associate in flocks of half a dozen or
more animals, which may at times form much larger heads. It is present in
Idalimotta and Silentvalley areas of KDH, the Eastern part of Anaimudi
Reserve adjoining Eravikulam and Varayattumudi of Adimaly and
Neriamangalan Ranges at a much lower altitude.
22. Sambar – Mlavu – (Cervus unicolor): It inhabits the thickly wooded

area of the Division. Its upper portion has dark color and is pale on the
68
under parts. Hair is coarse and wiry i.e longer on neck and throat forming
an erectile mane. Its tail is small and thick. It is nocturnal in habit and
rarely seen in large herds. It is the main prey base for tiger and wild dogs.
23. Barking Deer – Kezha – (Muntiacus muntijak): It stands 75 cm at

the shoulder and have stubby little antlers with two prolongs. The jaws
have V shaped ridges, the arm of V continued are freely projecting
columns. Its canine teeth are projecting. Its call resembles that of a dog
barking and hence is also known as barking deer. It is very common in the
tea estates.
24. Mouse Deer – Kooran – (Tragulus meminna):- It is the smallest deer

in India and is found in this Division. It is a timid forest dweller with a
narrow head and pointed muzzle. Neither sex has horns or antlers nor do
males have long protruded upper canines.
25. Wild Boar – Kattupanni- (Sus scrofa):- It is a single stomached

artiodactyls coming in family Suidae. They are courageous and
determined to fight. It is seen all over the Division. It is also a major pest
for all types of agricultural crops. Tiger, leopard and wild dogs control their
population.
26. Scaly anteater- Urumbutheeni- (Manis crassicaudata): The little

known and curious member of the smaller mammals Pangolin comes in
order Pholidota of mammelian class. They have pointed head with small
eyes, long and broad tail, long tongue and no teeth. They feed on termites
and ants. The body is covered with long overlapping scales and hence
called Scaly anteater.
2B.3 BIRDS
Due to the tropical climate, Munnar Division area are enriched with
different types of Avifauna. Even though no bird can be mentioned as
endemic to this Division there exist large varieties of birds in this area.
Since the Division is adjacent to different protected areas, the birds
naturally get extended protection.
1. Tree pie- called Dendrocitta is one of the common birds found in both
Division areas. They are named ‘Olaenjaly’ due to the habit of hanging in
leaflet of coconut. They feed on small insects. The common tree pie found
in this area are Indian tree pie (Dendrocitta leuicogastra) and White bellied
tree pie (Dendrocitta leuicogastra).
2. The Drongos (Dicrurs)- Kakka thampuratty seen in the plains feed on

small insects. It has glossy black plumage, turked tale and often seen in
High Ranges. They belong to the family sescruridae. They are often seen
behind the troop of the lion tailed macaque. The troop moves around
disturbing the insects resting on branches and these birds leap off the
branches to catch them. The common Drongos found in this Division are
69
‘Black Drongo’ (Dicrurus adsimillis), Grey drongo (Dicrurus leucophaeus),
White bellied Drongo (Dicrurus caeruescens), Bronze drongo (Dicrurus
aeneus) and Racket tailed drongo (Dicrurus paradiseus).
3. Babblers - Babbler are locally called Kariyila Pakshi’ found in this

Division areas. They belong to the family Timalidae. They are
charecterised by short wings with soft and fluffy plumage. They are noisy
birds and seven sisters are unique. They are seen in groups of seven or
more and have the capacity to imitate other birds. The common Babbler
found in the Division areas are Spotted babbler (Pellorneum ruficeps),
Scimitar babbler (Pomatrohinus horsfieldi), Rufous babbler (Turdoides
subrufus), Jungle babbler (Turdoides striatus), and grey breasted laughing
thrush (Garrulax jerdoni).
4. Copsycus- The beautiful singing birds locally called ‘Mannathi Pakshi’ -

Quaker babbler (alcippe poioicephala) coming under ‘Copsycus’ genus is
common in this Division area. The birds found are the Mag pie robin
(Copsychus saularis), and Shama (Copsychus malabaricus).
5. Bulbuls- The different variety of Bulbuls locally called ‘Irattathalachy’

are also found in this Division area. Due to the significant shape and
appearance of their head, they are locally called Irattathalachy or Thoppy
thalachy. The common bulbuls are (Pycnotus priocephalus), Red
whiskered bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus), Red vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus
cafer), White browned bulbul (Pycnotus lutelus), Yellow browned Bulbul
(Pycnotus indica), and Black bulbul (Pycnotus leucocephalus).
6. Flycatchers- The Division areas are abundant with different varieties of

flycatchers. Due to the presence of fantail and there restless dancing pose
they are locally called as ‘Attakaran’. The common visible fly catchers are
Blue throated flycatcher (Muscicapa rubeculaoides), Tickellis blue
flycatcher (Muscicapa tickelliae), Verditer flycatcher (Muscicapa
thalassina) Nilgiri flycatcher (Eumyias albicaudata), Brown breasted
flycatcher (Muscicapa muttui), Black and orange flycatcher (Ficedula
nigrorufa), Gray headed flycatcher (Culicicapa ceylonensis), Black and
orange flycatcher (Ficedula nigrorufa) and Black napped monorch
flycatcher (Hypothymis azurea).
7. Tailor birds- The tailor birds (Ortho tomus sutorius) are famous for their
ability to make their nests by sewing the leaves of plants. The stitches are
separate and made with wool, silk or spider web. They come in the family
Syluidae. It keeps its tail wagging up and down. They are commonly seen
in bushy areas hunting for insects.
8. Manjakily- These most beautiful and bright yellow colored birds are
seen in this area. They are locally called ‘Manjakily’. The different varieties
of this type of birds are Golden Oriole (Orilus oriolus), Blacknapped Oriole
(Oriolus chinensis) and Black headed Oriole (Oriolus xanthornus) are the
common birds present in the area.
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9. Myna- The common Myna or madatha (Acridotheres) is commonly seen
in this Division area. The Mynas have the ability to mimic speech. They
rest at night in large numbers and are known for their cacophony in the
morning and evening. The other common Mynas in these areas are Grey
headed Myna (Sturnus malabaricus), Brahmini Myna (Sturnus
pagodarum), Rosy pastor (Sturnus roseus) and Jungle Myna (Acridothers
fuscus). The Southern grackle (Gracula religiosa) locally known as
‘Kattumyna’ is slightly larger than the Common Myna with bright yellow
naked patches on the head. It is found in the hilly forests but in captivity it
learns to talk more distinctly than the common myna.
10. Thrushes- The birds Thrushes make whistling sounds. The Malabar
whistling Thrush (Myiophonus horsfieldii) makes whistling sound of an idle
school boy and it is located in highly elevated areas of Munnar Division.
The other whistling thrushes are Blue headed Rock thrush (Monticola
cincliorhynchus), Blue rock thrush (Monticola solitarius), White throated
ground thrush (Zoothera cyanotus), Wayanad laughing thrush (Garrulax
delesserti), White breasted Thrush (Garrulax jerdoni) and Eurasian black
bird (Turdius merula)
11. Wagtails- The wagtails (Motacila) are common in this Division area.
The common Wagtails are Forest wagtail (Motacilla indica), Grey wagtail
(Motacilla cinerea) and the large pied wagtail (Motacilla maderaspatensis).
The large Pied wagtail is the only resident species and all others are
migrating birds.
12. Larks- The common larks (Alauda) found in this Division areas are
Redwinged bush lark (Mirafra assamica), Ashy crowned Finch lark
(Eremopterix grisea), Short-toed Lark (Calandrella cinerea) and Malabar
crested lark (Galerida malabarica).
13. Sunbirds- The forest areas contain different types of Sunbirds which
are small and conspicuous by their diverse colour and active habits. The
common sunbirds present in this Division areas are Purplerumped Sunbird
(Nectarinia zeylonica), Small Sunbird (Nectarinia minima), Loten’s Sunbird
(Nectarinia lotenia) and Purple Sunbird (Nectarinia asiatica).
14. Woodpeckers- The different varieties of woodpeckers present in

these forests belong to the family Picidae. They feed on wood boring
beetles and grubs that damage the tree. The beetles and grubs are taken
with its chisel like bill and long protractible bar tipped tongue. Their feet are
with two toes pointing backward and two toes pointing forward to hold and
climbe vertical trees. The different varieties of woodpeckers found are
Little scaly bellied woodpecker (Picus myrmecophoneus), Rufous
Woodpecker (Micropternus brachyurus), Small yellow naped woodpecker
(Picus chlorolophus), Malabar goldenbacked woodpecker (Dinopium
benghalense), Large Goldenbacked woodpecker (Chrysocolaptes lucidus),
Maharatta woodpecker (Picoides maharattensis), Pigmy woodpecker
(Dendrocopos nanus), Goldenbacked three toed woodpecker (Dinopium
javanense), Blackbacked woodpecker (Chrysocolaptes festivus),
Heartspotted woodpecker (Hemicircus canente), Little scaly bellied green
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woodpecker (Picus xanthopygocus) and Great black woodpecker
(Bryocopus javenensis)
15. Cuckoo birds- The Cuckoo birds resemble Mynas. They have the
habit of laying their eggs in the nest of other birds. The familiar Kuil –
Indian koel (Endynamys scolopacea) also behave like this. The common
crow pheasant called Uppan (Centropus sinensis) is also familiar in these
areas. The common Cuckoo found in these areas are Pied crested cuckoo
(Oxylophus jacobinus), Common hawk cuckoo (Cuculus varius), Large
hawk cuckoo (Cuculus various), Indian cuckoo (Cuculus micropterus),
Banded bay cuckoo (Cacomantis sonneratii), Plaintive cuckoo
(Cacomanitis passerinus), Drongo cuckoo (Surniculus lugubris), Sirkeer
cuckoo (Taccocua leschenault) and Brain feber bird (Hyerococcyx varius).
Dr. Salim Ali, the renowned Ornithologiest had conducted an avian survey in
Marayoor and Munanr area as part of the bird survey covering entire state and which
culminated in the publication of his landmark work, “Ornithology of Travancore and
Cochi” from 03/01/33 to 20/01/33 (18 days). To commemorate this event on its 75th
year, Kerala forest Department had conducted an avian survey in the same location at
Marayoor and Munnar during the same period. The survey commenced on 3rd January
2009 at Marayoor (03/01/09 to 15/01/09-13 days) and culminated at Munnar, (16/01/09
to 20/01/09 5 days).
The survey was leaded by led ornithologist of the state Sri. C. Sasikumar with
support of a young team of ornithologists. The team covered the same localities
surveyed by Dr. Salim Ali in 1933 on the same dates. They found 190 species of birds
including 14 species of endemic birds. They have sighted the common Buzzard, a
migratory raptor and tickles leaf warbler a tiny bird of bushes which was not recorded
by Salim Ali in Munnar and Marayoor areas. The raptors are seen in good numbers
through the survey period. Other major sightings are the black and orange fly catchers,
Nigeria fly catcher, white bellied shorting and broad tailed grass bird all endemic birds
of high altitude
The team also found the rare rock pipit at Munnar and Mathikettan areas. The
bird was not much reported from Kerala. Other significant findings are the colonization
of crows throughout the Munnar and higher up at shola grass land areas. Dr. Salim Ali
has not reported crows from these areas in 1933. Increasing human population may be
one of the factors for establishment of crows in these areas. Other rare birds include
Amur falcon (Chenkalan pullu), Scaly thrush (kozhikilli ponnan), Brown rock pipit (para
varamban).
The under storey insectivores birds such as flycatchers and ground dwellers
like thrushes are totally absent in cardamom hill reserve, may be due to continuous
use of pesticides or clearace of ground vegetation for cardamom cultivation.
The shola specialist such as Gray headed fly catchers and black and orange
fly catchers are very few in numbers in many sholas. This may be due to the change in
microclimate because of the warming of the earth. The team observed significant
changes in the dynamics of shola ecosystem as perennial streams have dried up just
after winter in many parts of high ranges.
16. Barbets- They are small tropical birds. Different varieties of barbets
are present in these areas. They are grass green in colour with yellow
throat and green streaked yellowish under parts. They feed on fruits and
are practically arboreal. The common Barbet found in this area are Small
green barbet (Megalaima virdis), Large green Barbet (Megalaima
zeylonica) and Crimsonthroated barbet (Megalaima rubricapilla)
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17. Kingfisher- The Kingfisher is seen abundantly in these areas. They
are short tailed with large head with a long and strait bill. They commonly
predate on fish. The varieties of kingfisher present in these areas are Pied
kingfisher (Ceryle rudis), Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) and White
breasted kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis).
18. Parakeets- The Parakeets present in these forest area are colourful
birds with large pointed tail. They have strong legs with two toes pointing
backward and two pointing forward. The common Parakeets found in this
area are Indian hanging parakeet (Loriculus vernatis), Plum headed
parakeet (Psittacula passerinus) and Blue winged parakeet (Pisittacula
columboides) They are popular cage birds and as flocks they turnout as
pests for fruit growers.
19. Bee eaters- The brilliantly colored bee-eaters are found in this area.
Since they feed on bees, these meropes called like so. The common Bee
eaters are Chestnut headed bee eater (Merops leschenaulti), Small green
bee eater (Merops orientalis), and Bluebeard bee eater (Nyctyornis
athertoni).
20. Falcons, haws and kites- In this Division, there are the smaller birds
of prey like falcons, haws and kites. These birds have moderate, sharply
hooked bills and powerful jaws to tear fish and flesh. They also play a
major role for biological control of the rodent pests. The common birds of
these groups are Black Winged Kite (Elanus caeruleus), Pariah Kite
(Milvus migrans), Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus), Crested Honey Buzzard
(Pernis ptilorhynchus), Shikra (Accipiter badius), Crested Goshawk
(Accipiter trivirgatus), Besra Sparrow-Hawk (Accipiter virgatus) Whte eyed
buzzard (Butastur teesa) Crested Hawk Eagle (Spizaetus cirrhatus)
Rufousbelled Hawk eagle (Lobhotriaorchis kleneril), Booted hawk eagle
(Hieraaetus pennatus), Black eagle (Ictinaetus malayensis), Crested
serpant eagle (Spilornis cheela), Indian Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus),
Common buzzard (Buteo
21. Warblers- The different types of small Warbler birds present in this
Division areas are Streaked fantail warbler (Cisticola juncidis), Franklin’s
wren warbler (Prinia hodgsonii), Plain wren warbler (Prinia subflara), Ashy
wren warbler (Prinia socialis), Jungle wren warbler (Prinia syivatica), Great
reed warbler (Acrocephalus stentoreus), Blyth’s reed warbler
(Acrocephalus dumetorum), Thick billed warbler (Acrocephalus aedon),
Tickellis leaf warbler (Phylloscopus affinis), Large crowned leaf warbler
(Phyilloscopus occipitalis), Large Billed leaf Warbler (Phyilloscopus
magnirostris), Greenish leaf warbler (Phyilloscopus trochiloides), Tytlers
leaf warbler (Phyilloscopus tytler), Weastern crowned warbler
(Phyilloscopus occipitalis), Plain prinia warbler (Prinia inornata), Broad
tailed grass warbler (Schoenicola platyura), Paddyfield warbler
(Acrocephalus agricola), Blyth’s Reed-Warbler (Acrocephalus dumetorum)
and Thick-billed Warbler (Acrocephalus aedon).
22. Pigeons and Doves- This Division areas has different varieties of
Pigeons and Doves which have different color and nature. The common
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varieties of Pigeon present in these areas are Yellow legged Green pigeon
(Treron phoenicoptera), Grey fronted Green Pigeon (Treron pompadora),
Green imperial Pigeon (Ducula aenea), Jerdon’s Imperial Pigeon (Ducula
badia), Blue rock pigeon (Columba livia) and Nilgiri Wood Pigeon
(Columba elphinstonii). The common Doves are Indian ring dove
(Streptopelia decaocto), Spotted dove (Streptopelia chinensis), Little
Brown dove (Streptopelia senegalensis), Emerald dove (Chalcophaps
indica), Red tuttie dove (Streptopelia tranquebarica) and Mountain imperial
pigeon (Dacula badia).
23. Nightjars- Nightjars are commonly seen in the deciduous forests.

They have large bright eyes, gleaming red on illumination, have wide gap
with short legs, long wings and noiseless flight. The different species of
Nightjars present in this area are Jungle Nightjar (Caprimulgus indicus),
Common Indian Nightjar (Caprimulgus asiaticus), Longtailed Nightjar
(Caprimulgus macrurus), Franklin’s Nightjar (Caprimulgus affinis), and
Great-eared Nightjar (Eurostopodus macrotis).
24. Quails (Kada) - Quails of different varieties occur in the forest area.
The common varieties are Painted bush quail (Perdicula erythrorhyncha),
Jungle bush quail (Perdicula asiatica), Yellow legged button quail (Turnis
tanki), Southern grey partridge (Francolinus pondicerianus) and Gray
jungle fowl (Gallus sonneratii).
25. Sparrows- The common sparrows are House sparrow (Passer

domesticus) and Yellow Throated Sparrow (Petronia xanthocollis).
26. Crows- The crows are seen close to the human inhabitation. The
common species are crow (Corvus splendens), Jungle crow (Corus
macrorhynchos) and Indian tree pie (Dendrocita vagabunda). The biggest
among this group is also found in the lower elevation.
27. Hornbills – The Hornbills are another spectacular family of birds,

which inhabits the mature forests. The largest of the hornbill family is the
Great Indian hornbill, (Buceros bicornis) (Mala muzhaki vezhambal).
Hornbills are normally more than one metre in length, with boldly marked
black and white wings and tail. In flight, its very broad wings make a
distinctive singing note. Great Indian hornbill is the state bird of Kerala
Malabar gray hornbills (Ocyceros griseus) is also present in these area.
There are two important species of birds in Munnar which need

special mentioning. They are 1) Wood cock (Scolopax rusticola) and 2
Black -and –Orange flycatcher (Muscicapa nigrorufa) both are seen in the
Shola Forests or on the grass covered fringes of Sholas.
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Wood cock- Wood cocks are birds which closely resemble snipes, camouflagingly
mottled brown, black and whitish with characteristic long slender bill with comparatively
short legs. The flight is owl like flapping wings with the bill pointed downwards. When
banking in the air the tail is fanned out giving the tubby body with its short curving
seimitar like wings a blunt ended look.
This bird is migratory, seen only between October and March in Munnar. They
breed throughout the Himalayas between 2000-3800 mtr. In winter descends to lower
elevations in the Himalayas and also migrates South to the Assam Hills, Nagaland,
Manipur and close the peninsula to the Neelagiri, Palany and associated hill Ranges
and moist Southern strip of the Western Ghats in Kerala and Mysore. They prefer
swampy glades with dense scrubby under growth with rhododendron and mixed forest
in the Himalayas dark ravines and shoals with evergreen forests, Cardamom and
Coffee plantations with sprawling swampy streams in South India. The clearing of
forests for raising cashcrops and for agricultural purposes has progressively reduced
its abundance in many of its best known former habitats in the Nilgiri and Munnar
areas.
The migratory birds begin to arrive in Nilgiri and Munnar during October
numbers reach peak in December, January, and mostly migrate back by end of March.
They probably journey from Himalayas in single non stop flight.
A curious feature of the Wood cock is its abnormally high and backwardly
placed eyes, virtually at the back of its head. The exact function of this adaptation
needs study.
In short very little is known about their ecology, ethology and migration. There
is drastic reduction in population of Wood cocks in South Indian hills and there are no
specific studies carried out about these birds which are all the more important
considering the facts that they are on the verge of extinction
Black and Orange Flycatcher (Muscicaba nigrorufa) - This small oRange-rufous

flycatcher with slaty black crown is a resident in the Southern Section of Western
Ghats in the whole world. They are patchily distributed in the dense evergreen Shola
forests of Western Ghats in 700m above MSL. They are found singly or in pairs,
hopping about among the seedlings and shady undergrowth occasionally descending
to the ground. They are recorded from Nilgiris, Palanis, Anamalais, Waynaad and
Biligirirangan hills. They prefere dense evergreen Sholas with plentiful undergrowth of
strobilanthus, reeds, Cardamom and edges of Coffee and tea plantations.
Nothing more is known about this bird. In Munnar it was recorded in fairly good
number during the period of Europians in Kannan Devan Tea Estates. At present their
population is low and restricted to some pockets of Shola forests. It is advisible to
encourage a thorough study on their biology, ecology, ethology and population
dynamics to save them from extinction.
2B.3.1 Acquatic birds
1 Little Grebe (Podiceps ruficollis): Size: 22 Cm. Sexes alike, India’s

smallest water bird, squat and tailless. Plumage silkey and compact; dark
brown above; white in flight feathers; white abdomen. Breeding: Chestnut
sides of head. Neck and throat, black chain; blackish-brown crown, bind
neck. Winter; white chin, brown crown bind neck; refocus neck. Purely
aquatic; seen singly or in small, scattered groups, after diving and
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swimming beneath the surface. Food: aquatic insects, frogs crustacean.
Voice: shrill trilling notes and an occasional click. Range: All India to 2000
m in Kashmir. Resident in most areas. Habitat: Village tanks, deep jheels,
lakes, reservoirs.
2. Large cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo): Size: 80 cm. Sexes alike.

Breeding adult: Black plumage with metallic blue green sheen; white facial
skin, throat: bright yellow gular pouch and white high patches silky white
plumes on head and neck. Non-breeding adult: No white thigh patches;
gular pouch less bright. First year young; Dull brown above; white below.
Aquatic not a gregarious species outside breeding season; usually one or
two birds feeding close by; rarely half a dozen; dives underwater in search
of fish. Range: resident in most areas; all India, to 3000m in the Himalaya
(observed in Kashmir, ladak, Nepal) habitat: Jheels, lakes, mountain
torrents, occasionally coastal lagoons.
3. Little Cormorant (Phalacrocorax niger): Size: 50 cm. Sexes alike.

Our smallest and commonest cormorant short thick neck and head
distinctive, lacks gular patch, Breeding adult: black plumage has blue
green sheen; silky white feathers on fore crown and sides of head; silvery
gray wash on upper back and wing coverts, speckled with black. Non-
breeding adult: white chin and upper throat. Gregarious; blocks in large
jheels, swims with only head and short neck exposed; dives often, the hunt
can become a noisy, jostling scene. Frequently perches on poles, trees
and rocks, basks with wings spread open. Food: Mostly fish also tadples,
crustaceans, Range: All India South of the Himalaya. Habitat: Village
tanks, jheels, lakes, occasionally rivers and coastal areas
4. Darter or snake bird (Anbinga rufa): Size: 90 cm. Sexes alike: tong.
Snake like neck,. Pointed bill and stiff, fan shaped tail confirm identity
Adult: Black above, streaked and mottled with silvery grey on back and
wings, choc brown head, neck; white stripe down sides of upper neck;
white chin, upper throat; entirely black below. Young: brown with rufous
and silvery streaks on mantle. A bird of deep fresh water, small numbers
scattered along with little cormorants; highly specialized feeder, the entire
structure of the bird modified for following and capturing of fish
underwater, swims low in water; with only head and neck uncovered;
chases prey below water with wings half open; spearing a bend in neck at
8th and 9th vertebrae which acts as a spring as it straightens. Tosses fish
into air and swallows head first. Basks on tree stumps and rocks,
cormorant style. Voice: Loud croaks and squeaks. Range: All India,
South of the Himalayan foot hills Habitat; Fresh water lakes heels.
5. Purple Heron (Ardea Purpurea): Size: 100 cm. Sexes alike: A

slender necked, lanky bird. Slaty-purple above; black crown, long,
drooping crest; rufous neck with prominent black stripe along its length
white chin, throat, deep slaty and chestnut below breast; almost black on
wings and tail; crest and breast plumes less developed in female. Solitary
crepuscular extremely shy but master of patience, freezes, and hides
amidst marsh reeds. When flushed, flies white neck outstretched. Voice:
a harsh croak. Range: Mostly resident, though numbers in some areas
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increase during winter because of migrants; all India South of Himalaya
foothills. Habitat: open marshes, reed covered lakes, riversides.
6. Pond heron or paddy bird (Ardeola grayii): Size: 46 cm. Sexes alike:
A small heron, commonest of family in India, thick set and earthy- brown in
colour with dull green legs bill bluish at base, yellow at centre with black
tip, neck and legs shorter than in true egrets. Difficult to sight when
settled; suddenly springs to notice with a flash of white wings; tail and
rump. Breeding: bubby – brown head; neck white chin, upper throat,
longish crest, rich maroon back. Buff –brown breast. Non-breeding:
streaked dark brown plumage. Found around water, even dirty roadside
puddles, motionless in mud or up to ankles in water, or slowly stalks prey.
Hunts alone, roots in groups with other pond herons and occasionally
crowns. Food: fish, frogs, crustaceans insects. Voice: a harsh croak,
usually when flushed; also squeaks and chatters at nesting colony. Range:
Resident all India. Habitat: marshes, heels, river sides, road side ditches,
tidal creeks.
7. Cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis): Size: 50 cm. Sexes alike: A snow-white

egret seems on and around cattle, garbage heaps. Breading: bubby
orange plumes on head, neck and back, none breeding; distinguished
from little egret by yellow back; from other egrets by size. Widespread;
equally abundant around water and away from it; routinely attends to
grazing cattle, feeding on insects disturbed by the animals; follows
tractors; scavengers at garbage dumps and slaughter houses. Food:
insects, frogs, lizards, refuse. Voice: mostly silent except for some
croaking sounds when breeding. Range: Resident; all India, to 1899 m in
outer Himalaya. Habitat: marshes, lakes, forest clearings.
8. Large egret (Ardea Alba): Size: 90 cm. Lanky, snow-white marsh bird;
black and yellow (breeding) or yellow (Non-breeding) beak and black legs;
when breeding, long, time plumes on back. Food: Fish, frogs,
crustaceans, aquatic insects. Voice: An occasional croak. Range: resident
and local migrant; not common but widespread over the country. Habitat:
Marshes, heels, rivers tidal estuaries usually solitary.
9 Little egret (Egretta Garzetta): Size: 65 cm. Sexes alike: A slender,

snow- white water bird. White plumage; black legs, yellow feet and black
bill diagnostic. Breeding: Nuchal crest of two long plumes; feathers on
back and breast lengthen into ornamental filamentous features. Small
flocks feed at edge of water, some times wading into the shallower areas;
stalks prey like typical heron, waiting patiently at edge of water. Food:
Fish, frogs, tadpoles, aquatic insect, crustaceans. Voice: an occasional
croak. Range: Resident; All India, from 1600 m in outer Himalaya.
Habitat: inland marshes jheels, riversides, damp irrigated areas,
sometimes tidal creeks.
10. Chestnut bittern (Lxonbrychus cinnamomeus): Size: 38 cm. male:

dark cinnamon- rufous above, chestnut in wings, paler on underside,
whitish chin, throat fading into dull chestnut below. Female: More chestnut-
brownish above. Appearing darker than male; dull rufous below, streaked
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dark brown; prominent dark streak down centre of fore neck and breast.
Young birds have mottled upper body and more heavily streaked below.
Usually solitary; rather secretive, mostly seen when flushed from dense
reed growth. Overall appearance and behavior much like familiar pond
heron; active during the rains. Food: insects, frogs also fish. Voice:
courting male calls during the rains; when breeding. Range: almost all
India; South of the Himalayan terai; moves considerably especially with
the onset of the rain. Habitat: marshy areas, dense reed growth, wet
cultivation.
11. Lesser whistling real or tree duck (Dendrocy gnajavanica): Size:

42 cm. Sexes alike: Rufescent-brown plumage; browner head; chestnut
upper tail-coverts; in flight, chestnut upper tail-coverts, upper wing-coverts
and blackish flight feathers distinctive. Young birds are dull coloured.
Food: tender shoots, grain, aquatic weeds, small fish, worms, frogs.
Voice: shrill, musical whistle frequently in flight. Range: resident, but
moves locally; all India South of Himalaya. Habitat: Vegetation and reed
covered jheels, village ponds.
12. White breasted water hen (Amaurornis phoenicurus): Size: 32 cm.

Sexes alike: White forehead, sides of head, dark slaty-grey above, silky
white below, slaty-grey sides of breast, blanks, rufous on vent and under
tail-coverts. Solitary or in small parties; often around village ponds and
tanks, occasionally derelict patches in towns, jerks stumpy tail as it walks
with long strides; climbs trees easily, especially when breeding. Food:
insects, worms, molluses, shoot of marsh plants. Voice: Very noisy when
breeding during rains; a series of loud croaks and chuckles, the
commonest being a harsh Krr………..khwakk……………., often calls
through the night; silent during dry season. Range: South from Himalayan
foothills through the country. Habitat: reed- covered marshes, ponds and
tanks, monsoon cultivation and streams.
13. Indian purple Moorhen (Porphyrio porphyrio): Size: 45 cm. Sexes

alike: Purplish-blue plumage; long reed legs with oversized toes
distinctive; thickish red beak; bald red forehead (casque); white under
stumpy tail; seen when tail flicked up; bald red patch on forehead smaller
in female. Small parties amidst reeds and other vegetation on marsh and
jheels; sometimes large gatherings on vegetation- covered water bodies;
walks on floating growth; swims rarely; rather tame in some areas. Food:
vegetable matter, seeds, tubers, known to damage paddy crop; insects,
mollusks, small frogs. Voice: noisy when breeding; a mix of cackling and
hooting notes. Range: mostly resident; South throughout the country; from
about 1500 m in Kashmir. Habitat: Vegetation and reed covered jheels
tanks.
14. Bronze winged jacana (Metopidius indicus ): Size: 30 cm. Sexes

alike: Female slightly larger glossy black head, neck, breast, glistening
bronze – green back, wings; broad white stripe over eyes; chestnut rump,
tail, long legs with massive toes- distinctive. Immature birds have rufous-
brown crown, black terminal band to tail and whitish underbody; tinged
rufous – buff around breast. Small gatherings during winter and summer,
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breaking into pairs during rains; keeps to leafy, floating growth on jheel
beds, village tanks, where usually difficult to see; wary, moves slowly and
silently; flies low, with long legs training, but soon settles. Food: tubers,
seeds of aquatic plants; also insects. Cristacea. ,molluscs. Voice: loud
barsj notes; also a shrill piping call. Range: Most of India, excepting some
NW regions (W Punjab and W Rajasthan) Habitat: Vegetation – covered
jheels, ponds.
15. Redwattled lapwing (Vanellus indicus): Size: 35 cm. Sexes alike:

Jet-black head, neck, breast; Bronze-brown upper body; white below,
continuing to broad bands up the neck-sides towards eyes; fleshy crimson
facial wattles diagnostic. Solitary or pairs when breeding; often large
flocks in winter, moves on open ground, feeds during mornings and
evenings; vigilant species, its loud cries heralding any new activity in an
area; often feeds late into evening. Food: insects, seeds and tubers.
Voice: noisy; it’s loud, piercing did ye do it…. Calls amongst the most
familiar bird-calls of India; dive-bombs at intruders when breeding,
shrieking wildly. Range: throughout India, from about 2000 m in W
Himalaya. Habitat: Open country, roadsides, village, and town outs kirts,
edge of jheels.
16. Wood sandpiper (Tringa glareola): Size: 20 cm. Sexes alike: Grey-
brown above, closely spotted white; slender build; white rump, tail; white
below; brown above, spotted white. Food: crustaceans, insects, mollusks,.
Voice: quite nosily; sharp, trilling notes on ground; shrill, somewhat
metallic chiff- chiff calls when flushed; some times a loud, sharp tluie...
call. Range: Winter visitor to most of India. Habitat: Wet cultivation,
marshes, tidal creeks, mudflats.
17. Common sandpiper (Sititis hypoleucos): Size: 20 cm. Sexes

alike: Olive-brown above, more ash-brown and streaked brown on head,
neck-sides; brown rump white below, lightly streaked brown on breast; in
flight, marrow, white wing-bar and brown rump. In summer is darker above
and speckled. One to three birds, either by themselves or scattered amidst
mixed wader flocks; quite active, makes short dashes, bobbing, wagging
short tail; usually flies low over water, the rapid wing-beats interspersed
with short glides (‘vibrating flight’) helping identification of the species.
Food: crustaceans, insects, mollusks. Voice: shrill twee… tse….tse……
note, usually when flushed; longish, trilling song. Range: breeds in
Himalayas, Kashmir to Garwal to about 3000 m plus; winter visitor all over
India. Habitat: fresh water marshes, lakes, tidal areas, creeks.
18. Common or fantail snipe (Gallinago gallinago): Size: 28 cm. Sexes

alike. Cryptic coloured marsh bird, brownish- buff, heavily streaked and
marked buff, rufous and black; dull white below, fast, erratic flight; 14 or
16 tail- feathers; whitish wing-lining distinctive, but not easily seen. Food:
small mollusks, worms, insect; Voice: Loud pench call when flushed.
Range: Breeds in parts of W Himalayas; mostly winter visitor over the sub-
continent, commoner in N and C India. Habitat: Marsh lands, paddy
cultivation, Jheels edges.
79
19. Painted snipe (Rostratula benghalensis): Size: 25 cm. Polyandrous.
Br female: metallic olive above, thickly marked buff and black; buff stripe
down crown-centre; chestnut throat, breast, sides of neck; white below
breast. Br Male: duller overall; lacks chestnut. Sexes: difficult to
distinguish when not in breeding plumage. Crepuscular and nocturnal;
solitary or a few scattered birds; feeds in squelchy mud but also moves on
driver ground; runs on landing. Food: insects, crustaceans, Molluscs and
vegetable matter. Voice: common call a long-drawn, mellow note that can
be likened to the noise made by blowing into a bottle-mouth. Range:
resident, throughout country from about 2000 m in the Himalaya. Habitat:
Wet ooze, marshes, such areas where there is a mix of open water, ooze
and heavy, low cover.
2B.4 REPTILES
Lizards, Snakes, Tortoise and Crocodiles are the Reptilian
representatives occurring in the Division areas.
1. Lizards -The garden lizard i.e Calottes commonly called the blood sucker
Onthu (Calotes verslcoloar) seen in the forest areas. The lizard chameleon
Maraonthu (Chamaelen zeylanicus) is another type of lizard which is
cryptically colored and lives among the green leaves, it is quite
unrecognizable. It is slow and clumsy in its reaction, but this is compensated
for by its remarkable tongue, which can be lashed out to catch pray. The
flying lizard Draco (Draco dussumieri) is another species which can glide
from tree to tree. It is seen in plains and High Ranges with patchy
distribution. It has a flying membrane supported by the ribs. The Membrane
is not flapped, but spread out and is used as a parachute the animal glides
from one tree to another. Salea anamalayana is an endemic lizard found in
the high altitude regions.
2. Udumbu - The largest lizard ‘Udumbu’ Varanidae (Varanus bengalensis)

is commonly seen in this Division areas. It is dull brown in color and as it
moves it frequently protrudes its bifurcated tongue.
3. Mabuya - The Mabuya, or ‘Arana’ is another commonly found lizard in

the forests of Munnar Division. It has small stout body with short limbs. It is
highly adapted to move through the rocks, narrow chink and crevices. Since
it protrudes and withdraws its tongue frequently like the snake, there is a
popular superstition that these are highly poisonous. The different species
of Mabuya found in this area are Mabuya macularia, Mabuya carinata and
Mabuya bibrorii.
4. Tortoise - The tortoise (Testudo trvancorica) is occurring in plane and

hilly areas of this Forest Division. They are herbivores and feed on small
plants and foliage. They lay leathery eggs varying in number from 1 to 200.
The incubation period depend on the warmth of the soil and can vary from
few weeks to ten months.
80
5. Crocodile - They are also present in rivers of Adimaly and
Neriamangalam Ranges. The species found is Crocodylus palustris.
6. Snakes- The most striking reptile population in these Division areas are
the snakes. They belong to order Squamata of class reptillia. There are
poisonous and non-poisonous snakes. Practically all the poisonous snakes
common to South India are present in the Division. The family europheltidae
is an endemic family of snake confined to western ghat and Srilanka in the
world. Many species of this family have been reported from the plan area.
The snakes like Rat snake, Cobra, Krait and Python are oviparous and all
Vipers and Green Vine snakes are viviparous.
a. Cobra (Naja naja):- It is the best known highly poisonous snake which is
quite common both on the hills and plains. It is easily recognized by its
hood, often bearing eye marks and by its way of raising the head and part of
the trunk and spreading out the hood when alarmed.
b. King Cobra (Ophiophagus hannah):- It is the largest poisoness snake

in the world commonly seen in the Neriamangalam Range and
Edamalakudy of Munnar Division. Its body colour varies from deep green to
yellowish with a jet black tail tip. They attain an average body length of 3 to
4 meters. They behave with intelligence and awareness that is often
unusual in snakes.
c. Krait (Bungarus caeruleus):- It is another deadly snake equally

common but unfortunately of an unobstructive in nature and hence a source
of greater danger as it’s presence often get unnoticed. It has Bluish black
colour with distinct paired white cross bands around 40 on the dorsal side. It
thrives on snakes, lizards and rodents. Krait is a true cannibal.
d. Russell’s viper (Vipera russelli):- It is a heavy rough scaled snake with

vertical pupils. Large vipers grow to a length of about 5 feet. It is
characterized by triangular head, the upper surface of which is covered by
overlapping scales.
e. Coral Snakes:- These are certain snakes mostly confined to the hills.
They are poisonous but not deadly at least as far as man is concerned.
They are slender and small sized allies of Kraits. They are mainly nocturnal,
remaining buried during day in loose soil, or humus of forest floor. The
common Coral snakes are Callophis melamurus, Callophis macclellandi and
Callphis bibroni.
f. Large Scaled Pit Viper (Trimeresurus macrolepis):- It has large scales

on the head. The colour of the adult is uniform green with white or yellowish
stripes along the banks. The maximum size is little less than 73 cm.
g. Saw Scaled Viper (Echis carninatus):- It is a heavy rough scaled snake

with vertical pupils. Body colour is brown or yellowish with pattern of dark
round spots edged with black and white. The head is triangular shaped and
body has three longitudinal rows of reddish brown or dark brown rings that
form a chain like pattern. The Venom is haemotoxic.
81
h. Malabar Pit Viper (Trimeresurs malabaricus):- It is commonly found on
the ground, in the rock cliff or the hallows of the trees near the edge of the
stream. The young are brownish and the adults are greenish or olive.
Brownish or blackish spots are present on the body of the young and the
adult in a zigzag manner.
i. Indian Rock Python (Python molrulus):- It is the second largest, non

poisonous and heaviest of all Indian snakes. It has clearly demarcated neck
and has symmetrical shields, the rostrals, anterior supralabials and anterior
and posterior infra labials are distinctly pitted. It’s eyes have vertical pupils.
The body is comparatively short and the colours vary from pale gray to
yellow above and are yellow below. It is listed in scheduled I of Indian
Wildlife (protection) Act 1972 and also in Red Data Book of IUCN.
j. Rat Snake (Ptyas mucosus):- It is one of the common snakes found in

the Division areas. It has thin head which is distinct from neck. It has large
eyes and the tail is long slender and prehensile. The body colouration is
distinctly yellow with black tipped sides.
k. Common Green Whip Snake (Ahaetulla nasuta):- It is the longest whip

snake with parrot green colour with whitish or yellowish stripes. The lower
potion of the body is pale greenish. When it’s provoked, it swells the body
menacingly and spread the head keeping the mouth wide open
simultaneously.
l. Brown Whip Snake (Ahaetulla pulverulenta):- It is gray or brown in

colour with blackish spots on the back. It has a brown rhomboidal spout on
the head. It is found in low bushes and sub jungle of the Division.
m. Anamala green whip snake (Ahaetulla dispare):- It is an endemic

species found in plan area.
n. Common Indian Bronze Back Snake (Dendre laphistristis):- It is

present in the plains and high Range areas of this Division. It is a slender
and graceful snake with a flat head and large eyes. Its dorsal side is bronze
brown in colour with distinctive dark stripe on the sides. The ventral surface
is whitish or light green. It has the habit of swaying the thin neck and forung
part of the body in a waving fashion.
2B.5 AMPHIBIANS
The burrowing worm like Caecilians, toads and frogs are the
Amphibians present in this Division. The frogs are represented by genus
Rana and the main species are Rana temporalis and Rana curtipus. Other
flying species are represented by the Rhacophorus malabaricus,
Polypedatus maculates, and Philautus beddomii. The common toad
species are Bufo parietalis, Bufomelano stictus, Bufo microtympanum. The
other amphibian species are Indirana beddomii, Limnonectes keralensis,
82
Hoplobatrachus tigerinus, Micrixalus saxicola, Nyctibatrachues major and
Euphlyctis hexadactylus.
2B.6 FISH
The water area of this Division has various cat fishes like
Ophiocephalids, Etroplus, Carps and climbing perch, Anabas etc. the
common fishes in this area are Puntius fasciatus, Punitius carnaticus, Tor
Khudree, Salmostoma acinaces, Garra mullya, Garra
gotylastenorhynchus, Garra hughi, Lepidocephalus thermalis,
Parlusciosoma daniconius, Barilius bendelisis, Barilius gatensis, Danio
aequipinnatus, Nemacheilus denisonii, Oreochromis mossambicus.
Trout - Trout Fish was introduced to the high altitude during 9th century. It
is basically anadromous fish like the Salmon. It was introduced in India
during 1869 from U. K, Newzealand and Sri Lanka. It is now cultured at
high altitudes in India. This was introduced to Munnar by Europeans as
high altitude game fish. Later to propagate the species a hatchery was
started in the Rajamala Tea Estate. It is given to understand that large
number of fingerlings of this species was introduced in the streams and
lakes of the high attitude area and the fishes are now thriving well in the
high Ranges. Besides Munnar they were also introduced in Nilgiri’s,
Jammu and Kashmir, Himachalpredesh and Uttarpradesh.
The rapid growth and great hardness makes this species a worth
while subject for culture. It grows to 38cm and hence considered best
suited for commercial production of table fish. They are known to thrive
well in temperature ranging from 3.3 to 21.10C at altitude above 1800M.
Artificial propagation is resorted to meet the stocking requirement of
upland streams, lake and reservoirs for game. It is highly esteemed as
food and provides good sport to anglers.
2B.7 INVERTEBRATES
This Division is rich in invertebrate populations. The
microorganisms like Amoeba, Paramaesium etc are the representatives of
protozoas. The hydra and polyps present in the river and streams are the
Coelenterates. Nature’s plougher, earth’s warrior and leaches are the
representatives of Annelida. The territorial molluscs are the
representatives of the mollusca group. The animals with segmented legs
are the phylum Arthropoda of invertebrates. The millipedes, centipedes,
various types of bees, butterflies, spiders etc are examples of this group.
2B.7.1 Insects and Butterflies: The animals with truncated body, jointed
legs and compound eyes are classified under class insecta of phylum
Arthropoda. They are represented by largest number of species and they
contribute to the biodiversity significantly. They are economically classified
83
as beneficial and harmful insects. A few examples of beneficial insects are
pollinators like bees and wasps; producers like honey and wax like honey
bees; predators like dragonflies and wasps; parasites like ichneumonids;
and of aesthetic values like moon moths etc. There are harmful insects like
pests of crops like teak defoliators, borers, gallmidges root feeders etc.
The common type of butterflies present in this areas are Tawny coster
(Acraea violae), Blue tiger (Tirumala limniace exoticus), Dark blue tiger
(Tirumala septentrionis exoticus), Glassy blue tiger (Parantica aglea
aglea), Common crow (Euploea core core), Malabar tree nymph (Idea
malabarica), Plain tiger (Danais chrysippus chrysippus), Striped tiger
(Danais genutia genutia), Bevan’s swift (Borbo bevani), Brown owl
(Badamia exclamationis), Bush hopper (Ampitta dioscorides dioscorides),
Indian palm bob (Suastus gremius gremius), Indian skipper (Spialia galba
galba), Malabar flat (Celaenorrhinus amboreesa), Common cerulean
(jomides celeno aelianus), Blue pansy (Precis iphita iphita), Great eggfly
(Hypolimnas bolina jacintha), Blue morgan (Papilio polymnestor), Common
mormon (Papilio polytes), Common rose (Pachliopta aristolochiae
aristolochiae), Crimson rose (Pachliopta hector), Southern birdwing
(Troides minos), Tailed jay (Graphium agamemnon menides), Common
grass yellow (Eurema hecabe simulata), Common jezebel (Delias
eucharis), Common four ring (Ypthima huebneri).
2B.8 INJURIES TO WHICH FAUNA IS LIABLE

Human activities inside the forests by way of settlements or forestry
operations and other developmental activities like construction of roads,
dams etc. leads to disturbance in the ecological balance of the area.
Similarly, the conversion of natural forests to monoculture plantation
causes the denudation of forest areas and eliminates the availability of
diverse habitat and food source of various animal species resulting in
adverse condition for their multiplication and survival, some times even
leading to extinction of many species. Roads restrict the easy movement
of migratory animals especially elephants by blocking the traditional
migratory path or corridors. In hilly terrain, cutting and filling of roads,
construction of retaining wall etc. cause obstruction for the movement of
elephants. Developmental activities may cause fragmentation of forests
and disappearance of ecological connectivity resulting in the restriction of
easy movements of wildlife especially elephants, bison etc. The shrinkage
of corridor has resulted in confinement of elephants in a particular area.
The fragmentation of the habitat results in crop raiding, attack on humans
etc. leading to severe conflicts.
Chinnakkanal area which had over 100 elephants during the last
decade was an ideal habitat for elephants. But due to the development of
tourism during 90’s and subsequent invasion of the land mafia and later,
the assigning of the forest plantation areas to the landless tribals, the
human pressure has increased manyfold leading to loss of habitat and
elimination of corridors for the elephants. The elephant numbers have
drastically reduced to about 30 and conflict has become much more
84
intense resulting in frequent crop raids and human deaths. The paths
towards Mathikettan and KDH have become extremely tenuous bringing to
and fro movements almost to a close.
The shrinkage of habitat is associated with the biotic interference in

the form of enclosures, settlements, collection of NWFP, cattle grazing,
forest fire etc. People engaged in the collection of NWFP are not
harvesting the usufructs in a scientific manner. They often indulge in
destructive gathering of NWFPs leading to destruction of the habitat.
Nevertheless forestry operations and wildlife conservation activities can go
hand in hand provided, forestry operations are done with due regards to
the various requirements of fauna inhabiting the area.
2B.8.1 Environmental and Ecological Factors: The most important

components of a habitat are food, shelter and water. The shortage of
these components leads to dwindling of the dependent species. There
always exists a web of interdependency of food of various groups of
animals and thus a shortage of one individual component can result in
unexpected change in some other area or species. Presence of diverse
vegetation is an important factor for survival and well being of the fauna.
Where grazing has been a real problem, the available food has to be
shared by the wild fauna and cattle population.
Water is another component which determines the distribution of

fauna. The scarcity of water due to drying of water sources followed by the
prolonged drought may result in shifting of the habitat by migration to
another area in search of water which in turn may result in crop raid,
damages to human life etc. In areas where water is scarce, activities like
digging of water hole and construction of check dams are important for the
conservation of wildlife.
The environmetal factors like temperature, humidity etc have a

major role in the survival and distribution of wildlife. Many animals have
adaptations to overcome extreme climatic conditions through hibernation.
The prolonged drought prevailed throughout the Kerala during 2004 had
lead to the drying of streams, streamlets and water holes. Humidity also
has an effect on the loss of moisture from the body of certain animals.
2B.8.2 Carrying Capacity: Food, water and shelter are the most
important requirements of the fauna to thrive successfully. The carrying
capacity of a habitat is determined by considering the abundance or
inadequacy of these components. If the domestic cattle intrude, the
available food is to be shared and it brings out competition between the
wild fauna and domestic cattle. In the absence of palatable vegetation, the
population of herbivores will dwindle and it will adversely affect the
existence of carnivores too. Likewise, water is an important requirement
that determines the existence of life. There are no reports of death due to
shortage of water. It is the same case with shelter. Shelter is essential for
the wild animals to rest in the hot hours of the day and to hide from the
predators. In addition to these, the changes in the environmental factors
such as temperature, humidity, precipitation etc also influence the animal
85
life in a particular territory. All these are interlinked factors that directly
influence the animal community. It is possible to establish the carrying
capacity of a given area for a specific flag species through detailed field
studies and fitting a proper projection models. No such studies are
conducted for any species in this area.
2B.8.3 Predation: The life forms in a habitat are interlinked in many

ways. They will interact with each other and also with the environment.
They also have to depend directly or indirectly on the members of the
community. This interdependence and interaction are essential to maintain
the balance in nature. The herbivores are the primary consumers in this
ecosystem and their success depends on the availability of sufficient food
materials in the area. If the populations of the herbivores increase without
any check due to the absence of predators, it will tell up on the carrying
capacity of the area. The food scarcity due to over population may
ultimately lead to the total destruction of the herbivores. Similarly, if the
number of the predators in an area is more, there will be excessive
predation, which will wipe out the prey base and result in the extermination
of the carnivores also. So it is evident that the wildlife community should
maintain a balance that will help to keep equilibrium in nature unaltered.
Wildlife cases have been booked against offences in the Division

and detail is given in Table No. 15.
Table – 15 – Wildlife Offences in Munnar Division
To be Cases
Sl. Cases Cases Cases under Investigation
Year charged under
No Booked finalized investigation completed
in court trial
1 1996 6 0 4 2 4 2
2 1997 3 0 3 0 3 0
3 1998 3 0 3 0 3 0
4 1999 12 0 12 0 12 0
5 2000 4 0 4 0 4 0
6 2001 3 0 3 0 3 0
7 2002 4 0 4 0 4 0
8 2003 0 0 0 0 0 0
9 2004 8 0 8 0 8 0
10 2005 11 0 11 0 0 0
11 2006 5 0 5 0 0 0
12 2007 3 0 3 0 0 0
13 2008 5 0 5 0 0 0
2B.8.4 Human – Animal Conflict: Crop raids by wildlife are common in

the settlements and private holdings of this tract. Wild boar is the main
culprit in these cases. Instances of crop raids by wild elephants, sambar
and such other large herbivores are very rare except in specific areas like
Chinnakanal. As there are dense bamboo and reed breaks and grassy
patches within the tracts the herbivores can find sufficient food materials
within their natural home and they never venture into areas frequented by
86
man. But, as the wild boar population has swelled up, they foray in to the
villages in search of edible stuff. Another possible reason behind these
regular nocturnal visits to the areas of human habitation might be the
intention to avoid the predators.
Wildlife compensation has been paid to the locals for the loss caused
by the destructive activity of wildlife. Details regarding such cases are
mentioned below Table No. 16.
Table – 16 – Disbursement of wildlife compensation
Reason for
98-99 99-00 00-01 01-02 02-03 03-04 04-05 05-06 06-07 07-08 08-09
compensation
Loss in 411834
10110 Nil 301295 248977 37500 75966 23478 Nil Nil Nil
Agriculture
No. of Cases 3 Nil 38 34 4 9 3 Nil Nil 10 164
Loss of cattle 45000 37500 9750 6000 Nil 8250 3750 Nil Nil Nil 36000
No. of Cases 9 7 2 1 Nil 1 1 Nil Nil 5 4
Human Injury 5000 10000 Nil 5000 Nil 10000 11000 15000 Nil 2 20000
No. of Cases 1 1 Nil 1 Nil 1 2 1 Nil 5 4
Human Death Nil Nil Nil Nil 4000 60000 20000 Nil 150000 100000 450000
No. of Cases Nil Nil Nil Nil 2 3 1 Nil 3 2 5
2B.8.5 Fire Management: Unplanned forest fires cause considerable

damage to forest ecosystems. It destroys the micro organisms and the
vegetation and it kills small animals and creatures like rats, snakes and
also the birds especially the ground roosting ones. The forest fire also
diverts the regular path of wildlife like elephants. It deteriorates the forest
soil, depletes the bio-diversity and the fodder for the wildlife. At the same
time, if used judiciously, fire can be used as an effective management tool
for wildlife. It is also necessary for collection of NWFP by tribals in special
cases.
2B.8.6 Hunting and Wildlife trade: The increase of hunting and wildlife
trade is another threat to wildlife. The mode of hunting are shooting,
poisoning and trapping. It may be for meat, trophies, animal articles,
medicinal purpose and for crop protection. Hunting for meat is targeted
against Sambar Deer, Bison, Wild boar, Mouse deer, Squirrels, Barking
deer, langur etc. The elephant, deer and tortoise were hunted for the
trophies and tiger, langur etc are hunted for medicinal purposes. Snakes
and crocodiles are hunted for the animal articles. Elephant, Deer, Sambar
and Bison are also killed for the crop protection. The trade in animal
articles and the trade of live wildlife like reptiles, monkeys, birds,
butterflies, frogs, spider, tortoise etc are not seen as a major threat in the
Division.
2B.8.7 Disease transmission: The spreading of diseases leads to

depletion of fauna. The diseases of wildlife can be broadly classified in to
two categories namely the epidemic and endemic diseases. Endemic
diseases are those, which linger on in a geographical area for a long time
and are infectious to those animals visiting the said locality. Epidemic
87
diseases are those that originate in an area but spread suddenly in to
other areas through migration of animals and spread of vectors. Very little
work is done on the detection, prophylaxes and treatment of wildlife
diseases in Kerala. Even though the diagnosis of free living animal is
difficult, its necessity can’t be ignored. The transmittable diseases
occurring in wild life and domestic lives are caused by bacterial, viral and
protozoan germs. Hence the wildlife and domestic cattle suffer from almost
similar disease and the chance of inter transmission is extremely high.
2B.8.8 Disappearance of natural springs: Natural springs are

commonly called as “Oru”. They are places were the animals visit for its
natural elements like salt, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnicium etc.
These natural elements play an important role in day today life of animal
and its healthy growth. These springs, as a whole in the western ghats are
now reduced due to habitat disturbances and human influences. The old
records of movements of larger mammals show that these animals used to
move long distances in search of these elements in the Western Ghats.
This often helps them to mingle with new groups and as a result natural
cross breeding take place. The inbreeding among animals reduces the
vigour and aids the spread of gene-linked diseases.
The major reasons for disappearance of springs are mining,

construction of dams and conversion of natural forests into plantation and
agricultural areas. Fragmentation of forest areas also has restricted the
free movement of animals. Many such springs are submerged due to the
dams.
Table – 17 – Endemic mammals and Birds
Sl. No Common Name Scientific Name

Mammals
1 Nilgiri tahr Hemitragus hlocrius
2 Nilgiri langur Presbtis johni
3 Nilgiri marten Martes gwatkinsi
4 Lion tailed macaque Macaca silenus
5 Jungle striped squirrel Funambuls tristriatus
Eendemic Birds
6 Nilgiri wood pigeon Columbia elphinstonii
7 Grey headed bulbul Pycnonotus priocephalus
8 Rufous babbler Turdoides affinis
9 White breasted laughing thrush Garrulax jerdonni
10 Black and orange flycatcher Mucicapa nigrorufa
11 Whitebellied blue flycatcher Mucicapa pallipes
12 Nilgiri verditor flycatcher Mscicapa albicaudata
88
13 Broad tailed grass warbler Schoenicola platra
14 White bellied shortwing Brachypteriyx major
15 Nilgiri pipit Anthus nilgheriensis
16 Small sunbird Netarinia minima
Munnar, alt. ca. 5,000'-16.20 January, 1933.

(10°5' N. x '77°4: E.; ca. 15 miles S.S.W. of Marayoor)
The centre of the tea - planting district in the Kanan Devan, Hills (the
Northernmost section of the High Range) within the concession of the Kanan Devan
Hills Produce Co. Ltd. This concession, about 1,37,000 acres in extent, has been, in
existence for about 60 years with the result that he hilly country for miles around has
been cleared of all forest and planted over with tea, with Grevillea robusta. and
Erythrina lithosperma for shade. Large patches have also been planted with a species
of Eucalyptus for fuel. With the absence of forest, there is a marked paucity of bird -
life, and such as there is, is mostly confined to the scrub jungle in ravines and
bordering the streams that run through the tea estates. These scrub patches consist
for a great part of Rubus ellipticus Smith and Eeta Bamboo (Ochlandra travancorica).
Two of the commonest shrubs in these associations are: Trema orientalis Blume,
generally by streams and nullahs, with berries largely sought after by Turdus,
Carpodacus, etc., and Maesa perrottetiana D.C. whose white berries are a favourite of
Trochalopteron, Carpodacus and other birds. Average annual rainfall 153".
Santhanpara, alt. ca. 3,500' -22.31 January, 1933.
(ca. 15 miles S.B.E. of Munnar; 9°58' N. x 77°1S' E.)
In the Cardamom Hills section of the High Range, about 6 miles distant
from the ridge which marks the boundary between Travancore State and Madura
District of Madras. The country here is very hilly. The higher slopes and. tops of many
of the hills are devoid of forest, being clothed with coarse grass, the bareness being
here and there relieved by patches of evergreen shoal, mostly in the ravines. The hills
to the N. E. of the camp-shed are heavily covered with evergreen forest mostly thinned
for cardamom cultivation which is here practiced on an extensive scale. This is ideal
bird country; one can walk long under the canopy of the lofty trees for miles, and the
visibility is as good as in a park. The forests contain gigantic trees often over 100 ft.
high, and of enormous girth, many of them being buttressed. Cullonia excelsa with its
spiny fruit resembling miniature Durian (Durio zibethinus) is one of the commonest
species, Mesua ferrea being another. Gigantic dammer trees (Canarium strictum), with
outwardly flaking bark, are frequent. Some of the other common species are: Vatoria
indica, Calophyllum tomentosum, Hopoa parviflora and H. Wightiana, Dysoxylum
malabaricum, Acrocarpus fraxinifolius, Artocarpus hirsuta and Hydnocarpus Wightiana.
Many species of Ficus occur, affording sustenance to numerous birds. Bamboos,
except Ochlandra travancorica, are practically absent. The latter is found growing in
dense thickets on the banks of streams, but more plentifully higher up on the hills
about the upper limit of cardamom cultivation (4,500 ft. or so}. In scrub patches on the
outskirts of evergreen jungle Rubus ellipticus is plentiful. In association with this are
usually found Triumfetta rhomboidea Jacq. and T. pilosa Roth., Solanum
verbascifolium L., and Polygonum chinense .L. whose slaty black berries are largely
eaten by Bulbuls and other birds. Bracken also grows freely among the scrub. The
lower hill-slopes are covered with dense clumps of coarse elephant grass often over a
man's height, sprinkled here and there by thin scraggy trees of Grewia villosa Willd. or
Phyllanthus emblica. This facies is generally more or less bare of bird-life; only near
the tops of the hillocks where the grass is often short (and now burnt) and interspersed
with outcrops of sheet-rock, are there any pipits and larks, albeit scarce.
89
On a hill-top above, cardamom cultivation, at ca. 5000 ft. (Kallipara) there is a
small perennial tank in a hollow, about 100 yds. x 50 yds. called Noolamkulam. The
hill-tops round this place are covered with sparse evergreen forest with tall straight
seedlings often over 7 ft. high, and an undergrowth of Strobilanthes. A good deal of
Eeta Bamboo is also met with here in patches that are almost impenetrable. The trunks
and branches of the forest trees are heavily covered and hung with moss. The only
birds met with here were Trochalopteron j. fairbanki Acrocephalus dumetorum,
Pellorenum ruficeps granti and Sitta frontalis.
Around the cardamom store-sheds and coolie-lines which are dotted about the
forest, Bananas grow luxuriantly, their flowers being in regular attendance and most
probably fertilized by Arachnothera longirostris.
The temperature Ranged between 560 and 800 F. The average annual rainfall
is 74.11".
The Ornithology of Travancore and Cochin - Dr. Salim Ali
Fauna- Management
The plan area has proximity to various protected areas. A good

portion of the early Munnar Division has been declared as protected areas.
Even then at present this tract is not considered as an area which has
much significance in Wild Life Management. No activities are carried out
till this time exclusively to manage the wild fauna of this tract. During the
peak summer days the streams crisscrossing this tract will become dry,
the grasses and other edible plants in the open areas will perish and there
will be the threat of annual wild fires. Owing to these, the animals will be
congregating around certain spots where water and food materials will be
available in diminutive quantity. This will result in severe competition
among the animals and it will cause irreparable damages to certain group
of animals. As such, it is imperative to chalk out some simple measures to
provide essentional facilities to the Wild Life at various ideal spots within
this tract.
90
CHAPTER – III
UTILIZATION OF THE PRODUCE
3.1 AGRICULTURE CUSTOMS AND WANTS OF THE

POPULATION
Munnar Division is situated in Udumbanchola and Devikulam
Taluks of Idukki District and a small portion of the Kothamangalam Taluk
of Eranakulam District. This Division stretches westwards in medium
slopes, broken here and there by large lofty hillocks. The foothill is private
agriculture land and the forest is concentrated on the higher reaches. The
population, decadal growth percentage and literacy rate pertaining to
Taluk as per 2001 census are shown in Table No. 18.
Table – 18 – Taluk-wise Population, Percentage of Decadal Growth

and Literacy Rate
Population % of Literacy rate

Taluk decadal Total Male Female
Total Male Female growth
Devikulam
185103 93503 91600 4.64 71.2 76.3 66.1
Udumbanchola 432581 217199 215382 4.64 78.4 81.1 75.7
3.1.1 Agriculture Custom: Adimaly and Neriamangalam Ranges have a

large number of private holdings as enclosures inside the forest. People
living adjacent to forest area and in enclosures; cultivate a variety of
agricultural crops that suit the altitude, climate and type of soil. Paddy
occupies prime slot in low land area wherever water is available and in
other areas they cultivate coffee, cocoa and species like cardamom,
ginger, nutmeg, pepper etc. Hill tribes residing in forest area cultivate in
their allotted land and depend on forest for collection of NWFP and other
forestry works for livelihood. In Devikulam Range people inhabiting inside
the CHR area cultivate cardamom and other cash crops. Most of the
people living in Munnar and Devikulam Ranges, adjacent to KDHP
concession area are employed in Kannan Devan Tea Estates.
3.1.2 Wants of the population
3.1.2.1 From the forest: People living inside the of Reserve forest and
adjacent to Reserve Forest depend on forest for timber for construction,
furniture, green manure, grazing ground, small timber for agricultural
implements, bamboo and reeds for various needs and NWFP for
91
subsistence. They want to preserve the streams and rivers in their village
to remain perennial. With the formation of Kerala state Bamboo
Corporation, there has been systematic supply of reeds to people engaged
in reed based cottage industry.
The pulpwood like, Eucalyptus, Wattle etc. are usually allotted to

HNL on payment of predetermined price fixed by the Govt. The collection
is done by the company under the supervision of Forest Department.
The NWFP are collected by the Adimaly Girijan Co-operative

society. Tribal VSS constituted in the Range areas are also collecting the
NWFP.
3.1.2.2. From Forest Department: The farmers living adjacent to the

forest areas cultivate agroforestry species. They need information on the
choice of species, production of planting materials, planting techniques,
marketing etc. There is ample demand for medicinal plants. The Forest
Department has taken the initiative to spread the information on the choice
of species, economical cultivation practices and value addition besides
helping them in marketing. The local people are receptive to the idea of
farm forestry to augment their income and they often demand good quality
seedlings and market information on important species from the
department. The Govt. have rationalized the restrictions on tree felling and
transportation of timber through enactments like The Kerala Promotion of
Tree growth in non- forest land Act 2005.
3.2 MARKET AND MARKETABLE PRODUCTS

3.2.1 Market: The demand for timber and firewood is increasing with the
increase in population. With the enactment of Central Forest Conservation
Act, 1980, large scale clearing of forests has reduced considerably. Hence
the flow of timber and firewood to the market has also reduced
considerably. Selection Felling has been stopped in Kerala since 1980. As
such no green felling in natural forests is carried out. The dead and wind
fallen trees only are extracted. Produce obtained from thinning final felling
and other timber operations are disposed as per the prescribed Govt.
norms. Teak and other depot delivery species obtained during final felling
are transported to the nearest sale depot under the control of the sale
Division for disposal through public auction. The timber and firewood
available from Munnar Division are consumed in the internal markets of
Cochin, Kottayam, Muvattupuzha, and Perumbavoor and in the towns of
Pollachi and Udumalpet of Tamilnadu. The nearest government timber
depot in Munnar Division is at Thalakode and Kothamangalam. Rosewood
is sold from Mudikkal depot.
3.2.2 Marketable Products
3.2.2.1 Timber: It is classified into hard wood and industrial wood. The
hard wood is used for house construction, furniture works and
92
engineering. Considerable quantity of timber is exported to Tamil Nadu.
Timber from Teak, Maruthi, Venteak, Thembavu etc are used in
construction and furniture industry. Because of the scarcity of timber,
attempts are on to use Rubber wood, from Rubber plantations after
necessary treatment. The timber from the private holdings also reaches
the market thus reducing the pressure on forests.
Table – 19 – Hardwood, Pulpwood, Matchwood & Packing case wood
Hardwoods
1 Teak Tectona grandis
2 Ebony Disopyros ebenum
3 Irul Xylia xylocarpa
4 Anjily Artocarpus hirsute
5 Punnappa Calophillum tomentosum
6 Manjakadambu Adina cordifolia
7 Venga Pterocarpus marsupium
8 Kambakom Hopea parviflora
9 Vellakil Dysoxylum malabaricum
10 Themba Terminalia tomentosa
11 Kumbil Trewia nudiflora
12 Rosewood Dalbergia latifolia
13 Sandal Santalam album
14 Maruthy Terminalia paniculata
15 Venteak Lagerstromia lanceolata
16 Nanku Mesua ferrea
17 Myla Vitex altissima
18 Unnam Grewia tiliaefolia
19 Jack Artocarpus heterophyllus
20 Chandanavembu Toona ciliate
21 Pulivaka Albizia odorotissima
Industrial Woods
1. Plywood
1 Vellapine Veteria indica
2 Pali Palaquim ellipticum
3 Cheeni Teramilusnudiflora
4 Punnappa Calophyllum tomentosum
5 Thellipine Canariumstrictum
6 Nedunar Polyalthia fragnance
7 Anjily Artocarpous fraxinifolius
8 Karanjily Dioterocarpus indicus
93
9 Mavu Mangifera indica
10 Venkotta Lophopetalum whightianum
2. Pulpwood
1 Reeds
2 Bamboos
3 Alnus sps
4 Eucalyptus sps
5 Wattle sps
6 Pine sps
7 Acacia auriculoformis
8 Acacia manjiam
3. Matchwoods
1 Elavu Bombax ceiba
2 Matty Ailanthus tryphysa
3 Pala Alstonia scholaris
4 Kanala Evodia roxbughiana
5 Murikku Erythrina indica
4. Packing case woods
1 Vatta Macaranga peltata
2 Malaveppu Melia dubia
3 Uthy Lannea grandis
4 Ambazham Spondias pinnata
The classification of timber, poles and firewood, followed in

government depot are given in Table No.20. Teak wood below
specification-Below 60 cm. mid girth and which can not be treated as
timber, poles or billets.
Table – 20 – Classification of Timber – Length wise classification
Teak
1 Short length logs Above 1 M in length but below 2.50M
2 Lengthy logs 2.50 M to 7.30. M.
3 Long lengthy logs Above 7.30 M in length
Rosewood
1 Short logs Above 1 M but below 2.50 M
2 Lengthy logs 2.50 M and above
Jungle wood
1 Jungle wood Above 1 M in length
94
Girth-wise classification
Teak
1 Export quality of and above 185 cm. mid girth
2 I Class 150 cm to 184 cm. mid girth.
3 II Class 100cm to 149 cm mid girth
4 III Class 76 cm to 99 cm. mid girth
5 IV Class 60 cm to 75 cm. mid girth
Rosewood
1 Export quality of and above 185 cm without anydefects.
2 I Class 185cm and above
3 II Class 125cm to 184 cm
4 III Class 76cm to 124cm
5 IV Class 60cm to 74 cm. mid girth.
6 Below specification Below 60 cm mid girth
Jungle wood
I Class Above 125cm. mid girth
II Class Below 124cm. mid girth.
Timber quality classification
Teak and Rosewood

A Class Straight and sound logs without defects
B Class Fairly straight and sound logs
C Class Defective and crooked logs
Jungle wood
A Class Straight and sound logs
B Class Defective logs.
3.2.2.2 Teak poles: Thinning in Teak plantations yield poles which are
sold in public auctions. Teak poles are in great demand. It is used
extensively in construction works. Teak poles are seldom worked down
to timber depots. As in the case of timber, the classification of poles is
based on length and girth of the material.
95
Table – 21 – Classification of Teak Poles
Girth (UB) at 3m
Class Length (M) Quality
From cut end
IA 65cm to 76cm Above 12 mts Fairly
IB Do 9mts to 12mts Straight
IC Do Upto 9 mts Sound
ID Do Any length Defective and
crooked
II A 53cm to 64cm Above 12mts Fairly
II B Do 9mts to 12mts Straight
II C Do Upto 9mts Sound
II D Do Any length Defective and
crooked
III 41cm to 52cm Any length Fairly
IV 28cm to 40cm Any length Straight
V 15cm to 27cm Any length Sound
3.2.2.3 Billets: Teak and Rosewood pieces below 1m length, without

defect are considered as billets. As these pieces can be utilized for
making furniture, there is heavy demand for the material. They are
classified according to their girth and quality as for timber. So there will be
following classes for Teak and Rosewood.
Table – 22 – Classification of billets & firewood
Billets I A B C
Billets II A B C
Billets III A B C
Billets IV A B C
Teak All pieces below 1 metre length but not fit as billets
Rosewood All pieces below 1 metre length but not fit as billets
Jungle wood All pieces below 1 metre in length and 90 cm girth
3.2.2.4 Firewood: The billets having defects and lesser girth are
considered as firewood as they are used as firewood. Pieces one meter
and below in length of all species except Rosewood and Teak are
considered as firewood. The classification of the firewood is given below.
96
3.2.2.5 Bamboos: Bamboos are not worked down by the department. But
they are allotted to Hindustan News Print Ltd. on payment of price fixed by
government. It is extensively used in basket making, construction works,
erecting panthal, sheds and as props in agriculture. A detail of collection of
bamboo since 1999 is given in Table No. 23.
Table – 23 – Details of collection bamboo
Sl.No Year Quantity (M.T) Agency

1 1999-00 9691 HNL
2 2000-01 1189 HNL
3 2001-02 208 HNL
4 2002-03 312 HNL
5 2003-04 9118 HNL
6 2004-05 1562 HNL
7 2005-06 Nil
8 2006-07 640 HNL
9 2007-08 1360 HNL
10 2008-09 300 HNL
3.2.2.6 Reeds: Reeds are also not extracted by the Department but are
allotted to Hindustan News Prints Limited and the big sized reeds
(Neithetta) to Kerala State Bamboo Corporation free of cost. Local artisans
and traditional labourers are also permitted to collect the reeds by paying
nominal charges. A detail of collection of reeds during the last 10 years is
given in Table No. 24.
Table – 24 – Details of collection of Reeds
Quantity Agency
Sl.No Year Reeds (HNL) KSBC
MT MT
1 1999-00 7196 756
2 2000-01 8373 2261
3 2001-02 1500 1821
4 2002-03 7047 1540
5 2003-04 6600 1400
6 2004-05 8562 Nil
7 2005-06 2430 1607
97
Quantity Agency
Sl.No Year Reeds (HNL) KSBC
MT MT
8 2006-07 7350 894
9 2007-08 5730 2198
10 2008-09 4300 1354
3.2.2.7 NWFP: All forest produces other than timber poles, bamboos and
reeds which are of plant or animal origin are collectively called as Non-wood
forest produces. They provide employment and livelihood for a number of
persons connected with collection, extraction, processing and utilization. The
tribes and rural folk often use this material as raw drugs or as traditional
medicines. These materials are used widely in all systems of medicines like
Ayurveda, Allopathi, Unani and Sidha. Many of them are also used in the
manufacture of polish, perfume etc. NWFPs are the raw materials for large
number of cottage industry engaged in making soap, wood articles, furniture,
handicrafts, mats, fiber products, insecticides etc. In short NWFPs are used in
every walk of life and play a significant role in augmenting the income of
forest dependant communities. Details regarding collection of NWFP from
last 10 years is given in Appendix – XXI.
3.3 DEMAND AND SUPPLY OF FOREST PRODUCE AND

PRESSURE ON FOREST
3.3.1 Demand: Villagers living in the fringe area of the forests depend on
forest for their requirements viz small timber for making agriculture
implements, construction of sheds, bamboos and reeds for making
baskets, mats etc and a variety of other products including fodder. They
also depend for grazing the livestock, and also for firewood timber,
charcoal etc. The industries need timber and raw materials like bamboo
and reeds for making newspaper, rayon’s and number of other products
including drugs, paints varnishes etc.
3.3.2 Supply of Forest Produce: Major forest produce like timber and
firewood are sold from sale depot at Thalakode, which is the nearest depot
in this Division. Timber collected from final felling, thinning and wind fallen
trees is transported to this depot. The poles are sold from the dumping
depots opened for the purpose outside the plantation from where the
thinning is in progress.
The sale of timber, fire wood and poles is conducted after gazette
notification and advertisement through the news papers. Apart from the
above sale, the sale of the thondy materials like firewood and timber
involved in various offences are also effected by way of open auction in
respective Range head quarters.
98
The pulp wood from plantations of the Divisions is allotted to HNL.
The Table No. 25 shows the details of pulpwood collected from the plan
area for the last 10 years.
Table – 25 – Year-wise Collection of Pulpwood in Munnar Division

(Including Old Marayoor Range)
Quantity in MT
Sl.
Species
No 1999- 2001- 2002- 2004- 2005- 2006- 2007- 2008-
2000-01 2003-04
00 02 03 05 06 07 08 09
1 Pine Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil - - -
9660. 2726
2 Eucalyptus 223.453 25189.16 Nil 3861.641 Nil 6884.71 20945 -
284
562.8
3 Alnus Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil Nil
29 m3
4 Wattle - - - - - - - - 1691 363
Acute shortage of domestic timber has led to import of timber from

neighbouring states as well as countries like Myanmar and Guatemala.
Similerly, switching over from traditional “Nalu kettu” style of house
construction to flat concrete roofed houses has reduced the demand on
wood. Utilization of treated rubber wood for furniture is another step in this
direction.
3.3.3 Pressure on Forest : The consumption of timber for construction

purpose as well as for furniture has been steadily increasing. Even though
the price for teak is increasing day by day the demand is also increasing.
The details regarding the number of saw mills, furniture workshops,
matchwood factories and other timber related industries in plan area are
given in the Table No.26.
Table – 26 – Wood based Industries in Munnar Forest Division
Sl. No Location No.

1 Bisonvalley 1
2 Kunchithanni 4
3 Thokkupara 1
4 Vellathooval 2
5 Ellakkal 1
6 Anachal 4
7 Rajakkad 1
8 Ambazhachal 1
9 Rajakumari 1
10 Adimaly 2
11 Kavalangad 1
12 Munnar 2
99
The use of firewood for cooking purpose is gradually reducing due
to easy availability of LPG in rural and interior area. Though the majority of
people are using LPG for their domestic needs, the poor are still
depending on the twigs and firewood collected from the forest. Yet another
group of people depend on saw dust for heating water. Table No. 29
shows the number of rural villages adjacent to the forest area and Table
No.27 gives details regarding fuel consumption pattern of urban
households based on KFRI report.
Table – 27 – Fuel consumption pattern of urban households

according to income class (consumed per capita per day in kerala)
based on KFRI report
Monthly income class (Rs)
Fuel type <3000 3000-6000 6000-10000 >10000 All classes

Coconut 242 150 72 55 135
fuels (45.6) (21.6) (10.3) (6.6) (17.7)
Fuelwood 98 52 15 8 44
(18.5) (7.5) (2.2) (1.0) (5.8)
LPG 82 386 545 713 507
(15.4) (55.6) (78.2) (86.0) (66.6)
Kerosene 109 106 65 33 70
(205) (15.3) (9.3) (4.0) (9.2)
Electricity 0 0 0 20 5
(0.0) (0.0) (0.0) (2.4) (0.7)
Sawdust 0 0 0 0 0
and others (0.0) (0.0) (0.0) (0.0) (0.0)
Total 531 694 697 829 761
% (100.0) (100.0) (100.0) (100.0) (100.0)
Table – 28 – Taluk-wise Details of Villages
Total Villages
Taluk Revenue
villages Fully rural Partially rural fully urban
Devikulam 12 9 3 Nil
Udumbanchola 23 19 4 Nil
The people living in this Division area rear livestock as subsidiary

occupation along with agriculture. They depend on forests for grazing and
stall-feeding is not practiced since it is not economical. It has led to severe
grazing problems in plantations and at times these domestic cattle may act
as carriers of dreaded diseases like Foot and mouth disease, Anthrax,
Black quarter, Render pest etc. The Table No. 29 shows the intensity of
cattle in adjacent wards of the panchayat near to the forest.
100
Table – 29 –Panchayath wards adjacent to plan area, population and
cattle intensity
No.of House
Total Total
Sl. Wards Ward holds
Panchayat House Cattle In
No Adjoining Population Adjoining
Hold the Ward
Forests Forests
Munnar Division
1 Baisonvalley 5 6641 1318 502 1158
2 Kanjikuzhi 3 4900 1125 80 2008
3 Udumbanchola 7 17064 5590 3100 3493
4 Chinnakanal 6 6398 1530 250 501
5 Santhanpara 3 4196 1538 185 247
6 Adimaly 16 28969 7011 970 1627
7 Pallivasal 5 13924 3654 312 951
8 Rajakad 5 5549 2227 288 1815
9 Munnar 11 19245 4412 1066 3423
3.4 METHOD OF HARVESTING AND THEIR COSTS

3.4.1 Harvest: Harvest of timber or other major forest produce is carried
out in accordance with the Working Plan prescriptions, under the close
supervision of the department. An annual plan of operation is prepared in
advance of budget preparation on the lines of Working Plan prescriptions.
It forms the basis for annual budget of the Forest Department. Once the
annual plan of operation is approved and the required funds are allotted
for the works, it has to be executed. The harvest of timber is from the
departmental plantations only. At times, wind fallen timber available at
accessible Reserved Forests is also collected. The existing systems of
execution of departmental works including harvesting of timber are by way
of (1) the Convenor system, (2) the Tender system, (3) extraction by
agents and (4) extraction under passes and permit system.
3.4.1.1 Convenor System: This system was introduced in the Department

as per GO (MS) No:118/1989 Forest and Wildlife Department dated.
21/12/89. Convenor is one among the labourers engaged in the execution
of forestry works and he will be entrusted with the responsibility of
satisfactory execution of the work. He can engage the labourers and
conduct the works as per the directions under supervision of the Forest
officials. On completion of the work, which will be inspected and check
measured by the Forest Officials, wages will be disbursed through the
Convenor on piece rate basis. This system has got certain advantages.
Departmental works could be executed with approved forest schedule of
rates. It ensures labour and employment opportunities to people,
101
particularly tribes, dwelling in and around forest areas, and thereby
ensures equity to a reasonable degree. Only in such ambience rapport
building and participatory mode of forest management envisaged in the
National Forest Policy may bloom and thrive. However, it is hampered by
certain limitations as well. In the absence of steady flow of funds, the
system tends to be unviable and in extreme cases may even swing to the
level of non-performance. No mechanism is built in to enforce execution of
all estimate provisions or assigned set of works on account of the fact that
there are no penal provisions to deal with any such lapses/deficiencies.
The wage rates for forestry works are at times lower than the prevailing
local wage rates. Irrespective of this, the works have to be executed with
the existing forest schedule of rates. This often leads to compromise with
the quality of work.
3.4.1.2 Tender system: In the tender system or contract system, solvency

or financial capability of contractor / tenderer to complete the work is
always duly considered and sufficient security deposit is also collected
from him before a work is awarded. As a matter of fact there is an inbuilt
safety for the department with regard to smooth completion of the work.
The contractor will have a captive source of men and machinery. But, on
the flipside, for execution of departmental works, the contractor may
engage his labourers whereby forest dwellers and labourers around forest
areas may be deprived of employment opportunities. Profit being the prime
motive, social equity will be at discount. Summing up, if there is smooth
flow of funds, Convenor system has clear edge over the other.
3.4.1.3 Extraction by Consumers / Agents: When the produce is allotted

to an industrial firm, the concerned firm will execute an agreement with the
department and will engage an agent to carry out the extraction on its
behalf. The agent will work on behalf of the firm in accordance with
prescriptions in the agreement, under the close supervision of the staff.
Any violation of the agreement condition will attract stringent action against
the firm and the agent. If executed with due vigil, this system is the most
reliable one to dispose off the materials in the softwood plantations and
materials in bamboo and reed coupes. In the plan area the extraction of
pulpwood, reed and bamboo are under this method of harvesting.
3.4.1.4 Extraction by Passes and Permits: On payment of seigniorage

value fixed by Government the bonafide consumers can collect and
remove the produces like Bamboos, Reeds, Manure leaves, Thatching
grass etc. in small quantities under the cover of passes issued by the
Range Officer. This system cannot be used for extraction of large
quantities of timber, poles, etc.
3.5 COST OF EXTRACTION

The cost of extraction of Forest produce has increased
considerably. It is paid on the basis of schedule of rates sanctioned by the
Government. In the plan areas, local labour force carries out the extraction
102
and other works. The disbursement of payment will be made through the
Convener under whose leadership the work is being carried out. It is
noticeable that male and female worker get equal wages as per provision
of “Payment of Equal Remuneration Act of 1976”. The Division area is
considered as “Very Difficult Area” considering its remoteness and hilly
nature and the difficulty in finding out sufficient labourers. To the basic
wage rate the variable DA calculated on the basis of the Living Price Index
Number, published by the State Government Bureau of Economics and
Statistics, is also to be added. The average rates during 1994 and 2006
are given in Appendix – XXII.
It is noteworthy to point out that the timber loading labourers,

organized under trade unions of different political parties are collecting
huge amounts as loading charges for loading the materials bid in the
auctions at the depots, from the bidders. This trend will indeed reduce the
prices fetched in auctions.
3.6 LINE OF EXPORT

No Railway passes through the tract. The nearest Railway station is
at Aluva, about 115 km from Munnar.
3.7 ROAD
There is a network of good roads crisscrossing the plan area,
helping in transportation of forest produces. The Madurai-Kochi National
Highway and Munnar-Udumalpet State Highway Road are passing
through the Division.
3.8 PAST AND CURRENT PRICES

3.8.1 The price trend: Since there is no timber sale depot in the
jurisdiction of this Division for the analysis of past and current prices, the
price trends in the nearest timber depots i.e.Thalakode and
Kothamangalam under Kottayam Sale Division, Mudikkal and Veettoor
under Perumbavoor sales Division are relied upon. In addition to this, the
price prevailing in private timber depots in Division area were also taken
into account. Thalakode depot sells the timber and firewood of various
species collected from various Divisions. In most of the Divisions the teak
poles and timber collected through the thinning operations are sold in the
dumping depot out side the extracted plantations. In teak plantations of
Munnar Forest Division the thinning operations are not carried out due to
labour problems. In most of the sale depots, the retail outlets opened by
the government to help small consumers for spot purchase of timber, are
functioning now as and when the timber is available. The traditional timber
103
merchants have been importing timber from abroad, to meet the
increasing demand of timber. Timber especially teak is available also in
the homesteads. The plantations raised in the past, by the social forestry
wing of the state, in the community lands and also along the avenues also
have started yielding timber, pulpwood and firewood.
3.8.2 Analysis of Price: The demand for timber is increasing steadily

with the increasing population. This demand is met from Forest
Department, homesteads and private estate sides, the import from other
states and countries. The Table No. 30 & 31 shows the details regarding
production, utilization and import of timber during the year 2000-01.
Table – 30 – Import of wood to Kerala from the neighbouring states

and other countries based on KFRI report
M3 round wood equivalent
Other
Origin Teak Rosewood Charcoal Total %
timbers
Neighbouring
521 2664 148439 236813 388437 71
state
Other
14071 0 144843 0 158914 29
countries
Total import 14592 2664 293282 236813 547351 100
% of import 2.7 0.5 53.5 43.3 100
Table – 31 – Import of timber to Kerala from other countries based on

KFRI reports
Timber Tuticorin Mangalore Total Volume % of total

Pynkado 31590 36298 67888 42.7
Teak 6299 7772 14071 8.8
Gurjan 560 7807 8367 5.3
Kussia 4494 1396 5890 3.7
Paduak 2022 1907 3929 2.5
Keruing 3820 7 3827 2.4
Billinga 2811 688 3499 2.2
Malaysian sal 3181 0 3181 2
Other timbers 24002 24260 48262 30.4
Total 78779 80135 158914 100
104
The price statement of the Government depots adjacent to Munnar
Division is given in Appendix – XXIII and fixation of selling price in
Appendix – XXIV has shown that the prices of certain timber species are
increasing rapidly. Teak timber of quality class I C, II B, II C, III B, III C, IV
B & IV C is sold maximum and has recorded fast increase in prices. Due to
the ban on selection felling and other felling in natural forests, availability
of timber in the depot of Forest Department is reduced. The gap is bridged
by production from homesteads and private plantations. A study by KFRI
on wood balance has indicated that only about one tenth of the timber
demand is met from forests and the rest is from non-forest areas.
105
CHAPTER – IV
ACTIVITIES OF FOREST DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONS

IN HARVESTING AND MARKETING
INTRODUCTION
Forestry in India, as elsewhere in the developing world, is a public
sector venture and the main objective of planning and management is to
provide benefits to the tribals and local, urban people who are mainly
depending on forest. Although the old tradition of scientific management of
forest based on sustained yield model, is till in vogue, management of
forest has undergone various changes due to various planning strategies.
One such strategy was based on corporate concept, which came into
existence as per the recommendations in the interim, and final reports of
the National Commission on Agriculture (NCA) published in 1972 and
1976 respectively. As per the recommendation of NCA, Forest
Development Corporations (FDCs) were established in almost all the
states with the purpose to convert low productive mixed forests into high
output man-made commercial plantations with institutional financing.
4.1 ORIGIN OF THE FOREST DEVELOPMENT

CORPORATIONS
Realizing the staggering gap between the demand and supply of
forest produce, the National Commission on Agriculture has recommended
that the boom in production of industrial material is essential for existence
of the natural forests. For this the Commission suggested the
implementation of the dynamic forestry programmes in place of existing
low-investment and low-yield forestry practices. The Fifth Five Year Plan
(1974-79) has given importance for achieving self-sufficiency in industrial
wood production by emphasizing strong links between forests and wood-
based industries. For achieving this, the NCA has suggested to make
attempts for bringing accessible and low productive miscellaneous forests
into productive use by converting them into commercially important man-
made plantations. The demand for industrial wood and fuel wood was
suggested to be met by:
1. Man-made forestry programmes

2. Concentrated natural regeneration programmes
3. Working of inaccessible forests
4. Thinning and final felling of the existing plantations, and
5. Social forestry programmes
107
The financial and economic profitability of man-made forests was
demonstrated by carrying out cost-benefit analysis of the plantations in two
Indian states, i.e. Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. The high input and
high output approach was justified on the following grounds:
1. Increasing the per ha production, both in respect of volume and

value,
2. Creating employment, both for skilled and unskilled persons,
3. Extending substantial support to the rural and tribal economy,
4. Establishing a large number of forest-based industries,
5. Encouraging the export of forest products, and
6. Creating a sustainable impact on the employment in secondary
and tertiary sectors.
For achieving the above-mentioned objectives FDCs were

established in every states of India. The KFDC was established on 24th
January 1975, as a fully government owned company to avail of
institutional finance for raising of plantations to meet the growing demand
for industrial raw materials.
According to the approved project of the KFDC the main activities of

the corporation would be (i) disposal of timber and residual growth
transferred to the corporation by way of assets by the Government of
Kerala and (ii) raising new plantation and their management.
4.2 THE MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE COMPANY ARE

1. To acquire, purchase or take over on lease or otherwise
Reserved forests, unreserved, vested forests and other lands
from Kerala Government and others, either with the growth
or not and to develop such areas and raise plantations of
industrial use.
2. To cultivate plantations of rubber, pepper, cashew, coco,
cardamom etc. and to buy, sell, export, import, process,
distribute, deal in all kinds of forest plants, trees, agricultural
crop.
3. To acquire, purchase or take over on lease or otherwise and
manage forests to maximize production of timber and other
produce, and
4. To carry on business of foresters, planters, cultivators,
sellers, dealers in timber and industrial woods, firewood,
charcoal, etc. and to manufacture and dispose or sell and
deal in forest produce.
108
KFDC is 32 years old. During this period, it has carried out the
various activities of plantation management assigned to it. The project
report had envisaged an area of 80,000 ha under KFDC but it has only
10,000 ha and is unlikely to get additional area in the context of the
changes in forest policy. There has been a major change in national forest
policy with important implications for survival of KFDC. The National
Forest Policy of 1988 has clearly spelt out that the old policy of supplying
forest produce to industry at concessional rates should cease and the
industry must make its own arrangements for meeting its raw material
requirements. Moreover, social forestry inspired tree cultivation on private
lands also produces considerable volume of pulpwood and the paper
companies are also able to import pulp from other countries.
4.3 KFDC ACTIVITY IN PLAN AREA

The Silent Valley sub unit in Munnar Division of KFDC comes under
the jurisdiction of Munnar Forest Division. The activities carried out in this sub
unit are maintaining pulpwood plantations of eucalyptus, pine and wattle and
eco-tourism activities. These activities are carried out in silent valley area of
KDH. The details of the area are given in Table No. 32.
Table – 32 – Details of Activity area
Plantations Silent Valley

Eucalyptus New Plantations 333.00
-do- Coppice 188.783
Pinus patula 21.920
Wattle 312.60
Unproductive 356.287
Total area 1212.59 ha
4.3.1 Pulpwood Plantations: The KFDC has raised pulpwood plantations

in an extent of 1112.59 ha in Munnar Forest Division area. The species
they used are Eucalyptus, Wattle and Pine. The table No. 33 the below
mentioned table show the details of plantations raised at Silent Valley.
Table – 33 – Details of Pulpwood Plantations
Sl. No Year Species Area(ha) Remarks

1 1994 Wattle 75.000 Failed area
3 1995 Pinus patula 9.920 -
5 1997 Pinus patula 12.000 Fire burned
109
Sl. No Year Species Area(ha) Remarks
8 1999 Eu.Plantation 21.000 -
9 1999 Eu.Coppice 52.680 -
12 2002 Eu.Coppice 136.103 Failed area
16 Eu.failed area 356.287 -
Total 1212.590
4.3.2 Other Activities of Kerala Forest Development Corporation,

Munnar Division
1 Eco - Tourism: As part of the diversification of activities, KFDC ventured

into the field of Eco-Tourism and Floriculture projects. In Munnar Division
both the activities started during the year 2000-01. Situated in the prime
location of Kerala tourism, KFDC Munnar Division is competent to offer its
services in the field of eco-tourism. They have already started
programmes incorporating trekking, jungle camping, wilderness
experience, meadow meandering etc. They have also developed good
infrastructure in their area in Silent Valley, which is liked by the tourists.
The financial and technical aid from the tourism department and WGDP
are encouraging. The Corporation aims to develop its eco-tourism project
into a major success and expects a giant leap forward in the coming years.
2. Floriculture Project: As part of the project KFDC has started a

floriculture center in Munnar. Here large varieties of flowers are blooming
throughout the year being on ideal location for floriculture. KFDC started
an orchidarium for developing new varieties of orchids with a view to
exploit the market potential of orchid plants. The orchidarium is now
attracting large number of visitors from all over the country and has won
appreciation from several quarters. Significant increase in the revenue is
an indication of its popularity.
110
CHAPTER – V
FIVE – YEAR PLANS
INTRODUCTION
Forest is a dynamic living entity that is to be managed with a view to
conserve the capital without any depletion, while catering the present
needs of the society. As such the forest planning becomes a multifaceted,
consistent and well integrated affair, where due weightage has to be given
to soil and water conservation along with satisfaction of the present and
future demands of the society and that of the industries utilizing forest
produce. The Planning Commission of India, which is approving plans for
the most effective and balanced utilization of the country’s resources for
the development of the country, had given due importance to planning in
forestry sector too. Accordingly special attention was given in the Five
Year Plans, to enhance the productivity of the forests by adopting sound
schemes, such as rehabilitating the depleted forests and creating valuable
man made forests catering the needs of the industrial sector. The
successive Five Year Plans have aimed at accelerating the pace of
forestry development and expansion of the forestry activities in the
country. Our forests have also benefited from these schemes.
5.1 PULPWOOD PLANTATIONS

In the plan area a beginning was made to alter the purely
conservative and biological management system hitherto followed to a
system in which significance is given to maximum production of raw
materials required by the society. To attain this objective, manmade
forests of quick growing valuable species were started. Full assistance
was given to State Government to undertake large-scale plantations of
quick growing species, mainly to meet the requirements of the paper and
pulp industries and cottage industries. In accordance with this proposal,
the Forest Department took up a scheme to raise Pulpwood plantations
within forest areas and most of the Pulpwood Plantations of this tract were
raised under this scheme with the financial assistance from the Central
Government. The proposal in the Plan was to raise extensive plantation of
valuable species as well as plantations of fast growing pulpwood and
softwood species so as to ensure supply of raw materials to industrial units
that use pulpwood and softwood for manufacture of various products.
Under the scheme various species of pulpwood plantations were raised in
Reserve and KDH area. The details regarding the extent, type of species
etc are mentioned in plantation working circle.
In accordance with the proposal, in the K.D.H area in the area

decided to handed over to Kerala Forest Department as per GO. (MS) No.
262/77 RD dated 19/02/77 and GO.(MS) No. 379/80 RD Dated 18/04/80,
111
in degraded and encroached land of Reserve forests pulpwood plantation
of Eucalyptus, Pine, Wattle etc. were raised. Table No. 34 gives the
details of expenditure under plan scheme for the period 1998/99 to
2008/09.
Table – 34 – The Details of expenditure under Plan scheme for the

period from 1999-00 to 2008-09
Sl. No Year Expenditure (Rs)

1 99-2000 10278238
2 2000-01 12320222
3 2001-02 16179599
4 2002-03 7448855
5 2003-04 8598574
6 2004-05 20498416
7 2005-06 19616302
8 2006-07 9823218
9 2007-08 10187026
10 2008-09 52444014
112
CHAPTER – VI
STAFF AND LABOUR SUPPLY
6.1 THE STAFF

The Head Quarters of Munnar Division is at Devikulam which is
about 5 Km away from Munnar town. The Division consists of four Ranges
namely Devikulam, Munnar, Adimaly and Neriamangalam. Thalakode
timber depot is within the territorial jurisdiction of the Division but under the
administrative Control of the Divisional Forest Officer, Timber Sales
Division, and Perumbavoor. This depot is not functioning at present for
want of timber.
With the formation of the Forest Station in Munnar Division as per

G.O. (Ms) No. 56/91 Forest and wildlife, dated 16/07/91, the staff strength
has been increased considerably. All the section and Beat areas except
the areas in the Cardamom Hill Reserve, Pallivasal un-Reserve in Adimaly
Range and the whole area of Devikulam Range were re-organized and
brought under Forest Stations. Name of officers who held in charge of
Munnar Division is given in Appendix – XXV.
Table – 35 –Sanctioned strength of staff under various categories
Sl. Munnar Division Devikulam Neriamangala Adimaly Munnar

Total
No Division Office Range mnge Range Range
1 DFO 1 - - - - 1
2 ACF 1 - - - - 1
3 RO - 1 1 1 1 4
4 Dy Ranger - Nil 3 2 1 6
5 Admn. Asst. 1 - - - - 1
6 JS 1 - - - - 1
7 HA 1 - - - - 1
8 Forester - 4 11 9 3 27
9 Forest Guard - 22 40 40 12 114
10 U.D. Clerk 6 - 1 1 8
11 L.D.Clerk 4 1 1 1 1 8
12 Typist 2 - - - - 2
13 Compiler 1 - - - - 1
14 D' Man 1 - - - - 1
15 Surveyor 1 - - - - 1
16 Driver 1 1 2 1 1 6
17 Peon 4 1 1 1 1 8
Forest
18 7 2 - - - 9
Watcher
19 P.T. Sweeper - 1 1 1 1 4
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6.2 LABOUR
The forestry operations are seasonal and Department does not
retain any permanent labour force. Supply of labour is not a problem for
this Division. Most of the people in Neriamangalam and Adimaly Range
areas have migrated from plains in search of land and they being
agriculturists, form the bulk of labour force. In Devikulam Range, the
labourers were originally brought in by estate owners and they are
generally hard working and willing to work in adverse climatic conditions.
The Division is not facing labour shortage. Forestry works are executed
through the Convenor system, and the convenors are selected from
among the workers. The Civil works are executed through tender system
by contractor. The Contractors arrange the labourers in the Contract
system. Whenever labourers are needed for other than the forestry works
i.e as fire watcher, plantation watcher etc. the labourers are engaged on
daily wage basis.
In newly raised plantations mazdoors are engaged throughout the

year for three years for the protection of plantations from cattle and fire.
During this period this mazdoors will lookafter the growing seedlings by
replacing causalities etc. They will protect the planted seedlings from the
suppression of weeds, attack of climbers, cattle and fire.
6.2.1 Tribal Labour: The tribes residing in the plan area are actively
taking part in the execution of forestry works. The forestry operations like
the fire protection, planting, weeding etc are done by the tribal people
residing in the settlement and by the local people outside the tract area.
Most of the tribals residing inside the settlements have their own lands.
Hence the forestry operations provide them additional employment
opportunities. At present they are engaged in various planting activities
under FDA. Tribals are also engaged in collection of NWFP. In short, their
main source of income is various forestry operations and the work done by
other department in the localities under different schemes.
6.3 WAGE RATE

This tract is considered as a very difficult area and the labourers of
this tract are eligible for the highest wage rate. Statement showing fixation
of basic wages for different categories of workers in different categories of
area is shown in Appendix – XXVI.
6.4 INFRASTRUCTURES
6.4.1 Building: There are somany buildings constructed in this Division
for the stay of staff and running of Divisional Offices and sub-offices.
114
Some of the buildings were constructed before the formation and re-
organization of Divisions in High Range Circle. Some of the buildings are
under construction. It is essential to assign and evaluate the condition of
the old buildings and pursue action to write of the ones which are wornout
beyond repair and to make the remaining ones servicable after the
requisite repairs. The numbers may be allotted to all buildings, Division
wise, for residential and non-residential purposes. The list of buildings in
this Divisions is given in Appendix – XXVII.
6.4.2 Camping grounds and rest houses: There are two rest houses at
Devikulam (Central Nursery IB, Forest Inspection Bunglow). In addition
there is another inspection bunglow in Munnar managed by wildlife wing.
6.4.3 Roads: Most of the roads present in the Division area fair weather
roads. The National Highway – 49 (Madhurai-Kochi) and the State
Highway Munnar-Udumalpet are passing through the plan area. All other
roads leading to various localities within the tract commence from these
roads. Details of the roads within the tract are furnished in Table. No. 36.
Table – 36 – Roads in Munnar Division
Sl. Unmettalle Total

Road Range Tarred Mettalled
No d (km)
Marakkanam-
1 Adimaly - - - 3.5
Kombodinjal
Thalukandam -
2 Adimaly - - - 5
Muthassery
Avarukutty -
3 Adimaly - - - 14
Perumbankuthu
Avarukutty -
4 Adimaly - - - 4
Parappara
Peechadu -
5 Adimaly - - - 4
Kodakallu
Padikappu -
6 Adimaly - - - 6
Kattamudi
Choorakattan
7 Adimaly - - - 5
settlement Road
South Kathippara -
8 Adimaly - - - 4.5
Kaithachal
Choorakattan -
9 Adimaly - - - 4.5
Chinnapara
Chinnar Chappath -
10 Adimaly - - - 9
Perinjankutty
Thalumkandam -
11 Adimaly - - 4
Veliyampara
Elamblassery -
12 Neriamangalam - 2 4 6
Poothanal
13 PMT Pocket road Neriamangalam - - 3 3
115
Sl. Unmettalle Total
Road Range Tarred Mettalled
No d (km)
Avarukutty -
14 Neriamangalam - - 8 8
Kunjiyar
Ranikallu-
15 Neriamangalam - - 2 2
Mezhuveli
Neriamangalm-
16 Neriamangalam 5 1 4 10
Kolamba
Neriamangalam -
17 Neriamangalam 0.5 3.5 - 4
Kanjiraveli
6th mile-
18 Neriamangalam 10 - - 10
Mamalakandam
6.4.4 Trek Paths : Trek path have very important role in effective
protection. This plan area have network of trekpaths through intrior forest
areas. Trekpath present in Munnar Range starting from Pullumedu
(Pettimudi) to Puthukudy and Puthukudy to Anakulam are the only mode
of accessibility for inhabitants of this colony and forest staff. List of
trekpaths in plan area is given in Table No. 37.
Table – 37 –Trek paths in Munnar Division
Periodicity
Sl. Distance
Range Trek path of
No (km)
maintenance
1 Munnar TP Pullumedu – Puthukudy 16 Every year

2 Munnar Puthukudy – Anakulam 15 do
3 Neriamangalam Pinavoorkudy – 7 do
Neriamangalam
4 Neriamangalam Manippara – Potta 6 do
5 Neriamangalam Pinavoorkudy – 1.5 do

Neriamangalam
6 Adimaly Padicup – Averkutty 2.7 do
7 Neriamangalam Potta – Meenuzhinjal 6 do
8 Neriamangalam Paduva – Panthadipalam 4 do
9 Adimaly Averkutty – Nellipara 8 do
10 Adimaly Parappara – Manjakuzhi 3 do
11 Adimaly Korathykudy – 4 do
Thalumkandam
12 Adimaly Moothassari – Vilipara 3 do
13 Adimaly Veliyampara – Plamalakudy 4 do

14 Adimaly Nellipara – Kattamudi 4 do
116
6.4.5 Vehicles: The vehicles available in the plan area are used for
protection and administartion and their present condition is given in
Appendix – XXVIII.
6.4.6 Equipments: Even though the Division has many remote areas the
communication facilities are very insufficient. Even uninterupted electric
supply is not present in this tract. In order to overcome these difficulties
and to make the administartion easier and effective, modern equipments
like wireless sets, walkie-talkies, mobiles, generators, computers etc are
to be efficiently used. The list of equipments available in the Divisions is
given in Appendix – XXIX.
117
CHAPTER – VII
PAST SYSTEM OF MANAGEMENT
7.1 GENERAL HISTORY OF THE FOREST

The tropical climate with heavy and evenly distributed rainfall, afford
optimum condition for vegetative growth. Local hill men practiced the
system of hill cultivation and the people who migrated from the downhill also
followed the same. The hill men confined their activities to the more
inaccessible areas whereas the people migrated from midland cleared the
peripheral forests and started cultivation.
The name Munnar is derived from being the confluence of three

rivers Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala. This area belonged to
Poonjar Chiefs a subordinate prince to the Maharaja of Travancore. Poonjar
dynast was established by Manavikraman in the 12th century A.D. The early
history of Munnar for the High Ranges is closely linked to the establishment
of tea and cinchona plantation. First European to visits Munnar was Col.
Arthur Wellesley who set out with a small band of army to block Tippu’s
escape through Kumaly Gap in 1790. First recorded description of Munnar
and High Ranges is found in “MEMOIR OF THE TRAVANCORE SURVEY”
by Lieutenant B. S. Ward and Connor who were assigned to work of survey
in Travancore and they traversed Munnar in 1717. Ward and Connor
describes about a Bullock Road that goes across Kannan Devan Hills to
Coimbatore which is used by the merchants who import cloth to Travancore
and in lieu betal nut. In 1862 General Douglas Hamilton was sent to these
hills to discover a suitable convalescence station to troops. He scaled
Anamudi Peak and described the view from the top as surpassingly grand
and incomparably beautiful "The views from this mountain are the grandest
and most extensive, I have ever beheld; some of the precipices are of
stupendous magnitude, and the charming variety of the scenery, comprising
undulating grassy hills, wooded valleys, rocky crags, overhanging
precipices, the green fields in the valley of Unjanad with the grand mass of
the Pulnees beyond, and the blue Ranges in the far distance, present a
view far beyond my power to describe and which must be seen to be
appreciated."
In 1877, a commission of two representatives appointed to determine

the unsettled boundary between Travancore and the Madras Presidency
confirmed the Kanan Devan Hills tract as Travancore territory. In 1877-1879
Poonjar Chief leased out 588 Sq. m land to a lawyer in the employee of
Travancore State named Mr. John Daniel Munro. The tract hence forth was
called the Kannan Devan concession land and composed of mostly thick
jungle full of wild animals. In conjunction with J. D. Munro H. Gribble Turner
of Madrass Civil Service founded the ‘North Travancore Land Planting and
Agriculture Society, whose members developed their own estates in
different parts of concession land.
119
J. D. Munro was also appointed as the superintendent of cardamom
hills. H. G. Turner and his half brother A. W Turner had intensively explored
this land in 1878 in a Shikar expedition. W. S. S Mackay deriving
information from the notes of Aylmer F. Martin, who had known the Turners,
writes about their expedition.
“Henry Gribble Turner of the Madras Civil Service and his half-
brother A W Turner crossed the Western Ghats from East to West on an
extended shikar expedition. They were the first Europeans to explore
extensively this Promised Land”
“At first glance the mountains before them seemed to present an

almost impenetrable barrier. The awe-inspiring nature of the crags and cliffs,
and the mysteries which lay hidden behind the peaks which occasionally
showed up through the clouds, must have acted as a strong deterrent to all
but the Shikaris of the old school, to whom so much of the honour of
discovery is due.”
“They made friends with the Muthuvar, about 2000 of whom lived in
these jungles, and guided by them followed a network of elephant roads”
Thus Mudhuvan tribes were the only inhabitants of Kannan Devan

Hills until the British planters arrived on the scene. First tea plantation was
raised by Mr. Sharp. Initially Devikulam became the headquarters of the
Kannan Devan Hills area from where regular transport on pony and bullock
cart to the plain Bodynaikkannur was established. A correspondent writing
in planters opinion of 1896 recalls that a planter by name T. H. Godfrey had
short hundreds of elephants. Slowly things improved roads and other
infrastructure facilities were developed and more and more area came
under plantation. By 1896 there was about 26 registered holdings or
estates. A year later ‘North and South Sylchet Company’ a subsidiary of
‘Finley Muir & Company’ took over the estates and formed Kannan Devan
Hill Produce Company. After 1900 coffee and cinchona estate were
converted into the tea estates in a phased manner. More estates were
developed by KDHP Company and existing areas were developed by 1915.
There were 16 fully equipped tea factories. The company constructed its
first hydro electric power house in 1900 and in 1910 another power house
was built at Periyacanal. Telephone system was established in 1908
between important points.
Thus the KDHP conssession lands owes to its development and

modification to the growth of tea plantation and the British planters. As per
the description and notes made by planters themselves large tracts of
imperturbable jungle at the origin of the major Periyar river water shed was
cleared and thousands of animals were killed. This was followed by large
scale immigration to lower areas like Adimaly, Vellathooval, Kallarkutty,
Panamkutty; Valara areas during 1920 to 1930 destroyed the mid level
forests too. This unbridled encroachment continued up to the early 1970s
resulting in the loss of large chunk of forest and degradation of existing
ones.
120
Mono Rail: Monorail had been introduced by the British planters during
1902 for transporting Tea and the other produce from Munnar and
Mattupetty to Top Station. This consisted of simple platform with a small
wheel running on the rail and a larger one on the road, pulled by a team of
bullocks. The passenger carriages were pulled by ponies and were fitted
with chain and canvas swinging.
Railway in Munnar: By replacing the monorail, light railway had been

introduced in 1908 under the supervision of the Chief Engineer Mr. C.
W.Cole. All the equipments imported from U. K were brought to Munnar in
pieces and assembled locally. This included steam engines which were put
together by company’s Engineering wing. There were four engines in use,
the Buchanan (named after the General Manager of the time), Anamudi,
Kundalay and High Ranger. Railway stations were at Munnar (present
Regional Office), Madupetti, Paloor and finally at Top station. The High
Ranger had a first class compartment for the use of European Managers
and occasional visiting Managers.
Great Flood in 1924: The historical great cyclone and resultant flood
happened in 1924. That year the monsoon commenced with fairly good rain
fall in early June and heavy rains started from middle of July. The rain fall
during the month was 175.19 inches (Munnar). This heavy rain fall resulted
in destruction of forest, landslides, loss of estates, crops and human lives.
The Kundala valley railway was extensively damaged. After the flood
plantation crops in estates were changed from coffee and cinchona to tea
and Kannan Devan hill producing company became solely a Tea producing
company. This heavy flood had destroyed the old Alwaye – Munnar Road.
Old Alwaye Munnar Road
Old Alwaye - Munnar road was destroyed during heavy floods in

1924. Later this road was diverted thoroughly a new route via
Neriyamangalam, Adimaly to Munnar. These areas became small
townships after opening up of this road. For extraction of reeds from
Avarukutty area alternate roads were opened from Kunjiyar to Avarukutty
through Kurathikudi – Anakulam – Mamalakandam and from Avarukutty to
Mamalakandam, both the roads joining the new Alwaye-Munnar road at 6th
Mile. In Munnar Division, this road traverses an extent 10 Km (approximate)
through Adimaly Range and reaches Perumbankuttu. Thus the old Alwaye-
Munnar road has not been in use for the last 85 years and most of the area
is now covered by thick growth of reed and other tree growt and this area
supports good population of wildlife. The land along the sides of this road is
also highly fragile. Many landslides have occurred even afterwards. During
2006 and 2007, an area of about 25-30 hectors had subsided down up to 2
metere depth near Kaduvathodu. Since the lower portion, like Adimali,
Mannamkandom, Kallar etc. had been densely populated and deforested,
the only remaining compact patch of forests for the wild animals, for
traveling from Pooyamkutty to Munnar, Rajamala etc.is along both sides of
this old road. Hence there is concentration of wild animals like Elephants,
Gaur, Tiger, Nilagiri languor etc in these parts. If these areas are disturbued,
the animals would lose their migrating path and would be forced to invade
121
agricultural areas later, which would worsen the man –animal conflict in the
lower parts of the Division. Hence it is suggested to leave this road as such
and not allow any renovation works. Increasing of the forest cover along this
road would help the stabilization of these portions.
7.2 PAST SYSTEM OF MANAGEMENT

Up to the end of the 18th century the forests of Travancore was not
subject to any systematic management. The first reliable information
regarding the working of forest is by M/s Ward & Connor, who were
engaged in the survey of the British India from 1817 to 1820. They
published their experiences in the form of a book “Memories of the Survey
of Travancore” in which they observed that, in the earlier days it had been
the practice to rent each river bank for its timber apparently for teak and it
had almost depleted the forests as it was found very difficult to obtain large
sized teak except from the interior. At the time of their visit to Travancore
they found that the Government had then introduced a new system by
which the timber was to be worked down by the State. This service was
entrusted with Captain Robert Gordon of Bombay Engineers who held the
post of commercial agent at Alleppy. Besides attending his duties he was
appointed as the Conservator of Forests and had been given additional
charge of collection of Cardamom from gardens in the hills and the sale of
collected timber. Teak was the only timber monopoly held by the state.
Shortly after in 1813 Colonnel U.V. Munro was appointed as the first
independent Conservator of Forests. Besides the charge of forests he had
also the duty of commercial agent at Alleppy. During his period the teak
extraction was confined on Periyar and Achankoil riverbanks.
In 1818 an attempt was made as per his instruction to restock the

depleted teak forests by dibbling of teak seeds throughout the Reserve. In
1835 departmental system for monopoly trees, the permit system for jungle
wood trees and contract system for the firewood and the minor forest
produce were introduced.
Mr. U.V. Munro died in 1844 and Mr. West was his successor for the
next 8 years. After Mr. West, Mr. Kohlof was the Conservator for 12 years.
After the period of Mr. Kohlhof, Mr. Vernede took charge as CF of
Travancore on 15th August 1864. During his period many regulations were
imposed and rules were introduced. Special plans relating to the forests
were made and the Regulation III of 1080 (The Cochin Forest Act) was
changed in 1905 on the lines of Madras Forest Act of 1902. The teak,
rosewood, ebony and sandal wood were monopolized. Marking of trees
before felling was started in 1865. The felling of teak, black wood and jungle
wood below 12½ inch quarter girth were prohibited. The preparation of
Working Plans were suggested, the forests were divided into Territorial
Divisions and entrusted to qualified hands.
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In 1865 the first teak plantation was raised successfully at
Vembooram in Malayattoor Division. On 30th January, 1866 an order was
issued for stopping the felling of teak, rosewood, ebony and all trees in the
river banks. From 1867 onwards the systematic planting of teak was started
in Malayattoor and Konni Divisions. In 1868 Mr. Thomas, Assistant
Conservator of Forests who was previously in the British Forest Service was
put in charge of teak plantations of Konni.
In 1869 the first cardamom gardens were started in the neighborhood

area of Konni under the supervision of forest staff.
Proclamation was issued on the 18th of October – 1869 prohibiting the

shooting of Elephants.
In 1870, the rules were made which allowed the people to cultivate in
Government land i.e. grassland, reed area, marshy land etc without the
permission of the Government. The clearing of forestland on high range, low
range and plane area having Government monopolized trees was not
permitted.
In 1870 the extraction of teak under the contract system was stopped
and the Government started the extraction. Trees below 15” girth were not
allowed for felling.
In 1870 on April 15th rules were issued allowing cultivation in hill area.
In 1883, a Forest commission was appointed for processing

suggestions for the better management of forest, destroyed due to the
heavy and indiscriminate fellings coupled with uncontrolled shifting
cultivation. This Commission recommended the abolition of seigniorage
system and substitution of depot system for the sale of timber. This
Commission also drew a draft of an Act on the lines of Madras Forest Act of
1882. The first Forest Act was passed in 1887 (Regulation IV of 1063
M.E/1887 A.D.) and the first Reserve to be constituted was the Malayattoor
Reserve, which was settled in the year 1895 (1070 M.E.).
On 14the June 1891 Mr. T.F. Bourdilluon succeeded Mr. Vernede as

Conservator of Forests, Travancore and continued for 27years. A complete
reorganization of the forest department was done on the lines of British
Forest Administration. The whole forest in the state was divided into four
Divisions, Divisions into Ranges and Ranges into Beats. The emoluments to
the staff were increased. Vast areas were brought under teak plantations in
Konni, Aryankavu and Malayattoor.
A beginning was made for the exploitation and protection of the

forests with the promulgation of the Travancore Forest Act 1887 and the
constitution of the Malayattoor Reserve in 1895. As a first step in this
direction, one Inspector and six guards were appointed to protect the forest,
regulate the fellings and collect the revenue from this newly constituted
Malayattoor Reserve.
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In the year 1910 the first Working Plan for Malayattoor Reserve was
prepared, its author being unknown. Though it is called a Preliminary
Working Plan Report, its introduction marked the first attempt for regulating
the forest exploitation, and for the systematic administration. It dealt with the
Division of the forest areas in certain localities into coupe or blocks fixing the
year in which the annual fellings were to be carried out without mentioning
the obtainable quantity of timber from fellings. Thus the plan was mostly
revenue-conscious. In 1915, Mr. M.Velu Pillai prepared another Working
Plan for Malayattoor Reserve and some other Reserves falling within the
purview of the present Malayattoor Division.
7.3 FORMATION OF RED GUM PLANTATIONS

Formation of Red gum plantations was started in1915 in Devikulam
by Mr. Robinson, the Commissioner of Devikulam to provide firewood for
the local population. The plantations were managed by the Revenue
department till 1943 and thereafter the forest Department took over the
areas. During the management of the Revenue Department, very
unsystematic exploitation was done. Generally, the largest trees were felled
for firewood and the result was that the whole plantation became the
mixture of original plants and the coppice shoots. After the taking over by
the Forest Department, a working scheme for the red gum plantations was
prepared by Sri. J. P Cherian in 1945 according to which the area was
divided into 15 annual coupes of 10 acres each and the rotation of 15 years
has been fixed.
7.4 WORKING PLAN PREPARED BY MR. DHANUSHKODI

PILLAI IN 1921-22
Sri. Dhannukodi Pillai prepared the Working Plan for this Division for
one year for the period 1921–22 (1097 M.E). The forests were brought
under the systematic and scientific working with the introduction of the
detailed Working Plan. He divided the forest area in to coupes, fixed a
felling cycle of 20 years, suggested selection felling of mature and over
mature trees and fixed the yield at 50% of the enumerated exploitable trees.
He emphasized that the over mature, dead defective; dying trees and those
of the higher girth which would not stand till the time of next felling should be
removed. He suggested retaining the vigorous exploitation trees standing on
exposed ridges and banks. In each coupe enumeration was carried out and
the number of exploitable trees were determined. History shows that the
prescriptions were not implemented and followed properly and the tree
extraction was guided and regulated by demands of the market and the
working convenience.
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7.5 WORKING PLAN BY SRI. T. P. VISWANATHAN (1963-72)
The Working Plan of Sri T. P. Viswanathan was for the period from
1963 to 1972. The Conversion Working Circle, the Red Gum Working Circle
and the Sandal Working Circle were the important Working Circles
constituted by him. Out of the four felling series under Conversion Working
Circle, the Periyar felling series alone came within the present Munnar
Division. Method of treatment proposed was clear felling followed by
regeneration through artificial method. Teak was the main species to be
raised. He suggested raising Irul, Thembavu, Andaman Paduk, Anjilli and
Venteak etc. in areas adjoining to the habitations. He prescribed a 70 year
rotaion for Teak. The teak plantations were raised only on the banks of
Periyar River in Neriamangalam Range. Some teak plantations were raised
in Valara area outside the prescription of the Working Plan with the object of
covering encroached and vacated area.
The Selection Working Circle include four felling series out of which
the Neriamangalam Range felling series alone fall within the Munnar
Division Evergreen, Semi evergreen and moist deciduous forests were
covered in the working circle. He prescribed exploitation g.b.h (o.b) of 210n
cm. for Rosewood, and teak, 180 cms for other species.
Under the Red gum working circle the whole of the Devikulam fuel
Reserve and the adjacent revenue lands were included. The area under this
working circle was 1213 acres. The main object of management of this
working circle was supply of fire wood and the silviculture treatment
prescribed was “Simple coppice” with a 15 year rotation.
Considering the necessity and importance of long fibered raw

material for pulp wood industries, Pine plantations were raised on
experimental basis in certain clear-felled areas in Pampadumshola and in
revenue grass lands in Choondal locality. These plantations were raised out
side the prescription of the Working Plan. Similarly some Wattle plantations
were also raised in clear felled areas of Pampadumshola and Mannavan
Shola areas.
Easily accessible reed area and the extensive reed breaks on either
side of the Alwaye - Munnar road were exploited by the Punaloor paper
mills regularly on a 4 year rotation. Intensive exploitation of the bamboo
occurring in the area was prescribed.
7.6 WORKING PLAN BY SRI. JAMES VARGHESE (1972 - 1981)

He prepared the first Working Plan for the composite Munnar
Division for a period of 10 year from 1972-73 to 1981-82 with the following
general objectives.
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1) To make the maximum use of the land available with the forest
department and take the maximum yield from them by increasing
the value of the forest, aiming at a progressive yield.
2) To provide raw-materials to the existing and new industries

adjacent to this area.
3) To protect the steep hills and catchment areas of several dams in

this region and ensure perennial and maximum water flow in the
rivers which feed several Hydel schemes.
4) To exploit the evergreen, semi evergreen and deciduous forests

and to replace the degraded natural forests by artificial planting of
valuable species.
5) To achieve these valuable objects of management he divided the

entire area into ten Working Circles viz., Sandalwood Working
Circle, Pine Plantation Working Circle, Eucalyptus Working Circle,
Wattle Plantation Working Circle, Devikulam Fuel Plantation
Working Circle, Teak and Miscellaneous Working Circle, Selection
Working Circle, Reed Working Circle, MFP Working Circle and
Protection Working Circle.
1. Pine Plantation Working Circle: The forest area of high Ranges are
among the few places in Kerala suitable for raising Pine, whose long fibered
wood is a good source of raw-material for Paper and Pulp industries. The
special object of Pine plantations was to produce industrially important raw-
material by utilizing the unproductive grass lands. The working circle
included the existing Pine plantations of Marayoor (2.63 ha) and Devikulam
Ranges (237.15 ha). An area of 2,000 ha of grasslands was proposed for
conversion with annual area of 200 ha for cultivation of pine, mostly lying in
Chinnakanal and Poopara villages of Devikulam Range. Pinus caribaea,
Pinus. insularis, Pinus. roxburghii, Pinus. radiata were suggested for
planting.
An extent of 13 ha of grasslands was planted with Pinus insularis

during the Working Plan period.
2. Eucalyptus Plantation Working Circle: This working circle was

constituted with the special object of afforesting the unproductive grasslands
where pines cannot be grown for increasing the capital value of the land,
producing the pulpwood required in large quantities for pulp and paper
industries in the State and for meeting and demands for fire wood. Total
area of the working circle was 1738.42 ha. The area planted during the plan
period was 1957.78 ha (50 ha in Pettimudi of Munnar Range during 1978;
117 ha during 1978-79 in Chinnar area) as against the prescribed area of
900 ha. The plantation of Eucalyptus with miscellaneous species raised in
Chinnar area was a failure. This could be because why the balance area in
Chinnar was not tackled during the plan period. An extent of 1099.77 ha
was planted during the plan period.
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3. Wattle Plantation Working Circle: Wattle (Acacia mollissima) is a
species, which can be raised in the first instance and still easier in the
subsequent rotation periods since it regenerates well both from root suckers
and seeds. It is a good seed producer and thrives well in poor soil at an
elevation of 1500 m or more where other species do not grow well. An
extent of 871.33 ha had been planted during the prescribed period.
4. Devikulam Fuel Plantation Working Circle: This working circle was

formed with the special objective of supplying firewood to the local people
especially Government servants posted to Devikulam in view of the high
requirements of firewood in this cold region. The areas included in this
working circle are around the Devikulam Fuel Reserve and some waste
lands belonging to the Revenue Department. The effective area of this
working circle after deleting the areas utilized for quarters for Government
servants, roads etc. was 60 ha. It was proposed to work the area on a 12
year felling cycle and accordingly the area was divided in to 12 coupes 5 ha
each. Eucalyptus rostra (red gum) was planted. The plantation was first
raised in 1914 under the direction of Mr. Robinson, then Commissioner of
Devikulam. Around the year 1961 Eucalyptus grandis (Rose gum) was
introduced. The firewood of rose gum was found to be inferior to Red gum in
terms of production of more smoke, less heat and more difficult to burn. So
Eucalyptus rostra was proposed to be planted. The rotation was fixed as 12
years, the object being the supply of firewood and silvicultural system
adopted was “simple Coppice”. The average yield from red gum on clear
felling at 12th year was expected to be 100 tones or 200 m3 per ha.
However the system of supply of fuel wood to local people has been
discontinued in Munnar Division for the last several years due to
administrative reasons.
5. Teak and Miscellaneous Plantations Working Circle: The special

objects of management were to convert the less valuable mixed moist
deciduous and semi-evergreen forests of Adimaly Range into plantations of
Teak and Elavu for increasing the value of these forests and to manage the
plantations of Teak, softwood and miscellaneous timber species already
raised in this Division for providing timber for various industries.
During the plan period, teak was planted over 380.75 ha in Adimaly
and Neriamangalam Ranges as against the target area of 400 ha. Failure
area of teak was replanted with miscellaneous species ie. in 203 ha.
6. Selection Working Circle: The objects of this working circle were to

immediately extract the over mature and otherwise available trees from
evergreen, semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests of Anamudi
Reserve. Selection working of the area was not carried out during the plan
period most probably due to inaccessibility and heavy cost of extraction.
7. Reed Working Circle: The working circle was constituted to supply

reeds to Punaloor Paper Mills by systematic exploitation of the reed bearing
areas in Malayattoor Reserve on a sustained yield basis. The whole area of
this circle was part of the Malayattoor Reserve of erstwhile Adimaly Range.
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The total area of the working circle was about 174 Sq Kms. This area was
divided into four blocks for management purpose. The rotation fixed was
four years. The system of selection felling of mature culms from each clump
was prescribed for the working of reeds. Detailed felling rules were
prescribed.
8. Minor forest produce working circle: The object of this working circle
was to extract and utilize the large quantities of miscellaneous forest
produce available on the forest of the Division. This was an overlapping
working circle and it covered the entire Working Plan area.
9. Protection working circle: All the areas except those dealt with in the
above working circles came under this working circle. The main objectives
of this working circle was to preserve the tree growth in the upper slopes of
steep hills for soil and water conservation purposes.
7.7 PERIOD 1982-83 TO 1997-98

During the period from 1982-83 to 1997-98 the Division had
functioned as per the approved annual plan of operations.
7.8 MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1997-98 TO

1999-2000
The management plan for the year 1997-2000 was approved by the
Chief Conservator of Forests, Bangalore with ref No: F(C) A/11.6/72/Misc
dated 13/02/98 and 02/02/99. The main objectives are given below.
1. To restore to the possible extent the original characteristics of

the natural forests.
2. To manage the catchment areas so as to improve the

hydrological parameters of various river systems.
3. To manage the areas on sustained basis especially with

reference to collection of bamboos, reeds and minor forest
produce.
4. To improve the productivity of plantations by adopting

scientific management practices so as to meet the wood and
firewood demands of the locals and also the raw material
demands of the forest based industries.
5. To protect and conserve the wildlife as an important part of

forest ecosystem by means of participation of local
communities especially forest dwellers (tribes).
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6. To undertake welfare measures for the tribals living in and
around the forests.
7. To ensure proper regeneration and establishment of sandal in

the sandal Reserves of the Division.
7.8.1 Prescriptions for Plantations
1. Teak plantations: Proposals were made for conducting thinning and final
felling in teak plantations of Munnar Division area. The silviculture system
proposed was clear felling followed by artificial regeneration. It was for
conducting final thinning, third silvicultural thinning and second silvicultural
thinning.
Result: The proposed plantations were not clear felled or thinned during the
plan period due to the unsettled labour problem.
2. Eucalyptus Plantations: Proposals were given for extracting 47 number

of Eucalyptus plantations during the plan period 1997-98 to 1999-2000.
Result: Out of proposed 47 numbers of plantations 40 plantations have

been allotted during period. 17431 MT of Eucalyptus had been collected
during plan period.
3. Wattle plantations: The rotation fixed for wattle is 8 years. The adopted
silviculture system is natural regeneration followed by clear felling. Where
ever growth is less augmentation should be done by planting. 52 plantations
were proposed for conducting extraction during the plan period.
Result: Extraction was not done during the plan period for want of demand
for wattle bark with in the state or from the neighboring states.
4. Pine plantations: The silviculture system for pine is clear felling followed
by artificial regeneration. Rotation fixed for pine was 20 years. An extent of
40.26 ha has been proposed for extraction during the plan period.
Result: Extraction has not been done during the plan period.
5. Alnus Plantations: This plantation was raised in 1960 with Alnus

nepelensis in the area resumed from the Kannan Devan Tea Company.
Clear felling followed by artificial regeneration was silvicultural system
proposed in this plan. Rotation was fixed at 20 years. The earlier proposal
was to replant all these areas with suitable species during the plan period.
Result: An extent of 20 Ha has been allotted to Travancore plywood
industries during 2000-01. The factory extracted 1.50 Ha during period.
6. Matti Plantations: The proposals were for extracting the Matti

plantations raised in 1984 and 85 in an extent of 146.14 Ha, which shows
poor growth due to edaphic factors.
129
Result: No extraction work of Matti had been done during the plan period.
Normal rotation period for Matti is 30 years. These plantations shows lower
stock due to management failure.
7. Reed: The extraction of the reeds are being done as per the Reed
Management Plan. As per the management plan two felling series Adimaly I
& II fall in this Division area.
Result: Collections had been done by the industrial concerns HNL and
KSBC during the plan period as per the prescription mentioned in the reed
management plan.
8. Non-wood Forest Produce: The right of collection of NWFP is granted

to tribal co-operative societies as identified by Kerala State SC/ST
federation.
Result: Out of more than 100 identified, only 27 items were collected during
the plan period. Detail of collection of NWFP is given in Appendix – XXI.
9. Management of natural forest and Ecorestoration of degraded

forest: The proposals were to manage the different type of forest, i.e ever
green ,semi ever green, deciduous forest of lower hills, montane shola
forest and grass lands of high ranges (for managing the above biomes)
based on the intensity of degradation, it was classified under less,
moderately and highly degraded.
Result: Ecorestoration treatment areas were taken during the plan period.
Special practices were formulated for ecorestoration works under Kerala
Forestry Project, which were implemented from the year 1997-2000. Under
this programme the degraded areas were identified and suitable site specific
treatments were carried out. The areas were classified based on the degree
of degradation and separate treatment packages were proposed i.e
assisted natural regeneration (ANR), restoration of degraded forest (RDF I
& II) and protection of reeds, rattans and bamboos (RRB). Details are given
in the Appendix – XXX.
10. Shola Forest: In Munnar Division the shola patches are interspersed
with high elevation grass lands forming a unique ecosystem which is rich in
biodiversity but very vulnerable to threats of annual fires and soil erosion.
Due to biotic and a biotic interference, sholas face high degree of
degradation, which has been observed to be irreversible. It was proposed to
restore the degraded patches of shola by conducting fire protection works,
soil and moisture conservation works for reducing the run of water.
Result: Enrichment planting in degraded shola patches accompanied by

soil conservation, fire protection etc have been done.
11. Tribal development: Proposals have been given in the plan for the
uplift of the hill men residing in the forest. The tribals residing in Munnar
Division area are Muthuvan, Mannan, Oorali, Arayan and Ulladan. It has
been proposed to change the mode of cultivation to modern practices.
130
Proposals are also given to involve the tribals in forest development and
protection activities through Participatory Forest Management.
Result: Tribal Vana Samrakshana Samithies were organized in all

settlements and they are involved in collection of NWFP and the protection
of forest.
12. Fire protection: The proposal for fire protection is given in the plan for
over coming damages caused by the fire. Since the shola forest is
interspersed with the grassland the fire affected in the grassland sweeps
down to shola resulting in degradation. It also causes damage to
plantations. In the proposal, the entire area has been divided in to various
blocks of 500 to 1000 ha. For each of such fire blocks, there are proposals
for engaging fire protection mazdoors, construction of sheds, construction of
fire watch towers etc.
Result: Fire protection works like preparation of fire line, engaging of fire
mazdoors has been done during the plan period
7.9 WORKING PLAN FOR THE PERIOD UP TO 2000-01, 2001-02

The Working Plan for the period 1994-95 to 2003-04 had been
prepared and second preliminary report discussion was done on 06/01/1999
in the office of Chief Conservator of Forests, Trivandrum and as per the
suggestions in the committee a revised draft Working Plan was prepared
and sent to the Regional Chief Conservator of Forests, Southern Zone as
per reference No. 1318/B1/98 F&WLD dt.16/02/2000. The revised Working
Plan was discussed by Conservator of Forests with Chief Conservator of
Forests (Planning) on 06/04/2000 at Forest Head Quarters, Trivandrum and
certain omissions therein were pointed out. The modified draft was
examined by the Zonal Chief Conservator of Forests in light of the additional
information furnished by the Chief Conservator of Forests (Planning) and
also with reference to provisions of Forest Conservation Act 1980 and
National Forest Policy 1988. Certain additional clarification had been sought
to the State by the Regional Chief Conservator of Forests wide letter
reference No. F(C) A/11.6/72/Misc dated 20/07/2000. The state Govt.
furnished the additional information and requested that the Working Plan
may be approved for the period up to 2001-02 and as per the letter, the
Regional Chief Conservator of Forests approved the Working Plan of
Munnar Forest Division for the period up to 2001-02 wide reference No.
FCA/11.6/72 Misc dt 05/09/2000 under Section ‘2’ of Forest Conservation
Act 1980 with the direction to revise the Working Plan for Munnar and with
instruction that the Preliminary Working Plan report should be sent in due
course of time for discussion in the meeting of the Committee constituted by
the State Govt. so that the Working Plan could be finalized by 31/03/2002
positively.
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7.9.1 Prescription
1. Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus was preferred as a suitable species for

afforesting the grasslands of the high elevations in the beginning. Later on,
this was discontinued since the grasslands were considered as the climatic
climax stage of the ecological succession. This species was chosen for its
known merits in terms of fast growth, coppicing ability and as an excellent
source of raw material for paper and pulpwood industries. Today these
plantations form the prime raw material supply base to Hindustan News
Print Ltd. However, the occurrence of annual fires and biotic interference
prevent these plantations from attaining maximum potential in terms of
growth and biomass production. An extent of 1082.859 Ha. of Eucalyptus
plantations in this Division is transferred to M/s Hindustan Newsprint Limited
on lease for raising Captive Plantation in the light of directions contained in
GO (MS) No. 42/93/F&WLD dated 11/06/93. The objective is to solve the
short age supply of raw materials by permitting M/s Hindustan Newsprint
Limited to cultivate Eucalyptus using scientific and efficient methods for
attaining maximum productivity.
The extractions of matured Eucalyptus plantations are proposed in

the Working Plan. The simple coppice will be followed by augmentation of
growing stock through gap planting of the same species, if the stocking is
less than 40% and replanting after third rotation.
Result:- In the approved plan 808.20 Ha has been proposed for extraction.
Out of 1514.19 ha of allotted, an extent of 85.20 Ha had been extracted.
2.Wattle
Wattle is an invasive weed indigenous to Australia. Observing the

performance of Wattle in Kodaikanal and Nilgiri hills, the localities in this
Division namely Iddalimotta, Nagamala, Upper sandoz, Surianelli,
Silentvalley etc were planted with Wattle species. Experience is that Wattle
can be planted easily and the subsequent regenerations are easier as it
naturally regenerates from root suckers as well as from the seeds. Viability
of the seeds is for more than 4 years. Wattle thrives well in poor soil and
grasslands at an elevation of 1500 MSL and above, and also in places
where other species cannot grow well. They don’t suffer from any serious
diseases and pests. Wattle plantations were raised in the high altitude
grasslands. Wattle bark was a source of natural tannin before the arrival of
artificial tannin.
The prescription has been given for extracting the Wattle plantations
proposed as per the Working Plan. It was mentioned in the sanction that
the plantation proposed for felling during 1994-95, 96-97, 98-99 are due for
extraction and the plantation proposed for felling during 1995-96 had been
extracted out in the past.
Result: - The extraction work of Wattle had been carried out in 1991 to 96
and no extraction has been done after this period for want of demand for
wattle bark in the state or in the neighboring states
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3.Pine: Tropical pines are one of the suitable species due to their good
growth and productivity in the hilly tracts. They are strong light demanders
and grow well in exposed areas. Their root system spread both downwards
and laterally. They have established well in the upper regions of the
Division. They are not suffering from any serious disease. The pulpwood of
pine is better than any other pulpwood. The species used are Pinus patula
and Pinus insularis. But, it is highly fire prone and non-coppicing. A
rotation of 20 year was suggested for pine plantations. Prescription had
been to extract 50 Ha of matured plantations during the plan period.
Result: - No extraction has been done during the plan period.
4.Alnus: Alnus is a soft wood species, which grows well in swampy and
frosty areas. It is used as pulpwood in the state. Experience shows that
Alnus develops a sort of cancerous growth near the butt portion after 30
years, resulting in the fall of a large number of trees. The wood being very
soft gets deteriorated very fast. Hence its rotation year is fixed as 30 years.
It has been proposed to clear fell the plantation and replant with Alnus itself.
Result:- The proposal for the extraction of 20 Ha had been approved by the
sanctioning authority with direction to take up the remaining area in the
revised Working Plan after period 2001-02. Out of approved 20Ha, 1.50 Ha
had been extracted and 563 M3 of Alnus had been collected.
5.Miscellaneous Plantations: In the Working Plan, prescriptions had not

been given for extraction of Miscellaneous Plantations because most of the
plantations have failed and they have supported good growth of natural
mixture of species and is getting slowly converted in to natural forest.
However necessary tending operations had been prescribed like Mikenia
eradication, fire protection, soil and moisture conservation works etc for the
general protection and speedy conversion.
6. Reed: The harvesting of reed was also approved with directions to

extract as per the felling rule for reed from the Adimaly and Neriamangalam
Ranges.
Result:- The extraction had been done by the Kerala State Bamboo
Corporation and HNL during the period.
7. Miscellaneous growth: Direction had been given for retaining the

established miscellaneous growth in the pulpwood plantations of
Eucalyptus, Wattle, Pine and Alnus during the time of harvest and to restrict
clear felling in area having more than 25o slope and along the bank of
river/stream.
8. The details of types of thinning to be carried out after 2001-02 are

described in the proposed Working Plan.
9. The prescription were also made to complete the boundary demarcation

before 31st October and for finalizing the steps for the Reserve notification of
the two Reserves namely Koodakkad and Theerthalar proposed Reserves.
133
Direction had also been given for strictly regulating the felling of trees as per
the order for WA.No.314/1995in OP No.1026/1994.
Direction was also given for finalizing the steps for preparing a new Working
Plan before 31.03.2002 and for taking care of ensuring that no non forestry
activities are permitted/taken up in forest area in violation of the provisions
of Forest Conservation Act 1980. Instructions had also been given for
strictly following the provisions of Conservation Act and guidelines there
under while implementing the Working Plan.
7.10 MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR 2003-04 TO 2004-05

In the management plan for the period 03-04, 04-05 importance was
given for improvement and conservation of plantations and the prescriptions
were based on the National Forest Policy.
This Division is the major pulpwood producing Division in the state.

The productivity of the pulpwood plantations are steadily going down due to
the ineffective management and maintenance owing to lack of funds for
conducting timely operations like fire protection and other necessary tending
activities.
For meeting the shortage of raw materials for HNL, the Government
of Kerala had allotted 5,600 Ha of plantation area from various Divisions as
the captive plantations as per order GO (MS) No. 42/93/F&WLD. Dt.
11/06/93. Among the allotted 2,600 Ha from previous Munnar Division, they
could raise only 1,427 Ha of Eucalyptus grandis and the remaining land was
not suitable for raising plantations. For meeting the short fall, an additional
extent of 392 Ha land in Munnar Division was again allotted vide order No.
GO (MS) No. 51/01/F&WLD. Dt. 21/07/2000. Out of 392Ha, 341Ha land
supported matured wattle plantation, and was prescribed to extract the
same and replanted the area with Eucalyptus grandis by HNL for improving
the productivity.
It was also proposed to extract the matured Eucalyptus plantations to

meet the need for pulpwood and to realize maximum revenue. The
proposed plan was approved by the regional Chief Conservator of Forests,
Banglore as per the order with reference No. F(c) A/116/72/Misc. dt.
19/03/2004.
7.10.1 Objectives of Management:
• To extract the wattle plantation allotted to HNL Ltd for captive

plantation.
• To manage the plantations scientifically to increase the

productivity to meet the raw material requirement of pulpwood
industries.
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• To extract the matured Eucalyptus grandis plantations to
ensure the sustained productivity of pulpwood plantations.
• To realize maximum revenue from the existing plantations in

consistence with the Natural Forest Policy 1988.
7.10. 2 Prescriptions for Wattle Plantations
The rotation age of Wattle plantations is fixed at 8 years and

proposal was to harvest with in the stipulated time and replant then with
Eucalyptus grandis. Among the allotted 341Ha of matured wattle plantation
to HNL as captive plantations, it was prescribed to extract an extent of 80Ha
during 2003-04, 138Ha during 2004-05 and to replant with Eucalyptus
grandis.
Result: Due to scarcity of demand for wattle bark in state or out side, no
extraction was done during the period.
7.10.3. Prescriptions for Eucalyptus Plantations:
It was proposed to extract an extent of 131Ha of Eucalyptus from

1992 Idalimotta, 1995 Kallar, 1996 Devikulam plantations and to augment
with the same species.
Result:- An extent of 50Ha was extracted during the prescribed period and
the area was augmented with Eucalyptus grandis.
7.11 MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR THE PERIOD 2004-05 TO 2006-07

There was no approved Working Plan from the period 2004-05. This
situation necessitated preparation of management plan for the smooth
functioning of the Division. Sri. Rajan Sehgal, Deputy Conservator of
Forests prepared a management plan for Munnar Division for the period
from 2004-05 to 2005-06. It was revised by his successor Sri. Justin Mohan,
DCF for the period 2006-07. The object of the proposals of the management
plan was to improve the existing plantations in better manner as far as
possible and leave the natural forest with least disturbance.
7.11.1 The objectives of management plan are
1. To extract the matured/over matured teak plantations, which are

ready for final felling, to carry out thinning in teak plantations and
to replant the areas where final felling is done.
2. To extract the over matured/matured Eucalyptus, Wattle, Pine and

Alnus plantations and to augment/replant the area with pulpwood
seedlings wherever required.
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3. To extract the reeds on a scientific basis by exploiting the matured
culms for catering the raw material requirements of pulpwood
industries and for improving the growing stock of reeds.
4. To manage the plantations scientifically to increase the

productivity, to meet the raw material requirements of pulpwood
industries.
5. To realize maximum revenue from the reed bearing areas and

existing plantations in consistence with the National Forest Policy
1988.
The main prescriptions for management includes
1. Management prescriptions for reeds.
2. Management prescriptions for Eucalyptus, Wattle, Pine and Alnus

plantations.
3. Regeneration prescriptions.
4. Extraction of tree growth from the land assigned to the land less
tribals.
5. Management prescriptions for Teak plantations.
7.11.2 Reed Management: The harvestable natural reed in the Adimaly

and Neriamangalam area come under Adimaly felling series II & III as per
the Reed management plan. For harvesting the reeds on sustainable basis
in the management plan, the whole reed area is divided in to three felling
series, viz Munnar I, II & III. Result: The extraction of reed had been done
during the plan period. The reeds were collected from both Range areas by
Kerala State Bamboo Corporation and HNL.
7.11.3 Management of Pulpwood plantations: Among the over matured

and matured plantations of Eucalyptus, Wattle, Pine and Alnus, 168.5 Ha
Eucalyptus, 216.48 Ha Wattle, 450 Ha of pine, 61.60 Ha of Alnus were
proposed for 2004-05 and 291.13 Ha of Eucalyptus, 155.50 Ha of Wattle
and 208 Ha of mixed plantations were proposed for extraction during 2005-
06.
Result: No extractions of wattle plantations were carried out in these

Division areas since 1996 for want of demand for the Wattle bark, within the
state or neighboring states. Out of 459.63 Ha of Eucalyptus plantations, an
extent of 267.53 Ha of Eucalyptus was extracted during the period.
7.11.4 Proposal for regeneration: It was proposed to conduct the

regeneration works in the extracted area of Eucalyptus, Wattle, Pine and
Alnus. For eucalyptus simple coppice system was followed and whenever
the growing stock is less than 40%, augmentation had been done with the
same species .The replanting was done after the third rotation.
136
In the management plan, it is prescribed to replant all extracted areas
of pine and wattle with clone seedlings of Eucalyptus grandis for increasing
the productivity, except the plantations assigned to landless tribals.
Result: The regeneration works had been done in the extracted areas of
Eucalyptus. An extent of 214.56 Ha areas were extracted and regenerated
with the coppice system.
7.11.5 Extraction of tree growth from the land assigned to the land
less tribals: The whole plantations assigned to landless tribals were raised
in Revenue Lands namely Suryanelli, Papathy Shola, Chundal,
Singukandam, Vilakku, 80 Acre, Panthadikulam, B.L.Ram, Kozhipanna etc
in Chinnakanal Village .Raising of plantations by Kerala Forest Department
in this area had been started from 1959 onwards .It was first started in
catchment area of Anayirangal Reservoir in order to prevent silting of the
dam due to soil erosion. The Table No. 38 shows the plantations that were
raised by the Forest Department around the Anayirangal Reservoir.
Table – 38 – Plantations raised in Revenue land between 1959 to 75
1 1959 Eucalyptus Plantation 20.23 ha

2 1967 Pine plantation 34.80 ha
5 1971 Pine Plantation 37.50 ha
Total 407.80 ha
The entire plantation areas of 407.80 Ha had been clear felled and
replanted with same species during 1995 and 1996. As per survey done
during 1995 and 1996, total extent was 441 Ha and the effective area
suitable for planting was 423 Ha. During 1995 an extent of 405 ha had
been planted with pine and the remaining area of 18Ha had been planted
during 1996. This total surveyed area of 441 Ha including 423 Ha of pine
plantation were assigned to the landless tribals during 2003 as per the
decision taken by the cabinet on 27/08/02.
In addition to 441 ha of pine plantation, another 98 ha of mixed

plantation raised under compensatory afforestation scheme during 1992 -
93 and 1992 Eucalyptus Augmentation Plantation having an extent of 60
ha were also assigned to the tribes.
Table – 39 – Plantations assigned to landless tribals
1 1995 Pine Plantation 405 ha

2 1996 Pine Plantation 18 ha
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3 1992 Compensatory Mixed Plantation 30 ha
4 1993 Compensatory Mixed Plantation 68 ha
5 1992 Augmentation Plantation 60 ha
Total 581 ha
Till 2003, these assigned plantations were thick forest with heavy
under growth of reeds. Herds of elephant having a population of more than
hundred were present there. It was a good habitat of wild elephant, which
was disturbed due to human interference subsequent to assignment.
Result: No extraction has been done in this plantation due to problems
precipitated out of policy matters with Revenue and Forest Department.
7.11.6 Management prescriptions for Teak plantations: Proposal for

management of teak plantations were given in the management plan. The
Munnar Division has 745.63 Ha of teak plantations. It was proposed to
conduct final felling in the matured plantation and regenerate artificially
with the same species.
Result: The final felling was done in 1938 plantation of Neriamangalam

and the details of collection of materials are given in Table No. 40.
Table – 40 – Collection from final felling of 1938 T.P
Plantation Timber Teak Jungle Firewood Jungle wood

wood Teak
1938 TP
406.710 m3 30.468m3 52.000MT Nil
Neriamangalam
Regeneration: The regeneration work was done in the clear felled area of
1938 TP Neriamangalam in an extent of 2.90 ha. 7,150 number of teak
seedling were planted in the area.
7.11.7 Proposal for thinning: It was proposed to conduct silviculture

thinning in the teak plantations during the plan period. The plantations
from the Ranges of Neriamangalam and Adimaly were proposed for
thinning. Result: The thinning had been done only in one plantation. The
following quantities of materials were collected during thinning from this
plantation. Timber 9.11 m3, Ist class poles-18nos, II nd class poles-81nos,
IIIrd class poles-124nos, IV th class poles 21 Nos and V th class poles-
209Nos.
7.11.8 Study of Deviyar Watershed by CWRDM
Deviyar Watershed
CWRDM has conducted a study on catchment area of Deviyar, the

tributary of Periyar in 1982 under the leadership of Sri. E. J. James, M. E.
Chandrasekaran and A. B. Anitha. The study report prepared by them was
138
for the all round development of watershed area including forest and
agricultural land.
“From the hydrologic point of view, a distinct characteristic of the

small watershed is that the effect of overland flow rather than the effect of
channel flow is a dominating factor affecting the peak runoff.
Consequently, a small watershed is very sensitive to high intensity rainfalls
of short durations and to land use. On larger watersheds, the effect of
channel flow or the basin storage effect becomes very pronounced so that
such sensitivities are greatly suppressed. Therefore, small watershed may
be defined as one that is so small that its sensitivities to high intensity
rainfalls of short durations and to land use are not suppressed by the
storage characteristics. By this definition, the size of a small watershed
may be found from a few hectares to 1000 hectares. The upper limit of the
area depends on the condition at which the above mentioned sensitivities
become practically lost due to channel storage”
In the light of the above statement, drainage basins or watersheds

may be classified as large and small, not on the basis of the size alone,
but on the effects of certain dominating factors as explained by the
committee on runoff.
The hydrological processes studied in the selected water shed, as a

part of this project, include:
i) rainfall frequency analyses and estimating number of rainy days;
ii) estimation of potential evapotranspiration using different

formula;
iii) runoff characteristics with reference to flow duration, time

distribution, derivation of unit hydrographs and determination of
runoff coefficients;
iv) infiltration studies;
v) water balance computations; and
vi) water table fluctuations.
Small Watershed Development and Management
Catchment management implies rational utilization of land and

water resources for optimum and sustained production with the minimum
hazard to natural resources. It essentially relates to soil and water
conservation in the watersheds which means proper land use and the
protection of land against all forms of deterioration and it also implies
maintaining soil fertility, conserving water for farm use, proper
management of local water for drainage, flood protection and the increase
of productivity from land uses (Tejwani 1979)
139
Though the project originally envisaged only a detailed hydrological
study and estimation of water potential an attempt has also been made to
under stand the potential for water resources development in the
watershed. This need has been felt during the course of the project, in the
light of information collected from the field and discussion held with
concerned persons, especially the officers of Western Ghats Cell. Before
execution of the scheme recommended, detailed project formulation will
have to be done.
Water Balance studies
The water balance of a basin states that in specified period of time

all water entering a basin must be consumed, stored or gone out as
surface or subsurface flow. Water balance for a given basin should be
worked out for a sufficiently long period so that the various items approach
a steady state average condition and allow direct determination of as
many item in the equation as possible.
Water balance studies are useful for solving important theoretical

and field hydrological problems such as quantitative evaluation of water
resources, changes due to man-made structures, rational use, control and
redistribution of water resources in time and space etc. In order to
understand the hydrologic cycle water balance studies are important.
Water balance method helps to determine in an independent way the input
by precipitation, recharge and out put by irretrievable loss and return flows.
The basic water balance equation for a watershed, or a water body

indicates the relative value of inflow, outflow and change in water storage
for the area or the body.
A water balance study was carried out considering the data

available for 1985-87.The different components required for the reported
balance were estimated as follows:
i) The average monthly rainfall was computed using data from four
stations in the watershed (Anchamile, Pathamile, Irumbpupalam
and Adimaly.
ii) The stream flow data from outlet point (Anchamile, gauging
station) was used to arrive at the average monthly runoff.
iii) Fortnightly soil moisture data from fourteen stations were used
to arrive at monthly soil moisture values giving weightage to
area of command of each station; and average bulk density of
1.2 gm/cc has been adopted for the soil in order to convert the
gravimetric moisture content to volumetric moisture content. The
monthly changes in water table were obtained based on the
fortnightly data collected from the field from the network of
fourteen wells and giving weightage to the area commanded by
each well. And average specific yield 2.5% (CGWB 1978) has
been adopted for quantifying groundwater storage.
140
iv) The monthly evapotranspiration was computed using modified
Penman’s equation.
The values obtained for all the components shows the correlation
between the rainfall and measured runoff.
It is observed that there is a water deficit during the months of

January-May which is the non-monsoon season. For the study period, the
deficit is found maximum during January when it is about 12 cm and
minimum during February when it is just 5.5 cm. From April to November,
there is surplus water; the maximum (62 cm) occurs in August and
minimum (9 cm) in the month of March; 11 cm surplus is observed during
November. It is also worthwhile to not that there is a soil moisture recharge
during the month of April, May and June. The month December is
observed as a period of soil moisture utilization for the purpose of crop
growth and evaporation.
The study shows the sequence of events in cumulative from,

rainfall, runoff groundwater, soil moisture storage and evaporation. The
annual rainfall (406 cm) is distributed as runoff (95 cm), groundwater
recharge, soil moisture recharge and evaporation. The ground water
recharge (25 cm) is effected during the monsoon phase and the same has
been utilized or consumed for base flows or extraction and the net annual
result is (-)2 cm. In the same way, soil moisture replenishment brought
about during the rainy season (25 cm) has been fully utilized for the non-
rainy period and the net annual change in soil moisture storage is zero.
The annual evaporation and utilization are observed much more for the
area (260 cm); it may be due to a number of diversion schemes and
pumping of water from streams, wells and tanks for agricultural as well as
for drinking and other purposes.
The water balance give an understanding of the hydrological

process in the watershed and helps in computing different parameters for
similar watersheds for water resources planning, development and
management.
7.11.9 Sedimentation survey of reservoirs by CWRDM
Mattupetty reservoir
CWRDM Kozhikode has conducted a survey in Mattupetty reservoir

for assessing the gravity and quantity of sedimentation. The survey work
was conducted during the period October – 1993 to August - 1994.
The amount of silt that is brought to a reservoir or any stream is

influenced by the watershed’s characteristics above the reservoir such as
the geology, type of vegetative cover and the climate that prevails over the
area. The amount of sediment that remains in the reservoir is a function of
the retention time of the water in the reservoir. The life of the reservoir is
dependent on the ratio of its capacity to the watershed area. The quantity
of sediment delivered to a reservoir depends on the rate of gross or
141
absolute erosion in the watershed and the ability of the stream system to
transport eroded material to the reservoir. The rate of gross erosion
depends on climatic conditions, nature of soils, slopes, topography and
landuse, while the ability of a stream to transport the eroded material to a
reservoir depends on the hydrophysical conditions of the watershed. Since
the catchment characteristics considerably influence the sediment and the
hydrologic processes, the necessity for furnishing certain salient features
of the catchment of Mattupetty reservoir has been felt.
Basically all the sediments transported to the reservoir by a stream

is derived from erosion of the land. Hence the gravity of sedimentation
shows the severe erosion in catchment area, watershed cover, slop and
degree of channelization.
The pattern of deposition generally begins with the coarser

sediments dropping the reservoir head waters area. These sedimentation
process continues progressively until the delta is formed. The final
sediment articles may be transported by density currents down to the dam
thus completing the depositional patterns.
The contour map of reservoir prepared was used to arrive at stage

capacity curve. In the absence of original counter map of the reservoir the
present stage capacity curve was compared with the initial capacity curve
supplied by KSEB. The comparison indicates a reduction of 11.65% in
total capacity of the reservoir during the past 38 years (Survey work
completed in August- 1994). The initial capacity was arrived at mainly
based on topographic map, this limitation has to be kept in mind while
considering the result of comparison. The annual rate of sediment yield
from the catchment works out to 16.14 M3/ha/year.
Kundala Dam
The survey work was started in January – 1994. The contour map
of reservoir was prepared used to arrive at a stage capacity curve. In the
absence of original contour map of the reservoir the present stage
capacity curve was compared with the initial capacity curve supplied by
the KSEB. This comparison indicates a reduction of 16.2% in total capacity
of reservoir during the past 46 years. It is possible that the initial capacity
was arrived at mainly based on topographic map this limitation had to be
kept in mind while considering the result of comparison. The annual rate of
sediment yield from catchment was workedout as 7.11 M3/ha/year
Anayirankal Dam
The survey work was commenced in December – 1994 and

completed at the end of November – 1995. The contour map prepared
which was used to arrive at stage capacity curve. In the absence of
original contour map of the reservoir they compared the stage capacity
curve with initial capacity curve supplied by KSEB. It shows that a
142
reduction of 30.92% total capacity of the reservoir during the past 33
years. The annual rate of sediment thus arrived from the catchment works
out to 71.05 M3/ha/year.
Kallarkutty reservoir
Survey works carried out during December – 1990 to March – 1991.

A contour map prepared was used to arrive at a stage capacity curve. This
curve was compared with the stage capacity curve from the initial counter
map prepared by KSEB. The comparison shows there is reduction of 11%
in the total capacity of the reservoir during the past 30 years (Survey
completed in March -1991). The annual rate of sediment yield from the
catchment was 8.39M3/ha/year.
7.11.10 SPECIAL WORKS OF IMPROVEMENT TAKEN UP:
7.11.10.1 Activities by the social forestry wing: The govt. to regularize

all forest encroachments that had taken before 01/01/1977, by is issued
deeds (pattayams) to the encroachers. The encroachments prior to
01/01/1977 were identified by a joint verification by the Forest & Revenue
Department staff. As per the Forest Conservation Act of 1980, whenever
Forestlands are diverted for non-forestry purposes, equal extent of non-
forest has to be afforested. Govt. of India vide letter No. 8-118/88/FC
dated 23/03/1993 of the ministry of Environment & Forests, agreed in
principle to the regularization of the above encroachments in the Kerala by
issuing title-deeds to encroachers, subject to the condition that
Compensatory Afforestation (CA) will be undertaken in the state and
insisted on this as a pre-condition for clearing the proposal. In Kerala,
availability of wastelands and other community lands is very limited and
therefore providing equal extent of non-forest land for compensatory
afforestation was difficult. In the above context, GOI also agreed to the
proposal of GOK to take up compensatory afforestation in double the
extent of degraded natural forests, in lieu of equal extent of non-forestland.
As such, to regularize 28,588 ha of encroached forest lands in the state,
an extent of 57,180 Ha. of degraded natural forests had to be rehabilitated.
As per GO (MS) No. 25/9/F7WLD dated 25/03/1993, the Government of
Kerala accorded sanction for implementing the compensatory afforestation
programme in the state, and also entrusted the task of implementation of
the scheme to the social forestry wing of the forest department. The period
of the project was nine years from 1994-95 to 2002-03. Subsequently, the
project period was extended by the government vide letter No.
16244/D3/02/F&WLD dated 31/03/03 with a view to achieve the physical
targets of planting and maintenance fully by 2007-08. Natural forest areas
having a crown density of less than 0.4 are regarded as degraded areas.
This may exist in evergreen, semi evergreen, moist deciduous and logged
over areas. The social forestry Division, Idukki had raised plantations
under this programme in various places of this Division. List of plantations
raised under compensatory afforestation scheme is furnished in Appendix
– XXXI.
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7.11.10.2 Kerala Forestry Project: The World Bank aided Kerala
Forestry Project was launched in the state from 1998-99 onwards with the
following objectives
1) To promote conservation of bio-diversity and to arrest degradation of

forest areas so that these assets continue to fully serve their ecological
functions
2) To improve the sustainable production of both timber and non-timber

forest products in designated forestlands and on farm lands
3) To improve standard of living of local rural populations residing in and

around forest areas. To achieve the above objectives, the project
envisaged the following components.
1. Management of Less Disturbed Natural Forests:- ANR (Assisted

Natural Regeneration) In reasonably but unevenly stocked forests,
frequently with insufficient natural regeneration, the project envisaged
support for promoting or supplementing natural regeneration by means of
planting seedlings/viable rootstock, or by sowing seeds in gaps with native
species. Forest areas with more than 600 established seedlings per
hectare and crown density of 0.4-0.7 would be treated under this
component.
Treatments Proposed: - Soil/moisture conservation treatments like

forming gully plugs, contour bunds, staggered trenches etc. tending
natural regeneration/sowing seeds of native species. If artificial
regeneration was necessary the same could be effected by planting
normally not more than 100 seedlings per hectare. The location of planting
should be specifically shown on the treatment map and demarcated
separately in the field. Planting operations if necessary will be carried out
in the second year of operations only.
2. RRB: - The area under this component will be selected based on the
degradation status of the reed, bamboo and cane brakes. Areas with poor
clump development, invasion of Mikania, areas with depleted stock owing
to over exploitation in the past, areas with less than 200 clumps/Ha. etc
was selected.
Treatments proposed: - Undertake weeding and tending operations

preferably line weeding, Intensive weeding on Mikania infested areas,
dressing, cleaning and hygienic operations of clumps, soil working, fire
protection, soil and moisture conservation works, augmentation planting
and tending operations.
3. Rehabilitation of Degraded Forests (RDF): - About 20% of the forests

in the State has been classified as open or degraded forests. These are
classified into RDF-I, which supports 300-600 natural seedlings per
hectare and RDF-II, supporting less than 300 natural seedlings. Apart from
the regeneration status, the crown density also has to be taken into
account for deciding degradation. The crown density prescribed for RDF-1
144
is 0.1 to 0.4 and for RDF-II is 0 to 0.1. In RDF-I areas the invasion of
weeds will not be as established as in RDF-II areas. The objective of RDF-
I treatment is eco restoration to normalcy, and that of RDF-II areas is
restocking of degraded forests and failed plantations.
7.11.10.3 Proposed Treatments:
1. RDF 1: - Tending regeneration is the principal activity. Planting to be

done only in gaps. Site clearance has been done in planting areas only.
Skinning done in grassy patches. Selective weeding to be done if
necessary to promote natural regeneration and also in areas to be planted.
Fire protection and watch and ward are essential. Soil and moisture
conservation works moderate. Soil working and mannuring, if necessary.
2. RDF 2: - Planting is the principal activity. Intensive provision for

fertilizers. Slash felling and preparation of site before planting. Fire
protection and watch and ward essential. Soil working to be done
wherever necessary. Skinning in grassy patches. Tending subsidiary
activity. Choice of species for planting will be based on vegetation analysis
of the data. While in RDF-I area, the stage of succession and structure
and structure of communities will suggest the species for planting, in RDF-
II areas, the extent of degradation of soil will be taken into consideration
while selecting the species for planting, preferably with fast growing
pioneer species to cover the site, or other native species which the site
could support. For degraded plantations, the species will be selected
based on the purpose for which the area is planted. Details regarding
treatments undertaken in plan area are given in Appendix – XXX.
7.11.11 The Kerala Forest Revolving Fund for Teak and Pulpwood
The Kerala Revolving Fund Rules for Teak and Pulpwood were
issued vide GO (MS) No.66/99/F&WLD dated 02/07/1999 with a view to
have sufficient funds for the plantation activities of Teak and Pulpwood.
These Rules are given in Appendix – XXXII. Two PD accounts were
opened (one for teakwood and another for pulpwood) in Munnar Division
for operating the revolving fund. The Revolving Funds are in addition to
the general funds available under the Plan Budget Head. Hence, it is
expected that sufficient funds will be available for the raising and
maintenance of the teak and pulpwood plantation.
7.11.12 Activities of Silvicultural Research Wing
(a) Clonal seed orchad-Pettimudi
The Deputy Conservator of Forests, Research South, Trivandrum

has raised two Clonel seed orchard plots of Eucalyptus grandis at
Pettimudi bit-I (2.00ha) during 2006-07 and bit-II (2.00ha) during 2007-08.
It is being developed for the assemblage of well performing Clones

in the state. The clones are supplied by the KFRI. Here the statistical
145
layout of CSO is with single layer protecting to prevent self pollination. The
spacing adopted is 2 x 2m.
(b) Clonal multiple area. Devikulam (0.30 ha)
This plot is raised for producing clonal materials of Eucalyptus

grandis. Espacement adopted is 1 x 1 m for repeated short harvest. The
planting materials were supplied by KFRI.
146
7.11.13 Research activities by Kerala Forest Research Institute
7.11.13.1 KFRI Field unit at Devikulam: KFRI had conducted

provenance trials of Eucalyptus grandis using seeds of 23 Australian
provenances. Among this 6 numbers i.e. East Atherton, Paluma Dam, 15
Km Cairns, Baroon Pocket Malony, Mount Lewis, 25-36 km SE Mareeba
have been recommended by the Kerala Forest Department as suitable for
planting in High ranges of Kerala.
KFRI has established a clonal nursery for developing new clones of

E. grandis and ‘Uro-grandis’ (hybrid of E. urophllya and E. grandis). About
45 clones have been tested for adaptability and fast growth. Out of these,
14 E. grandis clones and one ‘Uro-grandis’ clones have been provided to
the Kerala Forest Department for raising plantations.
7.11.14 H.N.L Captive Plantations: As per the Government order with

reference G.O (MS) No. 42/93 F & WLD dated 11/06/93 an extent of 5600
Ha. of existing eucalyptus plantations belonging to the Forest Department
will be made available to the M/s Hindustan News Print Limited for the
purpose of their own captive plantation to meet their raw material
requirements. Among the allotted existent, 2600 Ha. of eucalyptus
plantations are to be handed over from Munnar Division. So far an extent
of 1427.85 hector of Forest Land has been handed over to HNL as per the
above mentioned order and the proceedings of Chief Forest Conservator
(Protection) with reference No. G3-42316/97 dated 29/04/99. They have
been replanted, some of them with eucalyptus grandis, eucalyptus
globulous and retaining the coppice growth in other areas. After the
formation of Shola National Parks and Marayoor Sandal Division extent of
captive plantation under the custody of HNL is 1081.619 Ha M/s Hindustan
Newsprint Limited prepared the Management Plan for the captive
plantations areas in Kerala for period from 2005-06 to 2009-2010 which
was approved by the Government vide letter No. F (C)
A/11.6/172/MISC/KER dated 02/05/05. List of plantations under the
possession of HNL is given in Appendix – XX.
As per the Government order G.O (MS) No. 394/08 Revenue dated
20/11/08 an extent of 53.94 ha. from Kuttiyar valley block has been
handed over to Revenue Department for issuing land for landless people.
The copy of G.O is given in Appendix – LXXI.
Table – 41 –Captive Plantations in Munnar Division
Sl. Total
Range KDH Land Reserve Forests Revenue Land
No (ha)
1 Devikulam 317.20 0 365.480 682.68
2 Adimaly 0 201.69 0 201.69
3 Munnar 144.04 0 0 144.04
Total 461.24 201.69 365.48 1028.41
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7.11.15 Sylvan Valley Fern Sanctuary
With the objective of insitu conservation of petridophytes in plan

area an extent of 8.6 ha. near to Devikulam Forest Range office was
selected. The area is located 12 km from Munnar town with an altitude of
above 1450 m. Its administrative power was given to Munnar Range. For
preventing the entry of wild elephants which are frequent in these areas,
trench had been constructed on the Western side. Inside the sanctuary
pine, cypresses some bamboo species and some flowering plants had
been planted. A green house had been constructed for maintaining live
specimens of ptridophytes and a fish pond for rearing. Plants like
Chrysopogn hackellii, C. zeylanicum and tripogon species are found
dominant in the Valley. Orchids like Habenaria longicornu and Liparis
wightiana are also found growing inside the sanctuary. Pteridophytes like
Pteridium aquilinum. Equisetum ramosissimum, Blechnum orentale,
Dicranopteris linearis and Hypolipis glandulifera are naturally occurring in
Sylvan Valley. Due to lack of care and proper maintenance this sanctuary
area is in destroyed condition at present.
7.11.16 Central Nursery
Central nursery and connected constructions were established with

the purpose of taking classes, lectures and field demonstration for
interested group of people, students and NGO’s, in the field of advance
propagation technique of high Range tree species as well as high Range
bio diversity aspects. This complex is located in Cutcheri land, Sy. No.
20/01 of K.D.H village. There are facilities for functioning of office and halt
of staffs. Even though the above mentioned desired activities have not yet
commenced, seedlings required for planting work in Munnar Division are
produced from here. An office cum laboratory, compost making unit,
potting mixture, generator room, seed drying floor, store and toilet blocks,
nine number of shade house, mist chamber and one bore well were
constructed in connection with smooth functioning of nursery. The building
constructed with the purpose of residence quarters of R.O is now
functioning as inspection bungalow.
7.12 PAST YIELD, REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE

Normally the main source of revenue in a Division in which the teak
plantations dominate is from the teak poles, timber and firewood obtained
from various siliviculture thinning and final felling. In Munnar Division large
extent teak plantations are absent. This Division is one of the major pulp
producing Divisions in the State. Hence the revenue obtained is by the
production of pulp wood, reeds and bamboos etc. The supply of pulp
wood, reeds and bamboo etc. are some what in similar quantity in every
year. The Table No.42 shows the details of revenue during the last 10
years.
148
Table – 42 – Revenue during last 10 years Munnar Division
Revenue Revenue
Sl.No Year Sl.No Year
(Lakhs) (Lakhs)
1 1999-00 38834494 6 2004-05 124928001
2 2000-01 30978146 7 2005-06 202941817
3 2001-02 46029027 8 2006-07 272294073
4 2002-03 50839702 9 2007-08 15025846
5 2003-04 35448506 10 2008-09 17256439
Expenditure
The Division had been regularly receiving the fund from Plan and
Non-Plan schemes. The yearly average of funds received under Plan and
Non-Plan schemes during the last period of 10 years were Rs. 14635030
and Rs.12330761 of Munnar Division. During the period from 1998-1999
to 2003-04 funds were received under World Bank aided Kerala Forest
Project. Funds were also received under the Central Govt. Scheme of
WGDP. The allotments under head IRM is got regularly. Under the head
TSP the allotment was not regular.
The allotment and expenditure detail of Munnar Divisions from

1996-97 to 2006-07 is given in the Appendix – XXXIII.
149
CHAPTER – VIII
STATISTICS OF GROWTH AND YIELD

Statistics relating to the growing stock in natural forest and
plantations have been collected. Quality of teak plantations has been
assessed. Status of natural regeneration in natural forests has been
studied.
8.1 QUALITY CLASS MAPPING AND GROWING STOCK IN

TEAK PLANTATIONS
8.1.1 Quality Class Mapping
Quality class mapping in all teak plantations of and above 12 years

of age was done. The quality has been determined with reference to All
India teak quality class tables.
8.1.2 Method
Base line was cut in the plantation to cover the longest distance
possible and almost running through the center of plantations and pegged
at every chain. Then strip lines at right angle to the base line were laid out
at every chain. All the strips were also pegged at every chain. Thus the
areas of plantations were divided into one square chain plots. The height
of the dominant teak tree in each square chain was measured. Location of
teak trees so measured was noted in graph paper. Quality class maps
were prepared by grouping together the squares of identical quality class
for teak by referring to “All India Quality Class Table“. Most of the
plantations fall under 3rd quality. Details of plantation - showing quality
class, extent etc. are given in Table No. 43.
Table – 43 – Details of Quality Class Mapping taken in Teak

Plantations in Munnar Division
Details of Stock Percentage of Teak Plantations
Percentage
Sl.
Year Plantation Extent Rock &
No I II III IV V Misc
Blank
1 1963 Ranikkallu 79.9169 0 28.17 23.61 0 17.91 3.74 2.96
2 1952 Neriyamangalam 10.9853 0 0 68.22 31.78
3 1963 Colombey 79.9169 0 28.16 68.18 3.66
4 1964 Vlara 8.5454 5.56 68.63 25.81
5 1962 Mezhukumaley 37.0828 0 73.24 26.76
6 1975 Pambla 232.1492 0 0 41.33 29.91 28.76
7 1976 Munipara 30.4560 0 0 10.98 79.42 9.6
8 1984 Neendapara 11.0348 0 29.95 23.83 46.22
151
Percentage
Sl.
Year Plantation Extent Rock &
No I II III IV V Misc
Blank
9 1984 Chenpankuzhi 3.0131 0 68.2 31.8
10 1964 Kanjiraveli 10.1271 0 64.62 19.95 13.95 1.48
8.1.3 Growing stock Enumeration in Teak Plantations
Five percent enumeration was carried out in the teak plantations

where the first thinning was over. A base line is cut in the plantation to cover
the longest distance possible. One-chain wide strips were laid on either side
of the base line at right angle to it at every 20th chain. All the teak trees/poles
in the strips including miscellaneous trees were enumerated by taking girths
at breast height. Timber yield (above 75 cm girth) is also calculated in terms
of volume in m3. The gorwing stock has thus been determined for each
plantation and the details are recored. The detail of projected growing stock
of teak plantations based on 5% enumeration is given in Appendix – XXXIV.
8.2 GROWING STOCK ENUMERATION IN MISCELLANEOUS

AND PULPWOOD PLANTATIONS
Five-percentage enumeration was conducted in the plantations of
Eucalyptus, Pine and Wattle. Base line was cut to cover the longest distance
in the plantation. On every 20th chain one chain width strips were taken. The
girths at breast height of the trees coming in strips were taken and volume
was calculated. The details of the projected growing stock of miscellaneous
and pulpwood plantation are given in Appendix – XXXV to XXXVIII.
8.3 GROWING STOCK ENUMERATION - NATURAL FORESTS

8.3.1 Natural Forests: Two-percentage enumeration was carried in three
major natural forests viz., Nagarampara, Anamudi and Malayattoor Reserves.
The forest areas were perambulated and located both in the field and in the
rough map. These areas were then sub-divided into convenient sections with
reference to the natural boundaries wherever possible. Convenient base lines
were drawn from each section from known point so as to get maximum length
of the section. The angle of the base line is found out from the map. The base
line was then laid out in the field from the point located with the help of
prismatic compass, set square, cross staff, ranging rod, etc., and pegged at
every chain. One chain width strip lines are laid out on either side of the base
line and perpendicular to it at every 50th chain (5th, 55th, 105th). All trees in
strip were enumerated by measuring girth at breast height and grouped in 10
cm girth class. Then species war and class war abstracts were prepared and
volume was computed with the help of N.R Nair’s volume table. Enumeration
details are given in Appendix – XXXIX to XLI.
152
8.3.2 Regeneration Survey in Natural Forests: 0.2 percentage
regeneration survey was carried out in Malayattoor, Anamudi and
Nagarampara Reserves. Along with the strips one square chain
regeneration plots were laid out at every 20th chain. Seedlings, saplings
and poles were differentiated, based on the following classification.
Seedlings up to 1 M height, sapling above 1 M height but up to 30 cm girth
- Poles 30 cm to 70 cm girth. The details of data collected in the
regeneration survey are given in Appendix – XLII to XLIV.
8.3.3 Analysis of Regeneration Survey
Malayattoor Reserve:- As per the regeneration survey report of

Malayattoor Reserve, it is seen that seedlings of major species in the
order of abundance are Maruthi (Terminalia cuneata), Vatta (Macaranga
indica), Punna (Dillenia pentagyna), Nedunaar (Kydia calycina), Irul (Xylia
xylocarpa), Karingazha (Stereospermum colais var. colais), Nasakam
(Heritiera littoralis), Poovam (Schleichera oleosa), Venteak (Lagerstroemia
parviflora), Eetty (Dalbergia sissoides), Venga (Pterocarpus marsupium),
Neerkadambu (Mitragyna parvifolia), Thali (Canarium strictum), Pathiri
(Myristica malabarica), etc.
Nagarampara Reserve:- As per the regeneration survey report of

Nagarampara Reserve the species of major seedlings are Maruthy
(Terminalia cuneata), Eetty (Dalbergia sissoides), Sindhooram (Mallotus
philippensis), Neelakadambu, Uruvanchi (Sapindus trifoliatus), Karingazhz
(Stereospermum colais var. colais), Chdachi (Grewia tiliifolia), Poovam
(Schleichera oleosa), Kanala (Melicope lunu-ankenda), Neerkadambu
(Mitragyna parvifolia), Kanjiram (Diospyros crumenata), Cheeni
(Tetrameles nudiflora), Vaka (Albizia lebbeck), Vekkali (Anogeissus
latifolia), Karivetty (Olea dioica), Nedunar (Kydia calycina), Dhandhapala
(Wrightia tinctoria), Vatta (Macaranga indica) and Thondy (Ficus hispida).
Anamudi Reserve:- The regeneration survey reports of this Reserve

shows that the following seedlings are abundantce i.e. Nanku (Mesua
thwaitesii), Pali (Palaquium ellipticum), Vediplavu (Cullenia exarillata),
Pathri (Stereospermum suaveolens), Njaval (Syzygium cumini), Vatta
(Macaranga indica), Edana (Olea dioica), Plavu (Artocarpus
heterophyllus), Poovam (Schleichera oleosa), Kozhivalan (Agrostistachys
borneensis), Cheru (Aglaia perviridis), Karakil (Aglaia barberi), Kulamavu
(Buchanania lanceolata), Karimaram (Diospyros candolleana), Marotti
(Hydnocarpus pentandra), Chakki (Acronychia pedunculata),
Bhadraksham (Elaeocarpus serratus), Punnappa (Calophyllum
polyanthum), Vellakil (Dysoxylum malabaricum), Karuva (Cinnamomum
macrocarpum), Kudampuli (Garcinia gummi-gutta), Kumbil (Gmelina
arborea), Anjily (Artocarpus hirsutus), Chandanavembu (Chukrasia
tabularis), Thellipine (Canarium strictum), Kara (Acrocarpus fraxinifolius),
Manjakadambu (Haldina cordifolia), Kattuchmaba (Syzygium mundagam)
etc.
153
8.4 CAPITAL VALUE OF FOREST
Valuation of forest in Munnar is attempted here. The possible bases
for computing the value of forest are 1. Historical cost 2. Income value 3.
Market value. It is impossible to asses the capital value accurately in terms
of money basis because of the difficulty in quantifying the benevolent
multifarious blessings it provides on nature and on the living being. The
valuation made here is an attempt to evaluate capital values of the land,
timber and firewood. The assessment is based on the data collected
through growing stock enumeration. The land value is calculated by
assessing the value of plantation area and interior forest areas separately
and adding them. Plantation areas are generally easily assessable. They
have flatter terrain and have a better soil. Hence the land value is taken as
rupees 50,000 for plantation areas and rupees 25,000 for the natural forest
tentatively. The value of timber and firewood is assessed based on the
existing seniorage rates. The Reserve wise estimated value of tree growth
in natural forest and in plantation is furnished in Appendix – XLV.
• The Value of a Tree
• The tree that lives for 50 yes
• Generates Rs.53 lakhs worth of oxygen
• Recycles Rs.6.4 lakhs worth of fertility
• Facilitates Rs.6.4 lakhs worth of soil erosion control
• Makes Rs.10.5 lakhs work of clean air and Provides Rs.5.3

laksh work of shelter for birds and animals.
• Fesides, it provides flowers, fruits and timbers
• So when one tree falls or is felled
• We lose something worth more than Rs.32 lakhs and our

fragile nature
Courtesy : Wasteland News
8.4.1 Valuation of Forest- Different perceptions: In the past forest was

treated and managed purely as a commercial entity concern. That
approach has changed now and the forest is considered as a “life
supporting system”. With the passage of time and accrual of knowledge,
perceptions have been revolutionized and the priorities have undergone
drastic changes. In the management of natural forest the focus of attention
has shifted from revenue generation to ecological and environmental
considerations. Since the forest is the interaction of various forces, the
valuation turns to be unreliable. Hence, the valuation of forest is a difficult
154
exercise because of of various ecological environmental and economical
values shapping it. According to the clarification issued in connection with
the Forest Conservation Act 1980 is that the environmental value of 1 Ha
of fully stocked forest (1.00) would be taken as 126.74 lakhs. This value
get reduce with the reduction in density. Based on various studies it was
estimated that a tree that lives for 50 years will generate oxygen worth
5.30 lakhs, recycling nutrients and control of soil erosion worth 6.40 lakhs,
reduce air pollution worth 10.50 lakhs, provide shelter for birds and insects
and other animals worth 5.30 lakhs. Besides, it provides flowers, fruits,
fodder and medicines to name only a few. Covering all these, when a tree
is felled the nature losses something worth more than 32 lakhs since the
tools of economical investigation to quantify. The natural factors that
shape the forest and the benevolence consideration that forest shower on
us are inefficient at present, the accounting of capital value is difficult in
the absence of clear-cut parameters to quantify several intangible benefits
from the forest, the assessing of capital value has become an exercise in
futility and the result will never reflect the real potential of the forest.
155
PART – I I
FUTURE
MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER – I
BASIS OF PROPOSALS
INTRODUCTION
The area falling under the Munnar Working Plan is unique having
wide variations in temperature, rainfall and altitude. The higher reaches in
the Kannan Devan Hills are the coolest in the State. Forests of this
Division receive very heavy rainfall. The vegetation types vary from the
tropical to the temperate types. Several species of plants which cannot be
raised elsewhere in the State can be successfully grown here.
Due to the phenomenal growth in tourism industry during the last

decade and development of infrastructural facilities like roads, the areas of
this Division are becoming more and more populated. Developmental
aspirations of remote settlements inside forests, most of them belonging to
tribal communities, are increasing day by day. The existing forests are
becoming increasingly fragmented with the disappearance of tenuous
connectivities and corridors for wildlife. Resultantly human-wildlife conflicts
are on the rise.
The demand for timber and firewood is increasing rapidly. With the
stoppage of clear felling and selection felling in natural forests due to
ecological reasons, the availability of timber and firewood has become
extremely scarce. The price of timber and firewood has increased
manifold.
Large stretches of evergreen and semi-evergreen forests in

Cardamom Hill Reserve are losing their character and composition as the
tree growth is slowly and steadily removed in the name of shade
manipulation in favour of cardamom crop which is cultivated as
undergrowth. CHR forest can not support any natural regeneration due to
the intrusive agricultural operations in this area. Only mature trees are
seen scattered within the cultivated area. With the passage of time these
trees will also be lost making the sloppy hills vulnerable for ecological
disasters.
Forests in Adimaly and Neriamangalam Ranges of this Division are

more economically valuable, having large proportion of timber species.
The terrain and fertility of these forests are suitable for the cultivation of a
variety of agriculture crops like pepper, cardamom, etc. Thus, these forest
areas have become highly vulnerable for illicit felling and unauthorized
occupation and conversion to agricultural land. Due to the clearance of
forests on large scale for hydro-electric project and assignment of lands
under grow more food program during the World War II and for other
purposes, the extent and productivity of the forests have reduced
considerably. Encroachments into the forests have also greatly contributed
to this effect.
157
In general, bio-diversity rich forests in this Division are getting
degraded qualitatively and quantitatively due to anthropogenic factors like
unauthorized occupation, illicit felling of trees, ganja cultivation, fires and
fragmentation. Protection from these degrading factors needs to be
ensured effectively.
The normally accepted patterns in climate are becoming more and

more unpredictable with increased frequency of floods and droughts.
Undulating and sloppy forests with decreased tree cover and exposed soil
are subjected to soil erosion. This process leads to siltation of rivers and
dams and reduction of soil fertility and water retention capacity.
Participatory Forest Management has become an essential

component of forest management. Accordingly, new institutions like VSS
and FDA have emerged with a marked shift in focus towards NWFP
conservation and management as the primary component of future forest
management.
At the same time, the productivity of plantations and raw materials

needs to be enhanced. 7041.642 Ha. of land in Munnar Division is under
plantations of Teak, Eucalyptus, Wattle, Pine and other miscellaneous
species. Some of these plantations are in under productive conditions due
to lack of proper maintenance. As there is no scope to bring more area
under the plantation regime, the existing plantations have to be managed
so as to obtain maximum yield from them. Reeds, bamboos and rattans
are in great demand for paper, pulp and cottage industries. These
resources are dwindling fast due to lack of proper treatment in terms of
protection from biotic factors and efforts need to be made to facilitate their
natural propagation and healthy growth.
The importance of forests in maintaining life support systems has

been widely accepted and approved. Forests constitute the most important
component in water security and soil conservation. Tree cover of natural
forests has to be improved suitably while enhancing their productivity as
repositories of NWFP. Soil conservation measures are needed in
degraded areas. Critical wildlife habitats have to be identified, conserved
and protected for their biodiversity values.
The National Forest Policy 1988 of Government of India suggests

certain guidelines for future management of forests. The paradigm shift
from direct use-oriented management to conservation orientation has
given a totally different perspective to the principles of forest management.
Though forests have been recognized as global resource in terms of
ecological services and bio-diversity, dependence of communities on
forests for their sustenance has led to the recognition of their undisputed
role in conservation. Therefore, their participation has been recognized as
an integral part of forest management. It is thus of great importance that
forests are managed for achieving optimum productivity on a sustainable
basis. For scientific and intensive management of existing natural forests
and plantations these principles have been adopted.
158
Government of Kerala, in tune with the principles contained in the
National Forest Policy 1988, laid down the following objectives for Forest
Management in the State as per order G.O. (MS) No.03/98/F& WLD dated
07/01/1998 Appendix – XLVI.
To conserve forests for posterity, in particular with regard to

biodiversity, soil, water and historical, cultural, religious and
aesthetic values.
To increase tree cover and productivity of natural forests and

plantations to meet the forest products and services
requirement.
To improve the standard of living of the tribes and other forest

dependent communities.
1.1 OBJECTIVES OF MANAGEMENT
1. To protect, conserve and develop forests and biodiversity of the

tract as a part of eco-restoration measures such that their
extent, character and ecosystem service values like availability
of water are improved substantially and ill effects of climate
change are minimised.
2. To maintain the plantations at their optimum productivity levels

on sustainable basis by adopting scientific forestry practices.
3. To improve growing stock of reeds, bamboos and rattans.
4. To improve the infrastructural facilities to meet the challenges of

management of forests.
5. To improve living conditions of the tribals and forest dependent

communities.
6. To revert exotic plantation areas proximate to PAs to shola-

grassland ecosystem.
1.2 METHOD OF TREATMENT

To attain the above-mentioned general objects of management,
keeping in view, the factors stated above, the following methods of
treatment of the forests are proposed: -
1. Protection of the forests through permanent boundary demarcation

and consolidation, effective patrol, prosecution of forest offence and
159
adopting effective management of fire, control of grazing,
prevention of illicit removal of trees, encroachment and
unauthorized occupation and implementation of eco restoration
through appropriate watershed management treatments.
2. Systematic and scientific management and harvest of plantations,

effective protection from fire, grazing etc.
3. Systematic and scientific exploitation of reeds, bamboos and

rattans and augmentation of their growing stock by natural and
artificial regeneration.
4. Development of NWFP resources and their sustainable harvest.

Protection and conservation of forests will be taken up through JFM
approach with the active involvement of the forest dependent
communities, especially the tribals to facilitate the implementation of
The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers
(recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006.
5. Protection and special habitat improvement activities for the

conservation of the rich wildlife diversity in the Division.
1.3 WORKING CIRCLES AND THEIR CONSTITUTIONS

The following Working Circles are constituted in order to achieve the
above objects of managements.
Protection-cum-Water Conservation Working Circle
Plantation Working Circle
NWFP Working Circle
Bio-diversity and Wildlife Conservation Working Circle
Reeds, Rattans and Bamboo Working Circle
Cardamom Hill Reserve Working Circle
PFM Working Circle
Miscellaneous Prescriptions
Working Circles Extent (ha) Distribution Reason

To protect the forests
Protection-cum- All the forest areas against the prevailing
89270
Water Conservation of this Division threat factors and to
conserve moisture
160
Working Circles Extent (ha) Distribution Reason
For the sustainable
harvest of plantations,
regulation of yield, and to
All the plantations
Plantation 6798.933 increase productivity of
in this Division
plantations by means of
advanced Silvicultural
inputs.
For the enrichment of the
All the forest areas
Bamboo, Reed and
Reed, Rattans and of this Division
32055 Rattan growing stock in
Bamboo excluding the
the forests and for their
plantations.
sustainable harvest
To conserve and to
improve NWFP and to
The entire forest promote awareness
Non-wood Forest
32055 areas of the among tribals and the
Produce
Division public. Ensure availability
of NWFP for sustainable
use
Cardamom Hill Reserves
has special legal status
and is under the dual
control of two
departments with the
lessee/land owner being
The areas coming the major stake holder.
Cardamom Hill under CHR and -- Being situated and
89270
Reserve Pallivasal covering a sizable area of
Unreserve. the water shed of river
and streams fall in Idukki
District and catchments
area for several dams
and its ecological
importance can not be
ignored.
The Division has
endangered and endemic
species like Nilgiri Tahr,
The entire forest Nilgir morton, Fishing cat,
Bio-diversity and
and plantation Leopard cat etc. Hence
Wildlife 32055
areas of the conservation of wildlife
Conservation
Division. and its habitat requires
specific attention and
hence a separate circle
been formed.
The entire forests
and plantation To involve the public in
Participatory
areas of the the protection of forests
Forest 32055
Division and also and to encourage eco-
Management
the non-forest tourism.
fringe areas.
161
1.4 PERIOD OF THE WORKING PLAN
The period of the Working Plan will be 10 years from 2010-2011 to
2019-20. Revision of the Plan should commence in 2015-16. It is sincerely
expected that there will not be any changes in the policies or management
principles in the near future that may necessitate an intermediate revision
of the plan.
162
CHAPTER – II
PROTECTION AND WATER CONSERVATION

WORKING CIRCLE
(Extent 89270.71 ha)
2.1 CONSTITUTION OF WORKING CIRCLE

This working circle consists of the entire Reserved Forests,
Unreserved, Cardamom Hill Reserve and Ecologically Fragile Lands and
plantations of Munnar Division. But the leased out Forest areas, areas
diverted for non-forestry purposes and non-revertible forest areas are not
included in this Working Circle.
2.2 GENERAL CHARACTER

2.2.1 Condition of Forest: The entire forest area of Munnar Division fall
on the plateau and western slope of the Western Ghats. The Moist
deciduous forests of this Division are subjected to severe biotic damages
resulting in their degradation and thus leading to diminished ecological and
economic values. The condition of the semi-evergreen forests is much
better than that of the moist and dry deciduous types. But their semi-
evergreen nature is changing under the influence of adverse factors like
illicit felling, fire, grazing, ganja cultivation, change in micro climate etc.
The evergreen forests are situated intermixed with semi evergreen forests
and are better preserved. But the evergreen and semi-evergreen forests in
Cardamom Hill Reserve are losing their character and composition as the
trees are burnt or felled under the guise of shade regulation for cardamom
or as being dangerous to crops. This is evidently deciphered from the total
absence of young recruits. There is also a tendency to clear the areas to
introduce other crops like pepper, coffee, ginger etc. which need direct
sunlight. The grasslands and shola forests having reached the ecological
status of climatic climax form of vegetation are either invaded by pulpwood
plantations or facing degradation due to annual unmanaged fires.
2.2.2 Causes of Degradation: The causes of degradation of forest can be

attributed mainly to the following reasons.
1. Encroachment attempts, illicit felling of trees, annual fires,

grazing, ganja cultivation, etc.
2. Over exploitation and unscientific collection of forest

resources like bamboo, reeds, medicinal plants and other
NWFP.
163
3. Invasion of exotic weeds like lantana, eupatorium, Mikania,
etc.
4. Soil erosion due to degradation of forests resulting from

biotic interference.
5. Conversion of high altitude grasslands into pulpwood

plantations.
6. Change in the micro climate due to ever expanding

Settlements.
7. Clearing of the forests for Hydro Electric projects.
2.2.3 Impacts of Degradation: In addition to the well-known impacts of

degradation such as soil erosion, loss of bio-diversity, reduction in rainfall,
drying up of rivers and streams, flood, land slides etc., the following
specific phenomena are also occurring:-
1. Silting of dams, loss of soil fertility
2. Water scarcity and severe drought in summer
3. Lack of regeneration and change in the forest composition

and structure
4. Increase in human-animal conflict
5. Decreased availability of NWFP in providing livelihood

security to tribes and other fringe communities.
2.2.4 Major Parameters Determining Forest Degradation: The Kerala

Forest Research Institute has published a report regarding “survey and
establishment of monitoring system for degraded forest of Kerala”. This
study was sponsored by the KFP. As per the study certain parameters
have been identified which determine the severity of forest degradation
individually or in combination, as given below in Table No. 44
Table – 44 – Major causes of Forest Degradation
Sl
Parameters Degraded Not degraded
No
1 Proximity to habitation < 5km > 5 km
2 Continuity of forests patches Discontinuous Continuous
3 Forest patch size < 100 ha > 100 ha
4 Crown density < 0.40 >0.40
5 Formation of gully High Low
6 Established seedlings Low < 40 % High > 40 %
164
Sl
Parameters Degraded Not degraded
No
7 Established pole crop Low < 40 % High > 40 %
8 Presence of indicator plant
species (include Eupatorium,
High (Covering > Low (Covering <
Tall grass, lemon grass,
60 % of the area) 40 % of the area)
Citronella, Pennisetum
panicum, Mikania)
These parameters are easy tools to identify degraded forest for

various restoration treatments.

An integrated approach to conserve water and top soil by direct and
indirect methods is envisaged. As water is life and rivers and streams are
the arteries of the forest, a holistic approach is needed for the protection
and conservation of soil and moisture: -
The main objectives are:–
1. To protect entire forest areas in the Division
2. To arrest degradation of forests
3. To improve watershed potentials
4. To enrich degraded forest areas
2.4 PROTECTION OF EXISTING FORESTS

2.4.1 Reserve notifications: Boundary description of Reserve Forests in
the notification is vague and unclear. The descriptions mentioned in the
notification do not agree with the demarcation on the ground. Major portion
of Munnar Division falls in Malayattoor RF. The description of Malayattoor
RF boundaries under section 18 of notification published in 1070 ME is
vague, rendering field verification impossible. The western boundary of the
Division between Anamudi RF and Malayattoor RF is not defined properly.
The existing description of the Eastern boundary of the Malayattoor RF is
the western boundary of the Poonjar Chief’s Land (present KDH). But the
western boundary of the Malayattoor RF is shown as the western
boundary of Anamudi RF.
In the notification of CHR, the notified extent is 15720 acres and in

another document it is 2, 15,720 Acres i.e. 334 Sq.miles. The notified
extent does not correlate with notified boundary. Hence steps are to be
165
taken urgently for rectifying the boundary description and extent by
incorporating all the changes that have taken place over the years.
Most of the RF boundaries are demarcated with concrete cairns to

prevent further encroachment. The portions of the Reserved Forests which
have been under encroachment as on 01/01/1977 have been identified
jointly by the Forest and Revenue departments and the boundaries of the
forestland excluding the encroachments have been refixed.
Similarly, due to encroachments and registering of lands for food

production, the old boundaries of Nagarampara and Malayattoor RFs have
been changed considerably. Several pockets of habitation have come up
inside the forest. Water spread area of hydel projects have also swallowed
up Reserves. These areas have to be surveyed and demarcated in the
field, incorporating on the maps.
2.4.2 Maps: The frontline staffs do not have clear idea about the
boundaries of the Beats, Sections and Ranges in field. The Range maps
showing the boundary of Station, Section and Beat are not available and
not displayed in Forest Stations.
2.4.3 Interstate boundary: Munnar Division has approximately 55 km of

inter state boundary with Tamil Nadu. The annual clearing of interstate
boundary is to be strictly adhered to. There are more chances for illegal
activities along interstate boundary areas. Now the Forest Departments of
both the States are following the practice of conducting interstate co-
ordination meeting with the participation of all other Departments namely
Revenue, Police, Survey, etc. This should be followed strictly in future
also.
2.4.4 Boundary consolidation of existing forests: Munnar Division has

a peripheral boundary of 375 km. excluding natural and already
consolidated part, a length of 110 km (including boundary of enclosures
and tribal colonies) is to be consolidated. The ground details of places
where boundary consolidations are required and average number of cairns
to be constructed in each Range every year is given in Appendix – XLVI.
There is large-scale encroachment in Kulamankuzhi, Padikkappu,

Mamalakandam, Kambiline, Thattekanni, Manniam in Neriamangalam
Range, Ponmudi, Perinjankutty, Machiplavu, Panamkutty and Padikappu
areas in Adimaly Range Kannan Devan Hills in Munnar and Devikulam
Ranges. Approximate extents of 1099.652 acres in Adimaly and
Neriamangalam Ranges have been identified as encroachments. It still
remains a serious problem in this Division.
Approximately 5000 cairns have to be erected to cover this

distance. Immediately actions are required to complete the same to ensure
protection of the remaining forests. As delay in the consolidation lead to
loss of more and more of forest land by way of encroachment. Hence
urgent steps should be taken to complete the work giving top priority.
166
Boundary to
No. of Avg. No. of cairns to be
Sl. No. Range be
cairns constructed every year
demarcated
1 Neriyamangalam 30 Km 1000 200
2 Munnar 26 Km 2500 500
3 Devikulam 34 Km (KDH) 1000 200
4 Adimaly 20 Km 500 100
Construction of Kayyalas (Stone wall) from cairns to cairns along

the boundary in areas highly valnerable to encroachment will reduce the
chance of encroachment. In Adimaly and Neriyamangalam Ranges there
are so many areas highly susceptible for encroachment. Construction of
Kayyalas will permanently control the marginal encroachment in these
areas. The places where construction of kayyala required are,
Ozhukathadam, Thattekanni, Kinacherri, Elamblaserri, Mamalakandam,
Kanjiraveli, Korathikudy, Thattekanni, Kattamudi, Moothasseri,
Vettukallumudy and Padicup. The extent of kayyala to be constructed is
given in Appendix – XLVII.
Most of the earlier cairns are 10 to 15 years old and a good number
of them are damaged. Such cairns have to be repaired other wise it will
disappear and cause further encroachment. Repairing of cairns is required
at Ozhuvathadam, Thattekanni, Elamblaserri, Kinaserri, Mamalakandam,
Kulamankuzhy, Manniyam, Ponmudi, Perinjankutty, Machiplavu, Padicup,
Kallar and Neyamakadu. List of places where the number of cairns to be
repaired is given in Appendix – XLVII.
Planting of species like agave in boundary area will act as a

vegetative fence and will control further encroachment. It will also control
the spreading of ground fire. Planting of agave is proposed in areas highly
vulnerable for encroachment in Adimaly and Neriyamangalam Ranges of
this Division. List of the places proposed are Ponmudi, Vettukallumudi,
Peruvannoorchal, Thumpipara, Perinjankutty, Pambla, Mezhukumchal,
Chinnappara and Kaithachal. Extent of planting to be done is given in
Appendix – XLVII.
2.4.5 Boundary consolidation in KDH area: As per GO (MS) No: 262/77

RD dated 19/02/77 and GO (MS) No: 379/80 RD dated 18/04/80, the Govt.
has ordered to hand over 17922 Acres of KDH land to Forest Department
for afforestation. Though the major portion of the land is under the custody
of Forest Department, the area has not yet been legally handed over.
Proposal for declaration of the areas as RF has already been submitted to
the Govt. Although demarcation of the area has started, it has not yet been
completed.
Prescriptions
1. Refixation of boundaries of Anamudy, Malayatoor and CHR

areas shall be carried out in the first five years of the plan.
167
2. Interstate boundary shall be cleared once a year.
3. Damaged boundary cairns shall be repaired.
4. Construction of Kayyalas in-between boundary cairns shall be

carried out in sensitive points.
5. Planting along the boundary with private areas
6. Planting of Agave, Glyricidia, Caryotta, Adalodakam, Halovera,

Caesalphiniea sappen etc. may be done @ 10 km/year in each
Range along the boundary in 3 to 5 rows.
Neriyamangalam Range – Kambiline area – 40 Km
Adimaly Range – Ponmudi, Vettukallumudi, Perumannoorchal,

Thumpipara, Perinchankutty, Pambla, Kaithachal, Chinnapara –
46 Km
2.5 TO IMPROVE ECOLOGICAL VALUE OF FORESTS AND TO

MAINTAIN LONG TERM PRODUCTIVITY OF WATERSHEDS
A study by CWRDM, Kozhikode shows that flow in the streams from

dense catchment areas is less than that of the exposed and exploited
catchment area during rainy season. In Munnar Division there is a network
of streamlets which join and form 9 rivers and all the rivers discharge into
Periyar. The land area which contributes water to a particular river or
stream is called water shed. It is a manageable hydrological unit. The
major portion of the forest area of Munnar Division contributes water to
River Periyar and a small portion to Muvattupuzha River. Hence the whole
forest area catchment of Munnar Division consists of numerous
watersheds of Periyar and Muvattupuzha. These macro watersheds are
again subdivided in to micro watersheds. Its management inputs are
based on aspects like improved soil conservation and judicious utilization
of life supporting natural resources of water and soil. The micro water
sheds identified in Munnar Division area are given Chapter 1 of Part- I.
Table – 45 – List of Streams and Streamlets in Plan area
Munnar Range Devikulam Range Adimaly Range Neriamangalam Range
1. Nadayar thodu 1. Aruvikadu thodu 1. Kallar thodu 1. Cheeyapara thodu
2. Nallathanni thodu 2. Top station thodu 2. Padikkappu thodu 2.Kulamankuzhy thodu
3. Anamalai thodu 3. Chivara thodu 3. Kurathi todu 3. Kanjiravely thodu
4. Rajamalai thodu 4. Yellapaetty thodu 4. Chilly thodu 4.Pazhampallichal thodu
5. Gundumalai thodu 5. Old Devikulam thodu 5. Kudakallu thodu 5. Elamblasseri thodu
168
Munnar Range Devikulam Range Adimaly Range Neriamangalam Range
6. Kundala thodu 6. Chinakanal thodu 6. Plamala thodu 6. Mamala thodu
7. Pettimudy thodu 7. Surinelli thodu 7. Mavhiplavu thodu 7. Avalum thodu
8.Parapayarkudy thodu 8. Poopara thodu 8. Choorakattan thodu 8. Ranikallu thodu
9.Iddaliparakudy thodu 9. Mathikettan thodu 9.Chelliyampara thodu 9.Ozhuvathadam thodu
10. Meenkuthy thodu 10. Santahnpara thodu 10. Thumpi para thodu 10.Moonukallunku thodu
11. Goodalaar thodu 11. Bodimettu thodu 11. Cheria thoni thodu 11. R.S.P kunnu thodu
12. Noorady thodu 12. Uppala thodu 12. 14th mile thodu 12. Pinavoor thodu
13.Chembukulam thodu 13. Muthanmudi thodu 13. Perinjankutty thodu 13. Akamanam thodu
14. Mattupetty thodu 14. Iruttala thodu 14. Konnathady thodu
15. Lakshmi thodu 15. Uppara thodu 15. Parathodu
16. Mullakanam thodu 16. Kaithachal thodu
17. Sengulam thodu
18. Pallivasal thodu
19. Pothamedu thodu
20. Bisonvalley thodu
21. Yellakal thodu
The grassland- shola ecosystem found in high altitudes of this

Division has been recognized as the most important vegetation type that
maintain, stream flow as the rain water collected by shallow grassland soil
is drained to the deep declivity of shola forest which maintains a perennial
water flow from it.
2.5.1 Restoration of Degraded Forest area on Watershed basis: Threat

factors such as fire, illicit felling, unregulated collection of NWFP,
unscientific operations in CHR area, etc. still continue to accelerate the
process of degradation. For prevention of degradation and for eco-
restoration of already degraded area, these biotic interferences are to be
controlled. Once such factors are got rid of, the natural regeneration will
improve and as a result the vegetation would tend to regain its original
status. For easy tackling of the watershed areas all the major watersheds
have been divided in to micro watersheds having natural boundaries. It is
presumed that 50 percent of the area of the micro watershed may not
require any treatment except protection from fire. Wherever part of
watershed area had been treated in any other schemes, such areas can
be excluded from any future treatment. Name of places which require
various treatments on water shed basis are given in Table No. 46.
If any more areas are available other than the above listed areas, it
is prescribed to treat such areas also as per approved SSP.
169
2.5.2 Identification of sites for treatment: The degraded forests for
management intervention will be taken up on micro water shed basis. 93
micro watersheds in Periyar and 2 micro watersheds in Muvattupuzha
(Neriyamangalam Range) constitute the forest area of Munnar Division.
The details of micro watersheds of both the watersheds falling in Munnar
Forest Division with watershed code No. etc have been furnished in Table
- 4 of Chapter – 1, Part - I of this plan. A map showing the Forest type in
Munnar Division prepared by the GIS of the forest department shows that,
nearly 34% of the Natural Forests areas (Approximately 6450 ha) are
degraded in the above two watersheds. Table No. 46 shows the list of
degraded area available in this division. Out of which, 1035 Ha. of
degraded area is proposed for treatment by ANR/RDF.
170
Table – 46 – List of Micro Watershed in Plan Area
Activities required
Propo
Extent of
Sl. Micro Treatment sed
Station Extent (km2) forest area Nature of area Cont. Fire
No. watershed (km2) area (ha) area ANR/ RDF Trench
(km2) SMC GP Bund 3 protection
(ha) (in ha) (M )
(in M) (Ha)
Neriyamangalam
Range
Malayattoor RF adjacent to Thattekadu. Less

1 Inchathotty 14P32a 8.268 8.268 100 50 50 100 M3 1000 50
degraded, Location is Kaduvapara area
Micro watershed is in Urullanthanni area. This is

2 Inchathotty 14P30bn 12.475 12.475 200 20 20 100 M3 500 500 20
under going degradation
Inchathotty area, less degraded. Treatment is not

3 Inchathotty 14P33a 9.6868 9.6868 0
required
Vegetation is thick. Watershed extended in

4 Inchathotty 14P30bm 21.3205 21.3205 Not required Inchathotty and Valara station areas. No treatment is
not required
Watershed area is Mamalakandam. Forest is

5 Valara 14P30bj 25.4998 25.4998 400 undergoing high degradation due to the biotic 50 50 300 M3 1000 500 50
interference like fire, cultivation etc.
Watershed is extended in Eelamblassery area.

6 Valara 14P30bi 17.106 17.106 Not required Degradation is less, thick vegetation. Treatment not
required
Watershed area is in Ranikallu area susceptible to

7 Valara 14P34a 10.453 10.453 300 75 75 300 M3 500 75
fire, VSS activities are under NAP is going in this area
This watershed area is situated in Ozhuvathadam.

Undergoing degradation due to fire and other biotic
8 Valara 14P35a 6.868 6.868 100 50 50 150 M3 500
interference. NAP activities are conducting by VSS.
Treatment is required
This area is located adjacent to Deviyar. The forest

9 Valara 14P35e 5.74 5.74 100 50 50 100 M3
area is less degraded.
Located in Karimanal area. The forest is degraded,

10 Valara 14P36a 6.917 6.917 50 VSS is conducting NAP activities like afforestation - 50 50 100 M3 50
raising of medicinal plantation etc.
11 Valara 14P35b 13.5844 4.754 Not required Thick forest of reed with less degradation is less
Good forest, treatment not required. Watershed

12 Nagarampara 13M38k 1.281 1.281 Not required
extended in Thalakodu.
13 Nagarampara 13M38l 2.892 2.892 Not required Treatment not required
14 Nagarampara 14P34a 10.453 10.453 Not required Less degraded, treatment not required
Located in Chembankuzhy area. Degraded due to

15 Nagarampara 14P33a 9.686 9.686 50 biotic interference like fire and soil erosion. Treatment 50 50 250 M3 500 50
is required
Micro watershed area is located in Thattekanni. Forest

16 Nagarampara 14P32a 8.268 8.268 50 50 50 150 M3 500 50
area is highly degraded. Treatment is required.
171
Activities required
Propo
Extent of
Station 2 Extent (km2) forest area Nature of area Cont. Fire
No. watershed (km ) area (ha) area ANR/ RDF Trench
(km2) SMC GP Bund protection
(ha) (in ha) (M3)
(in M) (Ha)
17 Nagarampara 14P31c 1.628 1.628 Not required Less degraded. Treatment not required
Located in Kanjikuzhy area, less degraded, Treatment

18 Nagarampara 14P31a 5.816 5.816 Not required
is not required
Total 325 325 1550M3 2000 225
Adimaly Range
Perinjankutty Degraded CHR Degraded CHR area. Perinjankutty teak plantation

19 14P41a 6.0812 2.4843 35 35 100 M3 35
Section -Teak and bamboo plantation were present.
Perinjankutty Degraded CHR area. Cultivation crop is changed from

20 14P41b 7.2943 7.2943 Degraded CHR
Section cardamom to other cash crops.
Perinjankutty Cardamom cultivated area, highly degraded. Devoid

21 14P40b 25.2227 25.2227 Cultivated CHR
Section of any regeneration

22 14P41c (pt) 12.626 3.787 Cultivated CHR

23 14P40bg 3.2321 1.939 Cultivated CHR

24 14P41c (pt) 12.6268 1.262 Cultivated CHR
Cardamom cultivated area, highly degraded. Devoid

25 Mukkudam Section 14P40bf 0.2894 0.2894 Cultivated CHR
of any regeneration
Cardamom cultivated area, highly degraded. Devoid

26 Mukkudam Section 14P40be 10.6649 10.6649 Cultivated CHR
of any regeneration
Reservoir area Ponmudi reservoir area. have good growth of bamboo

27 Mukkudam Section 14P40bd 4.5527 4.5527 and forest and other mic. Species. Many plantation were raised 50 50 100 M3 500 50
controlling area by FD.
Cardamom cultivation area, highly degraded without

28 Mukkudam Section 14P40bb(pt) 10.488 1.0488 Cultivated CHR
any regeneration.

29 Mukkudam Section 14P41c 12.6268 1.8942 Cultivated CHR
any regeneration.
Cultivated CHR
30 Mukkudam Section 14P40bc(pt) 8.0489 1.609 & forest
any regeneration.
controlling area

31 Mukkudam Section 14P40bg(pt) 3.231 0.646 Cultivated CHR
any regeneration.
Cardamom cultivated Pallyvasal unreserve area.

Koombanpara Cultivated
32 14P35c(pt) 30.7343 3.0734 Highly degraded due to annual operations in
Section unreserve land
cardamom plantation. Regeneration is less.
Koombanpara Cultivated
33 14P40a (pt) 17.6844 7.9579 Degraded cardamom cultivating area
Section unreserve land
Koombanpara Cultivated Degraded cardamom cultivating area. Regeneration is

34 14P40b (pt) 31.943 1.597
Section unreserve land absent
172
Activities required
Propo
Extent of
(ha) (in ha) (M3)
(in M) (Ha)
The area is located near to Kurathikudy. Forest is in

35 Machiplavu Station 14P30bf 8.1842 8.1842 Thick forest
good condition. Treatment is not required
Watershed area is adjacent to Metassari Arr. Area is

Forest area undergoing degradation due to interference from biotic
36 Machiplavu Station 14P30bd 9.6793 9.6793 40 40 150 M3 500 40
degraded -40 factors. Fire occurrence and soil erosion are the main
factors.
The watershed area is extended in Mannankandam,

Valiyapara, Plamala, Moothassari settlements. This
area is undergoing degradation due to fire and other
37 Machiplavu Station 14P30be 14.9524 14.9524 150 60 60 250 M3 500 500 50
biotic interference. Treatment is proposed in
Valiyapara -10 ha, Plamala -10 ha, Vilippara -20ha
and Moothasseri -20 ha.
Watershed area is located in Campanykudy. Area is

undergoing degradation due to biotic factors.
38 Machiplavu Station 14P30bc 10.9203 10.9203 20 Plamalakudy is also adjacent to this watershed. Fire 20 20 50 M3 500 20
protection, Soil conservation and enrichment planting
with local species are required.
This micro watershed located adjacent to Kunjiyar.

39 Machiplavu Station 14P30bg 8.4002 8.4002 Thick forest Inchakala tribal colony is situated in the watershed
area. The area is less degraded with thick vegetation.
This watershed area is located near to Inchakala

ANR/
settlement area. This compact area is under going
40 Machiplavu Station 14P30bh 38.303 38.303 200 50 RDF/RRB - 100 M3 1000 50
degradation. Soil conservation, enrichment planting
50
with bamboo etc are suggested.
This watershed area is the try junction point of

Machiplavu, Valara and Panamkutty. The area is
under going severe degradation due to the
settlements and recognized encroachers. Degraded
41 Machiplavu Station 14P35b(pt) 9.589 9.589 175 areas are mostly seen at Thepputhandu, 50 50 300 M3 500 50
Porkkinthotty, Kallemuttipara, Mayakuzhy,
Muthiramudi, Kulakkara and Kollanpara area. Soil
conservation works and enrichment planting are
essential.
This watershed area is extended in Pullumala,

Thalamali, Thattekanni areas. Area is undergoing ANR/RDF/
42 Machiplavu Station 14P35c(pt) 12.293 12.293 130 50 250 M3 1000 50
degradation. Enrich planting soil conservation work RRB-50
like gully plugging etc are suggested for this area.
This watershed area is extended in Kottappara, 8

acre, Mezhukumchal, Pullumala areas. Forest in this ANR/RDF/
43 Machiplavu Station 14P40bb 10.488 10.488 60 60 150 M3 1000
area undergoing degradation. Soil conservation works RRB-60
and enrichment planting are suggested for this area.
This watershed is extended in Mezhukumchal,

Paliakutty, Marottichal, Thekkadichal, Valiyathoni and
Cheriyathoni areas. Marottichal VSS is conducting
afforestation activities under NAP. The area is ANR/RDF/
44 Panamkutty Station 14P36a(pt) 2.075 2.075 30 30 50 M3 500
undergoing degradation due to the human RRB-30
interferance. Enrich planting of cane, soil conservation
work like gully plugging etc are suggested for this
micro watershed.
173
Activities required
Propo
Extent of
(ha) (in ha) (M3)
(in M) (Ha)
Micro watershed area is located Paliamkutty area.

45 Panamkutty Station 14P37a 7.23190 7.23190 40 Degraded due to biotic interference like fire and 40 40 150 M3 500 40
human interferance
This watershed area is situated adjacent to

Irumbupalam area. Marottichal, Thekkadichal etc are
ANR/RDF/
46 Panamkutty Station 14P35d 12.854 12.854 350 located in this watershed area. Area is undergoing 25 250 M3 1000 25
RRB-50
degradation. Soil conservation work and enrichment
planting are suggested.
This watershed area is extended at Valiyathoni and

Cheriyathoni areas. This area required enrichment ANR/RDF/
47 Panamkutty Station 14P38a 10.5162 10.5162 50 50 150 M3 500 50
planting, gully plugging and planting of cane, bamboo RRB-50
etc.
Watershed area is extended in Kaithachal area.

Forest area is degraded condition. Various plantation
48 Panamkutty Station 14P39a 7.9595 7.9595 40 40 RRB-40 150 M3
have been raised in this area. This area is suitable for
planting of cane and other RRB species.
This watershed area is extended Edathalloor,

Needapara, Thellakanam areas. Enrichment planting
49 Panamkutty Station 14P40a 17.6844 17.6844 140 40 40 100 M3
and soil conservation works are suggested in this
area.
Major portion of the area is under the control of KSEB

50 Panamkutty Station 14P40e 8.565 8.565 KSEB land
land.
Total 640 585 2300M3 8000 500 640
Devikulam Range
Cardamom
51 Pallyvasal Section 14P40b 31.943 30.345 Highly degraded. No regeneration ULO activity is applicable
cultivated area.
Cardamom
52 Pallyvasal Section 14P40c 10.2333 10.2333 Highly degraded. No regeneration ULO activity is applicable
cultivated area.
Cardamom
53 Pallyvasal Section 14P40h 7.3822 7.3822 Highly degraded. No regeneration ULO activity is applicable
cultivated area.
Cardamom
54 Pallyvasal Section 14P40ac 8.1459 8.1459 Highly degraded. No regeneration ULO activity is applicable
cultivated area.
Cardamom
55 Pallyvasal Section 14P40g 5.8403 5.8403 Highly degraded. No regeneration ULO activity is applicable
cultivated area.
Cardamom
56 Pallyvasal Section 14P40f 9.6096 9.6096 Highly degraded. No regeneration ULO activity is applicable
cultivated area.
Cardamom
57 Pallyvasal Section 14P40e 8.565 8.565 Highly degraded. No regeneration ULO activity is applicable
cultivated area.
58 Chinnakanal Section 14P40ar 20.091 20.091
59 Chinnakanal Section 14P40at 7.9092 7.9092
60 Chinnakanal Section 14P40au 13.3516 13.3516
174
Activities required
Propo
Extent of
(ha) (in ha) (M3)
(in M) (Ha)
61 Chinnakanal Section 14P40aq 10.174 10.174
Cardamom
62 CHR area 14P41a 6.0812 6.0812 Highly degraded. No regeneration ULO activity is applicable
cultivated area.
Cardamom
63 CHR area 14P41b 7.2943 7.2943 Highly degraded. No regeneration ULO activity is applicable
cultivated area.
Cardamom
64 CHR area 14P40bg 150540 150540 Highly degraded. No regeneration ULO activity is applicable
cultivated area.
Cardamom
65 CHR area 14P41bt 5.6973 5.6973 Highly degraded. No regeneration ULO activity is applicable
cultivated area.
Cardamom
66 CHR area 14P40be 10.6649 10.6649 Highly degraded. No regeneration ULO activity is applicable
cultivated area.
Cardamom
67 CHR area 14P40bd 4.5527 4.5527 Highly degraded. No regeneration ULO activity is applicable
cultivated area.
Cardamom
68 CHR area 14P40bc 8.0489 8.0489 Highly degraded. No regeneration ULO activity is applicable
cultivated area.
Cardamom
69 CHR area 14P40aj 9.5078 9.5078 Highly degraded. No regeneration ULO activity is applicable
cultivated area.
Cardamom
70 CHR area 14P40ai 10.6648 10.6648 Highly degraded. No regeneration ULO activity is applicable
cultivated area.
Cardamom
71 CHR area 14P40ah 7.5883 7.5883 Highly degraded. No regeneration ULO activity is applicable
cultivated area.
Cardamom
72 CHR area 14P40ae 6.4658 6.4658 Highly degraded. No regeneration ULO activity is applicable
cultivated area.
Cardamom
73 CHR area 14P40ad 12.4225 12.4225 Highly degraded. No regeneration ULO activity is applicable
cultivated area.
Cardamom
74 CHR area 14P40at 11.3024 11.3024 Highly degraded. No regeneration ULO activity is applicable
cultivated area.
Cardamom
75 CHR area 14P40ag 17.9955 17.9955 Highly degraded. No regeneration ULO activity is applicable
cultivated area.
Cardamom
76 CHR area 14P40aq 10.174 10.174 Highly degraded. No regeneration ULO activity is applicable
cultivated area.
Cardamom
77 CHR area 14P40ap 5.9001 5.9001 Highly degraded. No regeneration ULO activity is applicable
cultivated area.
Cardamom
78 CHR area 14P40av 5.4932 5.4932 Highly degraded. No regeneration ULO activity is applicable
cultivated area.
Cardamom
79 CHR area 14P40aw 28.3816 28.3816 Highly degraded. No regeneration ULO activity is applicable
cultivated area.
Cardamom
80 CHR area 14P40ax 23.3932 23.3932 Highly degraded. No regeneration ULO activity is applicable
cultivated area.
175
Activities required
Propo
Extent of
(ha) (in ha) (M3)
(in M) (Ha)
Cardamom
81 CHR area 14P40ba 47.3275 47.3275 Highly degraded. No regeneration ULO activity is applicable
cultivated area.
Cardamom
82 CHR area 14P41e 15.0573 15.0573 Highly degraded. No regeneration ULO activity is applicable
cultivated area.
Cardamom
83 CHR area 14P41d 11.671 11.671 Highly degraded. No regeneration ULO activity is applicable
cultivated area.
Cardamom
84 CHR area 14P41c 12.6268 12.6268 Highly degraded. No regeneration ULO activity is applicable
cultivated area.
Cardamom
85 CHR area 14P40bc 8.0489 8.0489 Highly degraded. No regeneration ULO activity is applicable
cultivated area.
Cardamom
86 CHR area 14P40bb 10.4888 10.4888 Highly degraded. No regeneration ULO activity is applicable
cultivated area.
Cardamom
87 CHR area 14P40az 7.4956 7.4956 Highly degraded. No regeneration ULO activity is applicable
cultivated area.
Cardamom
88 CHR area 14P40ay 10.5584 10.5584 Highly degraded. No regeneration ULO activity is applicable
cultivated area.
Cardamom
89 CHR area 14P40ao 10.9183 10.9183 Highly degraded. No regeneration ULO activity is applicable
cultivated area.
Cardamom
90 CHR area 14P40an 8.008 8.008 Highly degraded. No regeneration ULO activity is applicable
cultivated area.
Cardamom
91 CHR area 14P40am 9.1187 9.1187 Highly degraded. No regeneration ULO activity is applicable
cultivated area.
Cardamom
92 CHR area 14P40al 12.4268 12.4268 Highly degraded. No regeneration ULO activity is applicable
cultivated area.
Cardamom
93 CHR area 14P40ak 13.9599 13.9599 Highly degraded. No regeneration ULO activity is applicable
cultivated area.
Munnar Range
Cardamom plantations maintained by the local tribals.

3 Sq. Km -
Regeneration is very less due to their annual
94 Pettimudi station 14P30p 9.6793 9.6793 Cardamom
operations. EDC is formed in this watershed area by
cultivation
wildlife wing.
Cardamom plantations maintained by the local tribals.

2.5 Sq. Km -
Regeneration is very less due to their annual
95 14P30q 5.8077 5.8077 Cardamom
operations. EDC is formed in this watershed area by
cultivation
wildlife wing.
6 Sq. Km - Cardamom cultivated area. The micro watershed area

96 14P30r 10.6332 10.6332 Cardamom extended in Vellakanam, Chennaipara and Parakudy
cultivation area.
1.5 Sq. Km.

It is located in Parappayar area. Regeneration is
97 14P30s 6.6736 6.6736 Cardamom
absent due to cardamom operations
cultivation
176
Activities required
Propo
Extent of
(ha) (in ha) (M3)
(in M) (Ha)
0.5 Sq. Km
98 14P30t 4.0755 4.0755 cardamom Among the whole extend. Regeneration is less
cultivation
2 Sq. Km
No regeneration in cardamom maintaining area.
99 14P30u 16.9897 16.9897 cardamom
Remaining areas are good forest.
cultivation
3 Sq. Km -
No regeneration in cardamom maintaining area.
100 14P30v 8.1765 8.1765 Cardamom
Remaining areas are good forest.
cultivation
10 Sq. Km
Iruppukallu, Keezhvilayampara, Melvilayampara,
cardamom
101 14P30x 30.115 30.115 Mulakuthara, Meenkuthy, Kavakkattukudy are the
maintaining
tribal conlonies present in the watershed area.
area.
7 Sq. Km This watershed is located near to Shedukudy,

cardamom Puthukudy, Nadaukkudy, Anadavankudy,
102 14P30w 10.5093 10.5093
maintaining Ambalapadikuty and Kandathikudy areas. Balance of
area. the cardamom maintaining area is good forest.
Vazhakuthukudy, Nenmanikudy are the tribal colonies

4 Sq. Km
present in the watershed areas. Cardamom cultivated
cardamom
103 14P30y 6.7374 6.7374 area is degraded, with out any regeneration due to the
maintaining
annual cardamom operations. Balance area is good
area.
forest.
3 Sq. Km
Ambalapadikudy, Koodallarkudy are present in this
cardamom
104 14P30at 32.1374 32.1374 watershed area. Balance area of cardamom
maintaining
cultivation is good forests
area.
Grassland and Pulpwood plantations were raised in this area.

105 14P30av 6.8875 6.8875 pulpwood Balance area is grassland and regular fire occurrence
plantations. during fire season.
177
2.5.3 Criteria for Selection of various Treatments: The type of
treatments required for various sites depends upon the crown density,
percentage of regeneration etc. If the crown density is more than 0.4 the
protection measures like soil and moisture conservation works are only
required and if the crown density is less than 0.4 with good natural
regeneration, the measures like fire protection, protection from grazing and
illicit activities, soil and moisture conservation works, seeding with local
tree species, planting in gaps, etc. shall be done. Weeding around the
naturally grown seedlings shall also be done wherever necessary for
overcoming the suppression from weeds like Lantana, Mikenia, etc. As far
as possible, high altitude grassland-shola ecosystem should not be
subjected to any of the treatments prescribed below.
CWRDM has conducted an attempt at catchment area of Deviyar

for estimating the soil loss due to sheet erosion with the data collected
from the filed using the universal soil loss equation recommended by U. S.
department of agriculture. They have studied the water balance which
gives as an understanding of the hydrological process in the watershed
and helps in computing different parameters of similar watersheds for
water resource planning, development and management. Summary of
their study report is given in Chapter – 7 of Part – I.
The study report of CWRDM regarding the sedimentation in various

reservoirs of Munnar shows that the gravity erosion is more due to
degradation of forest flora. Details of their study report is given in Chapter – 7
of Part I. Abstract of their study report is given below.
Table – 47 – Abstract of study report of sedimentation
Sl. No. Name of reservoir Period of study Rate of sedimentation

1 Mattupetty Dam 10/93 to 07/94 16.14 M3/ha/year
2 Kundala Dam 01/94 to 03/95 7.11 M3/ha/year
3 Anayirankal Dam 12/94 to 11/95 71.05 M3/ha/year
4 Kallarkutty Dam 12/90 to 03/91 8.39 M3/ha/year
Poothanal, Pambla dam area, Parappara, Kodalallu, Ponmudi,

Thumbipara, Muthirayar, Sooriyamudi, Kunjiyar, Pappathishola,
Kolukkumala, Nagamala, Ambalaparakudy, Kavakattukudy, Puthukudy,
Kandathikudy, Meenkuthikudy, Idilyparakudy, Nenmanalkudy are some
degraded places with in the plan area. It is suggested that instead of
tackling these compact degraded areas in block wise micro watershed
shall be taken as a unit of treatment. The treatment in a micro watershed
unit shall be extended for 5 years for the assurance of success. Details of
micro watershed coming in these areas are given in Table No. 46.
Schedule of activity to be conducted during the plan period is given in
Appendix – XLVIII.
2.5.4 Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) in less disturbed natural

Forest: This type of treatment is applicable in the areas where there is
178
insufficient regeneration. Various cultural operations like weeding (If
gregarious growth of lantana, Eupatorium, Mikenia are occurring), soil
working, sowing seeds of locally available tree species, etc. can be done
in this area for promoting the natural regeneration. Natural regeneration is
to be assisted in areas having more than 600 seedlings of local species
per hectare. In areas of reed, bamboos and canes that are depleted due to
biotic interference, such areas are to be treated to promote the growth and
to restore and maintain their stocking. The points mentioned below show
the criteria for selection of the area under the treatment of ANR.
Criteria for site selection for ANR
1. Crown density should be 0.4 to 0.7.
2. The areas which have importance as healthy catchments to

ensure water regime, and sites expected to respond favourably to
soil and water conservation measures.
3. The areas rich in bio-diversity but degraded due to soil erosion,

fire and biotic interference.
4. Areas supporting natural regeneration of more than 600

seedlings/ha with poor and occasional vacant patches that
require tending.
5. Areas with less biotic interference like collection of NWFP,

firewood, fodder, green manure, etc.
6. Areas with limited growth of weeds in small gaps, which can be

removed for assisting the growth of natural seedlings.
7. Preferably compact area of 50 ha or more may be selected.
Treatments proposed
1. Stock mapping should be done after the survey and

demarcation based on the stock analysis treatment map, which
may be prepared for guiding the operation. It should contain the
details about the soil and moisture conservation works like gully
plugging, contour bunds, staggered trenches etc. The tending
operations involve weeding, sowing seeds of native species and
sowing and planting in the area with more than 100 seedlings
per ha.
2. Site Specific Plan shall be prepared showing the sequence of

operations to be carried out. The treatment plan will be prepared
by Range officer under the guidance of DFO and has to be
approved by the Conservator of Forests before sanctioning of
the estimate.
2.5.5 Restoration of Degraded Forest (RDF): This type of treatment is

aimed at improving the growing stock and biodiversity of a locality. The
179
activities proposed under this type of treatment are planting of tree
species, tending of natural seedlings, sowing seeds, etc. depending on the
necessity which will be taken up along with other works. Preference will be
given to soil binding species like reed, bamboo, vettiver grass etc. The
Range Officer will prepare SSP with field data and after the inspection by
the DFO it will be sent to the Conservator of Forests for approval. The plan
will be approved after the inspection of the Conservator.
Depending upon the number of seedlings available per hectare the

treatment required can be divided into RDF I & II. If the number of
seedlings per hectare is between 300-600, such areas are categorized as
RDF I and if the number per hector is less than 300 such areas are
categorized as RDF II.
Table – 48 – Criteria for selection of area
Sl.
Criteria RDF I RDF II
No
0.0-0.1/failed
1. Crown density 0.1-0.4
Plantations
Regeneration
status 300 – 600 established Less than 300 nos for
2.
seedlings plantations.
(Seedlings/ha.)
Occurrence and
3. Small, few Large may small gaps
size of gaps
Weeds and Invasion not well Invasion of weeds/grasses
4.
grasses established well established
Human
5. Moderate Heavy
interference
Pioneer and colonizers Succession failed, requiring
present. Succession on way intensive interventions. Not
6. Stage succession
and possible to assist by applicable for degraded
artificial or natural means. plantations.
Not much degraded, Degraded requiring intensive
7. Soil types responding to soil/moisture site treatment for improvement
conservation of soil quality.
Treatments Proposed
The nature of treatment in RDF I & II depends on the extent of

degradation. Survey, demarcation, stock mapping and preparation of
treatment plan etc are the pre requisites. Choice of species for planting in
RDF I & II areas should be based on site species matching; while in RDF I
area, the stage of succession and structure of communities will suggest
the species for planting, preferably with faster growing pioneer species to
cover the site, or other native species which the site could support and
decide the status of the vegetation, the most suited silvicultural practices in
conjunction with artificial planting of seedlings or by seeding of indigenous
species. Soil and moisture conservation works should precede planting
operations depending on the need.
180
2.5.6 Strategic Planning of Water shed: For each micro water shed
there will be a strategic plan which will view general details about the
watershed, the problems of the water shed, the strategy to improve eco
system of watershed, the participation of local communities, the Division of
areas into different treatments based on the approved criteria, maps,
treatment plan etc. The strategic plan is to serve as a basis for preparation
of operational plans (SSPs) which will follow the guidelines already issued
for different treatments like ANR, RDF, RRB, and Plantations etc. The
strategic plan will be prepared after conducting detailed Participatory Rural
Appraisal involving members of the Panchayat/NGOs/local people.
Perambulation of the site is to be done by the Forester and Forest Guards
in charge of the area. The Deputy Range Officer, Range Officer and the
Divisional Forest Officer will also perambulate the area and finalize the
proposal. The Conservator of Forests will approve the strategic plan after
his personal inspection.
Based on the interaction with stakeholders, suggestions on entry

point activities will be made, so as to reduce pressure on the forests.
Suggestions for closing the area for collection of NWFPs for commercial
purposes will also be made, except where socio-economic causes such as
collection of bamboos and reeds by the workers under Kerala State
Bamboo Corporation exist. In such cases the collection must be done
strictly observing the scientific principles.
2.5.7 Site Specific Plan (SSP): The Range officer will prepare the SSP
under the supervision of the DFO and the Conservator of Forests will
approve it. For the preparation of SSP the area will be surveyed and stock
mapped. Based on the stock analysis treatment maps will be prepared
incorporating the features of the terrain and other relevant details. The
following information are to be incorporated while preparing the SSP.
a. Survey sketch of the treatment area with field book.
b. General information viz. physiographic, geology, climate etc.
c. A status report discussing the level of degradation, type and

composition of crop, species diversity, number and extent of
open patches, regeneration status, status of slopes, intensity of
soil erosion, types of erosion, level of biotic interference, major
weeds, causes of degradation etc.
d. Stock map of the area.
e. Regeneration survey details, with analysis of result.
f. Causes of degradation.
g. A comprehensive treatment report with detailed suggestions to

address the identified causes of degradation.
h. A treatment map prepared based on the treatment plan.
181
i. If artificial regeneration is a component of treatment, the details
of planting stock are to be furnished.
j. Proposals for special conservation of rare or endangered

species, if any, in the treatment area.
k. With regard to fringe areas, the result of Participatory Rural

Appraisal, and suggestions to reduce the dependency of the
stakeholders on the treatment area.
l. Availability of labour force, institutional arrangements.
m. Monitoring indicators.
n. Financial forecast.
o. Photographs of the degraded forest area before treatment.
2.5.8. Implementation
The treatment will be carried out as per the approved prescriptions

in the SSP. The prescriptions are generally for the conservation of soil and
moisture, fire protection in the treatment area, eradication of weeds and
supplementing natural regeneration by ANR and RDF.
2.5.9. Maintaining of Treatment Journal: A journal shall be maintained

containing all relevant details regarding the area. A copy of the survey
sketch with field book, treatment map with the locations of the gullies,
streams and other physical structures are to be pasted in the journal. The
details regarding the sample plots are also to be furnished in the treatment
journal. The areas where weedings required have to be surveyed and a
survey sketch also incorporated with the journal. The sample plot data will
be maintained properly. Measurements will be taken periodically for
assessing the natural regeneration and growth of planted seedlings.
Details of all treatments will be recorded periodically to evaluate the effect
of treatment. The details of works done and the expenditure incurred every
year also will be furnished in the treatment journal. The degraded forest
areas will normally be maintained for a period of five years.
Prescription
Eco-restoration works like RDF/ANR shall be done on micro watershed

basis as per approved SSP only. The proposed micro water shed and
schedule for year wise treatment are given in Appendix – XLVIII.
2.6 RESTORATION OF WATTLE PLANTATIONS TO SHOLA

GRASSLAND-SHOLA ECO-SYSTEM
The climatic climax of unique grassland - shola eco-system in this
area was disturbed due to the planting of exotic pulpwood species
182
specially wattle in this area. Among the planted pulpwood species wattle
has less demand than the other species. The following wattle plantations
are lying adjacent to the Earvikulam National Park and are invading into
the grass lands and adversely affecting the bio-diversity of the area.
Table – 49 – List of wattle plantation proposed for eco-restoration
Schedule for extraction

Sl. Extent
Range Location Year Year
No (ha) Extent
Extent(ha)
(ha)
50 2010-11 50
1 Devikulam Iddalimotta 1981 100
50
2011-12 75
25
75 2012-13 75
2 Devikulam Iddalimotta 1984 277.00 75 2013-14 75
82 2014-15 82
20
2 Munnar Rajamala 1984 25.10 25.1

2015-16 93.9
3 Munnar Pettimudy Bit - I 1986 16.80 16.8
4 Munnar Pettimudy Bit - II 1986 32.00 32
5 Munnar Rajamala 1987 15.00

75 2016-17 75
6 Munnar Pettimudy 1988 60.00
7 Munnar Pampanmala 1988 20.50
8 Munnar Oosimala 1990 37.40 82.4 2017-18 82.4

45.29 2018-19 45.29
11 Munnar Kadalar 1991 15.00
12 Devikulam Gundumala 1991 15.00

51.00 2019-20 51.00
13 Devikulam Iddalimotta 1991 36.00
Total 704.59 704.59
Prescription
Harvest the plantations in an extent of 70 Ha. (Average/year) as per

the scheduled given in Table No. 48 and eco-restoration works shall be
carriedout for the regeneration and survival of natural shola species
2.7 SOIL AND MOISTURE CONSERVATION

Due to undulating nature of the terrain not more than 10–20% water
percolates into the ground and the remaining runs off reaching streams,
183
rivers and finally ends up in the sea. This water carries with it the top soil
rendering the tract less and less fertile. Heavy erosion can be seen at
many places. Massive soil and moisture conservation programmes needs
to be undertaken in various parts of the Division. Vegetation cover
increases the organic content of the soil, which in turn increase infiltration
and storage capacity. The leaf litter reduces the erosion and increases
infiltration by slowing down runoff. The flow of water from dense forest
catchments is less when compared to the exposed catchments during
rainy season. The prescriptions for soil and water conservation are aimed
at the over all development of the area. Soil and moisture conservation
activities should mostly be confined to areas in Adimaly, Neriamangalam
Ranges and shola areas in Munnar Ranges.
Various methods are available to recharge the water table. Name of

places which require soil conservation measures and type of activities to
be executed are given in Appendix – XLIX.
2.7.1 Gully Plugging: These are structures constructed across the rills,
gullies and ravines to obstruct the flow of water. Gullies are formed in
forest areas due to washing of thin soil cover along with ground flora and
leaf litters. Treatment of gullies will be started from the uphill side. Big
stones should be put in bottom layers and also on top to prevent them
from being dislodged or carried away by the water current, by careful
packing. Gully plugging structures are not meant for arresting flow of water
in streams.
After filling the foundation up to 20cm depth and laying stones in the
first layer, a step of 0.15 meters may be left on the down stream side
without deviating from the curve. In the successive layers steps are left so
as to reduce top width gradually. Thickness of apron packing should not
be less than 0.45 meters and gully sides above the apron have to be
protected with stone pitching to a height of at least 0.3 meters above the
anticipated maximum water level to prevent side scours being formed by
the falling water. The stone filling should go up to 0.3 to 0.6 meters into the
stable portion of the gully side to prevent end cutting. In the center of the
dam portion, sufficient water way should be provided to facilitate overflow.
The structure should form an arch with convex side facing the up hill.
Depending on steepness and run off volume, in general the top width
should be kept to the minimum essential required (say 60-90cm).
Instead of DR, gabionic structures can be used for gully plugging in

highly eroded areas. It could be done in the places where there is soil
erosion and it should be attempted only in gullies and never in natural
streams. Gully plugging using stones should be confined only to the highly
degraded areas of Adimaly and Neriamangalam Ranges.
2.7.2 Gully plugging with brushwood: Certain gullies can also be

plugged by means of brushwood and posts. This sort of structure can also
be used within a series of structures while tackling severe gullies for
reducing the cost. Small jungle wood posts can be collected from the top
ends and residues available in the extracted plantations and piled into the
184
soil at definite interval in two or more rows. Then brush wood or branch
wood with leaves are put in below and these will get filled up with washed
off soil and get compacted. Care should be taken to avoid cutting of
natural seedlings and poles.
2.7.3 Check Dams: Check dams are generally constructed with concrete
or RR masonry or both across the perennial streams or seasonal streams
for storing water. It will attract the wild life also during dry season. It cuts
off the runoff velocity and reduces erosive activity. The water stored
improves the soil moisture of the adjoining areas and allows percolation to
recharge the aquifers and improve water table. Care should be taken not
to inundate swamp vegetation and vayals by impounding water.
2.7.4 Contour Trenches: Contour trenches are the water harvesting

structures constructed along the contour in the degraded and barren areas
in a continuous or staggered manner. Trenches are recommended for
areas of lesser slope in Adimaly and Neriamangala Ranges and in CHR.
The Divisional Forest Officer
has to use his discretion in
fixing the interval and number
of pits per hectare. The
scooped up soil can act as
bunds and these can be
stabilized by planting grass or
live hedges of agave plants.
Contour trenches are to be
preferred for low rainfall
areas.
Slope of the land with soil of 30cm depth 20% 40% 50% 60%
Horizontal interval 7.50 m 9m 7.50m 9m
Vertical Interval 1.50m 4m 3.75m 5.85m
2.7.5 Contour Stonewall: It is constructed with stones across the hill

slopes thereby intercepting the surface run-off. These terraces help in
retarding the soil loss and conserving soil moisture. Spacing of such
stonewalls are not rigid. Spacing ranging from 10m to 30m will be adopted
depending up on the slope of the terrain. For construction, a shallow
trench will be dug and the stones will be collected and packed directly on
to the foundation and in the super structure to form the terrace. The
stones will be properly interlocked. The soil excavated to form the
foundation for the terrace will be used for forming a small bund on the
upstream side of the terrace. Planting suitable vegetation on the bund
stabilizes the terrace. These are recommended only for highly degraded
and encroachment prone areas of the lower altitudes.
185
Prescription
1) Gully plugging may be carried out in the sites identified in micro

watersheds. Sites requiring gully plugging are given in
2) Check dams may be constructed at Poothanal, Parappara and
Kodakallu.
3) Contour Trenching may be done at Poothanal, Pambla,
Parappara, Kodakallu and Thumbipara areas.
4) Contour stone walls may be constructed at places mentioned in
Above mentioned soil conservation works may be taken up in other
places if found necessary as per approved SSP.
2. 8 FIRE MANAGEMENT
The management of forest fires assumes great importance as forest
fires cause damage to biodiversity and productivity of the forestland. Fire
is one of the most important factors for Forest soil erosion and consequent
degradation of the site. The chances of forest fire are more in this Division
due to the presence of grasslands and disturbed moist deciduous forests.
The damage caused due to fire, though on a smaller intensity, is hard to
quantify. Young recruits never get established due to annual fire.
Extension works shall be conducted among the locals and the tribals
residing inside the forest. Often forest fires are not reported. Even if
reported, the losses are underestimated. Forest Department often fails to
project the actual loss caused due to forest fire. This often hinders
Government from giving sufficient funds to prevent forest fires. The
protective staff should be properly guided to report incidents of fire
promptly. A register should be maintained in all Ranges showing the
incidence of annual fires, showing the location, date of occurrence, extent
of damages, loss etc.
2.8.1 Fire Protection: The period between January to May is the fire
season of this Division. Biotic interferences from tribal settlements and
encroachments, hunting, careless collection of NWFP, etc. are the major
causes of forest fires.
2.8.2 Effects of fire: A very detailed discussion is beyond the scope of

this Plan. Only a brief mention is made about the aspects of fire that could
be beneficial and those that are detrimental.
Beneficial effects
• Fire is very useful in habitat manipulation for specific objectives

in Wildlife Management.
186
• Fire releases nutrients from debris.
• Soil borne pathogens are reduced.
• Increased availability of palatable grass and forage for

herbivores.
• Early burns can be used as a tool for preventing disastrous late

burns.
Deleterious effects
1. Regeneration is killed leading to retrogression and depletion of

forests.
2. Organic matter and leaf litter are consumed, thus reducing

productivity of soil.
3. By opening up of forest and removal of leaf litter, run off

increases reducing percolation and leads to reduction in
summer stream flow and increased soil wash.
4. Fires weaken and injure trees making them susceptible to decay

and disease thus leading to reduction in stand productivity.
5. Fire harms base of standing trees which are the most valuable
part of bole reducing timber value and also in some cases
making them unsuitable for veneering.
6. Soil properties are influenced deleteriously.
7. Beneficial soil microorganisms are killed.
8. Some soil borne pathogens could be induced to increase

activity.
9. Directly harmful to small wild life.
2.8.3 Fire Management Plan: Fire management plans have to be

prepared for each Division. Range should be treated as the unit for
preparing fire management plan. Fire plan maps in 1: 50,000 or larger
showing all details required to prevent fire should be prepared.
The format discussed and finalized in various workshops in 1998-99

should strictly be followed. This will facilitate incorporation of all necessary
details and would be helpful in monitoring and evaluating the Plans.
Annual action plan should be prepared based on the strategic plan.
187
a. Planning should be proactive. Rather than waiting for fires to occur, the
strategy should be for preventing fire. More emphasis should be on
development of a preventive strategy rather than control after occurrence.
b. Planning should be location specific, measurable and cost effective.
c. Planning should be prioritized based on availability of resources and

after assessments of threat.
d. Wherever possible, Participatory Fire Management strategy should be

evolved.
e. Data should be gathered on the source of secondary support such as

the voluntary fire fighters, NGO’s, water tankers, nearest fire station etc.
f. Details of the resources like man power, vehicles, wireless sets, etc.
available with the other wings of the department should be listed. The
facilities available with other departments like Fire Force, Meteorological
department, etc. must be tapped during fire season.
g. Fire safety measures to be adopted should be described in the Plans..

Unsafe and careless fire fighting strategy will impede efficiency in fire
situations resulting in more areas to be consumed by fire. Some of the
instructions to be given in this regard are
1. Wear cotton clothes to cover the body so as to protect from radiated

and convection heat, which usually keeps the fire fighter at bay.
2. Wear headgear and goggles to protect the head and eyes from
radiated heat, flying embers and sparks.
3. Use footwear, preferably of leather, while fire fighting.
4. Carry enough quantity of water to guard against desiccation by heat.
5. Keep a First Aid Kit with the team while going to fight fire.
6. Even though casualties of men during forest fires are rare in Kerala,
there are such cases reported in Eravikulam where the raging and
fast moving grass fires change speed and direction with the
changes in wind direction. Therefore, in any fire situation, watch the
fire intensity and plan for an escape route in case of danger.
7. Keep communication effective between fire fighters while combating

fire.
8. Remember that the air near the forest floor is heavier, cooler and
fresher.
188
9. In case the fire fighter is surrounded by fire, find out the escape
route, and shield the body with any non-conducting, non-burning
material.
2.8.4 Early burning: In order to avoid severe damage due to late fires,
early burning is recommended. While doing early burns, the following
procedure has to be complied with. Burning should be completed by end
of January when the vegetation is still green. As far as possible engage
tribals as they are experienced in this work running has to be carried out
early in the morning or late in the evening only. This is to avoid accidental
spread of fire. Burning should be commenced from top of a hill. Early
burning should not be attempted on windy days.
Command structure with units of command will be specified for

each strategy. Illustration of this and positioning of machinery, equipment
and manpower will be annexed to the plan for quick, efficient and on the
spot organization of fire fighting teams. Data will be gathered on the
sources of secondary support such as the voluntary fire fighters, NGOs,
organization etc.
Prescriptions
1. Fire tracing shall be completed by December.
2. Command structures shall be established at the following places:
Neriyamangalam Range: Pattimudi, Anakandakoomban, Enthalampara,

Vazhathooval, Varayattumudi, Muthumudi.
Adimaly Range: Thamburanthandu, Suriyamudi, Moothassari, Illithandu,

Pathani Munnar Rage: Nayamakadu, Mattupetty, Pettimudi
Devikulam Range: Chinnacanal, Devikulam, Udumbanchola.
All the command structures as proposed above will be established during

the first two year of the plan period. In addition to the above places,
command structures can be had on other places also if deemed
necessary.
3. Fire – monitoring cells: also will be established during the fire season,
one each in every Range, with a master unit at the Division head quarters,
to co-ordinate and monitor the activities. The mobile quad at Division head
quarters will be equipped as the master – monitoring cell.
4. Fire Management plan: Fire management plan to be in place by

November end.
5. Circulars: Circular and guide lines issued from time to time by the
Department shall be strictly followed. Copy of recent circular issued from
the department as Appendix – L.
189
6. Participatory fire protection strategy shall be adopted where ever
possible.
2.9 PREVENTION OF GANJA CULTIVATION

Cultivation of Ganja is a major cause of forest destruction. The
interior and inaccessible forests that are normally undisturbed are selected
and clear felled for carrying out Ganja cultivation. The activity is generally
carried out by the settlers of Idukki District and gullible tribals are also
used for the purpose. The cultivators are normally armed and camp inside
the forests. During this period they engage in poaching, illicit felling and
illicit brewing. In the process, they set fire to forests. The higher altitudes of
Devikulam and Munnar Ranges like Pappathishola, Silent Valley and
Edamalakkudy are some of the Ganja prone areas. Ganja cultivation sites
are difficult to locate. The details of ganja raids conducted during the last
five years given in Appendix – LI. This gives an idea about the possible
site and the intensity of such illicit activity. If ganja is detected; it should be
destroyed after taking the samples and drawing up necessary mahazar as
required by law.
Prescriptions
1. Intensive patrolling and regular monitoring camps shall be

organised in Ganja prone areas and particularly in sites mentioned
in Appendix – LI.
2. Camp sheds shall be constructed in vulnerable areas and put to

effective use. Sites suggested for construction are Mulakuthara,
Meenkuthy, Edappara, Keezhpalayampara and Swamimala.
3. Informants shall be rewarded.
2.10 MANAGEMENT OF WEEDS

Gregarious growth of the exotic weeds like lantana, Mikania and
eupatorium prevent regeneration of natural seedlings and result in loss of
biodiversity. Idallypara, Mulakuthara, Meenkuthy, Ambalapara, Puthukudy
in Munnar Range, Kambiline area, Pambla, Agamanam, Eanthapara,
Mezhukumaly in Neriyamangalam Range Avarkutty, Parappara, in
Adimaly Range are the areas severly affected by Mikania. Eupatorium and
lantana are also present in degraded patches like Kattamudy, Thumbipara,
and Thattekanni etc. Operations like uprooting of lantana and eupatorium,
eradication of Mikania, etc. shall be done in natural forest area and in
young plantations where weeds have affected the development of planted
seedlings. The areas weeded will be surveyed and shown in the map of
the treatment area.
190
Prescription
Invasive alien species such as Mimosa diplotricha, Mikania

macarntha, Eupatorium etc. shall be removed.
2.11 CONTROLLING OF GRAZING

Grazing is another cause of degradation of forests. The people
residing adjacent to the forests have the habit of keeping live stock which
grazes in the adjoining forest land. This will invite fire in dry season.
The activities of Animal Husbandry department which distribute

cattle and goats to the people in the fringe areas should be co-coordinated
through the FDA. For this purpose intensive fodder production and pasture
development in degraded forest areas and in non-forest lands can be
carried out by the VSS.
Prescription
The institution of FDA and VSS shall co-ordinate with the local
inhabitants proactively to promote stall feeding of cattle so that cattle
movement in forest areas for grazing is kept under check.
2.12 FIREWOOD COLLECTION

The pressure of firewood collection can be reduced by raising fuel
wood plantations in fringe area of the forests and in non-forestlands by
VSS.
Prescription
Technologies that reduce firewood consumption like solar cookers,

smokeless choolas, ramification of cooking gas and bio-gas plants can be
encouraged.
2.13 COMMUNICATION NET WORK

Strengthening of communication net work is an essential
component of forest protection. Already land phone connections are
available in Division office all Range Offices. Wireless communication
facilities /Cell phones have to be provided to staff in remote locations. At
remote areas like Edamalakkudy cell phone is not accessible.
191
Prescription
1. A central wireless station has to be functioned at Munnar and a

repeater station at Edamalakkudy.
2. A wireless station (base) at Kaithachal
3. Awareness campaign to be conducted for fringe villagers and

other stakeholders.
4. Forest staff and fire control gangs to be constituted at strategic

locations
5. Communications instruments such as mobile phones to be

issued to frontline staff.
2. 14 ROADS AND TREK PATHS

Jeep- able coup roads and trek paths have very important roll in
effective protection. This Division is having network of roads but all the
roads are not maintained annually. List of coup roads in Division area is
given in Table No. 33. The list of trek path in plan area is given in table 45.
Trek paths in Munnar Range starting from Pullumedu (Pettimudi) to
Puthukkudy and Puthukkudy to Aanakkulam are the only accessible paths
for inhabitants of Edamalakkudy hamlets and for Forest officials. Bridge
across the stream in Neryamangalam Colomba road is fully damaged.
This coup road leads to boundary of Thattekkadu Birds Sanctuary and it
has major role in protection of this area.
Prescriptions
1) Coupe roads and trek paths shall be maintained once in a year.
2) It is necessary that the bridge be repaired or a concrete chappath is

constructed in the Neriamangalam Colomba road.
2.15 UP- GRADATION OF PROFESSIONAL & TECHNICAL

SKILL OF STAFF
For increasing the efficiency of staff, human resource development
department has an important role. Since the role of forest management
has shifted its focus from forest protection to conservation of biodiversity
through participation, the related skills have to be developed among the
department staff through training. The field staff should be thorough with
the concept and practice of PFM, preparation of micro plan, conducting
PRA, etc. Management of NWFP is another field where training is
required.
192
Prescription
Training shall be imparted to the front line staff in the use of

equipments like GPS, Computers, use of modern survey equipments, PFM
activities, NWFP management, investigation and charging of offences, etc.
2.16 STRENGTHENING, PROTECTION AND IMPROVING

AMENITIES TO STAFF
Prescriptions
For improving the performance of the protective staff, the following

suggestions are made:-
1. Out posts at Panamakutty and Edamalakkudy with necessary

staff may be created.
2. Construction of new head quarters buildings at Mukkadam for

Mukkudam section and at Chempakapara for Perinjankutty
Station.
3. Construction of permanent anti-poaching camp sheds Avarakutty

and Kaithachal with elephant proof trenches. Increase the staff
strength of Mukkudam and Perinjankutty section.
4. Supplying necessary arms and ammunition to staff as per

requirement decided by the Divisional Forest Officer.
193
CHAPTER – III
PLANTATION WORKING CIRCLE

INTRODUCTION
This Working Circle covers all the plantations in Munnar Division. A
major extent of 4766.72 hectares is under pulp wood plantations such as
Eucalyptus, Wattle, Pine and Alnus. Munnar Forest Division is one of the
major pulpwood producing areas in Kerala.
Table – 50 – Distribution of Plantations in various categories of land
Sl. Revenue
Species R. F CHR KDH Total(ha)
No Land
1 Teak 453.843 317.380 - - 771.223
2 Eucalyptus 526.89 153.97 1593.58 - 2274.44
3 Wattle - - 1215.79 105.00 1320.79
423.00
4 Pine - - 62.00 62.00
Assigned
5 Alnus - - 61.60 - 61.60
6 Matti 116.84 40.00 - - 156.84
Mixed Plantation
7 66.02 - 643.50 - 709.52
(pulpwood)
Miscellaneous
8 1058.76 - - - 1058.76
plantation
9 Elavu 20.99 - - - 20.99
10 Bamboo 267.45 - - - 267.45
11 Grevilia 80.32 - 15.00 - 95.32
Total 2591.113 511.35 3591.47 105.00 6798.933
3.1 GENERAL CONSTITUTION

Pulpwood species like Eucalyptus, Pine and Alnus have been
raised mainly in interior high elevation grass lands and also after clear
felling degraded patches of natural forests or in encroachment evicted
areas in Ranges like Adimaly. Some plantations have been raised and
handed over by Social Forestry wing. Teak and other miscellaneous
species have been raised only in low elevation areas of Adimaly and
Neriamangalam Ranges.
195
Table – 51 – Range-wise distribution of plantations area
Sl. Range Teak Pulpwood Softwood Miscellaneous Total(ha)

No
1. Adimaly 335.38 687.97 182.82 431.74 1637.91
2. Neriamangalam 435.84 265.34 75.35 500.88 1277.41
3. Munnar 0 1734.74 61.6 126.14 1922.48
4. Devikulam 0 1946.15 15.00 0 1961.15
Total 771.22 4634.2 334.77 1058.76 6798.95

1. Optimising suystainable productivity of plantations.
2. To enhance employment opportunities for the forest dependent

communities.
3.A Teak
3.A.1 General Description: Teak plantations are confined mostly to lower

hills in Adimaly and Neriamangalam Ranges. All the teak standing in Adimaly
Range is generally poor in growth, quality and stock. Most of these
plantations are raised in the encroachment-evicted areas of Cardamom Hill
Reserve and Malayattoor Reserve. These areas are very poor in soil fertility
due to soil erosion consequent to unscientific method of cultivation by the
encroachers for the production of agricultural crops like tapioca, ginger,
plantain, etc. In Neriamangalam Range also most of the teak plantations are
of poor quality in growth and stock except for some patches here and there.
Plantations raised on the river and stream banks are of reasonably good
growth. Thinning has never been done in most of these plantations due to
poor growth. The list of Teak plantation is given in Table No. 52.
Table – 52 – Teak Plantations in Munnar Division
Sl. Extent Remarks GPS Sy. -2009)

Range Location Year
No (ha)
1 Neriamangalam Neriamangalam 1952 8.82 Average stock 10.9853
2 Neriamangalam Mezhukumaly 1962 42.02 37.0828
3 Neriamangalam Colombay 1963 67.20 79.9169
4 Neriamangalam Valara 1963 6.860 Poor stock 6.860
5 Adimaly Ponmudy 1965 115.380 Average stock 115.38
6 Neriamangalam Ranikallu 1966 42.96 42.1678
7 Neriamangalam Munipara 1976 52.060 33.082
196
Sl. Extent Remarks GPS Sy. -2009)
Range Location Year
No (ha)
Average stock.
Actual extent
232.149 effective
area 135.014 Ha.
8 Neriamangalam Pambla 1975 140.04 135.014
17.5 Ha. was
transferred to
Periyar Hydro
Electric Project.
9 Neriamangalam Manniam 1977 13.930 Failed 13.930
10 Adimaly Perinjankutty 1978 202.00 202.00
11 Neriamangalam Chembankuzhi 1984 2.00 3.0131
12 Neriamangalam Neendapara 1984 13.60 11.0348
13 Neriamangalam Thattekanni 1984 43.180 Failed plantation 43.180
14 Neriamangalam Kanjiraveli 1986 10.00 10.1271
15 Adimaly Kattamudi 1996 18.00 Failed plantation 18.00
16 Neriamangalam Thattekanni 2000 6.00 Failed plantation 6.00
17 Neriamangalam Agamanam 2006 2.90 3.45
Total 786.95 771.223
3A.2. Special objects of Managements
1. To maintain and improve the productivity of existing plantations by

intensive scientific management using appropriate modern
silvicultural techniques.
2. To increase the productive potential of the site by appropriate site

quality improvement program.
3A.3 Pests and Parasites: The following are the major pests that cause
considerable damage.
(a) Stem Borer - Alcterogystia cadambae (Moore) {Cossus cadambae}
The caterpillars of these insect pests are wood boring in habit and
attack standing trees, riddling the wood with larval tunnels and often
causing die back which is seen especially in younger plantations. Several
caterpillars attack the same tree simultaneously at different points or the
affected tree may be subjected to re-infestation in the succeeding years.
Trees weakened as a result of mechanical injuries are more susceptible to
attack by the caterpillars. The affected trees are rendered unfit for any
commercial use and it results in total destruction of timber. Since most of
the Teak Plantations are located adjacent to the human habitations,
protection of trees from mechanical injuries is very essential to prevent
attack by this pest.
197
(b) Sapling borer - Sahyadrassus malabaricus
This pest is a sapling borer of teak. Research studies conducted by

KFRI, Peechi revealed that the white muscardine fungus (Beauveria
bassiana) can be used as bio control agent to control this pest.
(c) Defoliator - Hyblaea puera
This insect was recognized as a pest of teak nearly 100 years ago
by Bourdillon (1898). The larvae of this pest attack teak stands and feeds
on the tender foliage of the trees. Defoliation of the teak stands due to the
attack of this pest is a regular annual feature in the teak bearing areas. It
occurs in this tract too. Pure stands over extensive areas are more
susceptible to the attack. The studies showed that the defoliation caused
by the pest resulted in loss of up to 40% of the potential volume increment.
The loss depends up on the season and duration of attack. In spite of the
long history of researches about this problem, no effective control
measures have been formulated and the problem continues as before.
Kerala Forest Research Institute has developed a bio-control method
using baculovirus (HPNPV) to prevent the spread of the infestation, which
commences with the onset of monsoon. This is being tested and the
results are encouraging. This bio-control method may be adopted in teak
plantation of this tract also.
(d) Skeletonizer - Eutectona machaeralis
The caterpillar of this pest eats the leaf lamina, leaving the veins
and vein lets. The pest attacks the whole crop and causes severe loss in
increment. In this case also no effective control measures have been
formulated till this date. Relatively, loss due to Skeletonizer attack is not
very severe.
3A.4 Weeds and climbers: Weeds retard the growth of younger plants
by depriving them of light and space. Lantana camara, Eupatorium
chinensis and Mikania etc. are the common weeds besides other
miscellaneous unwanted growth. The teak Plantations in Adimaly and
Neriamangalam Ranges are highly infested with these species and with
woody climbers like Calycopteris floribunda, Enteda scandens etc. These
weeds, especially grass, increase the chance of fire occurrences in the
plantations and adjoining natural forests.
3A.5 Felling series: As there is only Plantation due for final felling, hence
there cannot be any felling series.
3A.6. Analysis and Valuation of Crop: 5% enumeration has been done

in the teak plantations by laying baseline and regular strips perpendicular
to that for assessment of growing stock. The result of stock mapping is
given in Appendix – XXXIV. It gives the details of growing stock in terms
of poles, timber and firewood.
198
3A.7. Site Quality of Plantations: The site quality of the plantations of
Munnar Division is predominantly III/IV. Average site quality of teak
plantations in Kerala is based on the mean total yield, was recently
assessed to be III/IV compared with All India yield tables in FRI & C, 1970
(Teak plantations In Kerala – An Economic Review by Dr. Mammen
Chundamannil published as FORSPA publication No. 24/2000 “Site,
Technology and Productivity of Teak Plantations” edited by T. Enters and
CTS Nair, FAO, Bangkok, 2000).
3A.8. Silvicultural System
1. Artificial regeneration after clear felling
2. Misc. species growing as second storey will be encouraged in the

teak plantations to improve site quality, but will not be allowed to
compete with teak.
3A.9 Rotation: The Government of Kerala vide G.O (Rt) No. 525/93/F&
WLD dated 04/12/1993 has fixed the rotation of teak plantations to be 60
years. Hence the same is prescribed here. 1952 Teak Plantation at
Neriamangalam is the only plantation due for final felling during the Plan
period and it will be due for final felling during the year 2012. It has an
extent of 8.82 hectares. Site quality is III/IV. The site is surrounded by
habitations notorious for encroachment of forest lands. There is every
likelihood that if 1952 teak plantation is clearfelled, it may face attempts of
encroachments by the local inhabitants. There is profuse growth of
miscellaneous trees in this plantation. The presence of undergrowth of
cane, regeneration of various tree species and the miscellaneous tree
growth in the plantation area gives the site an appearance of natural
forest.
Prescription - The 1952 teak plantation shall be retained as such during

the Working Plan period.
3A.10 Regeneration
3A.11 Conservation of Soil and Moisture: The slash can be collected

and heaped along the contours so that they will act as contour bunds,
regulating and easing the run off and preventing soil wash. Within a short
period, terraces along the contour will be formed and they can be
fashioned with an inward slop so as to ensure effective protection. This will
help improve the water regime. Platform (60 cm 60 cm x 30 cm) at cutting
edge with inward slope will be provided around the seedlings for moisture
conservation and will be maintained during second and third year. Model
estimates regime for various activities as approved by the Department
may be followed.
3A.12 Subsidiary Silvicultural Operations
3A.12.1 Thinning: Teak plantations in the division have not been

subjected to thinning in the past because of labour issues. These issues
199
need to be sorted out and thinnings carried out so that the quality of timber
can be improved. Year of thinnings is given below in Table No. 53.
Table – 53 –Plantations due for thinning during the plan period
Sl. Site Av. No. Schedule Area (ha)

Range Location Year Extent
No Quality of trees of thinning GPS Sy. 2009
1 Neriamangalam Mezhukumaly 1962 40.02 II & III 240 2010-11 37.0828
2 Neriamangalam Colombay 1963 67.2 II & III 330 2010-11 79.9169
3 Adimaly Ponmudy 1965 115.38 III & IV 450 2011-12
4 Neriamangalam Ranikallu 1966 42.96 I,II,III & IV 243 2012-13 42.1678
5 Neriamangalam Munipara 1976 52.06 II & III 220 2012-13 33.082
232.149
6 Neriamangalam Pambla 1975 140.04 III & IV 420 2013-14 Effective area
135.014
7 Neriamangalam Kanjiraveli 1986 10 II,III & IV 820 2013-14 10.1271
8 Neriamangalam Aagamanam 2006 2.9 - 2200 2016-17 2.9
784.95 ha
Table – 54 – Number of trees /ha to be retained at each thinning
Site quality Site quality Site quality Site quality Site quality
I II III IV V
Age
(yrs) Espace Espace Espace Espace Espace
No of No of No of No of No of
ment ment ment ment ment
trees trees trees trees trees
(m) (m) (m) (m) (m)
5 1111 2.8x2.8 1111 2.8x2.8 1111 2.8x2.8
3.8 x
10 625 4x4 700 775 3.6x3.6 1250 2.8x2.8
3.8
3.6 x
15 400 5x5 500 4.5x4.5 600 4x4 750 1250 2.8x2.8
3.6
20 275 6x6 325 5.5x5.5 400 5x5 600 4x4 775 3.6x3.6
30 175 7.5x7.5 220 6.7x6.7 275 6x6 400 5x5 600 4x4
40 125 9x9 155 8x8 205 7x7 275 6x6 400 5x5
3A.12.2 Prescriptions for thinning
1. Thinnings shall be carried out as follows:
5th year Mechanical
10th year Silvicultural
40th year Silvicultural (final thinning)
60th year final felling
200
2. It is prescribed that the thinning be completed in all the plantations
before the end of November and the produce be sold before the
next fire season.
3. The intensity of thinning proposed is ‘C’ grade as majority of the

plantations in the Division fall under the category III and IV. This
grade of thinning is limited to the removal of dead, dying, wind
fallen, whippy, moribund, malformed etc. Thinning, espacement and
number of trees to be retained have to be strictly observed.
4. Misc. species, except those growing in the gaps in canopy, shall be

removed during thinning operations.
5. 1977 Manniam, 1984 Kodakkal Thattekkanni and 1984 Thattekkani,

1996 Kattamudi, 2000 Thattekanni are failed plantations. There is
profuse growth of natural regeneration. It is prescribed to convert
these plantations as natural forest and these plantations may be
deleted from list of plantations. If any gap is available those area
shall be planted with indigenous species and fruit bearing species
like Rosewood, Poovam, Venteak, Thanni, Mavu, Chadachi, Njaval,
Plavu, Anjili, Venga, Kumbil, Ambazham etc.
3A.12.3 Marking for thinning: Marking is required for all thinnings except
1st mechanical thinning. Since marking is a judicious operation, it should
be done by an experienced Forester, under the supervision of the Forest
Range Officer with periodical inspection by Divisional Forest Officer. All
the dead, dying, wind fallen, whippy, moribund, wolf and malformed trees
should be marked for felling. Sample plots in representative areas should
be taken and trees to be felled should be marked. The balance trees may
be counted and compared with the table prescribed and additional
marking may be resorted to if found necessary.
All climbers and loranthus found on the retained trees should be cut
as part of the thinning operations. Marking register should be maintained
for all plantations taken up for thinning. Utmost care should be taken to
avoid damage to standing trees during felling.
The Tables No. 53 showing the number of trees to be retained

after each thinning for different site qualities and average spacing between
trees are given below for reference to the marking officer who should
exercise his discretion in deciding the No. of trees required for retention or
removal as per the All India Quality Class Table.
Prescription for plantations KDH lands
The Plantation raised in KDH land would not be extracted until completion
the the process of notification of the areas as Reserved forest.
201
3B. Eucalyptus
3B.1 General Description: Most of the Eucalyptus Plantations were

raised for afforesting the grasslands resumed from the Kannan Devan Hill
area. The species used is Eucalyptus grandis. The pulpwood from these
plantations is the major raw material for HNL. Many of these plantations
are under stocked due to regular annual wild fire, damages caused by wild
life and poor soil conditions. Natural regeneration of the species from the
seeds is hardly found, which necessitates artificial regeneration. Details of
Eucalyptus plantations in the Division are given in Table No.55.
Table – 55 – Eucalyptus Plantations in Munnar Division
Status of
Sl. No Range Plantation Year Extent (ha) Remarks
land
1 Devikulam Kuttiarvally 1965 8.900 Handed over to KDH
Munnar Range
for Fern
Sanctuary
2 Adimaly Ponmudi 1966 57.000 Failed CHR
3 Devikulam Ka- Block 1974 83.000 Extracted by KDH
M/S HNL during
1999-2000.
Coppice
maintained.
4 Adimaly Kurathikudi 1982 30.000 Failed RF
5 Adimaly Chinnapara 1983 38.800 Failed RF
6 Adimaly Perinjamkutty 1984 40.000 Failed CHR
7 Adimaly Porkinthotty 1984 25.00 Poor stock RF
8 Adimaly Kattamudy 1985 33.000 Poor stock RF
9 Adimaly Mezhukumchal 1985 16.000 Poor stock RF
10 Neriamangalam Padikkappu 1986 13.600 Failed RF
11 Munnar Rajamala 1986 5.000 Failed KDH
12 Munnar Rajamala 1986 15.000 - KDH
13 Munnar Munnar 1986 0.500 Failed KDH
14 Adimaly Kaithachal 1989 12.00 Failed RF
15 Adimaly Marakanam 1990 43.40 Failed RF
16 Adimaly Ponmudi 1990 36.000 - CHR
17 Adimaly Mezhukumchal 1990 6.730 - RF
18 Neriyamangalam Muniyarachal 1993 14.00 Good stock RF
19 Adimaly Plackayam 1993 37.50 Failed RF
20 Devikulam Kacheriland 1994 22.000 Replanting of 63 KDH
plantation
21 Adimaly Kaithachal & 1994 63.360 - RF
Kathipara
22 Munnar Puthukudy 1994 10.000 Failed RF
plantation
23 Munnar Kallar 1995 41.000 (Extraction work KDH
started)
24 Munnar Pettimudi 1996 75.000 - KDH
25 Munnar Oosimala 1996 59.900 - KDH
202
Status of
land
28 Devikulam Uppersantos 1997 30.00 - KDH
29 Munnar Kallar 1999 4.800 - KDH
30 Munnar Pambanmala 1999 3.150 - KDH
31 Munnar Sholamala 1999 2.560 - KDH
32 Adimaly Manjakuzhi 1999 50.000 Failed RF
plantation
33 Devikulam Ka-block 1999 153.000 Replanting of KDH
1974 plantation
34 Devikulam Kacheriland 1999 11.970 Replanting of KDH
1963 plantation
35 Devikulam Kacheriland 1999 7.200 - KDH
36 Adimaly Pettimudi 2000 30.500 Average stock RF
37 Munnar Gundumala 2000 3.500 - KDH
39 Devikulam Devimala 2000 4.500 - KDH
40 Devikulam Theerthamala 2000 7.500 - KDH
sandoz
41 Devikulam Grahamsland 2000 7.500 - KDH
42 Devikulam Kundala sandoz 2000 25.000 - KDH
43 Devikulam Ka- Block 2001 71.000 - KDH
44 Devikulam Theerthamala 2001 7.500 - KDH
45 Devikulam Kuttiyar 2001 35.000 - KDH
46 Munnar Upper 2001 14.000 - KDH
Gundumala
47 Munnar Upper 2001 20.800 - KDH
Gundumala
48 Munnar Shola mala 2001 4.370 - KDH
49 Munnar Kadukumudi 2001 5.200 - KDH
50 Munnar Vayalkkadavu 2001 4.000 - KDH
52 Devikulam Cape 2002 4.000 Extracted by KDH
HNL during
2001.Replanting
of 1962 PLN
53 Devikulam Pazhathottam 2002 6.000 Two bits KDH
(lower)
54 Devikulam Yellapetty 2002 2.67 KDH
55 Devikulam Yellapetty 2002 7.50 - KDH
56 Munnar Laktchmi 2002 8.000 - KDH
59 Devikulam Gundmala 2002 7.50 - KDH
60 Munnar Thenmalai 2003 9.50 - KDH
203
Status of
land
62 Munnar Lekshmi 2003 4.000 - KDH
64 Devikulam Kurisumutta- 2003 26.500 - KDH
Sailent valley-
bit-I
65 Devikulam Kurisumutta- 2003 4.700 - KDH
Sailant valley- bit II
66 Devikulam Upper 2003 14.200 - KD
Chettuvurai
67 Devikulam Paniyarappara 2003 16.320 - KDH
bit I
68 Devikulam Paniyarappara 2003 12.120 - KDH
bit II
72 Munnar Kadalar 2004 9.800 - KDH
73 Munnar Nagamudy 2004 2.600 - KDH
74 Munnar Sevenmala 2004 2.730 - KDH
75 Munnar Thenmala 2004 14.450 - KDH
76 Devikulam Kundala 2004 23.930 - KDH
Randavanakudy
77 Devikulam Chokkanandu 2004 23.370 - KDH
78 Devikulam Nedumpullumutta 2004 15.020 - KDH
79 Devikulam Chettuvarai 2004 12.720 - KDH
80 Devikulam Chettuvarai 2004 1.60 - KDH
81 Devikulam Odikey 2004 7.810 - KDH
Devikulam
82 Adimaly Kaithachal 2004 14.60 - RF
84 Munnar Mattupetty 2005 3.70 - KDH
th
85 Munnar 8 Mile 2005 3.42 - KDH
(Neyamakadu)
86 Munnar Mattupetty 2005 3.70 - KDH
87 Munnar Kannimala 2005 7.67 - KDH
Gundumala (A)
88 Munnar Kundumala (B) 2005 13.74 - KDH
89 Munnar Lakshmi 2005 4.94 - KDH
90 Munnar Kannimala Top 2005 2.26 - KDH
91 Munnar Nagamudi 2005 1.78 - KDH
92 Munnar Sevanmala 2005 4.59 - KDH
93 Adimaly Pettimudy 2005 31.50 Average stock RF
94 Adimaly Kaithachal 2005 10.30 Average Stock RF
95 Adimaly Thalamaly 2005 4.60 Average Stock RF
96 Devikulam Erattayarkallu 2005 21.76 - KDH
97 Devikulam Yellapetty 2005 13.27 - KDH
204
Status of
land
98 Devikulam Thogupara 2005 7.79 - KDH
99 Devikulam ODK 2005 3.78 - KDH
100 Devikulam Yellapetty- 2005 5.67 KDH
Karinkulam
101 Devikulam Pallar- Aruvikadu 2005 11.64 - KDH
102 Devikulam Kacheriland 2006 9.51 Augmented KDH
area
103 Devikulam Kacheriland 2006 7.32 Augmented KDH
area
104 Munnar Kallar 2006 39.00 - KDH
105 Munnar Sevenmala 2007 15.80 - KDH
106 Devikulam Chokramudi- 2007 10.24 - KDH
Chokkanadu
107 Adimaly Ponmudi 2007 15.80 Average Stock CHR
108 Adimaly Ponmudi 2007 5.17 Average Stock CHR
109 Adimaly Plakkayam 2007 42.00 Average Stock RF
110 Devikulam Senkoinikudy in 2008 13.00 - KDH
Gundumala
111 Devikulam Urulichola 2008 4.00 - KDH
112 Munnar Idilimutta 2008 13.60 - KDH
113 Munnar Vattapara 2008 38.80 - KDH
114 Munnar Idilimotta 4 Bits 2009 57.45 - KDH
115 Devikulam Pazhathottam 2009 20.62 - KDH
Total 2274.44
Two eucalyptus plantations raised in KDH land (Kuttiyarvalley 1999

-54.36 ha, Kuttiyarvalley 2006- 52.27 ha) has been allotted for house plots.
3B. 2 Pests and diseases:
The following diseases are seen occurring in eucalyptus plantations of this

Division
(a) Pink Disease:- It is caused by the fungus Corticium salmonicolor. This

fungus is common in high humidity locations. Kerala especially
Munnar area known to have high relative humidity during rainy
season. A pink colour will appear due to its infection, and in the end
causes heavy mortality of seedlings and young coppice shoots.
(b) Leaf shoot blights:- It is caused by the fungus Cylindrocladium.

Besides fire and establishment failures, this disease has much
adverse impact on the productivity of plantations.
(c) Little leaf disease:- It is caused by virus. The infected trees remain
stunted and sterile. The trees suffer extreme reduction of leaves and
excess sprouting of axillary buds. It is observed commonly in
Eucalyptus plantations of Munnar areas. Even though the disease is
not devastating at present, it has become a noticeable threat due to
205
the expansion of planting area and uncontrolled growth of vector
population.
(d) Termites:- Termites cause damage during early establishment period

of eucalyptus seedlings. It can be controlled using pesticide
Chloropyrafos which is recommended by KFRI. The pesticide
application is recommended in root trainers before planting the
seedlings in the field.
3B.3 Weeds:- Eupatorium chinensis and Lantana camara are the common
weeds occurring in Eucalyptus plantations of this Division.
3B.4 Analysis and Valuation of Crop: 5% Enumeration was conducted

in Eucalyptus Plantations and the details of the stock are given in
Appendix – XXXVIII.
3B.5 Silviculture System: Silvicultural system is clear felling in the eighth

year followed by harvest of first coppice crop in the 16th year and second
one in the 24th year. After three crops the site will be replanted with
Eucalyptus. Augmentation will be done in gap with same species if stock
percentage is less than 40.
3B.6 Rotation: Considering the economic aspect and shortage of raw

materials to pulpwood industries the rotation age of Eucalypts in Kerala
has been fixed as 6 years. Presently there is enough supply of pulpwood
materials available in the state and therefore demand for pulpwood by
HNL has gone down considerably. Keeping this in mind it is prescribed to
fix the rotation age at eight years. Replanting may be done after two
coppice crops.
3B.7 Time of felling: Systematic scientific studies were carried out to

determine the best season for coppice felling of Eucalyptus grandis. These
studies indicate that the period from January to April is the best season for
coppicing.
3B.8 Method of felling: Each plantation earmarked for felling can be

termed as one coupe. Felling should always commence from one end of
the coupe and progress systematically to the other end preferably starting
from hilltop to the valley. Felling should be done as close to the base of the
trees as possible using saw only and the cut should be even and sloping.
While felling, the cut should be so made as to direct the fall of the tree
without damaging other stumps or the stool of the fallen tree. The
Eucalyptus stumps should have the bark in tact and free from damages by
way of splitting, peeling or crushing. The surroundings of the stump should
always be clean. The slashes, twigs, bark and other debris shall be
arranged in between the stools, along the contours. It may also be
ensured that no debris should be deposited around or on any stump.
Felling should in no way endanger the adjoining crop. The collected billets
should be removed from the compartment within a week after conversion
so as to avoid possible damage to the coppice shoots.
206
3B.9 Felling Rules: The following felling rules should be observed in all
Eucalyptus Coupes.
1. The felling coupe should be divided into small compartments/strips,

not exceeding 10ha. In extent in order to confine the operations to one
strip at a time. Transport of materials from the strip can be started
only when stacking and check measurement in that strip is completed.
While transportation of material from one strip is in progress, felling
may be permitted in the next strip except in the one adjacent from
where the transportation is going on. Each plantation will be treated
as a felling coupe.
2. Felling should commence from the top of the slope and should
proceed in a systematic manner.
3. Felling should be done with a sharp instrument. Trees should be cut

as near to the base as possible. Stumps should not be more than
20cm in height on the uphill side and cut should be slanting to prevent
water stagnating on the stump surface.
4. Care should be taken to see that no damage is caused to the bark of

the stump or coppice shoots while felling and to the trees that are to
be retained. Billeting should be done with saw only.
5. Materials down to a girth of 15cm under bark at the thin end should be
collected.
6. Materials collected should be stacked in Standard preferred sizes and

serially numbered.
7. Stumps shall not be dressed or trimmed after felling.
3B.10 Subsidiary Silvicultural Operations: In the case of coppice

regeneration, it is better to retain vigorously growing shoots. The removal
of weak and less vigorous shoots helps the retained good ones to make
full use of the nutrients through the well-established parent root system.
Pulpwood stands suffer much for want of timely and proper cultural
operation like clearing grass, Eupatorium, Lantana, Climbers and other
unwanted growth, which affect the growth and establishment of the
seedlings and coppice shoots. Adequate number of weedings as and
when required should be carried out enabling the young seedlings and
coppice shoots for their quick field establishment and putting on growth.
One weeding each in second and third year is proposed in plantation
having heavy growth of weeds and climbers.
3B.11 Artificial regeneration: For planting an espacement of 2 m x 2 m is

prescribed. The area should be cleared off all slash and debris. Aligning
and staking and pitting of 30 cm3 pits should be completed during the
summer season itself. A basketed/root trainer seedling of 30 cm height is
to be planted in the pits after disinfecting the pits with appropriate
pesticides, during the onset of Southwest monsoon in the month of June.
207
The seedling should be watched carefully for fungal and other infections
during the rainy season, and in case of any such attack appropriate
remedial measures are to be taken in consultation with the Scientists of
KFRI. Once the planting is over the area is checked for casualties and the
casualties are replaced immediately.
3B.12 Manuring: Bio-fertilisers may be used wherever required after soil

testing by competent authority.
3B.13 Plantations with clonal plantlets: It is a fact that good clonal

plantations yield better than the seed origin plantations. It is better to
introduce clonal plantations, which are high yielding compared to the
conventional plantations. Thus clonal propagation serves as an important
tool in tree improvement programme used for multiplying desirable trees
without genetic segregation. Clonal option through rooting of cuttings
offers substantial advantages over seed based plants viz. higher
productivity, faster growth rates, uniformity, better quality wood and higher
economic returns from plantations. This technology should be utilized to
maximum extent.
In Adimaly Range some eucalyptus plantations raised in Reserved

Forests and CHR has failed and there is profuse growth of reeds, bamboo
and other miscellaneous tree species. List of such plantations is given in
Table No. 55. All these plantations have completed rotation age.
In newly raised 2007 Plakkayam in Reserved Forests (46 Ha), 2007

Variyanichengulakadu (15 Ha) Pathinanjekkar 2007 Ponmudi (5 Ha)
plantations in CHR the survival is very less. KFRI has conducted
inspections in these plantations and arrived at a decision that the failure is
due to infestation by the gall insect Leptocybe invasa. Copy of their study
report is given in Appendix – LII. These plantations were raised in
encroachment evicted area in CHR and Reserve Forest and where highly
vulnerable for further encroachment. These plantations areas show good
regeneration of local species and bamboos.
Prescriptions
1. The failed eucalyptus plantations (474.49 ha.) and insect infected

plantations (62 ha.) would be tended under ANR for inducing
natural regeneration after extracting the eucalyptus if extraction is
commercially viable. Indigeneous fruit bearing and NWFP species
like Kumbil, Koovalam, Marotti, Njaval, Gacenia, Plavu, Mavu, etc.
and timber specis like Hopea would be planted. List of such
plantations and schedule of felling are given in Table No. 56.
2. Ecorestoration works shall be done in Eucalyptus plantations

adjacent to Eravikulam National Park (200.24 ha.) for converting the
area to shola grass land ecosystem.
3. Balance area may be extracted every year during the plan period as
per the schedule given in Appendix – LIII.
208
4. Plantations which have completed third rotation shall be replanted
with genetically superior seedlings.
Table – 56 –Plantations to be extracted and replanted with natural

species
Sl. Year of
Range Location Year Extent Remarks Status
No Extraction
1 Adimaly Ponmudi 1966 57.00 Failed CHR 2010-11
2 Adimaly Marakanam 1990 43.00 Failed RF 2011-12
3 Adimaly Kaithachal 1989 12.00 Failed RF
2012-13
4 Adimaly Kurathikudi 1982 30.000 Failed RF
5 Adimaly Porkinthotty 1884 25.00 Failed RF
2013-14
2014-15
8 Neriyamangalam Padicup 1986 13.60 Failed RF
2015-16
10 Adimaly Mezhukumchal 1985 16.000 Poor stock RF
11 Adimaly Ponmudi 1990 36.000 - CHR 2016-17
12 Adimaly Mezhukumchal 1990 6.730 - RF
13 Munnar Puthukudy 1994 10.00 Failed R.F 2017-18
14 Adimaly Majakuzhi 1999 50.00 Failed RF
15 Adimaly Kaithachal 1994 63.36 Failed RF 2018-19
Total 474.49
Eucalyptus Plantations adjacent to Eravikulam National Park

proposed for ecorestoration
Sl.
Range Location Year Extent Status Sch. of Operation
No
1 Munnar Rajamala 1986 15.00 KDH
2010-11
25 ha. – 2011-12
3 Munnar Pettimudy 1996 75.00 KDH 25 ha. – 2012-13
25 ha. – 2013-14
25 ha. – 2014-15
4 Munnar Pettimudy 1997 40.00 KDH
15 ha. – 2015-16
10 ha. - 2016-17
5 Munnar Pettikudy 1997 50.24 KDH 25 ha. - 2017-18
15.24 ha. - 2018-19
6 Munnar Pettimudy 2002 15.00 KDH 2019-20
Total 200.24
209
Termite control in eucalypt plantations
Termites cause serious damage to eucalypt plantations in Kerala, as elsewhere in the
country. They feed on the root of eucalypt seeding and kill them. The damage is noticed both in
nurseries and in young plantations; it is more serious in the latter, often resulting in loss of up to
80% of seedlings within a few months after planting out. Generally little loss occurs after the first
year. Both E.tereticornis and E.grandis, the two species which are planted commonly in Kerala are
prone to attack by termites.
Typically, the tap root is tapered out by feeding, like a sharpened pencil. The first external
symptom of attack is drooping of tender terminal leaves, followed by wilting and death of seedlings.
Since the tap root is damaged, affected seedlings come out easily on slight pull. Most damage
occurs during the first year.
Death of seedlings may also occur due to other primary causes such as drought, twisted
roots, and fungal infection. Such dead or dying seedlings may be secondarily infested by termites,
but in such cases termite control measures will not be of much value.
How to Prevent Damage?
For effective protection of eucalypts from termite attack, precautionary or preventive
measure must be taken before the seedlings are planted out in the field.
Alternative to organochlorines
Earlier method of control was based on the organochlorines insecticide such as aldrin and
heptachlor. Aldrin is banned in India since 1994.Heptachlor, through include in the banned list
earlier, is now available for restricted use. It is likely that in course of time heptachlor will also be
withdrawn from the market. This has necessitated the development of alternatives. However, if
heptachlor is available, it may be used as per our earlier recommendation. We recommended
heptachlor only at the rate of 0.12g active ingredient per plant. since the application is only during
the time of initial planting, the rate of application works out to only 300g/ha,once in 30 years. This is
a very low dosage and will not cause any serious environmental problem.
The revised recommendation presented here is based on a series of field trials carried out
at Kottappara in Kodanad Range of Malayatoor Division and Erumapetty in Wadakkanchery Range
of Trichur Division over a period of 3 years using less persistent insecticides. Among several
chemicals tested, chlopyrifos, an organophosphate, gave the best result. It is not as persistent in
soil as the organophosphate, gave the best result. It is not as persistent in soil as the
organochlorines, but gave sufficient protection to eucalypts where termite attack is a serious
problem only in this first year of planting out. Chlorpyrifod is marketed under the trade names
Durmet, Radar, Piramid, Dursban, Thrisul, Tafaban, Classic, etc.
When to Treat
The treatment may be carried out any time after the seedlings have become established
in the containers; the best period is between the second and fourth week after transplanting.
Materials required
Chlopyrifos,an 20EC(3 liters/ha)
Or
Heptachlor 2EC (if available.1.5 liters/ha)
A drum of over 125 liters capacity
A rose can with a small aprinkler head to give a narrow fine spray.
Preparation of the insecticide Solution
Both insecticides are marketed as 20% emulsion (20EC). Add 3 liters Chlopyrifos, an or
1.5 liters of Heptachlor to 125 liters of water in a drum and mix well with a stick to get a milky
emulsion.
Method of application
Using a rose can, drench each group of 2,500 seedlings with 125 Liters of the diluted
insecticide emulsion. The drenching may be carried out in two or three consecutive installments,
covering the entire group of 2,500 seedlings as uniformly as possible. The following precautionary
measures must be taken to ensure proper penetration of the diluted insecticide emulsion into the
container soil.
1. Carry out the treatment on the evening of a sunny day, after skipping the regular watering
in the morning. This is to render the container soil comparatively dry.
2. Ensure that the top edge of the container (polythene bag) projects above the soil level
sufficiently to hold the insecticide solution.
3. If the bags are stacked too far apart, bring them closer to reduce wastage of the
insecticide.
210
Is pit treatment necessary in addition to container treatment?
No. If the container seedlings are treated as recommended above, no treatment of the
planting pit is necessary.
How to treat root- trainer raised planting stock?
Because of the small quantity of potting medium (150cc) used in root trainers, the insecticide
reated protective layer around the plant is very small in root trainer raised planting stock. Therefore
he treatment may not be as effective as when applied to seedlings raised in conventional polythene
bag containers. When rooted cuttings are planted out in the field a portion of the stem is also buried
nto soil as a standard planting practice, without an insecticide treated soil cover around. It has been
observed that in such cases, termites attack from the sides, at the level of the stem portion. Extensive
rials have not been carried out to standardize the method for control of termites attacking root trainer-
aised planting stock. However, based on our knowledge and experience, the following method of
reatment is suggested.
1. Using the above diluted insecticide emulsion give a good drench of insecticide to the
planting stock, prior to planting out.
2. Using the same insecticide emulsion, drench the surface soil around the out planted
seedlings. Making a few holes around the seedling with a stick will facilitate penetration of
the insecticide into the soil.
When planting is carried out in large scale, this method may not be practicable. Further
research is required on method to protect clonally propagated eucalypt from termites.
Cost of Treatment
At the current price, if heptachlor is used, the cost insecticide works out to about Rs. 825 per
hectare of plantation (2,500 seedlings) and if chlopyrifos is used, it works out to Rs.975 per hectare.
Labour cost is negligible as the treatment can be made as part of the regular watering operation.
Care in handling insecticides
All insecticides are poisonous .If the chemical spills over the skin the area should be wasted with
soap and water persons with cuts or wounds should not be allowed to handle insecticides. Other
safety precautions prescribed in the insecticide container should be strictly followed.
Where to get more information
Write to the Entomologist, KFRI, Peechi-680653, Thrissur, Kerala
3C. Wattles
3C.1 General characteristics of vegetation: Wattles are exotic species,

indigenous to Australia. The species planted are Acacia mearnsii, Acacia
decurrens and Acacia dealbata. Observing the performance of wattle in
Kodikanal and Nilgiri hills, these species were raised at areas of
Iddalimotta, Nagamala, Upper Sandoz, Surianelli, Silentvalley etc. The list
of plantations is given in Table No. 57.
Table – 57 – Wattle plantations in Munnar Division
Sl. Extent Status

Range Plantation Year Remarks
No (ha) of land
1 Devikulam Iddalimotta 1981 100.00 Augmented KDH
2 Devikulam Iddalimotta 1984 200.00 -Do- KDH
3 Devikulam Upper Santoz 1984 40.00 -Do- KDH
4 Devikulam Iddalimotta 1984 40.00 Augmented in 1991 KDH
5 Devikulam Iddalimotta 1984 37.00 - KDH
6 Devikulam Devimala 1984 22.00 Augmented in 1995 KDH
7 Munnar Rajamala 1984 25.10 - KDH
211
Sl. Extent Status
No (ha) of land
Upper
10 Munnar 1986 108.0 - KDH
Gundumala
12 Devikulam Upper Santoz 1986 26.00 Failed KDH
13 Devikulam V.Mutta 1987 25.00 Augmented in 1995 KDH
14 Devikulam Koismotta 1987 25.00 Augmented in 1995 KDH
16 Devikulam Koismutta 1987 20.00 Failed KDH
Handed over by S.F

19 Devikulam Sailent valley 1988 100.00 KDH
wing
23 Munnar Oosimala 1990 37.40 - KDH
25 Munnar Idalimutta 1991 36.00 - KDH
Handed over by S.F

26 Devikulam Pazhathottam 1991 10.00 KDH
wing
27 Munnar Kadalar 1991 15 KDH
28 Devikulam Gundumala 1991 15 KDH
Revenue
29 Devikulam Nagamala 1991 35.00 Failed
land
Revenue
30 Devikulam Nagamala 1992 70.00 Failed
land
Handed over by SF
31 Devikulam Salient valley 1992 20.00 KDH
wing
Total 1320.79
3C.2 Analysis and Valuation of Crop: 5% of enumeration was

conducted in plantations of wattle and the details of stock are given in
Appendix – XXXVI.
3C.3 Rotation: All the plantations are mature and ready for disposal. As
there was no demand by M/s HNL for pulpwood, etc the plantations could
not be harvested on time. But there is demand for wattle as firewood by
212
some private agencies. It is better that all wattle planations are disposed of
during the Plan period.
Prescriptions
1. Areas under Wattle plantations (704.59 ha.) adjoining PAs should

be reverted to grassland ecosystem as per schedule given in Table
No. 49. For this the technique of planting Eucalyptus grandis at
close espacement to suppress the profuse regeneration of wattle
could be tried. Finally the eucalyptus shall be removed to induce
growth of grass to revert to grassland ecosystem
2. Remaining plantations shall be clear felled in a phased manner as

per schedule given in Appendix – LIV and replanted with
Eucalyptus grandis (616.40 Ha).
3D. Pine
3D.1 General characteristics of vegetation: Pines are fast growing and

they possess long fiber, which makes them excellent pulpwood. They are
valuable source of timber, fuel wood, pulpwood and NWFP like resins.
They are highly adaptable to wide Range of soils and climate. All these
characteristics make them suitable for afforestation in the KDH areas of
this Division. The species used are Pinus patula and Pinus insularis.
Further, they are highly fire prone and non-coppicing.
Table – 58 – Pine Plantations in Munnar Division
Sl. Status of
Range Plantation Year Extent (ha) Remarks
No land
1 Devikulam Koismotta 1987 9.00 Failed KDH
2 Devikulam Silentvally 1991 20.00 Failed KDH
3 Munnar Kuttiyarvalley 1993 8.00 Average KDH
Chinnakanal Assigned to landless Revenue
4 Devikulam 1995 405.00
(Suryanelli) tribals Land
5 Devikulam Kundala 1995 25.00 Average KDH

Assigned to landless Revenue
6 Devikulam Chinnakanal 1996 18.00
tribals Land
62 Ha. KDH land 423 ha
Total 485.00
Assigned land
Out of the six number of plantations (485 Ha) the two plantation
raised at Chinnakanal (423 ha) have been allotted to the landless tribals
as per cabinet decision taken on 27/08/02. The other four plantations were
raised between 1987 and 1995 in KDH land. Two plantations have failed
and two have average growth.
3D.2 Analysis and valuation of crop: 5% enumeration was conducted in

Pine plantations. Details of the stock are given in Appendix – XXXVII.
213
3D.3 Silvicultural system: The Silvicultural system for pine is clear felling
followed by artificial regeneration.
3D.4 Artificial Regeneration: Fresh nursery may be raised and

subsequent planting operations carried out by adopting standard planting
techniques as prescribed for Eucalyptus. The espacement of 3m x 3 m is
recommended for planting.
Prescriptions
1. Tending works shall be carried out in failed plantation for restoration

of land to shola grass land ecosystem by enrichment planting, fire
protection, soil and moisture conservation etc.
2. The pine trees standing in the land assigned to tribals (423 ha) in
Chinnakanal area shall be extracted in first two years of the plan
period.
3E. Alnus Nepalenisis
3E.1 General Characteristics of Vegetation: Alnus nepalenisis is a soft

wood species, which grows well in swampy and frosty areas. It is a
suitable species for planting in high altitude and will not come up in lower
elevations. The plantation of Alnus was raised by KDH Company during
1960’s. Subsequently, as per KDH Resumption Act 1971 the plantations
were taken over by the Kerala Forest Department. These plantations were
to be harvested at the age of 30 years as per the prescriptions in the
previous Working Plan. But these plantations could not be harvested as
there was no demand for this species. Now the wood quality of alnus is
badly deteriorated and many trees are dead and wind fallen.
During 2000-01 an extent of 1.5 ha was extracted by Travancore

Plywood Industries and extracted area was regenerated with same
species. Both these plantations support a lot of local indigenous growth.
Table – 59 – Alnus Plantations in Munnar Division
Sl.
Range Plantation Year Extent (ha) Status of land
No
1 Munnar Sholamala 1960 60.10 KDH
2 Munnar Sholamala 2001 1.50 KDH
Total 61.6
3E.2 Analysis and valuation of crop: 5% enumeration was conducted in

Alnus plantations and the detail of the stock is given in Appendix –
XXXVII.
Prescription
The plantations shall be deleted from the list of plantations and

treated as natural forests.
214
F. Matti (Ailanthus excelsa)
3F.1 General Characteristics of vegetation: Matti (Ailanthus excelsa)

plantations were raised in evicted areas of Neriamangalam and Adimaly
Ranges. It is mainly used in matchwood industry. Growth is not promising
but soil conditions are good. The details of matti plantations are given in
Table No. 60.
Table – 60 – Matti (Ailanthus excelsa) Plantations
Status of
Sl.No Range Plantation Year Extent(ha) Remarks
land
1 Adimaly Porkthotty 1984 25.00 Poor stock RF
2 Adimaly Thalayoorappan 1984 37.5 Failed RF
4 Neriamangalam Veliyathuparambu 1984 23.04 Poor stock RF
5 Neriamangalam Inchathotty 1985 5.00 Poor stock RF
6 Neriamangalam Chembenkuzhi 1985 10.70 Poor stock RF
7 Neriamangalam Veliyathuparambu 1985 15.60 Poor stock RF
Total 156.84
Prescription
The plantations shall be augmented with hardwood and NWFP

species like Terminalia, Rosewood, Venga, Kumbil, Koovalam and fruit
bearing trees like Mavu, Plavu, Njaval, etc.
3G. Grevillea robusta
3G.1 General Characteristics of vegetation: These plantations were

raised in areas of Devikulam and Adimaly Forest Ranges. It is a fast
growing species used for the manufacture of packing cases. Its growth is
not promising.
Table –61 – Grevillea Plantations
Sl. Status of
Range Plantation Year Extent(ha) Remarks
No Land
1 Devikulam Pazhathottam 1983 10.00 Failed KDH
3 Devikulam Kacheriland 1984 5.00 Failed KDH
Peruvannoorchal
4 Adimaly 1988 13.60 Failed RF
Bit II
5 Adimaly Vettukallumudi 1988 13.72 Failed RF
6 Adimaly Kuthirayila 1989 14.20 Failed RF
Total 95.32 Failed
215
Prescription
The plantation shall be tended by enrichment planting with misc.

species like hopea, kumbil, marotty, koovalam, terminalia, rosewood,
venga, Chadachi, Njaval etc., fire protection and soil and moisture
conservation works.
3H. Bamboo
3H.1 General Characteristics of vegetation: The bamboo plantations

were raised in encroachment evicted and degraded forest areas. These
plantations were raised from seed origin seedlings and extraction of
bamboo has commenced from these plantations. At present the plantation
area is appearing like natural forest due to the over growth of culms and
other miscellaneous species. The list of bamboo plantation is given in
Table No. 62
Table – 62 – List of Bamboo Plantations
Status
Sl.
Range Plantation Year Extent(ha) Remarks of
No
Land
1 Neriyamangalam Mamalakandam 1993 12.00 Thick Growth RF
2 Neriyamangalam Elamblassery 1995 12.50 Thick Growth RF
3 Neriyamangalam Muniyarachal 1995 14.00 Thick Growth RF
4 Neriyamangalam Deviaar 1998 12.00 Thick Growth RF
5 Neriyamangalam Pachamarakanam 2004 55.00 Thick Growth RF
6 Neriyamangalam Thennokkipara 2005 118.00 Thick Growth RF
7 Adimaly Vattappara 2009 15.00 RF
8 Adimaly Karimala 2009 14.71 RF
9 Neriyamangalam Injapara 2009 14.24 RF
Total 267.45
Prescription
It is prescribed to that working of bamboo in this area shall be

carried out along with adjoining bamboo coupes.
3J. Elavu (Bombax ceiba)
3J.1 General Characteristics of vegetation: The plantations were raised

in Neriamangalam Range of Munnar Division. At present these plantations
have the appearance of pure moist deciduous forest due to the dominance
of miscellaneous tree species in the area. Most of the Bombax trees have
deteriorated due to over age and insect attack. The list of plantations is
given in Table No. 63
216
Table – 63 – Elavu Plantations
Sl. Status of
Range Plantation Year Extent(ha) Remarks
No Land
1 Nerimangalam Neriamangalam 1936 4.05 Misc. growth RF
Total 20.99
Prescriptions
These plantations may be treated as natural forest. List of

plantations to be treated as natural forest. The list of plantations to be
deleted from plantation list is given in Appendix – LV.
3K. Miscellaneous Plantations
3K.1 General Characteristics of vegetation: In Adimaly and

Neriamangalam Range most of these plantations were raised in the
encroachment evicted forest area with the main purpose of preventing
further encroachment. Some of these plantations now support good
natural growth and are to be treated as part of natural forests. Hence no
extraction is prescribed. It will help to avoid chances of further
encroachments. List of plantations is furnished in Table No. 64.
Table – 64 – Miscellaneous Plantations in Munnar Division
Sl. Extent Status of

No (ha) Land
1 Neriamangalam Inchathotti 1942 4.25 Thick growth RF
2 Neriamangalam Neriamangalam 1943 10.12 Thick growth RF
3 Neriamangalam Valara 1944 8.72 Thick growth RF
8 Adimaly Mukkudam 1985 25.00 Poor stock RF
9 Neriamangalam Chempankuzhy 1986 50.00 Thick growth RF
10 Neriamangalam Chempankuzhy 1986 13.00 Thick growth RF
11 Neriamangalam Incathotty 1986 5.00 Thick growth RF
12 Neriamangalam Nagarampara 1986 5.00 Thick growth RF
13 Adimaly Thalamaly 1986 8.50 Poor stock RF
14 Adimaly Thlayoorappan 1986 15.00 Poor stock RF
15 Adimaly Pettimudi 1987 25.00 Average stock RF
16 Adimaly Thalamaly 1988 20.00 Poor stock RF
Peruvanoorchal
17 Adimaly 1988 6.00 Thick growth RF
bit I
217
Sl. Extent Status of
No (ha) Land
Peruvanoorchal
18 Adimaly 1988 3.60 Thick growth RF
bit II
19 Neriamangalam Chepankuzhi 1988 50.30 Thick growth RF
20 Adimaly Thalayoorappan 1989 39.34 Thick growth RF
21 Neriamangalam Chempankuzhi 1989 5.30 Thick growth RF
22 Neriamangalam Inchathotty 1989 26.00 Thick growth RF
23 Neriamangalam Pazhampillichal 1989 31.00 Thick growth RF
24 Neriamangalam Thattekanni 1989 13.50 Thick growth RF
25 Neriamangalam Muniyarachal 1989 8.50 Thick growth RF
26 Neriamangalam Kanjiraveli 1990 20.00 Thick growth RF
27 Neriamangalam Kudakkallu 1990 20.00 Thick growth RF
28 Adimaly Koragatty 1990 98.30 Thick growth RF
29 Neriamangalam Inchathotty 1990 20.00 Thick growth RF
30 Neriamangalam Ohuvathadam 1990 12.00 Thick growth RF
31 Neriamangalam Manniyam 1990 23.00 Thick growth RF
32 Adimaly Chinnapara 1991 6.00 Thick growth RF
33 Munnar Meenkuthy 1992 35.00 Thick growth RF
34 Neriamangalam Mudickal 1995 12.00 Thick growth RF
35 Neriamangalam Muniyarachal 1995 14.00 Thick growth RF
36 Neriamangalam Muthicadu 1995 13.80 Thick growth RF
37 Neriamangalam Cheyappara 1996 25.00 Thick growth RF
39 Adimaly Porkumthotty 1996 5.00 Thick growth RF
40 Adimaly Panamkutty 1996 10.00 Poor stock RF
41 Adimaly Thondicup 1997 36.00 Poor stock RF
42 Adimaly Nellipara 1997 15.00 Thick growth RF
43 Munnar Malikkudy 1997 20.16 Thick growth RF
44 Munnar Puthukudy 1997 24.16 Thick growth RF
45 Munnar Kavakkattukudy 1998 10.12 Thick growth RF
46 Munnar Kandathikudy 1998 36.70 Thick growth RF
47 Adimaly Parappara 1999 50.00 Poor stock RF
48 Neriamangalam Valara 2001 10.00 Thick growth RF
49 Adimaly Thumpipara 2007 49.00 Thick growth RF
Total 1058.76
Prescription
These plantations shall be treated as natural forests. Wherever

necessary tending operations shall be carried by enrichment planting of
species like Dysoxylum malabaricum, Hopea parviflora etc.
3M. Miscellaneous plantations (Pulp Wood Species)
3M.1 General Characteristics of vegetation: These plantations were raised

with different pulpwood species. Among the components of species wattle is
present in all plantations possibly with the idea of enriching the soil with
218
nitrogen. If so the idea did not work and it can be seen that most of the
plantations have not done well. In fact some plantations have even failed.
Table – 65 – Mixed plantations (Pulp Wood Species)
Schedule
Sl. Status
Range Plantation Year Extent(ha) Species Remarks of
No of Land
extraction
Pine, E Handed over to

1 Devikulam Devikulam 1984 2.00 KDH
grandis SRO, TVM
Wattle &
50 ha -
2 Munnar Idlimotta 1985 123.8 Eucalyptus - KDH
2010-11
grandis
73.8 ha
2011-12
Upper Wattle & E

3 Munnar 1986 108.0 - KDH 2012-13
Gundumala grandis
Wattle & E.
4 Munnar Swamimala 1987 40.80 - KDH 2013-14
grandis
Wattle &
5 Munnar Pampanmala 1987 67.80 Eucalyptus - KDH
grandis
Acacia &
6 Adimaly Peruvannoorchal 1987 5.00 Good stock RF
Eucalyptus 2014-15
Acacia &
7 Adimaly Padicup 1987 10.00 Good stock RF
Eucalyptus
Wattle,
Augmented
8 Devikulam Silent valley 1989 20.00 Grandis & KDH
during 1991
Bluegum
Handed over by
Kundalai Wattle & E SF unit. Wattle-
9 Devikulam 1991 17.50 KDH
Puthukudi grandis 15Ha.Grandis-
2.5Ha.
Wattle & E
10 Munnar Mattupetty 1991 49.00 - KDH 2015-16
grandis
Wattle & E
11 Munnar Idalimutta 1992 70.00 - KDH 2016-17
grandis
Handed over by
SF wing.Wattle-
Wattle &
12 Devikulam Silent valley 1992 100.00 80ha. And KDH 2017-18
Bluegum
Bluegum20 ha.
(30+50 Ha)
Raised in 1963
Alnus, pne Devikulam fuel
13 Devikulam Devikulam 1996 51.02 RF 2018-19
& Bluegum Reserve
plantation
Alnus &E
14 Munnar Sholamala 1997 20.6 - KDH 2019-20
grandis
Alnus &E
grandis
Total 709.52
Prescription
These mixed pulpwood plantations shall be retained and tended as

per schedule.
General Prescription for plantations in KDH lands:
The Plantation raised in KDH land shall not be extracted until completion the the process of
notification of the areas as Reserved forest.
219
CHAPTER – IV
NON-WOOD FOREST PRODUCE WORKING CIRCLE

4.1 GENERAL CONSTITUTION OF WORKING CIRCLE

This working circle covers the whole area coming under this plan
and it overlaps the other working circles.
4.2 GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS

Non-wood forest produce include all goods of biological origin other
than wood in all its forms as well as services derived from forest. They
may be of plant or animal origin. Most of the NWFP are derived from non-
woody plants including lower organisms and non-wood parts of woody
plants and trees. It includes fodder, fiber and flosses, oil seeds, dyeing
materials etc. All the NWFP products are of great economic importance for
meeting livilyhood requirement of the local people and various industries
based on them. The products are good sources of earning revenue and
foreign exchange and include a number of goods under the broad
categories of food and food additive.

Collection of NWFP on sustainable basis provides employment and
regular income to the tribals and other Forest dependant population
through collection, processing and marketing. It has great commercial
importance, in both internal and external trade. Since it involves a large
variety of seasonal products, the returns will be periodic. The scientific
management of this resource necessary in collection, processing and
marketing. Moreover, after the settlement of the Forest Rights as per the
Forest Rights Act 2006, the management of NWFP would be possible only
through a system of co-management of the resources. Large opportunities
in this sector have opened through the popularisation of the Ayurvedic
system of medicine and the rapid development of the Ayurvedic drugs
industry. The management objectives are:
1. To manage non-wood forest produce on a sustainable basis.
2. To augment NWFP especially medicinal plants in degraded

forests.
3. To motivate cultivation of medicinal plants in private holdings
221
4.4 ROLE OF NWFP IN SOCIO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
As a natural and regeneratable forest resource, NWFP has both
utilitarian and socio economic importance. It has a crucial role in the daily
life and welfare of the local population. Many people living in the vicinity of
forest subsist on these products. They provide opportunities of off-farm
employment and income.
In socio economic context NWFP has a major role in the economy

of tribals and rural people. It generates job opportunities to rural people. It
supports industries. Hence extraction, processing and marketing of NWFP
have both direct and indirect connection on the lifestyle and livelihood of
tribals and local people of backward community living around the forest. It
is the only commodity, which can readily be sold in the world market
without global competition, as each country has its own characteristic
products marketed by them.
4.5 LIST OF AVAILABLE NWFP

Govt. of Kerala has allowed 146 numbers of species to be collected
from the Reserve Forest. The important NWFP are the medicinal plants,
spices, condiments, tanning materials, essential oils, detergents, fibers and
flosses etc. The under mentioned list shows the NWFP available in Munnar
Forest Division area. Thelli (Calophyllum calaba), Kunthirikkam (Canarium
strictum), Kattupadavalam (Tricosanthus cucumeriana) Kattukudumpuli
(Garcinia gummi-gutta), Peenari (Sterculia foetida), Cholapathri (Myristica
beddomei), Cheevakai (Acacia concinna), Then (Honey), Kalpasam (stone
moss), Vayambu (Acorus Calamus), Marottikuru (Hydnocarpus pentandra),
Kattukurumulaku (Pipper nigrum), Thenmezhuku, Kadukka (Terminalia
chebula), Nellikka (Emblica officinalis), Injipullu (Cymbopogan flexuosus),
Maramanjal (Coscinium fenestratum), Kakumkai (Entada scandens),
Kasturimanjal (Curcuma zeodaria), Passion fruit, Pulinchikai (Sapindus
trifoliata), Incha (Acacia intsia), Karimkurunji (Nilgirianthus ciliatus),
Kurunthotti veru (Sida rhombifolia), Cheruthekku veru (Callicarpa tomentosa),
Kumizhin veru (Gmelina arborea), Shathavari (Asparagus racemosus),
Putharichunda veru (Solanum indicum), Adalodakkam (Adhatoda vasica),
Elakkai (Elettaria cardomomum), Malayinchi (Zingiber zerumbet),
Kannimanga (Mangiferra indica), Chittamruthu (Tinospora cordifolia), Eetta
(Ochalandra trvancorica), Nankukuru (Mesua ferrea), Pali (Palaquium
ellipticum), Edanapool (Olea dioica), Eendhapanakai (Cycas circinalis), Orila
(Desmodium gangeticum), Kazhanchi kuru (Caesalpinia bonduc),
Cheruthen, Kattupavakka (Momordica charantia), Kattumanjal (Curcuma
aromatica), Kattuthippali (Piper longum), Kanjiram (Strychnos nux-vomica),
Kattupunnakai (Dillenia pentagyna), Keezharnelli (Phyllanthus niruri),
Kurumthotti (Sida rhombifolia), Kaithonni (Eclipta alba), Kolerrakku, Kodithuva
(Tragia involucrata), Panjikai (Ceibapntandra), Pathiripoovu (Stereospermum
colais), Palmuthukinkizhzngu (Ipomoea paniculata), Padakizhazngu (Cyclea
peltata), Thakaraveru (Cassia tora), Vanthen, Thanni kai (Terminalia
bellerica), Naruneendi (Hemidesmus indicus), Neelaamari (Indigofera
222
tinctoria), Moovila (Pseudarthia vascida), Muthanga (Cyperus rotundus),
Ramacham (Vetiveria zizanoides), Changalam paranda (Cissus
quadrangularis), Vazhanapoovu (Cinnamomum verum), Vankurumthotti
(Sida capinifolia), Thazhuthamaveru (Boerhaavia diffusa), Garudakoddy
(Aristolochia indica), Athithippali, Plasu (Butea monosperma), Pulthailam
(Cymbopogon flexuosus), Erukku (Calotropisgigantea), Nilapana (Curiculigo
orchides), Menthonni (Gloriosa superba), Thetti (Ixora coccinea), Thottavadi
(Mimosa pudica), Puliyarila (Oaxalis coniculata), Manjady (Adenanthera
pavonina), Njaval (Syzygium cumini), Poovaamkurunthala (Vernonia synoria),
Kattu chena, Elavinpasa (Bombax ceiba), Kodakapala (Holarrhena
pubescens), Kunnikuru (Abrus precatorius), Vizhalari (Emblia ribes),
Chiteenthu (Phoenix sylvestris).
4.6 COLLECTION OF NWFP

Till 1976 the right of collection and disposal of NWFP was sold in
public auction in each Range for a period of one year. Damages to the
trees and forests are inflicted in many ways in the course of collection of
the minor forest produce. For example, instead of plucking the fruits alone,
to save time and quicken collection, they used to cut down the branches of
trees like Nelli, Punna etc. Similarly, deep cuts were made on the stem of
Cinnamomum and Uthy for climbing and insert pegs on the tree trunks for
the collection of honey, with the result that trees are now prone to decay,
disease and death. The workers employed and engaged by M.F.P
contractors were often responsible for occurrence of fires, which destroy
the natural regeneration.
To get rid of this menace, public auction was discontinued as per

G.O.(MS) 200/87 Agri dated 28/07/78 and the right of collection was
awarded to the local Tribal Co-operative society. The lease rent fixed by
the Government was the average amount fetched in the last auction plus
5% of the above amount. This was followed till 31/12/1981. As per G.O.
(MS.) 4/82/AD dtd 02/01/1982, an apex body viz. Kerala State Co-
operative Harijan Girijan Federation was created and all the tribal co-
operative societies were brought under the Federation and it was also
stipulated that the societies will handover the NWFP collected to be
auctioned by the Federation.
4.6.1 Collection by Co-operative Societies: Devikulam Girijan Service

Co-operative Society at Munnar and Adimaly Girijan Service co-operative
Society at Adimaly are the two societies working under the jurisdiction of
Munnar Forest Division.
The societies engage middlemen for collection of NWFP. Hence in

effect, the situation is the same that existed previously. Since the tribals
are very poor and they want immediate money for the collected materials
they used to sell the collected materials to outsiders at a throw away price.
Tribal Societies have their own problems. Though there was steady fund
flow from the Federation, they could not plan the collection of NWFP,
223
properly as they were not equipped with storage facilities. They won’t
procure the entire listed articles collected by the tribals. This again is
another reason for outsiders entering the field illegally.
As the tribals want money during the off-season they are indebted
to the moneylenders, traders and others. In the name of loans they take
from them, the tribals were forced to sell the NWFP at very low price to
money lenders them. Forest Department intervened to break this vicious
circle by forming the institution of Tribal VSS in such areas.
4.6.2 Collection of NWFP by VSS: To free the tribal community from the
clutches of the moneylenders each member of the tribal VSS is given an
advance to the tune of Rs.3, 000/- by the FDA and the VSS puts this
amount in its core fund. This need to be strengthened.
4.7. PROBLEMS DUE TO UNSCIENTIFIC AND UNSUSTAINABLE

COLLECTION OF NWFP
• Usually most of the collection of NWFP is done during the
summer season. Unscientific and careless collection of NWFP
often causes forest fire.
• The deep cuts made on the trees for climbing for honey
collection cause permanent injury and sometimes lead to death
of the tree.
• The tribals make continuous collection of NWFP from the same

forest area every year. This leads to over harvesting and
results in depletion of species.
• Species like Emblica, Njaval, Thanni, Kadukka etc are

collected by lopping down the branches or in the case of small
trees by cutting down the trees themselves. This result in poor
seeding during the next season and also eventually leads to
the depletion of the resource.
• In the case of herbs and shrubs where roots or stems are

required, the plants are uprooted before seeding, which has
ultimately lead to near extinction of the species.
4.7.1 Precautions to be taken: Precautions are to be taken for avoiding

injuries like debarking, deep blazing of trees, cutting and lopping of
branches, burning in the base of trees, etc. Every NWFP collector should
have an identity card issued by the concerned Range Officer. Training
may be given to the tribals who are engaged in collection of NWFP for
using scientific and sustainable methods of collection without harming the
resources. The Forest Rights Act confers rights as well as authority in the
case of collection and management of NWFP, the process of collection
and disposal has to be controlled by co-management institutions like the
VSS. There are a number of RET species that are allowed to be collected
224
at present. A number of species are facing local extinctions due to over
collection. A list of such species is given below. It is prescribed that no
such species be allowed to be collected. Efforts should also be taken to
conserve and propagate these species with the active involvement and
support of the VSS. Funds from NAEB, Govt. of India may be used for this
purpose.
4.8 MAIN THREATS TO NWFP

Like other natural forest resources the NWFP plants are also
subjected to various threats. The main threats faced by the NWFP are the
following
• Destruction, Degradation and modification of habitat
• Unsustainable exploitation level and method of collection.
• Inadequacy of present regulatory mechanism
• Ignorance about threat to NWFP species and its management

among locals and tribals.
Traditional forestry had kept NWFP on the margins and hence utter
ignorance prevails regarding its market value and also scientific
knowledge about the silvicultural needs and practices in conserving and
propagating NWFP species. This ignorance has resulted in the fast
decline of NWFP plant species.
4.9 MARKETING OF NWFP

The traditional wholesalers and exporters are controlling the trade.
The debt-ridden tribals sell their produce to the wholesalers for ready cash
and the retail shops and manufacturing units receive their requirement of
NWFP from these wholesalers. The larger medicinal manufacturing units
also have their own traditional contractors who arrange all items required
for each medicine preparation. All these transactions take place outside
the ambit of the Co-operative Society. The market for NWFP is growing at
much faster rate than that can be sustainable harvested due to
globalization of Ayurvedic system of medicine and development of
neutracutical industry.
NWFP is crucial to the livelihood needs of tribal communities and

play an important role in the development of rural economy. Since they are
invaluable resource material for medicinal industry, these are to be
scientifically conserved for posterity.
Even though so many research studies have been conducted

regarding the NWFP by various research institutes and specialized
225
information is available, such information is scattered and difficult to obtain
so as to be used in the field. Such data that is relevant for the Division
needs to be collated at local level.
By networking with institutions involved in marketing of NWFP, the

FDA shall prepare a list of NWFP that has high demand and the VSS can
take steps for the conservation and sustainable collection of these
products.
It is difficult to assess the quantity of NWFP that could be harvested

sustainably. Proper system of inventory and quantification is to be made
for commercially important NWFP with the assistance of Kerala Forest
Research Institute or other research institutes with the support of the VSS.
It will help to assess the quantity of materials available inside the forest
and sustainable levels of yield regulation.
TGBRI, Palode has conducted a quantitative inventory of NWFP in

Southern Kerala. The abstract of their report in respect of Munnar Division
is given in Appendix – LVI. List of red listed plants present in plan area is
given in Appendix – LVII.
By using the knowledge of the VSS members who are doing the
collection, the locations and abundance of each species can be marked in
the Station or Range Maps. A Range Atlas of NWFP needs to be prepared
in every Range.
Implements for the collection of fruits, flowers etc. may be

developed and supplied to the tribals through VSS. The availability of
proper implements will dissuade the tribals from felling the trees or cutting
the branches. Many of the NWFPs are easily perishable. Examples are
Gooseberry, Tender mango etc. Prolonged delay in disposal may damage
the collected materials.
Training should be given to the tribals for semi processing and

proper storage. Some NWFPs can be stored after some sort of semi
processing or even easy processing. This operation will reduce the bulk of
volume, thereby requiring less space for transport and storage and will
also increase the sale value. Proper grading before sale will further
improve the chances of getting better prices.
Value addition is possible and is necessary in the case of many

NWFPs. Value addition techniques may boost up value of the produce
delivered by primary collectors. Care should be taken for better method of
collection, processing and value addition especially in the case of
perishable NWFPs and medicinal plants.
There are so many plants which have various medicinal values that
are highly effective for curing certain diseases. Steps may be taken for
transferring the traditional knowledge about these plants from old people
to youngsters. The VSS in each Range may take special interest to
organize the Nattarangu in each tribal hamlet area for regaining the “dying
wisdom” and traditional knowledge. Old generation of local in habitance
226
may know more about the species, its characteristics and ecology than
research scholars and this knowledge they have acquired through
experience of thousands of years needs to be documented and preserved.
The VSS shall take steps to know the market trends and price of
the collected NWFP to ascertain the real worth of the materials collected
by them. Strict instructions are to be given to the people who are engaged
in collection of NWFP to be cautious about using fire. This may be
included in the agreement made by the VSS, society and the Forest
Department.
The staff shall ensure that the process of collection does not harm
the plants or trees. Penal provision is to be strictly enforced. In the case of
herbs and shrubs the collection shall be done after the seeding, which will
help propagation. For collecting the rhizome, a portion of the rhizome shall
be left behind for next year’s growth. It shall be adopted in the case of
collection of roots also. In the area where the regeneration is poor, the
area shall be closed for 2-3 years for NWFP collection, which will help to
rebuild a viable population. These rules which should be framed by the
VSS through a study jointly carried out by professional ecologists and the
VSS should, in effect regulate, prescribe and enable all activities
connected to the co- management of NWFP.
4.10 NWFP BASED ECO-RESTORATION

There are many programmes for afforestation comprising the
regeneration of degraded forest. In these regeneration programmes
emphasis is to be given for getting advantage of existing rootstock,
improvement of the existing malformed crops, adopting and tending
existing regeneration and advance growth and supplementing by planting
local medicinal tree species. Care should be taken for avoiding the
damage to herbs and shrubs.
4.11 AUGMENTATION (IN-SITU CONSERVATION)

In a study conducted by KFRI in three tropical moist forest areas,
229 NWFP species were recorded. Among these 50 species have been
commercially exploited. High rate of extraction of these produces results in
poor density, distribution and depletion of biodiversity. A stage has been
now been reached where it is difficult to strike a balance between demand
and supply. Many of the NWFP products are specific in their properties
and uses, and they are difficult to be substituted with synthetic products.
For controlling the depletion of the NWFP resource, such species can be
raised in degraded areas and in older Teak plantations. The details
regarding the list of medicinal plants, which can be cultivated in the forest
and outside the forest, is attached.
227
It is proposed to raise medicinal plants in degraded forest areas and
older teak plantations during the plan period. In Neriyamangalam and
Adimaly Range 25 Ha./year and in Devikulam and Munnar Range 10
Ha./year.
4.12 EX-SITU CONSERVATION

Unscientific method of collection of NWFP has resulted in the
depletion and extinction of the resources. Such species can be salvaged
by propagating them outside the forest in agriculture land, farm bunds,
vacant lands, etc. Scientifically, ex-situ conservation is a part of an overall
conservation strategy to ensure that species ultimately survive in the wild.
Demonstration plots of medicinal plants are examples of ex-situ
conservation areas. In the ex-situ plots, medicinal plant species, especially
the rare and important ones are conserved outside its natural habitat. A
properly maintained ex-situ conservation plot has tremendous potential to
motivate people for the cultivation of medicinal plants by providing them
with opportunity to see and understand the various species of rare and
important medicinal plant species, and to provide them with necessary
information on the commercial and medicinal values of each species, their
propagation, economics, markets, uses, value addition, etc.
Ex-situ conservation plots of medicinal plants may be established in

the Division at suitable locations with the above objective with the
participation of VSSs. The National Medicinal Plants Board is providing
financial support to the projects for promoting medicinal plants cultivation.
Demonstration plots can be laid out in the manner that such plots are
established and maintained in the other parts of the state by reputed
pharmaceutical companies like Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala, Kerala
Ayurveda Pharmacy etc. Production and sale of seedlings of medicinal
plants species also will be undertaken by the VSS, which will in turn
generate income for the sustenance of the VSS.
People of Kerala have rich tradition in utilizing various types of

medicinal plants. The change from traditional agricultural practice to the
cultivation of cash crops has resulted in the disappearance of various
NWFP species. Again this culture can be brought back by encouraging the
farmers to take up cultivation of medicinal plants in their agriculture land.
4.13 CULTIVATION OF MEDICINAL PLANTS BY VSS

There are several indigenous plant species with high commercial
demand, which are still being collected from the wild and are becoming
very rare, but not successfully introduced for cultivation. All the major spice
species- pepper, cardamom, ginger and nutmeg are in high demand for
the medicine industry which are cultivated mainly as plantation crops with
very high input of chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
228
National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB) has recommended 32
species of medicinal plants for large-scale cultivation. Out of which 25
species are growing in Kerala. These species are Ashokam (Saraca
asoka) Koovalam (Aegle marmelos) Palakappayyani (Oroxylum indicum)
Kumizhu (Gmelina arborea) Kanikkonna (Cassia fistula) Nelli (Emblica
officinalis) neelayamari (Indigofera tinctoria) Iruveli (Coleus zeylanicus)
Adapathian (Holostemna ada-kodien) Kattupadavalam (Trichosanthes
cucumerina) Nannari (Hemidesmus indicus) Naykuruna (Mucuna pruriens)
Kattarvazha (Aloe vera) Kacholam (Kaempferia galanga) Brahmi (Bacopa
monnieri) Koova (Curcuma zedoaria) Kattupadavalam (Trichosanthes
lobta) Satavari (Asparagus racemosus) Chittaratha (Alpinia galanga)
Palmuthukku (Ipomoea mauritiana) Vellakunni (Abrus precatorius)
Nagadandi (Baliospermum montanum) Trikolpakonna (Merrimia
turpenthum) Chittadalodakom (Adathoda beddomii) Vayambu (Acorus
calamus).
All the above species will be attempted in forests as well as in

homesteads by the VSS operating in the area. The prescriptions made
under this Chapter should be discussed with the VSS and subsequently
incorporated in their respective Microplans.
4.14 EXTENSION TRAINING TO OFFICERS

The officers dealing with NWFP will get information regarding the
opportunities of cultivation of NWFP for meeting the increasing demand
and help to conserve the resource of the forest. The raising of these plants
outside the forest will help for the conservation of biodiversity. Since the
main function of the Kerala Forest Department is conservation of
biodiversity, the department may spread the message among the locals
regarding its cultivation and propagation. Since there are projects under
NAP for raising medicinal plants, the staff will be aware of the quality of
planting materials. Cultivation technology and marketing facilities have to
be adopted. They should know about the package of practices of
cultivation, harvest and post harvest cases as well as grading and quality
control of NWFP.
The cultivation practices for some important medicinal plants

identified as viable for cropping in degraded forest areas and can be
harvested non destructively are furnished below.
1. Thippali (Piper longum): - It is an ascending or prostrate under

shrub growing up to 1 m long and it has simple leaves and the branches
root at nodes It is common in wet and shaded areas in the evergreen and
semi evergreen forests. Its flowers are greenish coloured, minute in
solitary, pedunculate, slender spikes. Fruits are blackish green in colour,
shining when young and red when ripe. Normally it flowers during Oct-Nov
and bears fruits during Dec-Mar.
229
It is propagated vegetatively from semi hard cuttings having 5-6
nodes. The cuttings are planted in poly bags with 2 nodes under the soil
mixture. The best time for raising nursery is May during the pre-monsoon
shower. They take about 15-20 days for sprouting and the sprouting is
about 80%. The cutting will be ready for planting with in a month.
This is the Indian long pepper plant. Almost all parts of it are
medicinally used for treatment of respiratory diseases like Bronchitis,
Asthma and so on.
2. Chittamruthu (Tinospora cordifolia): - It is locally known as

Sithamruthu. It is a shrubby climber with filiform aerial roots with 3-5m
long, stem glabrous, striate when young, succulent, bark corky, papery,
and often grooved. Its leaves are simple and alternate. It is lianas, often
climbing on stunted trees, hedge plants and such supports in the plains,
forest outskirts, open areas and such habitats, mostly in moist-deciduous
forests. They flowering during Feb-May the fruits are red and mature
during May to July. Its flowers are greenish-yellow in auxiliary or terminal,
dioecious racemes from mature stem, often much longer than leaves,
during Nov-May season.
It is propagated either by seeds or by cuttings. Sowing of fresh

seeds in poly bags or planting pencil thick semi hard cuttings with 4-8
nodes in poly bags is ideal.
Stem, root and leaves are the commonly exploited parts of this
plant for medicinal use. It is widely used as medicine in the treatment of
Jaundice, rheumatism and fever. The vegetative parts of this plant are
used in the treatment of general debility and urinal infections and so on.
3. Adalodakam (Adhatoda zeylanica):- It is locally known as

Adathoda. It is a dense shrub, using as hedge plants with 1-2.5m long,
stem terete with yellowish bark, glabrous with pubescent the young
branches. Its leaves are simple are when young, glabrous when matured.
Its flowers are white with rose coloured bands in the corolla throat, in
dense, auxiliary, 2-5cm long pedunculate, terminal spikes. It seeds 1 or 2
up to 7 cm long Orbicular or oblong. Flowers are produced during Feb-Jun
and fruits mature by Jun-Aug.
It is a gregarious evergreen shrub; often grown along hedges and in

the homesteads. In wild, occasionally distributed near forest streams,
banks of reservoirs and such wet areas.
Almost all the parts of the plant are extracted and used in medicine.
It is widely used as medicine in the treatment of Bronchitis, Rheumatism,
Cold, Cough and Asthma. The juice of the plant is also used as curative
for diarrhoea, dysentry and glandular tumour.
4. Vizhalari (Emblica ribes): - It is locally known as Vizhalam. It is

hedge plant preferring partially open place. It is commonly found in
evergreen and semi evergreen forests at high elevations, occasionally
230
extending to shola forests and thickest in the adjoining high altitude
grasslands. It is lianas with tuberculed stems, branchlets slender and
white. Its leaves are simple with alternate arrangements, flowers are small,
white in colour, in axillary or terminal panicles. Its fruits are berries up to
0.3cm across, globose. The plant has, flowers and fruits during Jan-May.
Dried berries are used as medicine for constipation, colic,

dyspepsia, ascites, bronchitis, mental diseases, heart’s ailment, urinary
troubles, jaundice, piles and snakebites. Sowing fresh seeds in raised
beds can propagate it.
5. Kodakappala (Holarrhena pubescens): - It is seen in open places

with sandy or well drained soils as a stunted tree up to 15m high,
branchlets are glabrous or slightly pubescent. Its leaves are simple. It is
flowers in Jun-Sep and the fruits mature during Feb-Mar. Its flowers are
white in shortly pedunculate, axillary and terminal panicles,
corymbosecymes. Its seeds are dark brown up to 1cm long, linear,
compressed tufted hairy at tip.
It is an attractive shrub or small tree with milky white flowers

produced in large clusters.
Its stem and root bark are medicinal. Leaves are also used as
medicine. It is widely used as medicine for diarrhoea, dysentry and
bronchitis.
It is propagated using seeds of the plant from natural stands during

Feb-Apr. It is also propagated by wind.
6. Adapathiyan (Holostemma ada-kodien): - It is a shrub, twining and

climbing up to 4m high. Its stem is much branched, glabrous, its leaves are
simple. Leaves and flowers are produced during Jul-Aug and fruits mature
during Nov-Dec. Its flowers purple, fragrant, in sub lateral, lax and
pedunculate. Its seeds almost 0.5cm long, oblong, flattened with, up to
2cm long.
It is a plant with underground stem producing aerial leaves and

inflorescence. This species is rather rare in Kerala; where it grows in
plains, open forest gaps, along roadsides and in younger forest plantations
like teak. It is mainly the roots are the medicinal parts, which are extracted
in large scale, even though leaves, flowers and stem are also useful. The
roots possess cooling, alternative, tonic and laxative properties and a part
of it are advocated for Opthalmia and Orchitis. Its roots are also anti
diabetic. Leaves, flowers and fruits of the plant are useful as vegetable.
7. Kiriath (Andrographis paniculata): - It is also known as Kiriath in

Ayurveda. It is common in moist deciduous, dry deciduous forests and
also in the plains. It is much branched, glabrous herb, its leaves are
simple. The plant flowers and bears fruits during Aug-Dec. Its flowers are
pale purple, many, in much branched, glandular hairy, axillary or terminal
panicles. Its capsules is oblong, hairy, acute, compressed, 8-10 seeded.
231
The entire plant is medicinal. This plant is medicinal for all types of fevers
and especially intermittent temperature.
8. Nannari (Hemidesmus indicus): - It is commonly known as Naru –

neenti in Ayurveda. It is slender climbing herb with dark brown, wiry stem
and tuberous roots. It is common along hedges and forest boundaries,
open, bushy areas, grassy slopes etc; of moist and dry deciduous forest
tract. It is twining, herbaceous climber up to 3m high; Leaves are simple,
decussate or rarely whorled. Flowers during Sep-Oct and fruits ripen by
Dec-Jan. Flower greenish white. Seeds black, 0.4 to 0.8 cm long.
This is truly India Sarasaparilla plant. The aromatic tuberous roots

an extracted for the preparation of tonic, alternative demulcent diaphoretic,
aleuretic and blood purifier. The roots are also used in the treatment of
venereal diseases rheumatics, urinary disorders and skin diseases. The
root syrup is a flavoring agent in soft drinks.
9. Palmuthakku (Ipomoea mauritiana): - It is a perennial twining herb,

with tuberous roots, up to 5m high; branchlets glabrous. Leaves are
simple, alternate, palmately lobed. It flowers during Jul-Aug and bearing
fruits during Sep-Dec. Flowers are reddish, purple or pink in many flowers.
Its capsules about 1cm long. Seeds almost 0.5cm long, brownish – cotton
hairy. Twining herbs are frequent in the moist deciduous forest
The tuberous roots of the plant are brittle, mucilaginous and bitter to
taste and they contain a resin that is medicinal. It is reported that the dried
powdered roots of the plant are curative of spleen and lever complaint,
debility, fat accumulation and so on. Stem and leaves are used as fodder.
10. Sarpa-Gandhi (Rauvolfia serpentina): - It is commonly known as

amalpori. It is an under shrub, 60-90cm high, branch lets glabrous, sub
terete, crowded-leafy at apex. Leaves are simple, whorled; Flowers are
white tinged with violet. Its seeds up to 0.5 cm long ovate.
It is a common under shrub forming part of the under growth in

moist deciduous forest, especially along forest path sides and open areas,
the plant is also in cultivation. Flowers are produced during May-Jun and
fruits by Aug-Sep.
The roots of the plants are extensively extracted as medicine in the

treatment of diseases like psoriasis, gynecological disorder, toxic goiter,
mental disorder and so on.
The plant is propagated from seeds, roots cutting, root stumps and
stem cuttings.
11. Inchi – pullu (Cymbopogon flexuosus): - It is commonly known as

theruai or vattu-pullu. It is a perennial, stout herb with linear leaves,
oblong- lanceolate, and aromatic. Flowers in long peduncled, compound
panicles.
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Aromatic grasses, wild or cultivation mostly in Laterite and dry soil
with sufficient drainage. The species is seen as a secondary species in
semi – evergreen and deciduous forests, especially along hill sides, at
altitude ranging from 150m to 1100m Jun-Dec are the flowering and
fruiting period of the grass.
It is also known as lemon grass and its oil is widely used as an

aromatic substances. Lemon grass oil is extracted by distillation from the
aerial parts of the plant. The oil is used in the production of perfumes,
soap and cosmetics and as a mosquito repellent and disinfectant and its
leaves are also used as fodder.
12. Kasthuri-manjal (Curcuma zedoaria): - It is an herb, rhizomatom

with broadly ovoid, camphor smelling with under ground stem, deep yellow
inside with sessile, palmately branched tubers, fleshy roots; sessile tubers
pearl white inside, fusiform, fleshy; pseudo-aerial stem erect. Leaves 4-6
and simple, flowers are yellow, stout and lateral spikes. Its seeds are
ellipsoid with white lacerate aerial.
It is an aromatic herb, common as an under growth in evergreen

and semi evergreen and in moist deciduous forest and in valleys of hills
and near stream banks. The plant is also cultivated in Kerala as it is quite
medicinal, It is propagated from the under ground stem.
As a source of starch with cooling and demulient properties and for

medicinal use, the rhizome of the plant is extracted. The rhizome is used
in the manufacture of liquors, essences and butters. It is also used in the
manufacture of perfumes and cosmetics. It is propagated from its under
ground stem.
13. Ramacham (Vetiveria zizanioides):- It is perennial, rhizomatous

herb, 1 to 2 m high; culms densely tufted, erect, leafy, stout. Leaves
sheathed liqulate and linear-lanceolate. Its flowers are actually spike lets.
Tall grasses, often cultivated both in the hills and also the plains,
running wild in moist deciduous, especially in the opening and along river
sides.
From the aromatic roots of this grass, vetiver oil in extracted for use
in perfume and cosmetic industry. The oil is extracted by water distillation
process and subsequent refinements by fractional filtration and
dehydration.
The roots are also dried and made into mats, beds, window
curtains, screens, baskets etc. The grass yields a chemical pulp useful for
making newsprint.
14. Vallipala (Tulophora indica):- It is twining or straggling shrubaceous

climber with milky latex, 1.5 to 2.5 m high, branchelets pubescent or
slightly hairy. Leaves are simple and slighter fleshy. Flowers are greenish
yellow or purplish. Seeds up to 1cm long broadly ovate.
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Vallipala is common as stragglers or climbers along hedges of
forest fringes, especially in moist deciduous areas. Flowers during Feb-
Mar and fruit mature by Apr-May.
Roots, stems and leaves are the parts of this plant extracted for
medicinal purposes. Root is used in the treatment of diseases like asthma,
bronchitis, whooping cough, dysentery etc. The root is also an effective
food preservative. Its leaves and stem contain and alkaloid and it is used
in the treatment of tumours. It is also used in the treatment of cancer.
15. Chakkarakkolly (Gumnema sylvestre):- It is a shrubby climber, 1.5

to 3 m high; branchlets terete, pubescent, spreading. Leaves are simple,
opposite, ovate and elliptic, Flowers yellow in umbel- like, axillary cymes
shorter than leaves. Seeds are almost 1 cm long, narrowly ovaid-oblong
flat with marginal wing.
Fairly common along the margins of semi evergreen forest, in forest

openings and along hedges, especially in lateritic areas. This climber
flowers during Sep-Nov and fruits during Dec-Jan
The plant as such or its leaves are extracted for medicinal

purposes. It is remedial for stomach ache, cough, biliousness, sore-eyes
etc. And is a laxative, diuretic, heart stimulant and so on. The roots of the
plant are used by the people against diabetes.
16. Kacholam (Kaempferia galangal):- It is locally known as

Kachulakizhangu also. It is a rhizomatous herb with aerial leaves spread
on the ground; tubers much branched up to 1.5cm in diameter. Leaves
rotund-ovate, deltoid, deep green above and pale beneath. Flowers white,
fragrant in clusters of 10 to 12, from the centre of spreading leaves,
enclosed in imbricated leaf sheathy. Seeds sub glabose with a small,
lacerate aril.
It is an aromatic herb with under ground stem and devoid of

pseudo-aerial stem but only aerial leaves spreading on the soil surface.
The plant is seen only rarely in natural forest and in more often cultivated.
Flowers open mostly during Aug-Sep.
It is an aromatic plant tuberous rhizome in the main part extracted

from this plant. It is used both in perfuming and as a medicine against
cough, pectorial affections, dyspepsia, headache, malaria, rheumatism
etc.
17. Vayambu (Acorus calamus):- It is a stoloniferous herbs with

branched, very aromatic root stock, up to 1cm in diameter; pseudostem
leafy, around half meter high. Leaves simple, distichous, pale green and
sheathing at base. Flowers yellow, 3-4 cm long, in peduncled and
cylindrical spadix. Its capsules green, angular and prismatic and seeds
oblong.
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It is a semi aquatic, perennial aromatic plant distributed in marshy
areas along with grasses. The plant flowers during May-Jun and fruits by
Jul-Aug. It is also cultivated by tribals in homesteads in forest areas.
Vayambu is a rhizome plant which is extensively extracted. A yellow

aromatic volatile oil is extracted from the dry rhizome, which has high
medicinal properties as an emetic, carminative and anti-spasmodic. It is
also widely used in the treatment of epilepsy, chronic diarrhea, bronchial
catarrah etc. The oil is also used in spice blends and for flowering
alcoholic beverages.
18. Akil (Chukrasia tabularis):- It is also known as chuvannakil or

Malaveppu in local. Akil is normally a tree about 10-20 m high, branches
lenetnicellate glabrous. Leaves alternate or sub opposite, abruptly pinnate.
Flowers yellow in large capsules up to 5cm long. Seeds are of winged.
Akil is a graceful stuffed tree, rather grow in the moist deciduous

forest of Kerala. Flowers during Feb-Apr and fruits ripen and seeds get
dispersed by July.
Bark of this tree yields a reddish to amber coloured gum and

adhesive, and therefore this tree is called red Akil
The bark and the young leaves contains about 15-25% of tannin
and medicinally the bark is reported to be an astringent.
The regeneration of the tree is from the fallen seeds of the tree in the
natural forest.
19. Cheevakai (Acacia sinuata):- It is locally known as Chinikka. It is an

armed, stout climbing shrub. Its branches are brown, dotted white. Leaves
are alternate, bipinnate, leaflet subsessile, leaner, rounded or truncate at
base. Flowers white with pinkish base, pedenculate heads. Seeds 6-10
per pod, exalbuminous with flat cotyledous.
20. Scandent armed shrub, lianar, rare in the dry deciduous forest,
often climbing on hedges and other supports. Flowers during Mar-Oct and
fruits mature by Jan-Apr.
Pods and young leaves are the useful parts extracted from the
plant. The pods called Shikai are extensively used as a detergent and
hence the name ‘soap nut’. Pods are either used as such or powdered and
perfumed. They also enter in to the manufacture of toilet soaps and skin
ointments. It is also used in anti dandruff treatment.
This clamper regenerate naturally and artificially by pods.
21. Karinjappatta (Acacia pinnata):- It is locally known as ‘Kareenja’. It

is lianas or climbing shrub, 6-8m high; branches and branch lets are re-
curved prickly. Leaves are alternate and by pinnate, prickly and glandular
towards the base. Flowers are white, pale yellow or reddish brown. Pods
235
reddish brown, up to 14-18 into 1.5 to 2.5 cm, strap shaped. Seeds 6-12 in
each pod, dark brown.
Rather common in dry deciduous and disturbed forest of the rain

shadow region and hill slopes of Kerala, especially in the out skirts, shrub
jungles and dry and degraded forest areas.
Bark and fruit pulp are the useful parts of the plant. Bark contains
tannin. Used to tan fishnets and stilt leather. The bark is used as a
substitute for soap.
22. Karinkurinji (Nilgirianthus ciliatus):- It is an under shrub up to 1.2

m high; stem and branches terete, often winged fimbriate at nodes.
Leaves are simple and opposite. Flowers are white and pale purple or
white reddish blotches in axillary, dense spikes up to 2cm long. Capsules
are up to 0.8 x 0.4 cm, 2 to 4 seeded.
Forming part of the ground flora, the plant is common in the

evergreen and semi evergreen forest of Kerala, at higher elevations.
Flowers during Dec-Feb and fruits mature by Mar-Apr.
It is a medicinal shrub, the leaves, stems, roots and seeds of it are

collected. These are used for the treatment of jaundice, dropsy,
rheumatism, primogenital ailments etc.
23. Kattupadavalm (Trichosanthes cucumeriana):- It is also known as

pepatolas or peppadal. It is an annual, tendril climbing herb, 2-4 m high;
stem light green, shallausly furrowed, sparsely hairy or sub glabarous;
tendrils light green. Leaves are alternate, simple. Flowers white in auxiliary
racemes. Fruits 2.5 to 7 cm long, ovoid of fusiform, seeds 0.3 to 0.4 cm
long compressed embedded in red pulp.
Rare, often climbing on bushes or on hedges in the fringes of

evergreen, semi evergreen and moist deciduous forest and also in the
plains. Flowers during Aug-Dec and fruits mature by Feb-Mar.
Almost all parts of this plant are medicinal and therefore it is often
distractively extracted from the natural Forest. Seeds are reported to the
contain about 28% of a drying oil.
The plant can be grown as a raising season crop by seeds.
24. Kodampuli (Garcinia gummi-gutta):- it is also locally known as

meen puli trees, 8-12 m high with horizontal or droop in branches, dark
brown bark, branchless glabrous. Leaves simple and opposite. Flower and
white with yellow with tinge, male and female. Berries yellow, up to 7 cm
across thick; seeds 6-8 about 1.5 cm long, ovoid with white or red,
succulent aril.
Trees with regular, horizontal branches and dense crown, common

along river banks, valleys and depression of moist deciduous, semi
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evergreen and evergreen forests. Flowers are produced during Feb-Mar
and fruits ripen by Jul-Aug.
Rind of the fruit is the main non timber product extracted from the
plant. The rind dried in sun and smoke, is extensively used as a souring
agent in curries. Decoction of the fruit rind is also medicinal in the
treatment of rheumatism, piles etc.It’s naturally regenerated from seeds
and can be propagated artificially by raising seedlings.
25. Kurumthoti (Sida rhombifolia):- It is a herb or under shrub with

spreading branches, branchy woody and minute hairy. Leaves are simple,
alternate. It is one seeded.
Rather common in openings, plantation and fringes of moist, dry

deciduous forests and also along roadsides, homesteads and waste
places in the non-forested midlands of Kerala.
The plant is medicinal and also yields fiber. Medicinally, it is used in

the treatment of tuberculosis and rheumatism. Fruits are also used in the
treatment of rheumatism and lencorrhoea.
26. Njaval (Syzygium cumini):- It is also known as njara or Perum-

Njaval tree, 20-30 m high with spreading branches. Leaves are simple,
opposite flowers greenish white, fragrant. Burrise dark purple. Seeds 1 x
0.5 cm ellipsoid one seeded.
Large evergreen tree, common by found along river side in

evergreen and semi evergreen and deciduous forest. Flowers during Dec-
Mar. Fruits ripen during Jan-Aug.
The edible fruits rich in glucose and fructose and the major non
timber product collected from this tree which consumed as such or
prepared into jam, jelly, squash, vinegar, wine, liquors etc. Bark is
extracted and used for dyeing. Regeneration is from seeds.
27. Pinari (Nothapodytes nimmoniana):- Shrubs or trees up to 2-7 m

high. Leaves are simple and alternate. Flowers are greenish white. Drupes
reddish purple, compressed one seeded.
A tree of moderate size abundant in ever green forest and sacred

grouse, especially in shade. Flower are produced during Jun-Aug, Fruits
ripen during Sep-Oct.
Fruits are edible, sleek in appearance and taste. Seeds of the

plant yield about 48% of oil, brownish in colour Table No. 66.
Table – 66 – Short Rotation Medicinal Plants

1 Marunnu Koorkka Coleus forskohlii Brig
2 Kiriyatha Andrographis paniculata
237
3 Amukuram Withinia somnifera
4 Stewia Stevia rebaudiana
5 Thulasi Ocimum tenuiflorum linn
6 Karpoorathulasi Ocimum kilimandscharicum
7 Safedmuseli Chlorophytum borivilianum
8 Iruveli Coleus zeylanicus
9 Orila Desmodium gangeticum
10 Moovila Pseudarthria viscida
11 Kambolam Kaempferia galanga linn
12 Kaipanpadavalam Trichosanthes lobata roxb.
13 Chengazhineerkizhangu Kaempferia rotunda linn
14 Kasthurimanjal Curcuma aromatica salisb
15 Sankhupushpam Clitoria ternatea linn
16 Cheruvazhuthina Solanum melongena
17 Karimkurinji Nilgirianthus ciliatus
18 Chethikoduvali Plumbago indica linn
19 Chittaratha Alpinia calcarata Rosc
20 Chittadalodakam Adhatoda beddomei
21 Nagadandhi Baliospermum montanum
22 Brahmi Bacopa mannieri
23 Sathavari Asparagus racemosus
24 Ramacham Vetiveria zizanioides
25 Kattarvazha Aloe vera
26 Arogyapacha Trichopus zeylanicus
27 Inchipullu Cymbopogan citratus
28 Vallipala Tylophoria indica
30 Vayambu Acorus calamus
31 Thippali Piper longum
32 Chakkarakolli Gymnema syvestre
33 Pambouli Pogostemon cablin
34 Adapathiyan Holostemma ada-kodien
35 Avannkku Ricinus-communis
36 Neelayamari Indigofera tinctoria
Tree Crops
1 Ungu Pongamia pinnata
2 Ashokam Saraca asoca
3 Kumizhu Gmelina arborea
238
4 Palakapayyani Oroxylum indicum
5 Poopathiri Radermachera xylocarpa
6 Koovalam Aegle marmelos
7 Aryaveppu Azadirachta indica
8 Kadukka Terminalia chebula
9 Thanni Terminalia bellirica
10 Agathi Sesbania grandiflora
11 Jathi Myristica fragrans
12 Munja Premna mollissima
13 Kariveppu Murraya koenigii
14 Venga Pterocarpus marsupium
15 Athi Ficus racemosa
16 Ithi Ficus microcarpa
17 Njettaval Holoptelea integrifolia
18 Mathalam Punica granatum
19 Cherunarakam Citrus limon
20 Neervalam Croton tiglium
21 Anatto Bixa orellana
22 Chappangam Caesalpinia sappan
23 Karinochi Vitex negundo
24 Muringa Mrinya oleifera
Prescription
1. Tribals and other stakeholders shall be trained in scientific

harvest, storage, value addition and marketing of NWFP.
2. NWFP species shall be augmented in degraded forests.
3. Training shall be imparted in cultivation of medicinal plants and

planting material shall be distributed /supplied to private land
holders on the fringes of forests.
The species mentioned in Para 4.13 may be attempted in the

Reserved Forests as well as homesteads by VSS operating in the area.
The prescriptions mentioned under in this chapter shall be discussed with
the respective VSS and subsequently incorporated in their Microplans.
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CHAPTER – V
REED, BAMBOO AND RATTAN WORKING CIRCLE

(Extent 31980 ha)
5.1. CONSTITUTION OF WORKING CIRCLE

This Working Circle includes Reed, Bamboo and Rattan growing
areas of the Division and overlaps with Eco restoration, Biodiversity and
NWFP Working Circles.

1) Preserve and enhance the resource base under Rattans, Reeds,
and Bamboos.
2) Ensure sustainable supply of reeds and bamboos for the cottage

and pulp wood industries.
3) Providing employment to the local people especially the forest

dependent communities.
5.3 REED
5.3.1 Introduction: Reeds are gregarious small bamboos of the genus
Ochalandra found extensively in evergreen forest. This Division has lost
considerable good reed area due to formation of hydroelectric projects
and encroachments. It has been extracted continuously in large quantities
over the years as raw material for Hindusthan News Print Limited and for
Kerala Bamboo Corporation Ltd for mat weaving and bamboo ply
manufacture and in some limited quantities for local consumption.
5.3.2 General Characteristics: The chief reed species occurring in this

tract are Ochalandra travancorica and Ochalandra rheedii. Ochalandra
travancorica is commonly known as Eetta which flowers gregariously and
disappear at long intervals. It occurs in areas of altitude up to 1500 m.
Ochalandra rheedii, known as Ama, grows along stream and riverbanks
and flowers sporadically every year. It is also good for pulp. Two varieties
of reeds locally known as Velleetta and Kareetta are found in Adimaly and
Neriamangalam Ranges. The kareetta had flowered during 2005-06.
Profuse regeneration occurred in the flowered area and the same is
establishing.
5.3.2.1 Distribution: Most of the reed growth is distributed in Adimaly,

Neriamangalam and Munnar Ranges. In Adimaly Range the reed bearing
241
areas are mainly concentrated in Southern catchment area of Karimthiri
Aar, Eastern catchment area of Kunji Aar, either side of Chittur Aar, and
the western bank of Mettasseri Aar up to Perumbankuthu. The reed
bearing localities are Kurathikudi, Nellamalai, Avarukutty, Kunjiar,
Valaripara and Permbankutthu.
Reed Plantation
Sl.
Rane Plantation Year Extent (ha)
No.
1 Neriyamangalam Njandukulam 1998 25
In Neriamangalam Range the reed bearing areas are located on

Southern catchment area of Mamala thodu, Southern bank of
Elamblassery Aar, Northern catchment of Devi Aar and the banks of
numerous streams present in the Range. Pazhampallichal,
Mamalakandam, Pattimudi, Padikkappu, Muthikad and Valara are the
reed bearing localities in Neriamangalam Range.
In Munnar Range, reed is found in Edamalakudy area. No

significant extraction has been done so far in Edamalakudy area due to
inaccessibility.
5.3.2.2 Analysis of crop: Reeds occurring in the valleys on either side of

the Neriamangalam- Munnar road and Neriamangalam – Idukki road are
of poor quality and reed found in other areas are of good quality. In all
these areas reeds occur along the banks of streams and rivers
abundantly. It occupies the lower slopes and surrounding hilltops as well.
Reed growth in Nelli Mala, Avarukutty areas in Adimaly Range are

of good quality. Girth of culm varies from 7 to 12 cm and height from 4m to
7 m. The culms are generally slender with long internodes. The reeds in
this area were heavily harvested by the K.S.B.C and HNL in the past,
resulting in the formation of degraded, less productive inferior reed forest.
The entire reed pockets had been extracted in the previous years.
There is hardly any pocket in this area left out except few scattered
inaccessible areas. Every year the area is subjected to seasonal fire,
which reduces the regeneration, and destroys the existing crop and hence
distribution of reeds becomes sparse, with slender and inferior in quality
reeds. The reed bearing areas in Pazhampallichal, Muthirachal and the
hillmen settlements areas of Padikkappu and Elamblassery are the areas
where such annual fires are common.
HNL is the main and large consumer of the reed from this area.
Neitheetta the long sized reed are collected by the Govt. owned KSBC for
distribution among artisans to weave mats. Among the whole extent of
reed bearing area 20 to 30 percentage is degraded by the factors regular
collection and annual fire.
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5.3.2.3 Reed Felling Series: For the convenience of extraction,
management and monitoring reed, areas of Munnar Division are divided in
to two felling series viz, Adimaly and Neriamangalam. Each felling series
is divided in to four coupes.
5.3.2.4 Adimaly Felling Series: In the plan area Adimaly Forest Range is
one of the main sources of reed and bamboo. For convenience of
extraction the total reed areas in the Range area divided and in to four
coupes. Boundaries of the coupes are as detailed below.
Coupe No I
North: Karimthiri River (length approx. in the coupe area)
West: Kunji Aar (length 6 Km approx. in the coupe Area from junction of
Karimthiri Aar).
East: Coupe road from Avarukutty to Anakulam through Kurathykudy.

Extent: 1400 Ha (approx.)
Coupe No II
North: Junction point of Anakulam aar and Karimthiri aar to

Perumbankuthu.
West: Road from Kurathykudy to Anakulam.
South: Footpath from Kurathykudy to Muttasseri aar.
East: Munnar-Mankulam Division boundary (approx. 6 Km from

Perumbankuthu).
Extent: 900 Ha (approx.)
Coupe No. III
North: Footpath from Kurathykudy to Muttasseri aar.
West: Starting from Range boundary between Adimaly and Kuttampuzha

to Kurathikudy (length 6 Km approx.)
South: Avarukutty River (5 Km approx)
East: Munnar-Mankulam Division boundary (Length 5km approx.)
Extent : 3900 Ha (approx.)
Coupe No. IV
North: Avarukutty river (Chittur river) (Length 5 Km approx.)
West: Padikappu thodu (Length 4 km approx.)
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South: Parappara aar (Length 5 km approx)
East: Suriamudy to Parappara (Length 6 km approx.)
Extent : 1900 ha (approx.)
5.3.2.5 Neriamangalam Felling series: The stock of reed in

Neriamangalam is less compared to the stock in Adimaly Range. For the
convenience of extraction, the reed area in this Range is divided in to four
coupes.
Coupe No.I
North: Aluva-Munnar new road. (From Neriamangalam bridge to

Irumpupalam).
West: Aluva-Munnar road (Talakkode to Ranikallu)
South: Division boundary (Mennozhinjam para to Talakkode)
East: Range Boundary of Neriamangalam – Adimaly. Extent: 4700 Ha

(approx.)
Coupe No.II
North: Munnar-Malayattoor Division boundary (From Pinavoorkudi-

Kochurulanthanni-Kinacheri)
West: Division boundary between Munnar and Thattekkad sanctuary.
South: Periyar River (From Neriamangalam bridge to Palamattom)
East: Foot path from Moonukalunku to Pinavoorkudi.
Extent: 2100 ha (approx.)
Coupe No.III
North: Division boundary from Pinavoorkudi to Mamalakandam.
West: Foot path from Moonukalunku to Pinavoorkudi.
South: Aluva-Munnar Road (Moonukalunku to 6th mile).
East: Road from 6th mile to Mamalakandam.
Coupe No.IV
244
North: From Mamalakandam to Avarukutty (along the Range boundary of
Adimaly and Neriamangalam)
West: Road from 6th mile to Mamalakandam.
South: Aluva-Munnar road from 6th mile to Irumpupalam.
East: Range boundary of Adimaly and Neriamangalam. (From Avarukutty

to Irumpupalam).
5.3.2.6 Special Objectives of Management:
1. Protection of the existing reed areas and augmentation of the stock

by artificial regeneration.
2. Sustainable harvest of reed without disturbing its habitat, improving

the quality and number of the culms and fostering its natural revival in
this traditionally rich area.
3. To protect the banks of streams and rivers, protect the steep areas
from soil erosion and for water conservation.
4. To ensure sustainable supply of reeds to cottage industries HNL and

KSBC
5. To provide jobs to local people who depend on read forest, for their
livelihood.
5.3.2.7 Silvicultural System: Selection cutting of mature culms of more

than two years age from the clumps will be practiced and the extraction
will be done in accordance with the reed management plan. Selection
thinning system would enable the reed forests to produce maximum
number of new recruits in a clump, with less percentage of mature and
over mature culms. The danger of invasion of grass & weeds will be
minimized under carefully planned extraction. Under selection system with
a short felling cycle, better regeneration is guaranteed for a shade bearer
like reeds. Considering the dwindling growing stock, it is essential that the
degraded patches of reed areas be taken up for augmentation.
5.3.2.8 Felling Cycle: Since the period of minimum 3 years is required for
the clumbs to attain maturity and development of new rhizome from
mother rhizome, felling cycle is fixed as four years since that would
provide sufficient time for development of rhizomes. Shorter cycle has
resulted in degradations of stock and reductions in size of culms. The
removal of the matured culms at regular intervals will stimulate the mother
rhizomes to produce plenty of young shoots and create conditions
favorable for their growth and development.
5.3.2.9 Calculation of the Yield: 2% enumeration has been done in reed

bearing areas of Adimaly and Neriamangalam Ranges. From the
245
assessment, it is revealed that the reed resource is depleting due to
factors like fire, over exploitation, and encroachments. It is essential to
enforce carefully planned programmes for the protection, improvement
and systematic removal of available reed resources and to augment the
stock. In the heterogeneously distributed reed clumps continuous
development of rhizome and regeneration of healthy culms is essential.
Since reed culms are produced by vegetative propagation through
rhizomes, the old and matured culms should be removed without causing
injury to young culms. In addition, well-spaced culms are also necessary
to provide diffused sunlight and to support the young ones. Accumulation
of over mature culms would be not be profitable and silviculturally
undesirable for the growth of new recruits. Result of estimation is given in
Table No. 67.
Table – 67 – Growing stock of Reeds and Yield Expected
Coupe I II III IV
Adimaly Range
Extent of sample
0.04 ha 0.04 ha 0.04 ha 0.04 ha
plot
Extent of Reed
1400 ha 900 ha 3900 ha 1900 ha
area
Sampled 16 ha 10 ha 28 ha 14 ha
No. of culms 151200 Nos 99000 Nos 200900 Nos 135100 Nos
No. of culms/ MT
1095Nos 984 Nos 1148 Nos 1034Nos
Green
G.S. in MT/ha
8.63 10 6.25 9.33
(Green)
Effective area ha 800 500 1400 700
Total G.S. MT 6880 5000 8460 6531
Expected MT/Year 2293 1666 2916 2177
Neriamangalam Range
Extent of sample
0.04 ha 0.04 ha 0.04 ha 0.04 ha
plot
Extent of Reed
4700 ha 2100 ha 1300 ha 2500 ha
area
Sampled 14 ha 8 ha 12 ha 15 ha
No. of culms 117950Nos 84200Nos 111600Nos 134250Nos
No. of culms/ MT
1194Nos 1036Nos 1108Nos 1213Nos
Green
G.S. in MT/ha
7.05 10.15 8.39 7.37
(Green)
Effective area ha 700 400 600 750
Total G.S. MT 4935 4060 5034 5527
Expected MT/Year 1645 1353 1678 1842
Table – 68 – Abstract of growing stock
246
Coupe area Growing Annual
Range Felling Series Coupe No
(ha) stock(MT) yield(MT)
Neriamangalam Neriamangalam 1 4700 4935 1645
Adimaly Adimaly 1 1400 6880 2293
Table – 69 – Table of Felling

Coupe KSBC (MT) Coupe HNL (MT)
Sl.No Felling series Qty Total Qty Year Coupe No Year
No 30% No 70%
Neriamangalam 4 1842 2010-11 4 2010-11 2
1 4758 1425 2069
Adimaly 3 2916 3 2
Neriamangalam 1 1645 2011-12 1 2011-12 4

2 3822 1150 3333
Adimaly 4 2177 4 3
Neriamangalam 2 1353 2012-13 2 2012-13 1

3 3019 950 2672
Adimaly 2 1666 2 4
Neriamangalam 3 1678 2013-14 3 2013-14 2
4 3971 1190 2069
Adimaly 1 2293 1 2
Neriamangalam 4 1842 2014-15 4 2014-15 3
5 4758 1425 2781
Adimaly 3 2916 3 1
Neriamangalam 1 1645 2015-16 1 2015-16 4

6 3822 1150 3333
Adimaly 4 2177 4 3
Neriamangalam 2 1353 2016-17 2 2016-17 1
7 3019 950 2672
Adimaly 2 1666 2 4
Neriamangalam 3 1678 2017-18 3 2017-18 2
8 3971 1190 2069
Adimaly 1 2293 1 2
Neriamangalam 4 1842 2018-19 4 2018-19 3

9 4758 1425 2781
Adimaly 3 2916 3 1
Neriamangalam 1 1645 2019-20 1 2019-20 4
10 3822 1150 3333
Adimaly 4 2177 4 3
5.3.2.10 Extraction: Before the commencement of harvesting the stock

should be evaluated for supply to industries on a sustainable basis. The
reed stock in interior forest is to be salvaged to meet the requirement of
industries. Collections of reeds for industrial purpose should be
synchronized with systematic enrichment operation for development of the
resource. The harvesting involves felling, collection and dragging of reed
bundles to the nearest transporting point.
5.3.2.11 Felling: The workers who have experience in assessing the

maturity of reeds can be engaged for the collection of reeds. The selected
matured culms can be collected as per the felling rules. The felled culms
are to be pulled out from the clumps in its full length.
247
5.3.2.12 Cleaning Clumps: The clumps may be cleaned by removing the
sheaths, small branches and top ends, which will not yield pulpable
materials.
5.3.2.13 Collection and Bundling: All pulpable materials top and bottom
ends up to 1-m length below the leaf portion should be collected and
bundled using the peals obtained from twigs. Each bundle may contain
from 20 to 40 number of culm depending on the size. All culms felled and
collected in a day should be bundled on the same day itself.
5.3.2.14 Dragging: All bundles are to be brought by dragging or by head

load to the loading site. No culms felled should be left uncollected or no
bundles should be burned, damaged or rejected in the forest. As far as
possible, dragging has to be done through extraction path, middle path &
coupe roads available with in the tracts.
5.3.2.15 Transportation: Only existing motorable forest roads can be

used for transportation purposes. Random road formation for
transportation has degraded the forests considerably. Large number of
roads crisscrossing the reed areas may turn into arteries of development
thus reducing future conservation values. It is prescribed that all such
roads are mapped and only the strategically placed and barest minimum
are retained. Rest of the road network shall be made permanently
unusable.
5.3.2.16 Felling rules for Reeds:
1. No culms less than two years old will be cut.
2. There shall be one full internodes with septum intact above

ground level after felling.
3. All new culms and not less than one fourth of the old culms
will be left in the clump.
4. No clump shall be clear felled.
5. The extraction of the culms shall be done from the side

opposite to that where maximum fresh culms occur.
6. All utilizable length shall be collected and no wastage left at

site or over the clump.
7. Felling shall not be done on very steep slopes; generally all

ecological principles of soil, water and plant and wildlife
conservation should be followed.
8. Collection of reeds shall not be done commercially in June,

July and August as it is the regeneration period. But an
exception may be made in the case of legal head load
collectors who collect for their lively food reeds.
248
9. In case any flowering is noticed in an annual coupe, felling
may be suspended immediately and further work can be
permitted after seed fall is completed and all culms from
such clump will be clear felled.
10. After felling, each clump should be cleaned by removing the

debris, fallen tops etc.
11. Work in annual coupe may be done and completed

systematically.
12. All dead, mal-formed culms irrespective of size and age

should be removed.
13. No damage should be caused to the young shoots buds and

other culms retained in the clump.
5.3.2.17 Method of treatment: For enhancing the quantity and quality of

the reed stock special attention may be given for improving the poorly
stocked tracts in to better productive areas. These areas shall be enriched
by planting good quality reeds.
5.3.2.18. Regeneration
5.3.2.18.1 Natural Regeneration: The reeds regenerate naturally both

from seeds and rhizomes. Soon after the germination fresh culm is
produced and with in a period of 6-8 years, this single rhizome develops in
to a clump. The lifespan of the clump is twenty-five years or more.
Cultural Operations: For promoting the natural regeneration, the

following cultural operations are required.
a) Cleaning of clumps: During extraction of reeds, the cleaning of clumps,

removal of dead and malformed culms and removal of dubious slashes
etc. may be properly carried out. The thinning of dense crown will permit
diffusing of sunlight.
b) Climber cutting: The climber cutting may be done along with cleaning of
clumps.
C) Eradication of Mikania: The invasion of Mikania is more in

Neriamangalam, Adimaly and Munnar Ranges. Eradication may be
completed before flowering of the plants.
5.3.2.19 Artificial Regeneration
a) By Raising Seedlings: The time for collection of ripened seed is during

the month of March – April. The seed can be sown either in wooden box
filled with sieved forest soil, sand and cow dung in the ratio of 5:3:1 or in
filled poly bag having size 23 x 18 cm. Seeds are placed horizontally and
covered with a thin layer of forest soil. Watering is to be done twice daily
till the seedlings are mature enough for pricking out. Potted seedlings are
249
arranged in the nursery under shade and watering is done twice a day till
the onset of monsoon in May-June. The seedling can be planted during
the beginning of monsoon.
b) Wildlings: The wildlings with size 10-20 cm length growing in moist

forest soil can be pulled out with out damaging the root system and
planted in wooden boxes or polythene bags with same procedure as
mentioned above. The wildlings are to be maintained under irrigated
condition in the nursery.
c) Rhizome cuttings: The rhizome segments of healthy clumps of age 5-

6 years old are used for rhizome cutting. The Ochalandra trvancorica is
propagated through this method. The rhizome segments are brought
packed in moist forest soil and wrapped with moist gunny bags. These
rhizomes are potted in large polythene bags filled with mixture of forest
soil, sand and cow dung in the ratio 5:3:1 They may be arranged under
shade and watered twice daily till sprouting. After sprouting watering will
be done once daily for the next one month.
d) Culm Cuttings: One or two year old culms are used for this purpose.
The culms are collected from its natural habitat and the top most portions
is rejected. The leaves and side branches are pruned without causing
injury to the nodal buds. The culms are divided in to pieces of 1.50 to 2 m
length and packed in moist sawdust and wrapped with wet gunny bags so
as to keep them fresh, moist and green during transportation and until
further processing. As soon as they are brought to the nursery, the culm
pieces are again divided in to nodded cuttings (KFRI 1990). A small
opening to be made at the mid part of the internodes and 100 ml of 0.1%
Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) is poured in to the cavity. i.e. A polythene
strip is tightly wound around it and then the slit is closed.. These culm
cuttings are kept horizontally on treated (Prophylactic treatment against
fungus with Bavistin and termites with Chloropyriphos) (KFRI. 1990),
nursery buds with the opened portion of the internodes facing upwards. A
thin layer of sieved forest soil is sprinkled over the treated culm cuttings to
keep them embedded in moist soil. Watering is done twice daily till
sprouting and subsequently once in a day. During the drier months of
March – May shade net is provided in order to protect the sprouts from
sun. Ref: (Pandalai R.C. Sankar S, 2000. Regeneration techniques for
reeds KFRI Research Report 187)
e) Augmentation in poor Reed areas: The augmentation of reed will be

done in the following areas.
1. Areas where the natural reeds are damaged by fire and with infestation
of weeds.
2. Areas with poor development of clumps.
3. The areas showing high degradation of reeds.
4. The areas with less than 200 clumps per hectare
250
f) Field performance of seedlings and wildlings: Augmentation of poor
reed growing areas through artificial regeneration using nursery grown
seedlings and wildings shall also be attempted. In the case of out planted
propagules of rhizome cuttings and Culm cuttings, success of these trial
plots greatly depend on the protection of planted area. This is particularly
so because reed is a preferred fodder species of wild elephants and
majority of the poor reed growing areas lay along their trail paths.
Wildlings proved to be inferior to seedlings in the out planted site as they
were very much sensitive to summer heat and biotic interferences like
trampling, browsing and grazing. The out-planted seedlings damaged by
wildlife recouped and regained active growth during the succeeding rainy
season and this was rarely observed among wildlings. Seedlings of
Ochalandra trvancorica registered higher field survival of 69 % after a
span of seven months while wildlings showed only 30 % survival during
the same period. The survival percentage of seedlings and wildlings
further declined during the next 21 months, to 40% and 10 % respectively
in the experimental plots. Mortality of the wildlings was mainly due to the
intense summer heat during the year 1995. (Pandalai R.C and
Sankar.S.2000)
g) Field performance of seedlings and wildlings of Ochalandra

trvancorica in the augmentation trial plots: Once established, the
seedlings shall produce more number of culms per clump with maximum
culm height. One-year-old seedlings proved to be ideal for field planting,
as their establishment chances and clump growth were evidently superior.
Poor establishment of wildlings coupled with poor growth performance in
the field, suggest that large scale planting programme with wildlings
should be taken up only if adequate supply of Plantable wildlings are
ensured.
h) Artificial regeneration through Rhizome cuttings and Culm

cuttings:
Field performance of propagules raised from rhizome cuttings:

Rhizome and culm cuttings potted in plastic bags developed in to massive
propagules during fourteen months of growth in the nursery. This made
the transportation of the planting stock from nursery to the planting site an
arduous task. Unlike the transplanted seedlings or wildlings, these
propagules also developed wilting tendencies soon after transplantation,
apparently due to the dislodged soil mass and damaged root and rhizome
system during transportation. Propagules raised from rhizome cuttings
were more susceptible to such damages. However, both type of
propagules established well in the field, when planted during the pre-
monsoon showers of May- June with sufficient protection from biotic
interventions. Field planting of propagules from culm and rhizome cuttings
revealed that culm cuttings showed higher field survival, maximum culm
production with better culm length than the out planted rhizome cuttings in
both Ochalandra scriptoria and Ochalandra travancorica. The culm
cuttings, of Ochalandra travancorica recorded a maximum survival
(72%) in seven months after field planting, white rhizome cuttings showed
251
only 49% survival. The rate of culm production was 15% greater in
propagules raised from culm cuttings, than those established from
rhizome cuttings. The new culms developed from culm cuttings were taller
and recorded higher mean maximum height. The same trend continued
even after 21 months of filed growth with a proportionate increase of 40%
in rate of culm production and culm height. The growth and development
of propagules raised from culm and rhizome cuttings of Ochalandra
scriptoria also followed almost a similar pattern as in the case of
Ochalandra travancorica. Initial observations after seven months field
growth showed 52% and 32% survival in propagules developed from culm
and rhizome cuttings respectively. The survival declined to 39% and 27 %
after a span of 21 months. The culm production rate was consistently
higher in propagules developed from culm cuttings and was 44% greater
than that of rhizome cuttings. The present study has shown that the
propagules developed from culm cuttings are superior and best suited for
artificial regeneration of poorly stocked and denuded reed areas. The
clumps developed from culm cuttings not only showed better fell survival
but also produced more number of culms per clump and the individual
culms recorded higher mean maximum culm Height. (Pandalai R. C.
Sankar, 2000.)
5.3.2.20 Other Regulations
1) Map Coupes and their boundaries marked in 1: 50,000-scale map may

be prepared
2) Fire protection: The boundary of the coupes should be fire traced

wherever necessary. Care may be taken to protect the vulnerable reed
pockets from annual fire by enforcing efficient fire protection measures.
Prescriptions
1) Harvesting:
a. The collection will be under the close supervision of the

department.
b. Extraction will not be allowed during the sprouting season that is

from June to August.
c. KSBC will collect Neyytheetta in the first year and there after HNL
will collect reeds in the second year. The coupe will remain free
from reed collection for the next 3 years. There after this process
will be repeated
2) Natural Regeneration:
a. It is prescribed to conduct activities like fire protection in fire prone

areas, Cultural operations like clearing of clums, climber cutting,
eradication of mikania clearing of debris etc shall be done to
252
accelerate natural regeneration in reed bearing areas of this
Division.
b. Neriamangalam Range : 50 ha /year during the first five year of

plan period. This will be repeated after 5 years if necessary. The
proposed areas are Elamblassery, Pazhampallychal,
Mamalakandam, Padicup, Muthikadu etc.
c. Adimaly Range: 50 ha/year during the plan period. Proposed areas

are Suriyamudi, Panamkutty, Parappara, Moothasseri,
Koonthrapuzha, Kurathykudy etc.
3) Management of flowered area: At Kurathikudy, Parappara, Averkutty,

Mamalakandam areas in plan area reed has been flowered during 2006–
2007. These areas show good regeneration. This area may be protected
from fire and grazing for the establishment of new regeneration.
5) Prescriptions for Artificial Regeneration: 50 ha of degraded area

shall be augmented by artificial regeneration every year in Neriamangalam
and Adimaly Ranges during the Plan period.
6) Stabilization of stream banks: It is prescribed to plant reed seedlings

in a width of 1 to 2 chains along stream banks without any weeding except
planting spot. Names of stream areas which require stabilization are given
here Thumbipara stream (3 Km), Thattekkanam (2 Km) Porkinthotty (5
Km), Sinkukudy (4 Km), Veliyampara (10 Km), Nellipara (5 Km),
Plakkayam thodu (3 Km), Noorankavu (5 Km), Poothanal (4 Km), PMT
thodu (5 Km), Vazhathooval (5 Km), Njandukulam (3 Km)
5.4 BAMBOO
5.4.1 Introduction: Bamboo has an important role as raw material for
paper industry, and multiple commercial and household uses. Considering
the social and economic significance of paper, bamboo is known as green
gold in India. India has 136 known species of bamboo but only 30-40 of
them are conspicuous either because of their extensive occurrence or
because of their economic exploitation. Bamboo species are found
throughout the tropical and sub tropical regions in India, but more
commonly in areas having 1,200 mm to 4,000 mm annual rainfall, and
temperature between 160C and 380C.
5.4.2 General Distribution: The Dendrocalamus strictus and Bambusa

arundinacea are the type of bamboo species available in these areas. The
Dendrocalamus strictus is located in plain area and the Bambusa
arundinacea in hilly areas.
In Adimaly Range it is distributed in Parappara, Kunthrapuzha,

Perinjankutty and Avarukutty areas. Elamblassery, Pettimudy, Inchathotty
and Illithandu are the bamboo available areas in Neriamangalam Range.
5.4.3 Special Objectives of management:
253
1) Sustainable harvest of bamboo or meet the requirement of pulpwood
and cottage industry in Kerala.
2) For providing employment to the local people who depend on forest

for their livelihood.
3) To protect and stabilize the banks of streams, rivers, the catchment

areas of dams and steep slopy areas.
4) To increase the growing stock of bamboo.
5) To support the tribals for managing the areas over which rights are
recognized.
6) For protecting critical habitats of elephants by avoiding extraction
5.4.4 Silviculture System: - The Silviculture system followed is selective

removal of mature culms. Bamboo culms originated from rhizome will take
three years for attaining maturity and seed origin plants mature within 7
years. Since bamboo mature with in 3 years and hence a felling cycle of
three years is proposed. However working can be done in two of the
Ranges where it is prominent, as for independent coupes considerably
limited quantity and distributions are available and hence for the purpose of
felling and management; the entire Working Plan area can be treated as
one coupe.
The commercial extraction of bamboos from Munnar Division was

carried out in the past from Adimaly and Neriamangalam Ranges.
5.4.5 Analysis of crop: The bamboo area in Munnar Division has been
studied and stock mapped by perambulation and 2% systematic sampling.
The total numbers of utilizable bamboo available in sample plots were
counted. Broken, mal-formed, diseased and unsuitable culms were not
included for counting. The result obtained is tabulated, analyzed and
furnished in Table No. 70 Details of the estimated standing stock of
bamboo and effective areas are given in tables and marked in the Range
maps.
Due to over exploitation in the past the availability of bamboo in

natural forest got depleted to a considerable extent. In Munnar Forest
Division an approximate extent of 10,000 ha support natural bamboo, as
scattered clumps. Bamboo plantations are raised over an area of 168.50
hectare in this Division. The bamboo growth at Perinjankutty in Adimaly
Range shows profuse growth.
Table – 70 – Bamboos-growing stock and yield
Neriamangalam Range Adimaly Range

Avarukutty Elamblassery Poothanal Illithondu Parappara Perinjankutty
Area traversed
7.48 ha 1 ha 8.8ha 3.8ha 12.12ha 2.48ha
sampling
254
No. of clumps 146 62 177 108 324 81
No. of culms 6433 921 7832 3709 10266 2311
No. of
clumps/ha
No. of
860 921 890 976 847 932
culms/ha
No. of 1 year 350 127 130 146 127 140
Effective area 600 ha 100 ha 300 ha 350 1000 250
Total culms 516000 92100 267000 341600 847000 233000
Growing stock
2219 396 1150 1470 3642 1010
in MT
Possible
2000 MT 350 MT 1000 MT 1200 MT 3300 MT 900 MT
yield/year
Total Yield/
3350 MT 5300 MT
Year
5.4.6 Method of treatment: Bamboo grows quickly and hence only short
duration is required for maturity of culms. Newly planted seedlings take 6-7
years for attaining maturity whereas full-grown culms emerge every year
during monsoon from rhizomes. Culms will take 3 years to reach maturity
in terms of strength and hardness. Once the culmps are established, the
culmps spread faster in size. Removal of mature culms from the middle of
clumps facilitate emergence of new culms. If effective protection is
provided from fire and illicit collection the present estimated growing stock
will increase within five years.
The above table shows that the average quantity available for
extraction in one year is around 9650 tones extending over the 2 Ranges.
But, just above half the bamboo bearing areas of the forests only are
accessible for extraction. As a matter of fact commercial extraction of 2800
tones (1200 from Neriyamangalam Range, 1600 from Adimaly Range) is
prescribed in two felling series taking a conservative approach.
Harvesting: Harvesting shall be conducted as per felling cycle mentioned

in Table No.70.
5.4.7 Felling cycle: Collectable quantity of bamboo is available only in

Adimaly and Neriamangalam Ranges. Hence these Ranges are
considered as Adimaly and Neriamangalam Felling series. Each felling
series can be worked once in three years. The detail regarding the
sequence of collection is given in Table No.71.
Table – 71 – Felling sequence in the felling series of Adimaly and

Neriamangalam
Name of FS Felling Name of FS Felling

Neriamangalam 2010-11 Adimaly 2011-12
255
5.4.8 Felling Rules for bamboo: The felling rules for bamboo are
prescribed as per forest code.
1) No culms of the current year shall be cut. All culms less than
two year and at least six older culms shall be left un-felled in
each clump.
2) Culms more than two years may be felled if the clump has
more than six mature culms. Older culms un-felled shall be
evenly distributed over the clump.
3) Clumps with less than six mature culms shall not be felled.
4) Culms shall be cut clean and as low as possible but not

below the first node from the ground level.
5) No culms shall be removed with rhizome.
6) All dead culms should be extracted including the mal –

formed and top-broken ones, if their removal will not be
detrimental to the clump.
7) Culms should be removed from the center towards the

periphery by cutting in from the side opposite to where
maximum numbers of new shoots are developing. This
should result in a more or less horseshoe shape.
8) In flowered areas, no felling will be done before the flowering

and seeding is completed i.e., felling shall be done only the
next year.
9) In such flowered areas the entire clump is to be clear felled.
10) Remnants of felling should not be left on the clump or along

roadsides.
11) No felling shall be done on very steep hillsides where felling

or extraction of bamboos will accelerate soil erosion or
cause other ecological loss.
12) Felling shall be done systematically by dividing each coupe

into small blocks or strips and working one strip at a time.
Work shall be started from the farthest end and continued
towards the roadside.
In case a flowering, the extraction of the full flowered quantity will be

carried out when the seed fall is over and after the rainy season.
Flowering: Growth of bamboo is seasonal. The new culms are formed soon after the
onset of monsoon and the process of height growth is completed within 3-4 months.
Subsequently opening of the branches and leaves takes place after completion of
height growth. Mature culms are the result of a process of primary growth through
256
which culms reach maximum diameter, elongation of internodes in a telescopic
fashion hardening through lignifications. Bamboo clumps grow for decades and
reproduce vegetatively by suckers and at the end of a definite period, flowering
starts synchronously in all the total clumps that originated from a parent clump,
even if they are geographically separated. The vegetative phase varies from on
year to as long as 120 year amongst the species. In majority of the species, the
flowered clumps dry after seed set. It takes six to seven years for bamboo stands to
establish to a harvestable size after greagarious flowering (K. K. Seethalekshmi,
2002)
Based on the flowering nature, Bamboo are classified into three types.1. Annual or
continous flowering. This includes species, which flower every year and do not die.2.
Gregarious or periodic flowering. The old clump flowers in an extensive area and dies
after seed setting. The flowering may continue for two to three years in an area and in
the same clump until all the vegetative bunds (leaf bunds) are transformed into flower
bunds.3. Sporadic or irregular flowering occurs in isolated clumps (in one or two in an
area) or in parts of one clump (in one or two clumps) Most of the commercial bamboo
species belong to the second group. (K. K. Seethalekshmi, 2002)
5.4.9 Regeneration
5.4.9.1 Natural Regeneration: The dispersed bamboo seeds can be

regenerated effectively by providing the protection from fire and grazing
for a period of 3 to 4 years after the dispersal of the seeds. No dormancy
has been reported for the dispersed seeds.
5.4.9.2 Artificial Regeneration: The bamboos can be regenerated

artificially either by raising seedlings in poly bags or by planting bare
rooted seedlings or by the vegetative propagation. For artificial
regeneration the seeds can be collected from the flowered bamboo by
clearing and sweeping the ground. Bamboo seeds can be preserved for
two years by using camphor and ash. But fresh seeds give the best results
in germination.
Artificial regeneration of Bamboo will be tried in the degraded

patches of the bamboo bearing tracts especially along the stream banks.
All the bamboo bearing areas will be protected against fire and grazing to
promote natural regeneration of the species.
5.4.9.3 Nursery Techniques: The seeds will be sown in mother bed

during March to May. There are 75,000 to 1,05,000 seeds (Sen Gupta
1936) per Kg and germination percentage is about 90 to 100 percentage
(Luna 1996). The seeds will be broadcast/ sown in nursery bed and
watered daily for a week and later on alternate or once in 3 days.
Partial shading will improve the growth and establishment of

seedlings. The seedlings will be transplanted to polythene bag with
desired size as per the climatic condition or will be transplanted to
transplant beds with suitable spacing at the espacement of 30-35- cm.
Usually the practice is to put 3-4 plants together and plant them in the
holes made on the ridges formed on the bed. Watering as prescribed
earlier will be continued; and by regulating the watering, growth of the
seedlings can be controlled. Weeds that may occur in the beds should be
257
removed as and when observed. If any fungal or termite attack occurs,
treatment must be done using fungicides or insecticides as the case may
be. Also the beds must be protected from both grazing and the fire
damages.
5.4.9.4 Vegetative Propagation: Research works carried out by KFRI on

vegetative propagation of the important bamboos and reeds of Kerala
shows that bamboo species Bamusa arundinacea, Dendra calamus
strictus and the reed species Ochalandra travancorica and Ochalandra
scriptoria can be regenerated vegetatively.
Approximately 2-3 years old culms of the bamboos extracted from

healthy clumps by cutting them at the ground level are used for vegetative
propagation. The suitable season is March – May. The top portion of the
leaves and side branches are removed without any damage to the nodal
buds. These culms are made in to 2 nodded cuttings, leaving about 5-7
cm of culm portion at either end beyond the node. Using a sharp knife, a
small cut is made at the centre of the internodal region to provide an
opening to the culm cavity. In Dendrocalamus strictus where the
internodal cavity is very narrow, culm cuttings are prepared for treatment
as such by ‘drip method’.
5.4.9.5 Preparation of hormone solutions for treatment: Weigh out 100

mg each of Indole Butyric Acid (IBA) and Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA).
Dissolve them in 2ml of Ethyl alcohol (95%) separately and dilute with 1
litre of water to obtain. 100 ppm solution of these hormones.
5.4.9.5.1 Treatment: Measure out 100 ml of the prepared IBA solution

and use this to pour this into the internodal cavity of the cuttings of
Bambusa arundinacea and Ochalandra scriptoria. One cutting needs
approximately 100 ml hormone solution. After pouring, the opening should
be wrapped and tied with polythene strips. Cuttings of Ochlandra scriptoria
are given treatment with NAA. 100 ppm solution as mentioned above. The
lower ends of the cuttings of Dendracalamus strictus are kept dipped in
100 ppm solution of NAA for 24 hours.
5.4.9.5.2 Planting in standard bed: After the treatments, cuttings are

planted horizontally in the standard nursery beds and covered with 1 cm
layer of soil. These are watered regularly. Shade should be provided to
the nursery beds.
5.4.9.5.3 Removal of cuttings from the beds: The cuttings will start
sprouting within two weeks to one month. Sufficient rooting and rhizome
formation will take about 3-6 month, depending up on the conditions. The
cuttings are, removed from the beds and could be made in to two
propagules. After cutting them at the centre, if they have formed sprouts at
both the nodes, the propagules are ready for field planting.
5.4.9.5.4 Planting: It is suggested to undertake bamboo planting in moist

deciduous forest with scanty bamboo occurrences and along stream
banks in a phased manner. The planting will be done during May- June in
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30 cm cube pit at an espacement of 6x 6 to 8 x 8 meters. Planting done in
pits formed in the middle of a platform 1 x 1 m with 30 cm at the cutting
end is advisable. Site clearance and weeding are not required. Intensive
care and nursing should be given to the young plants. The planted areas
are to be given protection from fire and biotic factors. Weeding should be
carried out only if necessary. Areas suitable for planting in Adimaly Range
are Kudalippara, Suriyamudi, Vattappara, Ponmudi, Parappara,
Koonthrapuzha, Avarukutty etc and Elamblasseri, Pettimudi, Injathotty etc.
in Neriyamangalam Range.
Management of flowered area: Once the flowering occurs in bamboo,

the plants will dry off. The flowering could be gregarious or sporadic.
Flowering cycle also varies with species and provenances. No collection
of bamboo should be permitted during the year of flowering so as to allow
the completion of seed fall
Prescriptions
1. It is prescribed to regenerate in degraded areas and stream

banks/river banks with bamboo during the plan period.
Adimaly Range: 10 ha /year for five years after the approval of plan.
Neriamangalam Range: 10 ha/ year for five years after the approval of plan.
2. In case of flowering, the bamboo shall be removed completely after

one year and regeneration should be protected from fire and bio-tic
interference.
5.5 RATTANS
5.5.1. Introduction: Canes are climbing palms. Lack of management and
unscientific exploitation for flexible stem for handicrafts and furniture
making has resulted in depletion of cane resources in the natural forest.
Limited availability and small populations suggest the need for
management interventions for conservation of their habitats. The cane
resources can be enhanced by enrichment planting as well as by scientific
management of canes in degraded forest.
5.5.2. Distribution: The cane is distributed in moist deciduous, semi-

evergreen and evergreen areas of Neriamangalam, Adimaly and Munnar
Ranges of Munnar Division. Special attention was given under the Kerala
Forestry project for enhancing cane resource by planting artificially
regenerated cane seedlings in the cane growing areas and by conducting
special operations for the growth of the naturally growing cane seedlings
in the natural forest Out of 15 species of canes found in Kerala the
species Calamus hookerianus, Calamus thwaitesii, Calamus travancoricus
and Calamus rotang are found in these areas.
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5.5.2.1 Calamus hookerianus: A clustering, moderate sized rattan. A
stem with sheaths measure about 4 cm in diameter, without sheaths to 2.5
cm. Leaves up to 2 m long; leaf sheath brownish green, densely armed
with spines; spines triangular, the longest up to 2.5 cm long, 0.5 cm wide
at the base, interspersed with numerous smaller spines and abundant
brown tomentum, mouth of the sheath provided with long papery spines
up to 18 cm long; knee sometimes present, not conspicuous, leaflets
regularly arranged. Inflorescence up to 5 m long, partial inflorescence up
to 75 cm long. Fruits about 1 x 0.8 cm, subglobose, scales in 18 rows,
yellowish brown with a dark brown border.
Flowering: July – August.
Fruiting: April – May.
Uses: A medium diameter rattan, extensively used in furniture industry

and basket making.
5.5.2.2 Calamus thwaitesii: This is the thickest cane available in the

Western Ghats with Very robust, clump forming, large diameter rattan.
Stem with sheaths up to 6 cm in diameter and without sheaths up to 3.5
cm. Leaves about 3 m long; leaf sheath yellow, densely armed with black
spines, arising from a raised rim like surface, the largest 3 x 0.7 cm, flat,
smaller spines scattered in between; knee absent; petiole and rachis
yellowish, armed with black spines grouped and arranged up to oblique
whorls; leaflets usually grouped, sharply spin lose along the margins. Fruit
is about 2 x 1.3 cm, ovoid, scales arranged in vertical rows with median
grooves, yellow with deep brown margins.
Distribution: this cane grows in evergreen, semi-evergreen and moist

deciduous forests between 75 to 900 m through the Western Ghats. The
distribution extends to Sri Lanka also.
Flowering: June – July.
Fruiting: April – May.
Uses: One of the best quality canes used extensively in furniture industry.
5.5.2.3 Calamus travancoricus: A very slender, clustering rattan. Stem

with sheaths up to 0.8 cm in diameter and without sheaths up to 0.4 cm.
Leaf up to 45 cm long; leaf sheaths slightly larger spines of 0.75 to 1.00
cm length; leaflets grouped along the rachis. Inflorescence is 1m long,
partial inflorescence 10 -12 cm long. Fruit is 1 cm across, globose, scales
in 24 rows, straw yellow with a dark brown border.
Distribution: It is common in semi and evergreen forests of Munnar

Division.
Flowering: October – November.
Fruiting: May – June.
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Uses: A best quality small diameter cane used extensively in handicraft
and furniture industries, but not available in sufficient quantities.
Cane plantation
Sl. No Range Plantation Year Extent (ha)

1 Neriyamangalam Mezhumaly 1998 50
2 Neriyamangalam Ranikkallu 2001 12
3 Neriyamangalam Punjakulam 2004 60
4 Neriyamangalam Kzichapara 2005 30
5.5.3. Objective of Management:
1. Enhancement of cane resource by augmenting cane bearing areas

of natural forest through artificial regeneration.
2. To improve the growing stock by giving special protection for the

cane bearing areas from fire, illicit collection etc.
To protect and stabilize the steep slopes, stream and river banks
from severe soil erosion.
5.5.4 Silvicultural system: Assisted natural regeneration augmented by

artificial regeneration of rattan using basketed seedlings and nursery
seedlings is prescribed. Annual planting area may be restricted to 10 ha.
The species suitable for this area are Calamus rotang, Calamus
travancoricus, Calamus thwaitesii, Calamus hookerianus.
5.5.5 Method of treatment: The forest of Munnar Division form part of

natural habitat of canes. Considering the meagre availability of canes, it is
required to preserve their habitats to promote regeneration. So
exploitation is not prescribed.
5.5.6 Artificial Regeneration: The cane can be regenerated artificially by

planting basketted seedlings. The suitable areas are banks of rivers and
streams and the semi and evergreen forest areas.
Among the 22 species of canes present in Western Ghats many

species grow in areas below 1,000m elevation. Since the different species
show preference for a particular altitudinal Range, the species naturally
available will be selected for raising plantations.
Flowering and Fruiting Period of Calamus Species in Western Ghats
Species Flowering Fruiting

Calamus brandissi October – December April – May
C. delessertainus August – September May – June
C. dransfieldii November – December April – May
C. Gamblei July – August May – June
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C. hookerianus July – August April – May
C. huegelianus December – January July - August
C. metzianus September – October April – May
C. nagbettai September – October July – August
C. neelagiricus September – October April – May
C. pseudotenuis July – August March – May
C. rotang September – October March – May
C. shendurunii September – October May – June
C. thwaitesii July – August March – May
C. travancoricus October – November April – June
C. Vattayila September – October May – June
5.5.6.1 Collection of Seeds: Flowers are dioecious and flowering generally

occurs annually in different period, which varies with species and locality. The
ripened fruits can be collected during the month March to June. For checking
ripening, press the fruits in between fingers. If the scaly cover is easily
detached the fruits are ripe enough for collection. The collected seeds should
be kept in moist area for increasing the viability.
For getting good germination the outer scaly cover of the fruits should
be removed by crushing the fruits with hand or by crushing the seed under
feet after mixing with sand. After soaking, seeds should be kept for 48 hours
for decay of the fleshy layer. By rubbing with hands, the fleshy part can be
removed. After this the seeds can be stored for a week by keeping in moist
area.
5.5.6.2 Fungicidal Treatment: Before sowing, treat the seeds with any one
of the fungicides – Captain 75 WP, Thiram 75 WP or Bavistin 50 WP, to
prevent any fungal infection. Before fungicidal treatment, air-dry the seeds for
30 minutes. Take 1 kg of seeds in a container and add 3 gm of any one of
the fungicides and shake well so that each seed gets the powdery coating.
5.5.6.3 Nursery: Keep the treated seeds in moist sawdust in a polythene bag
for about two weeks till the seeds start germinating. Sprinkle water over the
sawdust when the upper layer gets dry. The process will help to hasten
germination.
The nursery site should be selected near a perennial water source.

Nursery must be partially shaded, with a thatch of palm leaves or of coir mat,
as cane seedlings need shade for their initial growth. It is better to sow the
germinated seeds separately in polythene containers of 16 x 12 cm or 15 x
23 size filled with a mixture of forest topsoil and sand in the 3: 1. Arrange the
polythene containers in the nursery over a black polythene sheet spread over
the soil, so that the growing roots do not penetrate the ground.
262
Transfer the sawdust with the seeds from the polythene bag to a
shallow tray. Plant the just germinated seeds in the polythene containers
already arranged in the nursery.
Alternatively, the germinated seeds can also be sown in nursery beds

and later picked out into containers. It is a labour intensive operation and may
sometimes cause damage to the roots while transplanting. Maintain the
seedlings in the nursery for a year and plant out in the following rainy season,
June - July.
5.5.6.4 Planting: The planting operations will be completed before the

commencement of the pre monsoon. The size of the pit must be 30cm3 at an
espacement of 5 x 5 m or 6 x 6 m. The planting distance depends on the
nature of the cane. The clump forming species require more space than the
single stump. Plant the seedlings after removing the polythene bags without
disturbing the soil around the roots in such a manner that the root collar is at
level with the ground surface.
5.5.6.5 Planting site: The planting site will be selected in the natural
evergreen and semi-evergreen forests depending on the species. Even
though some species extend their habitat to moist deciduous forests also, the
evergreen condition seems to be ideal for their growth. Select an area where,
the forest floor is rich in humus and with moderate number of trees. Canes
needs the trees for support and shade and at the same time require canopy
opening for more sunlight.
5.5.6.6 Root suckers: Vegetative propagation by root suckers from

clustering rattans may be resorted to when seeds are in limited supply.
Suckers can be separated from the clump and used as planting materials.
The suckers so removed should have some roots intact, and should be
potted immediately in a suitable soil mixture. The sucker seedling could be
transplanted to the field after a period of stabilization in the nursery. Rooting
response can be enhanced by treatment with growth regulators such as
NAA. Dipping the basal portion of the suckers in NNA 2000 ppm was found
to be successful. (Seethalakshmi, KFRI, 1993).
5.5.7 Growth and harvest: The seedlings will be in the rosette stage
(without stem formation) for the first three years. In the forth year stem
formation begins and the plants will increase in height gaining 1 to 1.5 m
length per year. First harvesting can be done after 8 to 10 years of planting.
Extraction of canes will not be done during this plan period.
5.5.8 Species selection: Even though all the cane species growing in
Western Ghats are commercially important and the different species prefer
different altitudinal variations the natural occurrence of cane species in the
planting area should be considered for selecting the species for the artificial
regeneration.
5.5.9 Cultural Operations
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5.5.9.1 Brushing and Mulching: After establishment of the seedlings
brushing and mulching of the soil around the clumps may be done once in six
months. It will encourage the growth of the seedlings and help to overcome
suppression from adjacent weeds.
5.5.9.2 Weeding; Line weeding may be carried out twice in a year as and
when required. After the establishment of the seedlings, it requires less care
and maintenance.
Prescriptions
1. No commercial extraction shall be carried out.
2. For enhancing cane resource – enrichment planting in 300 ha each

shall be carried out in Adimaly and Neriyamanglam Ranges during the
plan period.
Adimaly Range – Kodakallu, Avarkutty, Koonthrapuzha, Korathikudy

Moothasseri, Kombodinjal, Manjapili, Kalnattupara and Suriyamudi – 30
Ha/year.
Neriyamangalam Range – Akamanam, Elamblasseri, Muniyarachal,

Avarkutty, Eenthanampara, Anjukudi, Poothanal and Valara – 30 Ha/year.
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CHAPTER – VI
CARDAMOM HILL RESERVE WORKING CIRCLE

(Extent 37298 ha)
INTRODUCTION
The Circle covers the Cardamom Hill Reserve area coming under
the jurisdiction of Munnar Forest Division. The total extent of the
Cardamom Hill Reserve is 334 Sq.miles (86,511 ha). The area of the
Cardamom Hill Reserve coming under Munnar Forest Division is 37298
ha.
6.1 CONSTITUTION OF THE WORKING CIRCLE

The Cardamom Hill Reserve area falling in Devikulam Range
Constitute the area of this Working Circle.
6.2 GENERAL HISTORY OF CHR

The Cardamom Hill Reserve area is the tract of Forest in Western
Ghats comprising an area of 334 Sq.miles situated in the Taluks of
Peerumedu and Udumbanchola in Idukki District. Among the 334 Sq.miles
(86511ha), an extent of 47,925.86ha of land falls under Kottayam Forest
Division and 37298 Ha is in Munnar Forest Division.
Cardamom exists as wild plant in natural evergreen forests of the

ecosystem in the mid elevation of 1000 to 1600mtrs above MSL. The
microclimate created by fallen trees in the midst of these evergreen forests
favor the growth of cardamom. The openings created in the wake of fallen
trees let in just the right quantum of light to promote the growth of
cardamom in the nutrient rich forest topsoil. Gradually a new canopy would
cover these openings and when the shade becomes overwhelming, the
cardamom growth would recede and dense natural forest cover get re-
established. In the natural state, these forests always have such tiny
openings here and there, providing the ideal microclimate and ground
condition for the growth and sustenance of cardamom plants.
The early planters realized the significance of the tropical wet

evergreen forest eco-system and the microclimate as the fountainhead of
cardamom crops and they propagated the cardamom crop with minor
modifications, without any harm to forest and forest eco-system. The co-
existence of the rain forests and cardamom crops were well appreciated in
265
those times and the rules framed for cultivation of cardamom were
sensitive enough to take care of this aspect. The cardamom cultivators do
not create huge openings in the canopy. The rules stipulated that small
openings could be created to let in, just the small quantity of sunlight to
support cardamom. The rules restricted the commercial exploitation of
timber from the cardamom plantations. The forests were not cut and sold
outside, which helped the retention of tree growth within the forest eco-
system so that it could enrich the soil.
These natural cardamoms were picked by indigenous people and

exchanged for commodities from the plains. Cardamom became an
important wild produce of the South Western Ghats and found its way to
the other parts of the globe through maritime traders of the historical past.
Trade in cardamom and other spices flourished even during the Roman
times and brought glory to the Malabar Coast.
The CHR area falling under the Munnar Division bears tropical wet
evergreen forests. The altitude varies from 900 to 1000 mtrs above MSL
and the area receives high rainfall. This area was one of the least modified
by human interactions until the 18th Century. The advent of European
planters prompted large-scale conversion of these forests to plantations.
By a Royal proclamation dated 15th Medom 997 M.E. (1822 April)

the area to the west of, Cumbam, Combay and Bodinayakanoor hills and
East of Periyar was declared as Cardamom Hills. A Tahasildar was
appointed to administer the Cardamom area.
In 1044 M.E. (1869) some special arrangements were made for the
administration and better conservancy of cardamom hills and separate
officers were appointed for the purpose. J. D. Munro was appointed as the
Superintendent and Magistrate of the Cardamom hills. His principal duties
were to collect the cardamom grown, to prevent smuggling, to see that the
growers are fully and promptly paid their dues, to bring about the
extensions of the cultivation of cardamom, to conserve the forest, to
establish and administrate timber depots and act as Magistrate for the
summary disposal of the cases registered.
This area which was part of erstwhile state of Travancore was

constituted as Reserved Forest (W/S 153 Regulation Act – II of 1068) as per
Reserve notification dated 11/08/1897, published in Travancore Govt.
Gazette, dated 24/08/1897. Copy of the notification is given in Appendix –
XVI.
Rules for assessment of cardamom gardens and issuing of land for

wet and dry cultivation within the cardamom hill area and Periyar Reserves
were sanctioned by the H.H. Maharaja on 12th August 1905. These rules
were passed in accordance with the concessions granted to Cardamom
cultivators. As per the rules the application of assignment for wet and dry
lands shall be made to the Superintendent of cardamom hills.
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On 15th January 1910 the Cardamom department was abolished
and it was absorbed into Land Revenue department under the jurisdiction
of Superintendent and Magistrate of cardamom hills.
As per the Royal proclamation No. 4153/29 REV dated 30.09-1935

under section 7 of land assignment regulation III of 1087, rules for the
assignment of CHR land for the cultivation of Cardamom were passed by
the Government of Maharaja, Travancore. Copy of proceedings of Chief
Secretary dated 09/06/1942 regarding cultivation of Cardamom
‘Travancoreans to be encouraged in cardamom cultivation’ is given as
Appendix – LVIII.
During 1942 the Government stopped the system of registry and

decided to introduce the system of lease by auction. But cases, in which
lands were already given under registry as per Cardamom Rules 1935,
were ordered to be continued. The role of the Forest Department was to
approve or reject applications seeking permissions to fell trees and this
was a safeguard against indiscriminate felling of trees. The protection of
forests was ensured under the 1935 Rules, as the felling of trees was
regulated by the Forest Department.
In November 1944 the Government issued rules regulating the

lease. After the issue of these rules it was noticed that auction of the land
already in possession of the bonafide occupants would result in hardship
to them and therefore in proceedings dated 26/09/1945 the Government
ordered that the cardamom hill lands already occupied and improved upon
should be leased out to occupants without auction. This lease period was
for 12 years.
As per the Government Order with reference GO (MS)

2329/50/R dated 26/08/1950, the control of the entire Cardamom Hill
Reserve, both registered and unregistered were vested in Revenue
Department and the Forest Department had control only over the tree
growth. During December 1952 this dual control system was abolished
and the total control over the entire land and the tree growth were vested
with Forest Department. As per this order, the Revenue Department could
assign the land for cultivation only with prior concurrence of the Forest
department. The responsibilities of the two departments were again
reviewed and in 1958 the Govt. issued another order GO (MS) 804/Rev-
dated 09.08.58 by re-introducing the dual control system. As per this
order, the Revenue Department had the task of detection and prevention
of encroachment in Cardamom Hill Reserve, which for them was difficult
and almost impossible. As a result, large number of encroachments took
place. The registered holders and lessees encroached the adjacent
natural forest and sold the land in small bits of 1 to 15 acres to the new
occupiers who came in search of land after selling their lands in the plains.
As a result there was substantial shrinkage of Forests in Cardamom Hill
Reserve. The prevailing political situation was conducive for large scale
settlements inside CHR. No serious action against large scale
encroachments was taken. The occupiers gradually converted the
267
cardamom areas for raising other more remunerative cash crops by
lopping and felling of trees and setting fire to the tree growth.
As per the above mentioned GO the survey and demarcation of

occupied lands were also ordered. A Special Settlement Officer was
posted as per GO 912/59 REV dated 17/09/1958 for the purpose of
regularizing cardamom occupations. Later the state Govt. framed the
“Rules for the lease of Govt. land for cardamom cultivation” in 1961 and on
1-8-1963 authorized the Revenue Divisional Officer, Devikulam to conduct
all business related to cardamom leases in the assignable areas of
Cardamom Hill Reserve. The responsibility for detection and disposal of
encroachments, legitimization of encroachments etc. were vested with the
RDO, Devikulam. As per GO (MS) 860/65/RD dated 19/11/65, Govt.
created the post of Special Settlement Officer and one Assistant Director
of Survey for assisting him. The bifurcation of rights and responsibilities of
CHR between the forest department and Revenue department resulted in
large-scale encroachments again.
After the Second World War, the Grow More Food programme was
introduced for tackling the food scarcity that resulted from the War. Large
extent of CHR areas were again allotted to people for food crop cultivation
which also resulted in large-scale felling of trees and encroachments. The
area was allotted without any survey and demarcation, which helped the
unauthorized possession of the large extent of CHR area than the allotted
extent. Under this scheme the areas that were allotted for three years,
were not vacated by the cultivator, after the completion of the stipulated
time and gradually, the lands were converted into agricultural lands with
cash crops and other agriculture crops like pepper, coffee, plantains,
coconut, areca nut, tapioca, ginger etc. Most of this areas are now
townships namely Nedunkandam, Kattapana, Kallar-Pattam Colony etc.
During the 80’s the political scenario again changed, this time in
favour of forest conservation. The Govt. decided to regulate the felling and
destruction of trees in the State. For the purpose of controlling the felling in
private forest, vested forest, cardamom hill Reserve areas etc. the Kerala
Preservation of trees Act was promulgated in1986. Section 5 of the
Preservation of Trees Act 1986 prohibits cutting of trees in cardamom hill
Reserve areas. As per this Act no tree standing in notified area i.e.
cardamom hill Reserve area should be cut, uprooted, burned or otherwise
destroyed except on ground that
(a) The tree constitutes a danger to life or property or
(b) The tree is dead, diseased or wind fallen.
The Revenue Department had already issued Land Assignment

pattayams from 1965 onwards, to many of the leased lands and it is not
clear whether such lands can now be considered as part of CHR land or
not. Further, the Kerala Forest (Prohibition of Felling of Trees Standing on
Land Temporarily or Permanently Assigned) Rules, 1995 established the
responsibility of the Forest Department in matters of protection of tree
268
growth in the assignable areas. However, the responsibility for managing
the Assignable Areas (of the Reserved Forests) was retained with the
Revenue Department. Details regarding abstract of assigned land under
various scheme is given in Appendix – LIX.
6.3 ECOLOGICAL IMPORTANCE OF CARDAMOM HILL

RESERVE
These forests, situated in the catchment areas of the tributaries of
Periyar river are of vital importance to Kerala. CHR forms the major
catchments of many hydro electric projects especially Idukki. Further it
once connected Palani Hills to Periyar Tiger Reserve and forests of the
South and formed the natural corridor for the passage of wildlife between
these regions. Even now this area is a natural habitat of large number of
wild animals and birds. But the movement of megafauna like elephant and
tiger has been cut off. The rainfall pattern of the High Ranges especially
after the North-East monsoons is largely decided by the condition of CHR.
It helps in cooling off the desicating winds from the hot plains of TN and
this helps in preventing intense drought conditions in the High Ranges.
Even though Forest Department is handicapped by lack of ownership over
the land and more and more of CHR area is getting converted into other
crops, from the point of view of ecological importance and catchment
values, the following proposals are made. How far these proposals can be
effectively implemented, is itself a big question.

1. To protect and conserve CHR.
2. To adopt PFM approaches for the CHR management where

possible
6.5 PRESENT CONDITION OF CARDAMOM HILL RESERVE

The Revenue Department has issued Pattas as per Cardamom
rules (Travancore) 1935 for an approximate extent of 20,000 acres and an
approximate extent of 50,000 acres of land were given on lease as per
Cardamom Cultivation Rules 1961. Copy of said rule is given in Appendix
– LX. A sizeable chunk of these lands have undergone various changes
due to change in cropping pattern. Lands with patta are being used for
various purposes including commercial development, tourism activities,
human settlements etc. Such developed areas do not bear the look of a
Forest
269
The growth of plantation economy over the time developed its own
pace and practices and for getting the maximum yield per unit area, new
hybrid types of cardamom, producing high yield, came to exist. Planting of
these high yield varieties signaled abandoning the conservative farming
practices and new technologies which are highly detrimental to natural
forest were adopted and it ended in degradation of the area. The tropical
sunlight began to scorch the soil, causing severe damage to the nutrition-
status of the soil. Rain drops falling from the leaf tips of the lofty leftover
trees (measuring 30-40 mts height) coupled with deep disturbance of soil
caused severe soil erosion, soil compaction and nutrient leaching,
substantially lowering the quality of soil. The Reserves of soil nutrients
accumulated over the past many centuries got depleted fast, in the
modern cardamom plantations. If the present cultivation practices continue
for another century, the entire cardamom plantations in the Western Ghats
will be wiped out, leaving behind a deserted and barren landscape. It will
take several centuries of nourishing care to revitalize such sterile
landscapes. It is necessary to consciously move away from the present
suicidal path before such a catastrophe becomes real.
For increasing the quantity of yield from the cardamom plantations,

operations like shade regulation, weeding including scraping twice or
thrice every year, fertilizer application, etc. are carried out. Shade
regulation by the lopping of trees end in dying of trees. It has increased the
intensity of light and resulted in the desiccation of the soil. Since the
quantity of the production of the cardamom increased, the requirement of
firewood for curing has also increased. The wind fallen trees, twigs etc
which enriched the soil in the past were utilized for curing purposes. The
yearly weeding by layman mazdoors destroyed the newly coming
regenerations of tree species, which ended in degradation of the area
devoid of seedlings and saplings of the tree species. At present the
evergreen forests of cardamom plantations are without any canopy
stratification or any regeneration stock have only mature and over matured
tall trees. Application of chemical fertilizer every year, along with cultural
operations and soil working, also change the texture of the soil.
Visit of Central Empowered Committee
The Central Empowered Committee has visited in CHR area for

enquiring about the complaint filed by “One earth one life” regarding the
illegal grant of lease and encroachment in cardamom hill Reserve. Report
of CEC is given as Appendix – LXI. A case study report, study conducted
by Mr. Marcus Moench on deforestation of cardamom hills is given in
Appendix – LXII.
The history of CHR teaches us that traditional mode of forest

management is not possible in CHR. For overcoming the degradation and
for the protection of the Cardamom Hill Reserve area scientific path
forward is reinvigoration of the cardamom land with the right mix of rain
forests and cardamom plants. An admixture of tree species of various
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height classes should replace the present single canopy structure of
cardamom plantations. Moderately dense canopy forests will have to be
re-established interspaced with tiny openings for cardamom growth. This
may cause a reduction in the actual number of cardamom plants.
However, this need not necessarily lead to major economic loss in the long
run. The light demanding cardamom varieties, which show high
productivity at present, will surely lead to quick depletion of soil nutrients,
unless the loss is compensated equally fast. Supplementing by artificial
means is expensive and will be several times costlier than nutrient
enrichment by wood mulching. This mulch can provide nutrients as well as
the right living environment for cardamom. For healthy growth of
cardamom a good mix of organic component in the soil is a must.
These combinations of benefits can be derived fully only with multi-

storied and multi species forests. Artificial techniques may work for a short
time to provide some of these functions. But all the above needs of the
cardamom plants can be met only with the help of the forest eco-system
that naturally gave birth to the cardamom plant. This will also be the least
expensive support mechanism in the long run for maintaining healthy
cardamom growth.
6.6 IMPLEMENTATION OF CRC PROGRAMME

Cardamom for Rain Forest Conservation Programme aims at
sustainable management of cardamom forest with the active participation
of cultivators. The Government have extent its implementation vide G.O
(MS) No. 31/03/F&WLD dated 21/04/01. Its executive level is called Unit
Level Organization (ULO). A brief account regarding the objective of
formation and function of CRC programme is given in PFM working circle.
ULOs, already organized in Devikulam Range are not yet functional. In
Adimaly Range it is not yet organized.
6.6.1 Augmentation with locally available tree species: The ecological

and economical benefit from the cardamom forest can be derived from
multi-storied and multi species forest. The department should make
earnest effort at lower input cost for planting the seedlings of locally
available tree species in available open area with the help of cardamom
cultivators. The department should ensure a minimum number of
seedlings, saplings and pole-sized trees in CHR per hector. It would help
the gradual conversion of the degraded areas into tree covered areas.
Since the cardamom planters are maintaining nursery every year it is easy
for them to raise the seedlings of locally available tree species for this
purpose.
6.6.2 Control of cardamom operations: The major cardamom operations

are twice or thrice weeding every year, thrashing of cardamom plants,
fertilizer application and soil working. A new set of packages of practices
will help in developing the area into a multi storeyed evergreen forest with
optimal regeneration which will also ensure an optimum level of
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Cardamom yield with a favourable cost benefit ratio. Stress may be given
in undertaking suitable soil conservation works like gully plugging, contour
stonewall etc. in degraded areas. Planting of reed on either side of the
gullies and streams inside the plantations shall help to control soil erosion.
The changes are proposed to be implemented through the participatory
CRC programme.
6.6.3 Canceling of lease: In CHR area the lands are on lease by the
Revenue Department as per an agreement for the cultivation of the
cardamom. If the lessee violates any of the conditions, the lease
agreement should be cancelled as per the agreement conditions. But even
in cases where forest department has booked offences for illicit felling of
trees, etc. no such stringent action is taken.
6.6.4 Protection of the Unassigned Land: In the CHR area there are
lands with dense natural forest, which have not been assigned to any
persons by way of Patta or lease. Such areas must be transferred to forest
Dept. or maintenance as poor Reserved Forest. An extent of 3081 ha of
encroached land was resumed from the encroachers and handed over to
Forest Department. Among these lands 1281.741 ha was notified as
Mathikettan Shola National Park and the balance area is with Forest
Department. Such unassigned area should be identified and steps are to
be taken by the DFO, Munnar for declaring such areas as Reserved
Forests.
6.6.5 Progress of implementation: In Munnar Division the CRC

programme covers the Cardamom cultivated CHR area falling in
Devikulam and Adimaly Ranges. The progress of implementation is very
slow it should be speeded up.
6.6.6 Future management of CHR: KSEB and Tourism Industry are the
major stakeholders of CHR. Five reservoirs including Idukki depend on the
water flow from CHR. The cool and salubrious climate of the hills is
maintained by the tree cover of CHR. Restoration and protection of CHR
would need enormous funding and institutional rearrangements. To
address the complex nature of issues in CHR a new Forest Division with
its focus exclusively on ecorestoration and PFM is a viable alternative.
Table No. 75 gives the details of already formed unit level organization
under this Division.
These local units need to be activated and their financial strength

improved by suitable funding of eco-restoration programmes. On
association with the District Tourism Promotion Council these local level
bodies can promote Tourism including Home Stay facilities projecting the
balance of eco system approach in cardamom farming in this area. Local
NGO’s dealing with environmental issues may also be involved in
mobilization of this movement.
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Prescriptions
1. Proper mapping of CHR area shall be carried out and effective

protection strategy for CHR with Kerala Forest Department,
cardamom leases and cardamom patta lands shall be implemented.
2. Cardamom for Rainforest Conservation programme shall be

implemented effectively.
3. Unit Level Organisations shall be further strengthened.
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CHAPTER - VII
BIO-DIVERSITY & WILDLIFE CONSERVATION WORKING

CIRCLE
INTRODUCTION
The plan area supports tropical forests which are now mostly
restricted to the Western Ghat hills and valleys. The diverse climatic,
physiographic and edaphic conditions prevalent in this area have brought
about an array of forest types ranging from the temperate hill forest to the
dry scrub jungles. Various combinations of the above factors have resulted
in the formation of many specialized micro and macro niches which are the
repositories of astounding floral and faunal diversity. The tract is blessed
with the presence of Nilgiri tahr, Nilgiri marten, Lion tailed macaque, Nilgiri
langur, etc.
Large scale interference by man during the past years has

exceeded the capacity of self maintaining regulatory process of the natural
forest ecosystems resulting in the disturbance of the dynamic stability of
the forest in most of the areas except in inaccessible hill topes and steep
valleys where some good patches still remain as store house of genetic
wealth. The disturbances have been caused mainly due to the following.
• Conversion of large tracts of forests for raising forest plantations of

commercial species like teak, eucalyptus, wattle, pine etc
• Replacement of forests for the construction of dams and also for

impounding water in the water spread area of hydro electric
projects.
• Allotment of swams inside the forests under the grow more food
program for cultivating paddy etc. and these place inside the forests
acted as nuclei for the subsequent large scale encroachment of
forests by settelers in Neriyamangalam and Adimaly Ranges.
• Authorized clearance of forest for the establishment of settlements

and for cultivation of food crops
• Uncontrolled grazing by the cattle by the villagers.
• Regular annual fires destroying the forest growth.
• Regular extraction of bamboos and reeds for meeting the industrial

demand.
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• Shifting cultivation practiced by tribels staying in side the forest in
the past.
• Uncontrolled collection of medicinal plants adopting unscientific

collection method.
A good portion of forests in the erstwhile Munnar Division has

already been declared as Protected Areas. The Division is juxtaposed with
Eravikulam National Park, Mathikettanshola National Park, Thattekkad
Bird Sanctuary and Pampadum Shola National Park in Kerala and also the
Indira Gangdhi Tiger Reserve of Tamil Nadu.
7.1 GENERAL CONSTITUTION OF THE WORKING CIRCLE

This working circle comprises of the Reserve Forests, Cardamom
Hill Reserve, Shola Forests, Kannan Devan Hills, Plantations and other
revenue lands that retain their status as ‘forests’.

It is mostly anthropogenic factors that threaten the biodiversity of
this Division. The only way to ensure the continued existence of bio
diversity value of forest eco system is to afford undiluted protection,
warding of all degeneration factors. The objectives of this Working
Circle are:
1. To protect and conserve high biodiversity value areas such as

sholas, climax grasslands, old growth evergreen forests
(Columba) etc.
2. To identify and protect corridors and critical wildlife habitats
3. Improve habitat for wildlife
7.3 COMMON WILDLIFE PRESENT

Mentioned in the Part I Chapter 2
7.4 WILDLIFE CENSUS

Since the plan area has proximity to Protected Areas, it is
necessary to monitor the status of the wildlife in the area. For assessing
the population, whenever wildlife census is conducted in Protected Areas,
it is suggested to conduct the same in the plan area also.
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Past records on wildlife census from the plan area indicate that the
census activities are mainly focused only on a few large animals, like
Elephant, Tiger, panther, Nilgiri Tahr, etc. But it is a known fact that other
animals, smaller mammals, birds, reptiles and even insects also play an
important role in shaping the environment. Hence it is necessary to
generate information on endemic and endangered species. Information on
the status and abundance of important species is required for identifying
critical habitats also.
The last elephant census was conducted during the year 2005. The
details of wild elephant cited during the census is given below Appendix – LXIII.
Table – 72 – Details of Protected areas contiguous to the Working

Circle
Protected Area Area (km2) Adjacent forest Range

Eravikulam National Park 97.00 Munnar
Thattekkad bird sanctuary 25.16 Neriamangalam
Mathikettan Shola National Park 12.82 Devikulam
Pampadumshola Natioal Park 1.32 Devikulam
Anamudi National Park 7.50 Munnar
7.5 REASON FOR DEPLETION IN WILDLIFE POPULATION

As elsewhere, major cause of depletion is degradation or dwindling
of habitat and fragmentation by factors like encroachment, fire, alteration
of habitat type by planting and developments like construction of roads
and highways. The unstable and threatened wildlife populations get
decimated by poaching.
7.6 WILDLIFE OFFENCES

Wildlife cases have been booked against offences from both
Divisions. The details of wildlife offences booked in both plan areas over
last 10 years are given below Table No.15.
7.7 HUMAN ANIMAL CONFLICT

Human - animal conflict in this Division is caused due to shrinkage,
fragmentation and deterioration of habitat. It is an important management
issue, which needs to be addressed through innovative approaches. The
shrinkage of habitat and scarcity of water and other disturbances caused
277
by humans often compel major animals like elephants, gaur etc. to move
over long distances in search of water and fodder. Crop raids are
common resulting in considerable loss to the cultivators and many a times,
even human beings are attacked and killed. The conflicts lead to trapping,
shooting and poisoning. Elephants and wild boars are responsible for most
of the crop depredation. The scattered settlements and inhabitants in the
forests cause hindrance to the free movement of animals. Some of the
recommendations to mitigate the conflict are.
Encouraging stall-feeding of cattles.
Timely disbursement of compensation for the loss due to crop

raiding.
Ensure sufficient budgetary support to provide relief to victims.
Preventive measures such as trenches and solar powered fences

in vulnerable areas.
Providing corridors for free movement of animals especially

elephants.
7.8 DETAILS OF DISBURSEMENT OF WILDLIFE

COMPENSATION
Wildlife compensation has been paid to the locals for the loss caused
by the destructive activity of wildlife. Details regarding such cases are
mentioned in Table No. 16. Government has enhanced compensation to
victims of attack by wild animals as per Government order GO (Rt) No.
283/09/F &WLD dated 16/06/09. Copy of the said Order is given as
Appendix – LXIV.
7.9 MANAGEMENT
7.9.1 Protection of wildlife: It is prescribed that regular patrolling of
wildlife rich areas is carried out. Staff should be provided with camping
equipments like rain coats, sleeping bags, rucksacks, trekking shoes, etc.
Each patrolling party should have at least one binocular and GPS and
rifles. The required trainings should be imparted for usage and
maintenance of the equipments. Free ration should be provided for those
who camp in the interior forests.
7.9.2 Habitat improvement activities: Normally territorial Divisions do not

practice habitat management activities. As the Division is surrounded by a
network of PAs, it becomes imperative that habitat management activities
are taken up for ensuring adequate protection of wildlife. This would also
reduce human-animal conflict.
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Construction of Check Dam:- Check dams can be constructed in areas
where water has become a limiting factor in the summer, resulting in
skewed animals’ distribution or forcing animals to go out of the forest.
They are recommended only for Adimaly and Neriamangalam Ranges as
the higher elevations have perennial and adequate water supply
throughout the year.
7.9.3 Veterinary Care: Veterinary care may be taken in areas rich in

wildlife by monitoring death of wildlife like through postmortem
examination and direct and indirect observations, free vaccination and
preventive measures like deworming of grazing domestic livestock,
extensive education to owners of domestic live stocks etc.
7.9.4 Research and monitoring: Sudden appearance and spread of

diseases, crop raids, etc. are some of the problems related to wild life
management, which need research inputs. These problems can be
addressed by appointing qualified persons for research and monitoring
purpose or by entrusting the same to specialized research organizations
like KFRI, Universities, etc. It is essential to monitor well-being of wildlife in
a given area to asses the impact of management practices, so as to make
the required corrections to suit the objectives.
7.9.5 Awareness programmes: Educating the local population about the

importance of wildlife in the ecosystem and creating awareness about their
conservation will go a long way in protecting our forests as well as
reducing man-animal conflicts. Such awareness can be brought through
nature camps to different target groups such as students, fringe dwellers,
plantation workers, etc. coupled with seminars, workshops and guest
lectures.
7.9.6 Training For staff: For discharging multidimensional activities

ranging from routine protection works, prosecution of cases etc. and
socially inclined activities like managing of VSS, a new breed of staff with
entirely different perceptions from that of traditional forest protection, have
to be made available. This aptitude can be generated and sharpened only
through training. During the training of the staff, importance may be given
for capacity building, training in weaponry, unarmed combat, participatory
exercises, first aid, veterinary care, intelligence gathering, mahazer
preparation, case investigation, public relations, wildlife sciences, use of
computers, GPS etc. It is suggested that Forest Guards and Foresters
should complete the training in forest training school before appointment in
the Beat, Section or Station.
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The Nilgiri Tahr
The Nilgiri tahr (Hemitragus hylocrius, 1838) is an endangered caprid listed in Schedule I
of India Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 and categorized as ‘vulnerable’ by the IUCN. It is
endemic to the hill Ranges of the Western Ghats of Southern peninsular India, in pockets
where a suitable mosaic of montane grasslands and rugged terrain exist. Nilgiri Tahr is
co-genetic with the Himalayan Tahr (H.jemlahicus), which occurs along the Southern
flanks of the Himalayas, and the Arabian tahr (H. jayakari), which inhabits the arid
mountains of Oman.
The tahr generally inhabits the fringes of the grassy plateau and move on to the
steep slabs and cliffs bordering it. They occasionally visit the shrub lands along the base
of the cliffs. Tahrs avoid sholas, but sometime forage along their periphery. Adult males
separate from mixed groups outside the rut and often Range far from the areas used by
the mixed groups.
Nilgiri tahr commences feeding at the break of day and feed until late in the evening.
They feed and rest intermittently; the rest intervals becoming longer as the day advances,
until they become active again towards the evening. Nights are spent on the cliffs or as
close to them as possible. In undisturbed areas however, they often rest in the open,
away from the cliffs. The breading season is February – March.
7.10 CRITICAL WILDLIFE HABITAT

The Forest Rights Act provides for declaration of critical wildlife
habitats of National Parks and Sanctuaries. It has to be clearly established
on the basis of scientific and objective criteria that such areas as are
required to be kept inviolate for the purpose of wildlife conservation. The
mandate for identification of critical wildlife habitat (CWH) lies with the
Forest Department. Proximity to existing PAs, ecological boundaries,
biodiversity richness and use by local communities are some of the criteria
adopted for identifying CWH. The following areas have been tentatively
identified as potential CWH.
1) Areas of Neriamangalam Range adjoining Thatekkad.
2) Areas of CHR South of Mathikettan National Park.
3) 130 ha of wattle plantations in KDH adjoining Anaimudi National

Park.
4) 30 km2 of Anaimudi RF touching the western flank of Eravikulam

National Park.
5) Sholas and grasslands of KDH adjoining Eravikulam National Park.

(Eg. 8th mile shola)
6) Elephant inhabited areas of Anayirangal which form the corridor

between Mathikettan & K.D.H
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7.11 SHOLAS
Sholas are found above 1500m MSL in the Kannan Devan Hills and
adjoining areas of the Western Ghats located between Anamalais and
Palnis. The complex topography, high rainfall, relatively inaccessible and
biogeographic isolation helped these montane plateaux to retain its
biological wealth. In these high elevations, the montane evergreen forests
are restricted to the valleys, with the convex mounts covered by
grasslands. This type of vegetation is known as shola-grassland. As per
Champion and Seth, shola forests are the stunted residual evergreen
forest (always interspersed with grasslands) of high elevation (above 1500
MSL), which is, classified under II C type. The high elevation evergreen
relic vegetation with Pleistocene refugia is one of the most endangered
and unique ecosystems in the country.
Flora: The tree species of the shola roughly shows three strata. The upper
canopy is irregular with individual trees with umbrella canopy, reaching a
height of 15 to 25 metres. Syzygium, Nothapodytes, Elaeocarpus, Persea,
Cinnamomum, and Symplocos are the common tree species occurring in
this layer. Trees of this canopy are generally microphyllus in nature with
dense crown. The second layer is about 5 to 10 M height. The trees are
with twisted trunks. The trunks and branches of trees are covered with
several epiphytic plants belonging to lichen, fern, mosses and orchids. The
common species are Ilex, Rapania, Ternstroemia, Symplocos, Microtropis
etc. The third layer or lower canopy is represented by the saplings of the
middle and upper canopy along with characteristic species like Psychotria,
Lasianthus, Eurya, Ploygala, Viburnum, etc. Tree ferns, Cyathea are
seen on trees growing along the watercourses. Density of species in lower
canopy is rich in undisturbed areas. The shrub species present in ground
flora are Ixora, Pavatta, Strobilanthes etc. Out of more than 500 species
of the genus S in the world, 17 species (all are endemic) occupy the
sholas of this Division. They are Strobianthes asperrium, S. calycina, S.
cuspidatus, S. foliosus, S. gracilis, S. homotropa, S. luridus, S. micranthus,
S. neilgherrensis, S. papillosus, S. perrottetiana, S. pulyneyensis, S. tristis,
S. urceolaris, S. violaceus, S. wightianus, S. cuspidatus. The other weak
stemmed species represented in the ground flora are Elatostemma, Pilea,
Laportea and members of orchids, balsams and ferns. The shola edges
are characterized by specific species assemblage. Some of the species,
which are reported from the tract are Rhododendrom arboreum, Ligustrum
perrottetii, Mahonia leschenaulti, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, Symplocos
spicata and Vaccinium leschenaultii.
Grasslands: The montane grasslands of this region also are peculiar in

terms of species composition, physiognomy, and the characteristic
ecological conditions, which lead to the evolution of relatively stable
grassland-forest interphase. The common grass species found in this area
are Dichanthium polyptychum, Eulalia phaeothrix, Chrysopogon
zeylanicus, Arundinella mesophylla, Andropogon lividus, Ischaemum
indicum, and Arundinella purpurea. The common herbs and shrubs in the
grasslands include Anaphalis lawii, A. bourneii, A. meeboldii, Swertia
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corymbosa, Polygala japonica, Curculigo orchioides, Micromeria biflora,
Bupleurum distichophyllum, Crotalaria fysonii, C. ovalifolia, Ranunculus
reniformis, Hedyotis swertiodes, Senecio lavandulaefolius, Parnassia
mysorense, Pedicularis zeylanica, Wahlenbergia gracilifolia, Impatiens
pandata, I. modesta, Phlebophyllum kunthianum, Hypericum mysorense,
Pteridium aquilinum, Eupatorium glandulosum, Gaultheria fragrantissima
etc. The water logged areas are dominated by species such as Eriocaulon
robustum, E. collinum, and E. geofreyii.
Fauna: The fragile montane ecosystem is an abode of animals including

endemic and endangered ones. The highly endangered Nilgiri tahr
acclimatized to the cool humid climate of Western Ghats, survives well in
this area. Other charismatic species include Nilgiri langur, Nilgiir marten,
giant squirrel, leopard, tiger, wild dog, sambar deer, and elephants. Some
of the birds present in this tract are Blackwinged Kite, Crested Honey
Buzzard, Crested Goshawk, Rufousbellied Hawkeagle, Black Eagle, Pale
Harrier, Short-toed Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle, Indian Kestrel, Painted
Bushquail, Grey Juglefowl, Green Sandpiper, Jerdon's Imperial Pigeon,
Nilgiri Wood Pigeon, Emerald Dove, Lesser Coucal, Jerdon's Longtailed
Nightjar, Common Indian Nightjar, Small Nilgiri Skylark, Dusky Crag
Martin, Eastern Swallow, House Swallow, Indian Cliff Swallow,
Redrumped Swallow, Brown Shrike, Indian Grey Drongo, Jungle Crow,
Pied Flycatcher Shrike, etc. Sholas harbour rare animals such as tree
frogs, burrowing snakes and geckos too.
Apart from the genetic and biological value, the aesthetic value of shola-
grassland system has been acknowledged in many scriptures. The recent
flowering of Neelakurinji in these hills had attracted thousands of people.
The pristine serenity and the "charisma" of the landscape is always an
attraction to people.
The montane shola grassland ecosystem of the High Ranges acts as

an important watershed to many hill streams of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Out
of the 44 rivers in Kerala three are east flowing. All the three East flowing
rivers (Kabani, Bhavani and Pambar-tributaries of Cauery) have their origin
from montane habitat and river Pambar which is the Southern most among
these originates from the shola vegetations of Munnar and Marayoor
Divisions and Eravikulam Plateau. The Muthirapuzha in the central High
Ranges, Pooyamkutty and Idamalayar in the western side of mountain (all
tributaries of river Periyar) have their origin from grassy-shola plateaux of
Kannan Devan Hills.
Though, these tracts are latitudinally in tropics, they exhibit sub

tropical climate due to altitudinal influence. This change in climate and
geological stability enhances endemism of the area. High elevations areas
are considered to be botanically richest areas of India. In respect of balsam,
High Ranges (largely in Munnar and Marayoor Divisions) are the richest area
in the Western Ghats. Since majority of the tree species are tropical in
nature, they cannot withstand the extreme climate (tropical montane)
prevailing in the area and consequently have disappeared. Among the
plants there are many temperate species like Mahonia leschnaultii,
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Gaultheria fragrentissima, Berberis tinctoria, etc. Medicinal and wild variety
of cultivating species like sundew plant, pepper and cardamom attract
special attention.
7.11.1. Ecological Status of Shola-Grassland Vegetation
The juxtaposition and obvious stability of the shola-grassland

ecosystem has been a subject of varied interest and controversy over the
years. One school of thought is that grasslands represent the sub-climax
vegetation that is anthropogenic in origin. The other is that both the shola
and grasslands represent climax communities that are harmoniously
placed.
The ground frost in the open grasslands and soil type differ very
much from that of shola, which make it very difficult for the shola species
to regenerate in the grasslands. There is considerable variation of
temperature inside the shola, in the periphery and in the open grasslands.
This makes the shola grassland ecosystem something very special.
7.11.2. The Shola Patches in Munnar Division
Shola patches in Munnar Division are confined to Devikulam and

Munnar Ranges. The shola area of Mathikettan in Devikulam Range was
declared as Mathikettan National Park and is now under the jurisdiction of
wild life wing. In the leased land of Kannan Devan Hill Produce Company
(KDHPC) and other private entrepreneurs, the number of shola patches
are interspersed with tea plantations. The harvested and augmented area
of Eucalyptus plantations of KDHP Company also has good regeneration
of shola species which indicate to some extent that the original vegetation
of these hills were sholas and grasslands. Important shola patches in
Munnar and Devikulam Ranges are given below Table No.73.
Table – 73 – List of Shola Patches
Sl. No Shola Range Extent (ha) Remarks

1 Sevenmala Munnar 48.56 3 Bits
2 Lakshmi Munnar 64.75 2 Bits
3 Kallar- Nallathanny Munnar 72.84 3 Bits
4 Pettimudi-Rajamala Munnar 89.00 7 "
5 Kadalar Munnar 80.93 2 "
6 Sholamala Munnar 105.22 2 "
7 Periyavara Munnar 80.93 5 "
8 Gundumala Munnar 101.17 5 Bits
9 Mattupetty Munnar 72.84 5 Bits
10 Nymakkad- Kannimala Munnar 60.70 4 Bits
11 Thalayar Munnar 182.00 4 Bits
12 Thalayar Munnar 48.56 3 Bits
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Sl. No Shola Range Extent (ha) Remarks
13 India Map Shola Munnar 113.31 2 Bits
14 Kolukkumala Shola Munnar 68.79 6 Bits
15 Kaduvachola Devikulam 20.00 Sy.No127/1
16 60 Acre Shola Devikulam 24.28 Sy.No.356/1
17 Thenmala Devikulam 2.00 Sy.No.20/1
18 Chattamunnar Devikulam 3 .00 Sy.No.20/1
19 Pushi shola Devikulam 1 .00 Sy.No.20/1-355
20 Nagamala Shola Devikulam 3 .00 Sy.No. 20/1
21 Pappathishola Devikulam 8 .00 Sy.No. 34/1
Bodimettu-
22 Devikulam 8 .00 Sy.No. 34/1
Thamarakulam
7.11.3. Degradation of Shola
Most of the shola patches in this area are degraded due to many
factors. The people living adjacent to shola forest depends on it for their
livelihood. They collect NWFP and firewood from these pristine forests.
Further these forests are used for grazing, etc., causing disturbance and
leading to degradation of shola patches. The increases of population exert
pressure along the pheriphery of these forests causing them to shrink.
Poverty and under development have caused the rural hill population to
adopt destructive exploitation of the shola patches. Other factors of
degradation are mentioned below
Causes of Degradation
Raising of Commercial plantations: During early periods the

management of shola was left to nature and the nature took care of
regeneration. At present due to increase of the extent of commercial
plantation such as tea adjacent to shola patches regeneration of shola
species have dwindled. In grasslands adjacent to sholas, to cater to the
pulpwood industries, the forest department established plantations of
exotic species like Eucalyptus, Wattle and Pine. This induced a change in
species composition of the sholas resulting in drastic degradation of
climate. This degradation induced the introduction of new weeds, insects
and diseases.
Forest Fires: The shola forests are interspersed with grasslands. In dry
season the chance of fire is more. The uncontrolled surface and crown fire
may cause injury to standing trees and kill regeneration. It burns all
organic matter, resulting in exposure of soil. The fire lowers the nitrogen
content of soil, reduce porosity, disturb soil structure and reduce the
moisture holding capacity of the soil leading to degradation of the area.
Increase in tourism: The high altitude of Munnar region like any other
hilly tracts in India has high tourism potential. With the increase of tourism
activities, network of roads were constructed and many structures started
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popping up on hillocks as resorts and lodges. Many of these constructions
have come up on encroached shola-grassland forests. In Munnar,
Surianelli, Chinnakanal, Pothamedu, Mattupetty, Gap area and Top station
areas have large extents of grasslands interspersed with shola forest.
These lands were encroached on the strength of fake documents and
accommodation facilities were developed. These activities adversely
affected the shola patches.
NWFP collection: Careless and unscientific ways of collection of NWFP

leads to erosion of resource base. Collection of NWFP is a seasonal
activity and the collection is mostly in dry season, that results in
occurrence of forest fires.
Collection of firewood: The people residing adjacent to the shola forest

depend on it for firewood. As there is only limited number of households
using firewood for cooking, the impact is relatively less.
Change of crop cultivation pattern: Due to increase in population the

people from other areas migrated to this area, encroached, the land or
purchased it from tribals and introduced new cultivation practices and new
crops. Vegetables like carrot, cabbage, beans etc. are the crops selected
by them suitable to the climatic conditions. It requires more soil working
which accelerated the soil and water erosion which again resulted in
degradation.
Collection of timber/poles: Collection of timber/poles by local people for

construction of houses, sheds etc. also causes degradation to the shola
patches.
Cattle grazing: The rearing of cattle is another source of income for the
locals. Breed of cattle is inferior and their number is more. They graze in
sholas and grasslands. This cause reduction in the proportion of palatable
grass and increase dominance of unpalatable grass and woody invasive
plants. The invasion of exotic weeds such as Eupatorium glandulosum,
dominance of unpalatable shrubs like Laportea bulbifera, Achyranthes
bidentata are due to over grazing.
Since most of these factors are man made, remedies for the same
may be found through the involvement of local people.
1. No to fresh commercial plantations: - Fresh planting for any

pulpwood species in grasslands should be stopped forthwith, as it will
result in degradation of the shola. It is proposed that the unproductive area
of pulp wood plantations raised in sholas and grasslands are left for
natural succession after the final extraction of the crop. The shola patches
in such plantations should be allowed to naturally expand.
2. Control of forest fire: - Fire occurrence in shola area is anthropogenic

i.e. may be by the graziers, NWFP collectors, firewood collectors or by the
tribals for lemon grass cultivation. This socio economic problems has to be
addressed through people’s participation. Necessary fire protection
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measures include preventive measures like formation of fire lines and
controlled early season burning of grasslands around the shola patches.
These activities may be done a few meters away from the fringe areas of
sholas as the shola fringes Act as ecotone. Necessary fire protection
committees should be formed in fire season under JFM. The NWFP
collectors, graziers and firewood collectors are to be educated about forest
fire and its ill effects.
3. Identification of shola patches: - There are so many unattended and

unidentified shola patches in the 17922 acres of revenue lands within KDH
adjacent to forest areas, which undergo degradation by annual fire, severe
grazing and encroachment. Necessary steps should be taken for
immediate demarcation and declaration of these lands as Reserved
Forests. If the lands are entrusted to forest department, disturbed shola
patches can be augmented with shola species with the participation of
locals under JFM. This activity would need very careful monitoring and
scientific inputs.
4. Identification of shola patches within the corporate plantations of

KDH: Shola patches retained in KDH tea estate area is undergoing
gradual degradation due to the expansion and plantation activities in the
tea plantations adjacent to this patches and the expansion of fuel wood
plantations by the company. Grazing and fire occurrence are also common
in these areas. Action has to be taken either to declare 4523.92 acres
interspersed land and 2465.20 acres stream and swamps with KDH as
Ecologically Fragile Land or to evolve participatory management models
involving local people and the Company.
5. JFM Activities: Solution for reducing grazing, firewood collection and

shifting cultivation should be formulated in consultation with local people.
For reducing the grazing pressure, maintaining the high yield variety of
livestock could be tried along with stall-feeding. VSS should take keen
interest in promote this venture. Seeds of high yield variety of fodder
species may be supplied and planted around the settlements. Pastureland
may be developed by the Department that could reduce the pressure on
shola-grassland for fodder.
6. Reducing of Firewood consumption: For reducing the dependency

on firewood, distribution of energy efficient choolas and spreading network
of cooking gas connection in these areas may be tried. Lops and tops
collected from coupes after harvesting crops may be supplied to local
people for fuel wood free of cost.
7. The collection of NWFP: It should be under the close supervision of

the Department. The tribals who are involved in NWFP collection should
be educated about the scientific collection of NWFP. VSS should be given
more responsibility in this.
8. Protection: -Steps may be taken by the Department through proper and

planned field perambulation for controlling encroachment, ganja
cultivation.
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9. Enrichment planting: Enrichment planting and assisting natural
regeneration may be tried in areas where the shola has degraded
severely. Before commencement of the planting work, weeds should be
removed. Since the seeds of the shola species have low viability, the
seedling from suitable areas may be collected and developed in nursery
for further establishment. Planting of shola species should be limited to
only small area around the existing shola. While collecting seedlings care
should be taken not to disturb other sholas. Planting of one year or two-
year old seedlings is suitable for better survival. Table No. 74 shows the
details of enrichment planting undertaken in Munnar Division. Species
suitable for enrichment planting are Actinodaphne bourdillonii,
Alseodaphne semecarpifolia, Beilschmiedia wightii, Canthium dicoccum,
Chionthus ramiflorus, Cinnamomum sulphuratum, Cryptocarya bourdillonii,
Daphniphyllum neilgherrense, Elaeocarpus serratus, Elaeocarpus
munronii, Elaeocarpus recurvatus, Glochidion neilgherense, Gomphandra
coriacea, Hydnocarpus alpina, Litsea floribunda, Litsea wightiana, Mastixia
arborea, Meliosma pinnata, Microtropis ramiflora, Neolitsea cassia, etc.
Table – 74 – Shola patches augmented with enrichment planting
Sl. No Range Year Location Extent (ha)

1 Munnar 2004 Gundumala 38.00
2 Munnar 2004 Susanshola 19.00
3 Munnar 2004 Nymakkad 35.00
4 Munnar 2004 Kallar 19.00
5 Munnar 2005 Gundumala – A 7.67
6 Munnar 2005 Gundumala - B 13.74
7 Munnar 2005 Gundumala - C 5.00
8 Munnar 2005 Kannimala top 2.76
9 Munnar 2005 Lakshmi 4.50
10 Munnar 2005 8th mile 3.40
11 Munnar 2005 Nagermudi 1.78
12 Munnar 2005 Mattupetty top 3.70
13 Munnar 2005 Sevenmala 4.59
14 Munnar 2006 Nagarmudi 19.43
15 Munnar 2006 Nagarmudi 46.12
Total extent 177.57
10. Number of unidentified shola patches exist In Munnar area both in

Revenue and forestlands. These patches may be identified. It was
observed that regeneration of shola species is coming along with the
plantations. Such area should be identified and plantation activities in
these areas be stopped. All these sholas may be well protected by demark
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Necessary fire protection committees should be formed in fire season
under JFM action, from biotic interference so that they will expand on their
own.
Prescriptions
Wildlife
• Regular patrolling of wildlife rich areas shall be organised.
• Waterholes shall be developed and maintained in water scarce

areas.
• Wildlife offences shall be dealt with on priority basis.
Bio-diversity
• Mapping, inventory and protection of high value bio-diversity

areas such as sholas, climax grasslands etc. shall be carried out
on priority basis.
• Invasive alien species shall be eradicated.
• Sholas and grassland ecosystems shall be protected from wild

fires.
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CHAPTER – VIII
JOINT FOREST MANAGEMENT & ECO TOURISM

WORKING CIRCLE
INTRODUCTION
The National Forest Policy, 1988 envisages people’s involvement in
the development, protection and management of forests. It is also
increasingly being felt that forest management programmes need to be
reoriented to respond to the needs of the rural people living in and around
forest areas and that the forest produce like fuel wood, Non Wood Forest
Produce (NWFP), timber etc. are made available to the forest dependent
villagers preferentially so that village communities are motivated to help in
the development and protection of Forests.
Govt. of Kerala started this programme in 1998 as per the G.O. (MS)
No. 8/98/F & WLD dated 16/01/1998.
Participatory Forest Management (PFM) is a management tool

intended to protect the forests and manage the non timber resources of
forests in as sustainable manner with the active participation of Forest
Dependent Communities. Under the PFM set up there are Village Level
Bodies known as Vana Samrakshana Samithies (VSSs) in plan area. The
VSSs and EDCs are grass root level organizations where forest
dependent families are members participating in the planning and
implementation of various forestry and community development
programmes.
8.1 CONSTITUTION OF THE CIRCLE

The working circle contains the JFM and ecotourism activities to be
carried out under FDA in Munnar Division. This working circle will overlap
the other working circles like Eco restoration, NWFP, Plantation-Working
circle etc.

1. Sustainable management of natural resources through people
participation
2. Sustainable management of NWFP
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3. Participatory fire management.
4. Providing livelihood to forest dependent communities
8.3 VANA SAMRAKSHANA SAMITHIES

VSS is an organization of local people formed with the overall
objective of implementing PFM programmes. The Forest Department will
act as a facilitator. It is a society of Forest depended population of a given
Forest area locally with an elected president and Forest guard or Forester
as its secretary. Tribal people and women are given preference in this
society. VSS along with the Forest department can nurture degraded
Forest and take-up conservation activities under long term agreements.
Apart from conserving/protecting and managing area given to thum the
Samithy members are also permitted to enjoy the fruit of Forest produce.
They are responsible for preventing fires, hunting, timber felling etc. They
pool in a share of their profit and spend them for development of their
village.
8.4 VSS IN MUNNAR DIVISION

In Munnar Division JFMs function very well. These VSS have been
engaged in different type of works like ANR, raising plantations of bamboo,
cane, medicinal plants etc. They are also involved in collection of NWFP,
value addition, storing and marketing. The first VSS in Munnar Division
was formed in Kurathykudy. So far 4 fringe VSS and 5 tribal VSS have
been registered in this Division. The details of VSS in Munnar Division are
provided in Appendix – LXV.
8.5 MUNNAR FDA

Forest Development Agency (FDA) Munnar was constituted as a
charitable body registered under the Sahithya Dharma Sangham
Registration act (1955) of Travancore- Cochin in the year 2002.As per the
above, Forest Development Agency Munnar was assigned with ‘I 671/02’
as registration number. Forest Development Agencies (FDAs) are
societies at Divisional Level and are federations of VSSs. All the Vana
Samrakshana Samithies are members of the Forest Development Agency.
District level officers from various government departments are invitees for
the FDA meetings in framing decisions at FDA level. Conservator of Forest
(High Range) will act as the Chairman of the FDA.Divisional Forest Officer
will hold the charge as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the FDA. He is
also the Member Secretary of FDA
The FDA implements various activities such as:
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1. Implementation of Centrally Sponsored Afforestation Scheme
2. Other beneficiaries oriented activities like agro-forestry, avenue

plantation etc..,
3. Take steps for value addition and marketing of produce
4. Inventorisation of land and other natural resources
5. Environmental education
6. Awareness and active association in protection against fire,

poaching, illicit felling of timber etc..,
7. Establishment and management of decentralized nurseries

with marketing arrangements.
8. Address socio-economic needs of people
9. Management of existing captive water resources in the villages.
10. Active involvement of forest fire highly operations.
8.6 THE NATIONAL AFFORESTATION PROGRAMME (NAP)

This is a pioneer programme with 100 percent Central Assistance
implemented through the FDA set up under implementation from the 10th
Five Year Plan. The scheme objectives are briefly:
(a) Providing employment opportunities to the local communities through

afforestation and conservation programme, thereby creating valuable
forest assets for the dependent communities.
(b) Creating other durable community assets for the overall development
of target communities/villages. The afforestation programmes
includes planting of trees in degraded forests and adjoining areas. In
addition to the planting activities, NAP also provides funds for Entry
Point Activities which are activities for strengthening the assets of the
communities.
The scheme for Integrated Village Afforestation and Eco-

development (Samanvit Gram Vanikaran Samirdhi Yojana), which was
later renamed as National Afforestation Programme (NAP), was launched
by the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India, to closely
inter-link the approaches of integrated Forest development and Rural
employment generation into a single umbrella scheme.
The overall objective of the scheme is to develop the Forest

Resources with people’s participation, with focus on improvement in
livelihoods of the forest-fringe communities, especially the poor.
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NAP scheme aims to support and accelerate the ongoing process of
devolving forest protection, management and development functions to
decentralized institutions of joint Forest Management Committee (JFMC)
at the village, and Forest Development Agency (FDA) at the Forest
Divisional level.
There have been a variety of Government of India programmes and

schemes, in addition to the afforestation/regeneration components of on-
going State Plan Forestry Schemes. It is imperative, that a close linkage is
permanently established between rural development and forest
conservation through an integrated forestry development and rural
employment scheme, which would also help in the creation of durable
community assets in the target villages.
National Afforestation Programme of NAEB, MOEF is being

implemented in the FDA Munnar area. The project area of NAP under
Munnar FDA is located in the Adimaly, Neriamanglam, & Munnar Forest
Ranges(which is under Forest Development Agency,Munnar) in Idukki
district of Kerala State.
Choorakettan, Kodakallu, Kurathikudi, Edamalakudi, Pinavurkudi,

Elamplassery, 5th Mile, Kanjiravely and Neendapara are the Vana
Samrakshana Samithies selected for afforestation project under National
Afforestation Programme (NAP).
The Government of India allotted 32 lakhs under NAP as per order

No. MEF (NAEB) 9-52/2003 B IV dated 18/08/2003. (Authentication No.
CS-NAP (FDA)/93/2003-04) and Rs.64 lakhs as per order No. MEF
(NAEB) 9-52/2003 B IV dated 17/11/2005 (Authentication No. NAP (FDA)
215/2005-06) for afforestation Programme in Munnar FDA.
Components of NAP:
(a) Mobilization of village PFM Committee and Micro-planning in

project villages.
(b) Afforestation through the following components
i. Aided Natural Regeneration
ii. Artificial Regeneration
iii. Bamboo plantation
iv. cane plantations
v. Mixed Planatation of trees having MFP & medical value
vi. Regeneration of perennial herbs & shrubs of medicine value
(c) Soil & Moisture conservation
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(d) Entry Point Activity
(e) Fencing, Monitoring & Evaluation, Training, Awareness raising,

Overheads. Appendix – LXVI. gives the approved programs of
works under Munnar FDA, classification of area covered and
component wise Programme of NAP.
Entry Point Activities
The main objective of the entry point and other promotion activities is
to elicit the willing participation of the communities in JFM.The former
would be useful in ‘breaking the ice’ and to win the trust and confidence of
the people. They should normally cease or taper off with formation of the
Village Development Fund (VDF), since the Fund provides a more formal,
larger and endurable financial basis for initiating and maintaining
development activities as may be decided by the community as a whole.
Keeping in view the crucial motivation role of entry point activities in

the National Afforestation Programme,it allows Rs.4000/-per ha for these
purposes in the projects to be sanctioned to FDAs/JFMCs.
The details of planting activities by various VSS are given in

Appendix – LXVII.
Table – 75 – Details regarding expenditure incurred in Munnar FDA
Financial Expenditure incurred (in lakhs) for

year Entry point
Afforestation Awareness Overheads Total
activities
2003-04 4.11 0.54 4.65
2004-05 9.25 0.42 1.00 10.67
2005-06 16.52 6.25 1.88 24.65
2006-07 9.34 9.34
2007-08 28.77 3.00 2.15 33.92
2008-09 22.30 9.70 1.01 33.01
Total 90.29 0.42 18.95 6.58 116.24
It is proposed to achieve the total target of 1152.50ha under various

activities as against the allotted target of 900 ha to Munnar FDA for the
Afforestation Programme.
A sum of Rs.6.25 lakhs has been allotted at the rate of Rs. 400/ha to
various Vana Samrakshana Samithies for entry point activities and these
Samithies spend these amount for various social welfare activities for the
benefit of their members as decided by the concerned VSS given in
Appendix – LXVIII.
Present condition is that 9 VSS numbers of VSS under Munnar

FDA is in organization level .In future these VSSs are to function as local
institution for sustainable management of Forest. For the purpose of
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institutionalization strengthening of existing VSS are essential. For
achieving this awareness and training programmes are to be organized
at different levels.
One of the main objectives is protection and conservation of natural

resources through the active involvement of people. In VSS activating
areas a strategy should be developed and implemented by VSS.
Sustainable management of NWFP through collection processing

and marketing should be effectively managed by VSS. Update the
inventory of rare and endangered species like maramanjal, kumizhu
(Gmelina arborea), palakapayynani (Oroxylum indicum) and to regenerate
the species that were commonly found till recently but have shown a sharp
decline in the recent years due to unsustainable collection. Enhance the
traditional Knowledge bases and utilize it in the case of medicinal plants
besides, disseminating the knowledge available for the benefits of people
who use traditional medicine for their livelihood.
The collection methods adopted currently by the VSS community are

not sustainable. Scientific harvesting and post harvesting methods for
NWFPs should be encouraged. Munnar Forest Division and FDA, Munnar
may be involved in the transfer of technology on scientific harvesting and
post harvesting methods for NWFPs.
It is seen that often during rainy season, extensive harvesting is

done for species like Manjhakoova (roots) as it is easy to uproot them at
that time, without leaving any stock for natural regeneration.
Devikulam Girijan Service Co-Operative Society at Munnar and

Adimaly Girijan Service Co-operative society at enjoy monopoly rights of
collecting & marketing the NWFP and putting the collectors at a great
disadvantage vis-à-vis the pricing of the produce.
The SC/St Federation rather than ensuring sustainable harvesting

practices exploit the tribes and others to divert the produce with higher
return for luring them to go in for unsustainable practices in collection.
8.7 CRC PROGRAMME IN CHR AREA

The PFM in cardamom Hill is termed as Cardamom for Rainforest
Conservation (CRC). Government of Kerala has ordered implementation
of the CRC programme vide GO (MS) No. 31/2003/F&WLD dated
21/04/01. This Government Order is given as Appendix – LXIX. The
programme was ordered to be implemented for conservative management
of the Cardamom Hill Reserve by preserving the forest eco system, on
account of the realization that the complex tenure relationship and lack of
full administrative control over the area demand a novel approach. The
various aspect ordered to be addressed are:
294
1) Shade of cardamom
2) Fuel for cardamom processing
3) Landscaping which includes retention of forests and reforestation

in ecologically critical locations such steep slopes, stream banks
etc.
4) Mulching for soil enrichment in the cardamom plantations
5) Promotion of biodiversity and watershed values.
As per the government order a two tier organizational arrangement

was ordered to provide for an organizational structure to tackle the
problems of CHR:
Unit Level Organization \ (ULO) (Executive level).
High Level Monitoring Committee (HLMC) (Policy).
The GO (MS)No.31/2001/F&WLD describes in detail the following

aspect of CRC programme
The values of CHR
The complex situation faced by CHR
The organization, functions and responsibilities of ULOs
The organization, functions and responsibilities of HLMC
Format for Microplan
The Micro planning process
The CRC Programme is intended to enhance the landscape and bio-

diversity values of the CHR and help eco-restoration of the cardamom hills
and associated river systems. This will also provide the cardamom
planters with policy, technical and legal support to upgrade the cultivation
practices for attaining sustainable and optimum productivity of cardamom,
minimizing the damage to the forests. The farmers, foresters, local political
leadership, revenue officials and the scientific community can join hands
with the CRC programmes and address the critical issues that affect the
forests, land and the farming community. The DFO Munnar may play role
of a facilitator in the above process.
A multi-tiered and multi species forests with its several functions

such as enriching the nutrient status of soil, protecting soil moisture,
preventing soil erosion, preventing soil compaction, promoting soil
enriching micro-organism, reviving the stream, letting in the right quantum
of light, and maintaining the right micro-calamite will be the least
expensive support mechanism in the long run for maintaining healthy
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cardamom growth. It is expected that the farmers, the foresters and the
scientific community can join hands through the CRC programme and
address the critical issued of the forests, land and the farming community.
The Progress of Implementation
The CRC Programme covers the cardamom-cultivation areas falling

within Devikulam and Adimaly Ranges of plan area. The progress of
implementation is rather slow. In Adimaly Range ULOs are not at
organized. In Devikulam Range eventhough 13 numbers were registered it
is still in its infancy level and not yet functioning. The ULOs are registered
in 2002. The details are given in Table No. 76.
Table – 76 – Unit Level Organisations in Munnar Division
Sl. No Name Regn.No Locality Range
1 Attupara ULO 02-12-2003. 4.2.1.1/02 Attupara Devikulam

2 Pappanpara ULO 01-12-2002 4.2.1.2/02 Kallupara Devikulam
3 Khajanappara ULO 06-12-2002 4.2.1.3/02 Khajanappara Devikulam
4 Kumbhappara ULO 07-12-2002 4.2.1.4/02 Kumbhappara Devikulam
5 Puthady ULO 14-12-2002 4.2.1.5/02 Puthady Devikulam
6 Rajakkadu ULO 15-12-2002 4.2.1.6/06 Rajakkadu Devikulam
7 Santhanpara ULO 10-12-2002 4.2.1.7/02 Santhanpara Devikulam
8 Senapathy ULO 13-12-2002 4.2.1.8/02 Senapathy Devikulam
9 Thondimala ULO 18-12-2002 4.2.1.9/02 Thondimala Devikulam
10 Bisonvalley ULO 31-12-2002 4.2.1.10/02 Bisonvalley Devikulam
11 B.L. Ram ULO 4.2.1.11/03 B.L.Ram Devikulam
12 Moolathara ULO 4.2.1.12/03 Moolathara Devikulam
Udumbanchola ULO 06-03-
13 Udumbanchola Devikulam
2004
8.8. TOURISM IN MUNNAR DIVISION

Munnar the beautiful hill station of Western ghart of Kerala is
located at 135 Km East of Cochin, 150 km west of Madurai and 160 km
South of Coimbatore. The high altitude Munnar region obviously like any
hill region in India has resulted in having high tourism potential. The
salubrious climate through out year, green carpeted tea plantations line of
pine, silver oak and other trees on the top of mountains, deep valleys and
rugged mountains oceanic reservoirs and thick forest are the main
attractive factors.
296
Beautiful and enjoyable tourist spots in and around Munnar are
Chenkulam Dam, Pallivasal Hydro Electric Project, Munnar Head work,
Pothamedu, Blossom park, Eravikulam National Park, Vaguvarai water
falls, Marayoor Sandal Forests, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kovilkdavu,
Mannavanchola, Kundaladam, Topstation, Indo-Swis project at Mattupetty,
Mattupetty Dam, Silent Valley, Devikulam lake, Lockhart gap,
Chinnakanal, Anayerankal Dam etc.
8.8.1 Impact of Tourism in Munnar
Until the mid 1990s, Munnar remained mostly unknown to the oust
side world and Tourism Industry. With the mass flowering of Neelakurinji in
1994 Munnar and surrounding areas started receiving the attention of
tourism industry. The visitor figures in Eravikulam National Park is and
indication of the huge growth of tourism in Munnar. The animal visitation in
Eravikulam National Park which was below 1000 in 1989 has shoot up to
400000 during last year that is growth of 400 times in 20 years. This
uncontrolled growth of tourism has resulted in large scale encroachment,
illegal constructions and accumulation of solid waste.
Table – 77 – Visitor Details – Rajamala Tourism Zone
Demestic
Fin Year Foreigners Total
Adults Childrens/Students
1996-97 53386 10975 1328 65689
1997-98 65941 13457 1783 81181
1998-99 78949 15432 2701 97082
1999-00 104825 20344 3299 128468
2000-01 120482 24115 3843 148440
2001-02 131874 27162 3336 162372
2002-03 175772 42781 3080 221633
2003-04 198308 42045 4878 245231
2004-05 207227 46650 5255 259132
2005-06 245713 54180 4648 304541
2006-07 354885 91603 5940 452428
2007-08 248238 62944 6661 317843
2008-09 288448 82390 7581 378419
2009-10 303650 79338 8163 391151
Increased traffic and unscientific constructions have even lead to

disruption of free movement of elephant especially in areas like
Chinnakanal. Death of wild life and domestic animal due to ingestion of
plastic refuse has been reported in may areas. Even though the
Government has issued a notification in 2005 declaring Munnar area as a
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Special Tourism Zone (Conservation and preservation of areas Act 2005)
it is yet to be implemented.
Cardamom hill reserve, Chinnakanal and Pallivasal unreserves are

the areas other than Reserve Forests facing impact of increased tourism.
Badly planned and unscientific construction of resorts and net work of
roads have resulted in large scale encroachment, degradation of
cardamom hill forest and Revenue land in Chinnakanal and obstruction of
corridors. Protected areas have their on checks and controls to mitigate
the impact. It is suggested to include CHR, Chinnakanal and Pallivasal
Unreserves under ESA Act 1984.
For reducing the impact following precautions are suggested.
1. Physical Development (Infrastructure developments like road

and building constructions) in CHR and unreserved areas of
above 30% slope should be restricted.
2. Physical and developments should merge with the natural

landscape.
3. Physical developments along the river banks should be

restricted by introducing a construction free zone up to 50
meters from maximum water level.
4. The peak of the hills should be conserved and the developments

should only be allowed in the suitable slopped valleys.
5. Appropriate solid and liquid waste disposal system should be

ensured for granting building permits.
8.9 ECO-TOURISM
Eco-tourism has implications for nature conservation and education,
livelihood opportunities for local people and also for local traditions and
culture. The number of nature lovers going from one country to another in
search of the experience of nature in its undisturbed form is increasing
year after year. With the increase in the income of the people, rising
congestion, pollution and hectic life, this trend of visiting nature in its
unalloyed form is likely to continue. Therefore it is necessary to plan and
take appropriate steps, so as to use eco-tourism as a positive instrument
to improve the living standards of the local population without any adverse
effect on its traditions, culture and also on the nature.
Tourism has made inroads into numerous areas on the surface of

earth. The term ecotourism is synonymous with tourism in natural areas. It
is nature-based tourism involving education and interpretation of the
natural environment and is intended to be ecologically sustainable. Hence
ecotourism is sustainable tourism, which focuses not only on visitors but
298
also on indigenous people, land ecosystem and cultures. The aim is to
promote tourism that is just sustainable and participatory. Hence
ecotourism is sustainable tourism, having the following components.
1. To achieve steady and sustainable growth in tourist flow without

affecting the forests and the ecosystem
2. To promote and propagate awareness about forests and wildlife

among the public.
3. To exploit the tourism potential of the area to generate employment.
4. To improve the income of the local community which will decrease

the pressure on forests.
Munnar Division has diverse and unique landscape blessed with

scenic beauty and rich biodiversity. Hence different types of eco-tourism
activities can be organized here in the form of nature tourism, adventure
tourism, culture and heritage based tourism etc. But extreme care has to
be taken to ensure that interior areas are not opened up to mass tourism.
The Govt. vide order GO (MS) No: 18/02F & WLD dated 02/04/02
has authorised the VSS to receive service charges from visitors and create
river forest protection funds (RFPF). The Principal Chief Conservator of
Forests has been authorised to be the authority for this purpose.
Ecotourism programmes in Munnar Division can be implemented by the
VSS as income generating activities.
For eco tourism to be sustainable it has to be a small scale venture

in terms of tourist numbers, physical infrastructures and facilities. A quick
visit to a sanctuary, that is practiced now, can not be called eco-tourism.
What is needed is to have a package which provides those who are
interested to have an intimate relation with nature.
All sanctioned eco-tourism programmes will be implemented fully on

participatory basis through VSS. The FDA can have the over all control of
the programmes. For each programme, site specific micro plan will be
prepared and got approved by the Conservator of Forests.
8.9.1 Ecotourism in Munnar Division: Munnar too has become one of

the most preferred hill stations in South India along with Ootty and
Kodaikanal. Every year lakhs of tourists visit Munnar. Important tourism
points have to be identified and sustainably managed. There are two
waterfalls named Cheeyapara and Valara in Neriamangalam Range.
Large number of tourists heading for Munnar stop for a while at these
points leaving huge amounts of garbage which are dumped into the
surrounding forests. There are tribal hamlet at Elamblassery near
Cheeyapara and 5th mile colony near Valara. Tribal VSS have been
already formed in these two colonies and programs for controlling and
managing the surging crowds shall be evolved and implemented. Strong
support of the Department would be required during the initial period.
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For Cheeyapara and Valara Water falls, ecotourism proposals
consist of construction of toilets, dressing rooms, facilities for bath in water
falls, arranging trekking facilities through forest, functioning of one snack
bar at each water fall point, constructing bamboo huts in the bank of the
stream for rest of the tourists to rest, construction of counter for selling of
NWFP collected and processed by the tribal VSS etc. Construction works
shall commence soon on getting approval for the project.
Being participatory programme, it is for the VSS to decide on priority

basis, to implement welfare activities for which the major limiting factor will
be funds. In areas with tourism potential the VSS will have excellent
opportunities to provide employment to VSS members and also raise fund
for welfare activities.
In addition to already sanctioned Cheeyapara and Valara eco

tourism projects, the following proposals are made which can be
implemented during the plan period:
1. Boat ride from Neriamangalam to Bhoodhathankettu: - The

proposed site is near Neriamangalam bridge which is the gate way to
Munnar. This part is contiguous with the evergreen tract of Malayattoor
RF. The abandoned building in Neriamangalam can be used for this
purpose. It is proposed to start an eco shop in the boat landing area for
selling forest products through VSS.
2. Perumbankuthu water fall: - This water fall is located bordering

Munnar and Mankulam Division. Due to thick growth of reeds and other
vegetation coupled with perennial streams and rivers, the population of
elephant and other wildlife is abundant in this area. This ecologically
important area can be conserved by ensuring the livelihood of Kurathikudi
tribal colony through the VSS.
3. Varayattumudi: - It is another suitable location for eco-tourism in

Adimaly Range. It is the natural habitat of Nilgiri Tahr which is totally
different from Eravikulam habitat. Organized trekking guided by tribals of
Chinnaparakudi VSS can be organized. This programme will generate
income to tribals, which would help to ensure the conservation of this
isolated tahr population.
4. Edamalakudy: - Visit to tribal hamlets would help in protecting the

virgin forests of this area from Ganja and other illicit activities. Dense
growth of evergreen forests, secluded life of Muthuvans, their practices
and orthodox life style etc. are attractions for the genuine eco-tourists.
5. Echo-point: Lakhs of tourists visit this area and consequently, the

entire area is littered. Devikulam Range can initiate a process of dialogue
with the stake holders for managing it through VSS.
6. Other activities: With the formation of more VSS, new programmes

might come up. But extreme caution has to be maintained in opening up
ecologically sensitive areas.
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Prescriptions
1. Existing PFM mechanism shall be strengthened at the VSS, ULO

and FDA levels.
2. Gainful employment of VSS members through forestry and other

allied activities shall be ensured.
3. Participatory forest protection shall be encouraged.
4. NAP and other afforestation programmes shall be implemented.
5. The five eco-tourism points identified in the Division may be

developed and managed on sustainable basis with the help of local
stakeholders.
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CHAPTER – IX
MISCELLANEOUS PRESCRIPTIONS
9.1 WIND FALLEN TREES

There is large number of wind-fallen trees in the moist deciduous
forests of Adimaly and Neriamangalam Ranges. An assessment is
required to be conducted in the areas for calculating the quantity of the
valuable timber. Since these include lot of Rosewood and Teak trees, it
poses serious protection problem.
It is prescribed that valuable wind-fallen trees lying in accessible

areas be salvaged and this will not only generate additional revenue but
also reduce protection problems.
9.2 GANJA CULTIVATION

Ganja cultivation is usually done in the inaccessible areas and
pockets of the Division especially the upper reaches of Munnar and
Devikulam Ranges. Edamalakudy, Pappathy shola, Pachakkad and
Silentvalley are some of the ganja prone areas. This activity is mostly
carried out by the settlers of Idukki District in collusion with the tribals
especially Muduvans.
This illicit activity can be kept under check only by regular

perambulation of the sensitive areas and cultivating informants.
9.3 PROTECTION OF CHINNAKANAL AREA UNDER ESA, 1984

There are large extents of revenue lands in the Chinnakanal area of
Udumbanchola Taluk lying between KDH and the Northern boundary of
CHR. During 1950’s, a proposal was given by the Forest Department for
notifying this area as RF. After construction of Anayirangal Dam, the
catchment area was planted by Forest Department in 1960 with pulpwood
species for preventing silting of the Dam. This planting was further extended
to the adjoining areas namely B.L.Ram, Suryanelli, Papathyshola,
Chinnakanal, Nagamala etc. The total planted extent was 883 ha. Out of this,
an extent of 413 ha was assigned to landless tribes in 2003 as per the
cabinet decision on 27/08/02. An area of 365 ha Ecalyptus Plantations raised
by the Forest Department was handed over to HNL as captive plantations.
The plantations raised in 105 ha at Nagamala under the compensatory
afforestation scheme are managed by the Forest Department. In addition, this
area has a number of sholas and high altitude grasslands which are in the
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possession of Forest Department. It is prescribed that necessary steps shall
be taken for notifying these areas as RF.
Within these lands owned by Forest Dept. and other revenue lands,
there are estimated to be around 30 elephants. They frequently raid crops
raised within the lands allotted to the tribals and a number of deaths have
also taken place due to elephant attack. This conflict is bound to escalate
in the future. A solution has to be worked out through JFM initiatives. The
corridors to Mathikettan side and KDH side also need to be kept free from
activities that impede elephant movements. All the stakeholders like the
Panchayat, tourism industry, cardamom growers, corporate tea estates,
tribals, NGOs, scientists etc. have to be involved in finding a solution to
this human-elephant conflict. Most of the problems in Chinnakanal can be
attributed to the unimpeded growth of the tourism industry. Considering
the importance of Chinnakanal as a catchment that is to be protected, as a
crucial elephant corridor connecting CHR and KDH and as a possible site
of sustainable tourism development, it is recommended that the entire
valley be protected by declaring it as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA)
under the Environmental Protection Act, 1984. It is further prescribed that
action should be taken to declare the area as critical wildlife habitat and
subsequently as protected area. The settlement has to be confined to the
areas that are less frequented by elephants.
9.4 A STUDY ON HUMAN – ELEPHANT CONFLICT IN

CHINNAKANAL
Under the Southern Western Ghats landscape programme, WWF
India is carrying out a study on the human-elephant conflict in
Chinnakanal. The study area is around Anayirangal reservoir. It is a
mosaic of varied land use patterns covering an area of 107 km2. There are
15 settlements surrounding the reservoir out which 5 are new tribal
settlements assigned to landless tribes in 2003. According to this study,
although the number of elephants estimated is around 28, it could be more
considering the fact, they move from KDH in the North and CHR in the
South. When the new settlements are fully established, the available
habitat will shrink. Hence in the years to come, elephant population within
a shrinking habitat will result in intense human - elephant conflicts.
The ongoing study tentatively recommends for short term measures

like power fencing, trenching around settlements, conducting awareness
programs and longterm measures like maintenance and restoration of
major corridors. The long-term measures would also include the relocation
of some settlements since co-existence of humans and elephants would
be impossible over a long period.
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9.5 CONSERVATION OF FOREST AREAS IN KDH
9.5.1 Lands set apart for afforestation (17922 acres): In 1877, the Raja of
Poonjar leased out 1, 37,431.37 acres (556 km2) of land in the High Ranges
of Kerala to a British man, J. D. Munro for the purpose of cultivation. This
tract, henceforth known as the Kanan Devan Concession Land, largely
covered with sholas and grasslands. The pioneer planters individually opened
up small plantations of coffee. After the coffee blight in 1870s, they switched
over to crops such as cinchona. Later, tea was found to be the most suitable
crop for the area. Tea cultivation was more intensive requiring maintenance,
harvesting and processing throughout the year, necessitating larger and
permanent workforce. The associated machineries, factories and power
requirements demanded huge investments. In 1893, the Concession land
was purchased by a large British company namely, Finlay Muir & Co.
Subsequently, in 1977 a collaborative venture between Finlays and Tatas
was established.
As part of land reforms, the Govt. of Kerala introduced the Kanan

Devan Hills (resumption of lands) Act in 1971. As per this Act, the entire
extent of lands in KDH was taken over by the Govt. Later, the Land Board of
Kerala after careful consideration of the various issues involved passed its
Award in 1974. As per this Award, 70522.12 acres (285.4km2) of land in the
Concession area was vested in the Govt. free from all encumbrances. For
advising the Govt. in the scientific utilization of this land, an Expert Committee
was established in 1975. The Committee submitted its report after inspecting
all the lands and conducting soil surveys. Based on this report, the Govt.
issued a G.O. in 1980 sanctioning the transfer to Forest Department an
extent of 43452.80 acres (175.85 KM2) ‘to be left as it is’ and an extent of
17922 acres (72.53 KM2) for afforestation. Subsequently, Eravikulam (26002
acres- 105 KM2) was declared as a Rajamala Wildlife Sanctuary in 1975 for
the protection highly endangered Nilgiri tahr as per order Government Order
8907/FM/375/AD dated 31/03/1975. It was elevated to the status of National
Park on 1978. An extent of 22253.37 acres (90 Sq. Km) was notified as
Reserved Forest in 2007 and unfortunately much of its valley got encroached
and about 5200 acres were allotted to settlers. The copy of Government
Order regarding appointment of Settlement Officer is given in Appendix –
LXX.
But the extent of 17922 (72.53 KM2) acres meant to be transferred to

the Forest Dept. for afforestation is yet to be handed over to the Forest Dept.
for declaration as Reserved Forest even after a lapse of 28 years. This area
is spread over different blocks within the KDH land and consists of sholas,
plantations and grasslands. They afford vital connectivity between the six PAs
in and around KDH. They also facilitate unimpeded movements of large
mammals like tiger, elephant and gaur. These lands are extremely important
from the perspective of landscape level conservation as ‘biodiversity refugia’.
The presence of a few elephant groups with some magnificent tuskers within
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these lands and the relatively fewer cases of human-elephant conflict in KDH
underscores the cover and forage values of these tracts. These forests also
provide clean drinking water for the estate workers in KDH.
Forest Department has raised plantations of various species in

8870.93 acres of this land, HNL has 1139 acres of captive plantations and
another 2995 acres of land is managed by KFDC.
A proposal has been sent by Forest Department on 29/05/08 for

declaring 17403.12 acres out of 17922 acres of land as Reserved forest. This
proposed area was inclusive of above mentioned plantations raised by Forest
Department, HNL and KFDC. As per the direction given by the Govt. based
on this Sub-committee meeting of Cabinet held at Munnar on 09/10/08 Forest
Department submitted a revised proposal for declaration of the area as
Reserved Forests excluding 45.76 acres of land in Sivanmala and
Parvathimala areas.
As per Govt. Order G.O (MS) No. 394/08 Rev dated 20/11/08 Kuttiyar
valley 1999 eucalyptus plantation area (54.36 Ha) and HNL captive plantation
area at Kuttiyar valley (53.94 Ha) has been handed over to Revenue
Department for distribution of land to landless people. Copy of this order is
given in Appendix – LXXI. Necessary steps have to be taken for expediting
in the process of Reserve Notification in the remaining area.
9.5.2 Interspersed and Marshy Lands in KDH: Under the provisions of the
Kannan Devan Hills (Resumption of lands) Act 1971, the tea company was
allowed to retain 57192.65 acres of land for their tea as well as eucalyptus
cultivation and other ancillary purposes. This also includes 4523.92 acres of
interspersed forest land between tea plantations and 2465.2 acres of streams
and swamps. These swamps and streams are vital for maintaining water level
of the region. Amidst the tea plantations, there are interspersed forest lands
which were restored to the company. These areas consist of sholas,
grasslands, swamps, streams, rocks, slips and ridges which are extremely
rich in biodiversity and act as ‘refugia’ for a variety of wildlife, ranging from
megafauna like elephants and tigers to amphibians and butterflies. Due to the
scattered nature of these lands it is not easy to protect them. For
conservation of rare and endangered flora and fauna and maintaining the
perennial nature of streams originating from these areas, steps shall be taken
for conserving these areas through participatory means involving the
management and workers of the tea estates.
9.5.3 Declaration of KDH as ESA (Ecologically Sensitive Area): As per

the National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2011), areas lying within 10 km from
the boundary of any PA have to be notified as ESA under Environmental
Protection Act, 1984. As KDH is surrounded by 6 PAs (4 National Parks and
2 Sanctuaries), it is recommended that efforts shall be made for getting KDH
declared as ESA.
9.6 ANAIMUDI RESERVE FOREST
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9.6.1 Tribal settlements of Edamalakudy: Anamudi RF extending over 106
Sq.Km remains unexploited due to its inaccessibility. About 60 Sq.Km is
undisturbed evergreen forests. There are 30 Muduvan tribal settlements
spread over the remaining areas. The whole area is known as Edamalakudy.
The number of Muduvan families is about 600
A serious problem faced by the inhabitants of Edamalakudy is the

absence of road connectivity. For reaching the town of Munnar which
provides most of the necessities of the Muduvans, one has to walk for about
15 km. from the nearest settlement and then travel by jeep for about 25 km.
The movement of goods is by head load and as a result their income is
considerably low. Their main source of income is cardamom cultivation and
NWFP collection. The loss of cardamom cultivation due to diseases, low price
of cardamom, degradation of forests leading to decreased NWFP etc. have
considerably affected their livelihoods. They resort to ganja cultivation, sandal
smuggling etc, mainly because of their poverty. Facilities for health care and
education are almost absent.
The main problems of Edamalakudy and possible solutions are given

below:
1. Failure of agriculture: Their chief means of income is cardamom

cultivation. The spread of cardamom has led to clearing of undergrowth over
a large area. Subsequently, diseases of cardamom and crash in prices have
made them debt ridden. This forced them in to the hands of greedy money
lenders.
Efforts should be made to increase productivity of cardamom by

scientific and in suitable areas, proximate to the settlements with adequate
soil and water conservation measures. Training programs in organic farming,
scientific processing etc. should be provided. This good quality cardamom
can be sold to the tourists coming to visit Munnar and Rajamalai areas
2. Debt trap: Lack of skills in money management and the crisis in agriculture
production have forced them into the clutches of greedy money lenders from
TN and Mankulam. They mortgage their cardamom during lean periods for a
paltry sum.
Their collective debt is assessed around Rs. one crore. A revolving

fund of about Rs.1 crore may be created under JFM. The VSS can collect the
produce and market it. Microfinancing also may be encouraged.
3. Lack of transportation: Absence of road connectivity has seriously

affected their economy and welfare. The Forest Rights Act provides for
formation of a road to Edamalakudy.
The road head leading from Pettimudi may be extended to Edappara

and black topped. Possibility of extending the road further to the main
settlement of Pudukkudi has to be explored as the terrain is very steep. The
VSS can also purchase and operate their own mode of transport to Munnar.
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4. Health and Education: At present only a lower primary school and a
health sub centre are functioning in Pudukudy. This is highly inadequate
considering the backwardness of Muduvans in education and health care.
An upper primary school with hostel facilities shall be established at

Pudukkudy. A primary health centre also requires to be opened. Their
traditional medicical practices also have to be encouraged. Cultivation of
traditional food crops also need to be encouraged.
9.7 ECOLOGICALLY FRAGILE LAND

In Munnar Division so many bits of land, contiguous to Reserve Forest
and covered with trees and undergrowth were notified as EFL land as per
Gazette notification dated 03.10.06. The ownership and possession of the
notified land have been vested with the Government of Kerala. These EFL
areas have to be surveyed and demarcated properly to prevent any
encroachments and other conflicts.
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Appendix – I
Copy of Notification Reorganising Circles, Division & Ranges

Kerala Gazette No.42 dated 20th October 1981.
PART I
Abstract
FOREST DEPARTMENT-REORGANISATION OF CENTRAL CIRCLE BIFURCATION
OF TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION TO FORM HIGH RANGE CIRCLE AND CENTRAL
CIRCLE-DELINEATION OF BOUNDARIES OF DIVISION AND RANGES-ORDERS
ISSUED.
AGRICULTURE (FOREST ESTABLISHMENT) DEPARTMENT
G.O.MS.197/81/Forest Dated, Trivandrum, 31st July 1981
Read: 1. G.O.MS No.1011/62/Agri. Dated 5-9-1962.
2. Letter No. P1-16117/77 dated 11-2-1978 from the CCF
3. G.O.MS 24/81/AD dated 7-2-1981.
4. Letter No.P1-16177/77 dated 2-6-1981 from the CCF
ORDER
In the Government order read as 3rd paper above Government have ordered the
distribution of Territorial jurisdiction of the Division in Central Circle by forming one more
Territorial circle called High Range Circle in the place of the Industrial Plantation Circle.
The Chief Conservator of Forests in his letter read as 4th paper above has forwarded
detailed proposals to effect the re-organization, Government have considered the
proposals in detail and they order that the Territorial jurisdiction of the Central Circle and
the High Range Circle will be re-defined as follows :-
Central Circle
1. Trichur Forest Division.
2. Chalakudy Forest Division.
3. Vazhachal Forest Division.
4. Malayattur Forest Division.
5. Timber Sales Division (Functional).
High Range Circle.

1. Kothamangalam Forest Division.
2. Munnar Forest Division.
3. Kottayam Forest Division.
4. Grassland Afforestation Division (Functional).
5. Timber Sales Division (Functional).
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The present Thodupuzha Range will be detached from Malayattur Division and
attached to Kothamangalam Division. The detailed boundary description of the Territorial
Forest Divisions and the Ranges coming under the central and High Range Circle is given
in the Appendix to this order. The Headquarters of the Central Circle will be located at
Kalady. The Headquarters of the Kottayam Forest Division will be shifted from Kottayam
to Painavu as soon as a suitable office building becomes available there. The timber
sales division of the high range circle will be located at Perumbavoor. The headquarters
of the Grass Land Afforestation Division will be at Peermade.
BOUNDARY DISCRIPTION OF MUNNAR DIVISION

Headquarters - Devikulam
North: - Starting from Pannimadakuthu crosses Perattunlala and reaches Chinnar just by
crossing Udumalpet road, which is the northeast corner.
East:- Starting from Chinnar and runs through the State boundary crosses to-station
Bodimecttu and reaches Palachanamedu which is the southeast corner
South:- Starting from Palachanamedu runs west passes Kumili road at Parathodu joins
Perinjankutty river up to Panmjutty crosses Idukky road west up to Pamba turns south up
to Pazhayarikandam thence to west up to Thalakode along the Alwaye-Munnar road up to
Neriamangalam and then along Periyar river up to Palamattom.
West:- From Palalamattom runs north east direction and crosses Kuttampuzhayar and
reaches Parapoya then along Kanikiyar river up to Kanjiyar then passes through
Perumbankuthu and ends at Panninadakuthu.
BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION OF NERIYAMANGALAM RANGE

North:- Starting from a point at Palamattom near Periyar where Columbanthodu joins
Periyar river runs towards east alone the Division boundary passing through Puzhumrnudi
(1764) Peeriyarmala (2971) up to Parapoya.
East:- From Parapoya runs towards south through Kunijiyar up to Irumbupalam and then
crossing the Alwaye- Munnar road and then again towards south and joins Periyar and
then along Periyar up to Panamkutty towards east.
South & West:- Thence towards southwest along the division boundary till it joins the
starting point at Palamattom.
BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION OF ADIMALY RANGE

Head quarters - Adimaly
North:- Starting from a point at north eastern of Neriyamangalam range at Parapoya runs
west through division boundary then towards division boundaries and joins at Perumala.
East:- Thence running along the concession both towards the north east up to number 10
Pallivasal-Pakkuthi, then turns towards south along the river till it joins with Muthirapuzha
then takes a turn towards east along Muthirapuzha and Panniyar joins then towards south
Sinapettythodu and joins the division boundary.
South:- Thence runs along the division boundary towards west upto Panamkutty and then
Panamkutty towards west through Periyar up to South eastern comer of Valara-
Neriyamangalan range.
West:- From this point turns towards north passing lrumbupalam and joins the starting
point along eastern boundary of Neriyamanagalam range.
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BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION OF DEV1KULAM RANGE
Headquarters - Devikulam
North:- Starting from a point on the concession boundary of K.D.M.P. at Natchivayal
Pakuthy where from the eastern boundary of Munnar Range starts going towards east
along the concession boundary till it meets with the Division boundary near Top station.
East:- Thence through the Division boundary i.e. state boundary towards south up to
Pelchanamedu.
South:- thence towards west along the Division boundary up to the points where
Sinapotthodu joins on Perinjankutty river.
West:- The boundary line then goes towards north along the Sinapotthodu through
eastern boundary of Mukkudom beat turns towards west and runs along Muthirapuzha
river till it meets with Kallar river. Then goes towards north along Kallar River, till it meets
the concession boundary number 10 Pallivasal pakuthy, then towards east along the
concession boundary till it reaches southeastern boundary of Chokkanadu Estate, then
runs towards north along the eastern boundary of Munnar Range and joins the
concession boundary at Nachivayal pakuthy.
BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION OF MUNNAR RANGE

North:- Starting from the north- west point (1619) in ldamalai river where the state
boundary run south from Mukkottumudi meets the ldamalai river from the north east
corner of the Malayattur Reserve Forests, the boundary runs eastwards along the
boundary of Kerala State separating it from Coimbatore District to the point where the
boundary of K.D.H.P. concession area meets it at south-east of Sanbamalai (6367) and
then along the concession boundary towards east up to Parathumalai. East: - Thence
southwards along the K.D.H.P. Concession boundary at Marayor pakuthy thence to
eastern boundaries of Pambumalai Vaguvarai Gundumalai Estates then through eastern
boundary of Headquarters land, northwestern in boundary of "K.A." block then towards
the southern boundary of Madupetty Estate towards the south along the western
boundary of Headquarters land and Devikulam cutchery land and then joins with the
north-western boundary of lock hard estate and goes towards south along the eastern
boundary of Chokkamedu Estate. The above boundary will be the western boundary
Arivikadu section of Devikulam Range.
South:- The point where the eastern boundary line meets the concession boundary of
Chokkanadu Estate is the starting point of the southern boundary of the river. The line
then goes towards west along the concession boundary leaving Pallivasal Pakuthy on the
south.
West:- Thence northwards along the eastern boundary of concession area and meets the
eastern boundary of Malayattur Reserve till it meets the state boundary at the starting
point of ldamalai river.
MARAYOORRANGE
This range has not lost or gained any area due to the formation of new ranges.
The section and beats are as follows
Section Headquarters Beats Headquarters
1.Marayoor Marayoor 1.Marayoor Marayoor
2.Chinnar Chinnar
2.Kanthalloor Kanthalloor 1. Kanthalloor Kanthalloor
2.Vattavada Vattavada
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Boundary description:
Since there is no change of area in the range, sections and beats, the boundaries
of the range, sections, and beasts, are the existing ones.
3. The re-distribution of Territorial jurisdiction as ordered above will take effect from
the 1st August, 1981.
By order of the Governor,

K.L.N. RAO
Special Secretary.
To.
The Chief Conservator of Forests, Trivandrum
The Accountant General, Trivandrum,
The General Administration (Spl.C) Department
All Forest Section of Agriculture Department.
HIGH RANGE CIRCLE

Headquarters - Kottayam
The following three Territorial Divisions and two Functional Divisions viz.
Grassland Afforestation Division, Peermade and Timber Sales Division, Perumbavoor, in
addition to the Mobile Squad will function under this circle. The Divisions, Ranges and
Depots coming under this circle are the following:-
Division Range
1. Kothamangalam 1. Kothamangalam
Headquarters – Kothamangalam 2. Thodupuzha
3. Mullaringard
4. Kalliyar
2. Munnar 1. Neriyamangalam
Headquarters – Devicolam 2. Adimaly.
3. Munnar
4. Devicolam
5. Marayoor
3. Kottayam 1. Ayyappancoil
Headquarters – Kottayam 2. Erumeli
3. Kumily
4. Nagarampara
4. Grassland Afforestation Division 1 Ranges.

Headquarters – Peermade
Name of Depot
5. Timber Sales Division 1. Kumily
Headquarters – Perumbavoor 2. Parampuzha
3. Vetticad
4. Thalakode
5. Kothamangalam
6. Veettor.
Headquarters Devikulam
North:- Starting from Pannimadakuthu crosses Parattumala and reaches Chinnar just by
crossing Udumalpet road, which is the north-east corner.
312
East:- Starting from Chinnar and runs through the State boundary crosses to-station-
Bodimettu and reaches Palachanamedu which is the south-east corner.
South:- Starting from Palachanamedu runs west passes Kumili road at Parathodu joins
Perinjankutty river up to Panamkutty crosses Idukki road west up to Pambla turns south
up to Pazhayarikandam thence to west up to Thalakode along the Alwaye-Munnar road
up to Neriamangalam and then along Periyar river up to Palamattom.
West:- From Palamattom runs north east direction and crosses Kuttampuzhayar and
reaches Parapoya then along Kanikiyar river up to Kanjiyar then passes through
Perumbankuthu and ends at Pannimadakuthu
Boundary Description of Neriyamangalam Range
North:- Starting from a point at Palamattom near Periyar where Columbanthodu joins
Periyar river runs towards east along the Division boundary passing through Puzhumudi
(1764) Periyarmala (2971) up to Parapoya.
East:- From Parapoya runs towards south through Kunjiyar up to Irumbupalam and then
crossing the Alwaye- Munnar road and then again towards south and joins Periyar and
then along Periyar up to Panamkutty towards east.
South & West:- Thence towards south-east along the Division boundary till it joins the
starting point at Palamattom.
Boundary Description of Adimaly Rnage – Headquarter, Adimaly
North:- Starting from a point at north eastern of Neriyamangalam range at Parapoya runs
west through Division boundary then towards Division boundaries and joins at Perumala.
East:- Thence running along the concession both towards the north east up to number
10 Pallivasal – Pakkuthi, then turns towards south along the river till it joins
withMuthirapuzha then takes a turn towards east along Muthirapuazha and Panniyar joins
then towards south Sinapettythodu and joins Division boundary then Panamkutty towards
west through Periyar upto south-eastern corner of Valara, Neriyamangalam Range.
West:- From this point turns towards north passing Irumbupalam and joins the starting
point along eastern boundary of Neriyamangalam range.
Boundary Description of Devikulam Range - Headquarters, Devikulam
North:- Starting from a point on the concession boundary of K.D.H.P at Natchivayal
Pakuthy where from the eastern boundary of Munnar Range starts going towards east
along the concession boundary till it meets with the Division boundary near Topstation.
East:- Thence through the Division boundary i.e. state boundary up to the points where
Sinapotthodu on Perinjakutty river.
West:- The Boundary line then goes towards north along the Sinapotthodu through
eastern boundary of Mukkudom beat turns towards west and runs along Muthirapuzha
river till it meets with Kallar river. Then goes towards north long Kallar River, till it meets
the concession boundary number 10 Pallivasal pakuthy, then towards east along the
concession boundary till it reaches south-eastern boundary of Chokkanadu Estate, then
runs towards north along the eastern boundary of Munnar Range and joins the
concession boundary at Nachivayal pakthy.
Boundary Description of Munnar Range
North:- Starting from the north-west point (1619) in Idamalai river where the state
boundary runs south from Mukkottumudi meets the Idamalai river from the north east
corner of the Malayattur Reserve Forests, the boundary runs east wards along the
boundary of Kerala State separating it from Coimbatore District to the point where the
boundary of K.D.H.P. concession area meets it at south-east of Sandamalai (6367) and
then along the concession boundary towards east up to Parathumalai.
East:- Thence southwards along the K.D.H.P. concession boundary at Marayoor
pakuthy thence to eastern boundaries of Pambumalai Vaguvarai Gundumalai Estates
then through eastern boundary of Headquarters lands, north-western in boundary of “K.A”
313
Block then towards the southern boundary of Madupetty Estate towards the south along
the western boundary of Headquarters land and Devikulam cutchery land and then joins
with the north-western boundary of lock hard estate and goes towards south along the
eastern boundary of Chokkamedu Estate. The above boundary will be the western
boundary Arivikadu section of Devikulam Range.
South:- The point where the eastern boundary line meets the concession boundary of
Chokkanadu Estate is the starting point of the southern boundary of the river. The line
then goes towards west along the concession boundary leaving Pallivasal pakuthy on the
south.
West:- Thence northwards along the eastern boundary of concession area and meets
the eastern boundary of Malayattur Reserve till it meets the state boundary at the starting
point of Idamalai river.
Marayoor Range
This range has not lost or gained any area due to the formation of new ranges.
The section and beats are as follows.
Section Headquarters Beats Headquarters
1. Marayoor Marayoor 1. Marayoor Marayoor
2. Chinnar Chinnar
2. Kanthalloor Kanthalloor 1. Kanthalloor Kanthalloor
2. Vattavada Vattavada
Boundary Description
Since there is no change of area in the range, section and beats, the boundaries
of the range, section, and beats, are the existing ones.
314
Appendix – II
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319
Appendix – III
WEATHER DATA FOR THE YEAR 2000 TO 2009

Month Temperature Relative Humidity Rainfall
Min Max 8.30 am 2.30 pm m.m
2000
January 9.2 22.6 84.6 61.9 30.68
February 11.9 23 87 68.4 61.62
March 10.2 24.3 82.5 63.3 -
April 13.9 24 84.9 77.1 159.9
May 15.1 22.7 82 77.8 149.76
June 16.1 18.7 95.5 94.6 1162.2
July 14.8 19 92.8 87.6 627.38
August 15.5 18.5 95.5 95.6 1668.16
September 15.7 21.5 88.6 85.8 342.16
October 15.7 21.5 87.3 78.9 137.28
November 12.5 22.9 81.1 71.4 39.52
December 7.74 22.8 83.9 59.1 17.68
Total 4396.34
2001
January 10.4 23.2 85.9 66.3 11.44
February 7.8 24.1 85.1 56.5 7.28
March 9.6 24.7 85.1 62.7 22.88
April 14.9 24.2 87.4 74.6 356.72
May 15.13 23.68 84.4 79.5 126.88
June 15.93 18.9 97.1 96.4 1000.48
July 15.5 18.9 94.8 93.5 1408.42
August 15.6 19.93 95.3 94.7 692.64
September 14.5 22.7 89.1 86.4 293.8
October 15 22.1 90.7 84.5 262.32
November 13.8 22.5 85.2 79.3 143.52
December 9.7 22.2 83.6 70.6 23.92
Total 4350.3
2002
January 8.1 23.39 89.58 63.22 -
February 8.68 23.89 85.1 60.78 -
March 9.8 25 82.9 54.8 79.56
April 13.6 24.7 87.3 73.4 45.76
May 16.1 22.9 88.4 82.7 251.68
June 16.3 20.9 95.8 89.8 645.32
July 14.73 20.68 93.74 91 562.64
August 13.1 18.5 95.1 92.2 1150.24
320
September 13 22.2 84.8 79.8 268.32
October 15.16 22.3 91.7 83.1 385.84
November 13.1 23 87.1 75.3 81.12
December 9.25 23.6 85.3 65.1 10.4
Total 3480.88
2003
January 8.16 24.1 89.7 60.3
February 9.5 24.5 89.6 65.8 23.92
March 10.1 26 83.1 64.2 57.2
April 13.3 25.3 86.5 77.9 133.12
May 16.1 24.5 90.1 82.9 67.6
June 16 22.4 91.3 87.3 17.96
July 15.8 20.4 96.1 89.6 26.08
August 14 22 94.8 91.8 26.24
September 13.6 21.7 89.56 79.73 60.36
October 14.86 22.06 94 90.5 23.48
November 12.8 22.4 86.6 81.1 2.08
December 7.65 23.42 86.12 67.06 0.16
Total 438.2
2004
January 7.1 24.32 90.83 60 1.04
February 6.6 24.83 90.62 53.34 -
March 9.74 25.97 80.67 46.7 163.08
April 14.23 25.13 88.4 78.26 104.78
May 16.45 21.52 93.77 88.25 518.96
June 15.13 19.47 97.67 94.33 1134.64
July 16.06 19.87 97.71 94.81 593.84
August 15.19 19.77 95.77 94.61 1085.76
September 15.33 22 92.57 84.43 271.44
October 14.65 22.71 91 85.55 328.64
November 13.4 23 85.23 76.5 137.28
December 6.64 24.35 87.12 65.64
Total 4201.34
2005
January 8.23 24.16 95.35 64.2 58.24
February 7 25.6 91.4 57.8 22.88
March 10.6 25.3 91.1 67.4 47.84
April 13.6 25.73 90.73 78.33 146.64
May 14.87 24.97 93.35 83.13 141.44
June 16.73 20.46 98.43 100 692.64
July 16.38 18.7 99.32 96.77 2279.68
321
August 15.6 20.4 93.7 90.87 636.48
September 15 21.3 95.73 89.67 561.08
October 14.58 22.7 94.7 86.61 175.24
November 13.72 22.57 94.73 85.2 154.96
December 10 22.77 91 76 46.8
Total 4963.92
2006
January 7.87 23.77 96.8 67.2 3.12
February 5.35 25.39 91.28 55.07
March 11.2 24.84 86.6 69.5 70.72
April 13.3 24.73 89.6 80.2 61.36
May 15.58 24.7 95.58 86.7 499.2
June 14.83 22 93.97 90.27 463.84
July 15.8 18.77 98.35 97.83 901.68
August 15.09 20.29 94.29 92.29 521.04
September 14.36 21.56 95.5 94.66 408.72
October 15.06 22.51 92.35 88.54 210.08
November 13.23 23.53 91.76 86.5 162.24
December 8.09 24 90.9 71.25 2.08
Total 3304.08
2007
January 5.2 24.5 88.3 55.3
February 7.3 24.8 89.3 50.1
March 8.9 26.8 82.8 46.9 2
April 13.3 25.6 89.4 68.1 105
May 15.3 25 88.3 80.5 175.8
June 15.9 21.5 96.8 92.9 875
July 16.2 19.4 98.3 96.6 1128
August 15.4 20.9 95.7 90.5 467
September 15.8 19.8 97 93.3 612
October 14.4 22.1 93.3 83.4 287
November 10.5 23.6 88.3 73.4 22
December 10.8 22.8 85.5 67.2 40
Total 3913.8
2008
January 5.06 23.41 88.4 55.4 0
February 8.44 23.24 89.4 51 0.64
March 10.4 23.55 82.8 47.8 6
April 11.56 24.46 89.4 68.1 2.25
May 12.37 24.12 88.3 80.5 1.3
June 14.8 20.6 96.8 92.9 19.89
322
July 13.9 20.7 98.3 96.6 28.1
August 14.03 21 95.7 90.5 35.43
September 12.12 22.1 97.5 93.3 17.68
October 13.9 22.6 93.3 83.4 10.52
November 11 22 88.4 74.9 1.19
December 8.4 23 85.5 68.1 0.55
Total 123.55
2009
January 4.5 25.1 88.5 55.4 0.1
February 5.7 26.85 89.6 51.1 0.07
March 9.2 24.8 82.8 47.8 5.21
April 12.1 24.2 89.4 68.1 1.83
May 15.22 24.25 88.4 80.7 6.49
June 16 21 96.8 92.9 17.18
July 16.23 18.84 98.3 96.6 61.33
August 16.3 20.7 95.7 90.5 11.44
September 15.67 21.03 97.5 93.3 33.01
October 12.7 22.2 93.3 83.9 15.95
November 13.4 22.1 88.4 74.9 5.54
December 12 22.9 85.5 68.1 1.95
Total 160.1
323
Appendix – IV
©
Government of Kerala Reg. No cPn. \¼À
tIcf kÀ¡mÀ KL/TV/(N)/12/2003-2005
2003
KERALA GZETTE
tIcf Kkddv
EXTRA ORDINARY
Akm[mcWw
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
B[nImcnIambn {]kn²s¸Sp¯p¶Xv
Thiruvananthapuram 20th December 2003

Vol. XLVIII Saturday 2003 Unkw_À 20 No. 1025
hmeyw 48 Xncph\´]pcw, 28th Aswina 1925 \¼À
i\n 1925 Bizn\w 28
Forests and Wildlife (F) Department
NOTIFICATION
G. O. (Ms.) No. 50/2003/F&WLD. Dated, Thiruvanathapuram, 10 October 2003

S.R.O.No971/2003. WHEREAS the Government of Kerala consider that the
area, the situation and limits of which are defined in the Schedule below is of great
ecological, founal, floral and geomorphological importance ;
AND WHEREAS it appears to the Government of Kerala said area is needed to
be constituted as a National Park for the purpose of propagating and developing the
wildlife there in and its environment ;
Now THEREFORE, in exercise of the powers conferred by sun section (1) of
section 35 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act ,1972 (Central Act 53 of 1972),the Government
of Kerala here by declare their intention to constitute the said area as a National Park to
be known as “Mathikettan Shola National Park”
SCHEDULE
District : Idukki
Taluk : Udumbanchola
Village : Pooppara
Extent : 1281:7419 hectares
Situation and limits of the said area

North,-The boundry commences from the point where interstate boundary
between Kerala and Tamil Nadu meets the southern boundary of Survey No 32 of
Pooppara village on the Resurvey Minor Circuit and runs west parallel to the Bodimettu –
Pooppara road ,along the southern boundary of survey Nos 17,16,13,14,8,2 and thence
turning south ,along the eastern boundary of block 13, and Survey Nos 34,35,36,37 and
thence along the southern boundary of Survey Nos 37 and 38 and turning north along the
western boundary of Survey No 38 to reach a point where northern most extremity of
Survey No38 meets Resurvey Minor Circuit.
324
West,-Thence the boundary turns south and follows the Resurvey Minor Circuit
along the eastern boundary of Block 13 till it meets the stream and turning south west
along the stream to meet the northern boundary of Survey No 65 and turns south along
the eastern boundary of Survey No 65 till it meets the boundary of Survey No 64 on line
of demarcating the area handed over after eviction .
South,- Thence the boundary turns east along the northern boundary of Survey
No 64, 63,and turns south along the eastern boundary of Survey No 62,80 and again
turns east along the northern boundary of Survey No 78, 71, 72, 73, 74, 174, 192, 193,
195, 197 and turns south along the eastern boundary of Survey No.198, 199 and again
turns northeast along the northern boundary of Survey No.205, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211,
212 to meet the interstate boundary .
East,-Thence the boundary runs north along the interstate boundary till it reaches
the starting point.
By order of the Governor
Lizzie Jacob,
Principal Secretary to Government (Power)
in-charge of Forest and Wildlife Department
Explanotary note
(This is not a part of notification ,but is indented to indicate general purpose)
Mathikettan area is the part of the Cardamom Hill Reserve (CHR),no life in
the Travencore Government Gazette dated 24th August1897 ,where in the area was
constituted as a Reserve Forest under section 18 of Regulation of 1068.Subsequently
various Government orders /rules , were issued for assigning the Cardamom Hill Reserve
area for Cardamom cultivation as well as regarding the control over the land and trees.
The privisions contained in G.O (Ms) 804 /58 Revdated the 9th August 1958
were being followed for the management of the Cardomom Hill Reserve area ,thereby
control over the land rests with the Revenue Department and control over the tree growth
with the Forest Department. Subsequent vide G.O.(Ms) no328/2002/RD dated the 17th
October 2002 Government have transferred 1281.7419 hectares of the said land to the
administrative control of Forest Department. Considering the unique nature of the Shola
fprests in Mathikettan and its importance as an elephant corridor the state Wildlife
Advisory Board has recommended to declare the area as National Park.
Government finds it necessary to declare the area as a National Park for
protecting its ecological, faunal, floral and geomorpholgical weaith. Therefore, the
Government have decided to declare its intention to constitute the said area as a National
Park. This notification is indented to achieve the above subject.
325
Appendix – V
©
Government of Kerala Reg. No. cPn.-\-º¿
tIcf k¿°m¿ KL/TV(N)/12/2003-2005
2003
KERALA GAZETTE
tIcf Kk‰v
EXTRA ORDINARY
Akm-[m-cWw
B[n-Im-cn-I-ambn {]kn-≤-s∏-Sp-Øp-∂Xv

Vol. XLVIII Friday 2003 Unkw-_¿ 26 No.
2413
hmeyw 48 Xncp-h-\-¥-]pcw 5th Pousha 1925 \º¿
sh≈n 1925 s]ujw 5
NOTIFICATION
No. 12875/F2/2003/F & WLD. Dated, Thiruvananthapuram, 14th December, 2003.
WHEREAS the Government of Kerala consider that the area, the situation and limits
of which are defined in the Schedule below is of great ecological, faunal, floral,
geomorphological and zoological significance;
AND WHEREAS, it appears to the government of Kerala that the said area is needed
to be constituted as a National Park for Ensuring long term protection for this majestic
vegetal stretch, which contain many botanical rarities and novelties to science;
Now, THEREFORE, in exercise of powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 35
of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (Central Act 53 of constitute the said area as a
National Park to be known as “Pambadum Shola National Park”;
33/5653/2003/MC.
SCHEDULE
District : Idukki
Taluk : Devikulam
Village : Marayoor
Extent : 131.80 Hectares (approx)
326
Situation and limit of the said area:
North:- The southern boundary of Pambadum Shola Reserved Forest No. 55, starting
from a point about 500 metre towards South from hill point 2162, thence runs
more or less South East to hill point 1896 and thence towards East to meet at a
point roughly in the middle of bill points 2497 (Pattitalachi Malai) and 2531
(Vandaravu Malai) on the interstate boundary.
South:- The boundary runs more or less South along the interstate boundary
South:- The boundary runs more or less West along the interstate boundary
West:- The Western boundary of Pambadum Shola Reserved Forest No. 55 adjoining
to the Eastern boundary of Chittavarai Tea Estate till it reaches North – Eastern
corner at the starting point.
By order of the Governor,

LIZZIE JACOB,
Principal Secretary to Government.
327
Appendix – VI
©
tIcf k¿°m¿ KL/TV(N)/12/2003-2005
2006
KERALA GAZETTE
tIcf Kk‰v
EXTRA ORDINARY
Akm-[m-cWw
Vol. XLVIII Saturday 2003 Unkw-_¿ 27 No.
2413
hmeyw 48 Xncp-h-\-¥-]pcw 6th Pousha 1925 \º¿
i\n 1925 s]ujw 6
NOTIFICATION
No. 12876/F2/2003/F & WLD. Date, Thiruvanathapuram, 14th December, 2003
WHEREAS, the Government of Kerala consider that area, the situation and limits
of which are defined in the Schedule below is of great ecological, faunal, floral,
geomorphological and zoological significance;
AND WHEREAS, it appears to the Government of Kerala that the said area is
needed to be constituted as National Park for ensuring long-term protection for
this majestic vegetal stretch, which contains many botanical rarities and novelties
to Science;
Now, THEREFORE, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of
section 35 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (Central Act 53 of 1972), the
Government of Kerala hereby declare their intention to constitute the said area as
a National Park to be know as “Anamudi Shola National Park”
33/5659/2003/MC
SCHEDULE
District : Idukki
Taluk : Devikulam
Village : Marayoor
Extent : 750 Ha. (approximate)
328
Situation and limit of the said area
North:- Starting from Ottakombumala (hill point 2164) on the south western
corner of Tirthalar proposed reserve forests, thence along the southern boundary
of the said reserve till it reaches the north eastern corner of Mannavan Shola
reserve thence along the north eastern boundary of the said reserve upto
Madavarimala. Thence north east along the southern boundary of Idivara Shola
reserve passing along hill points 2153, 2104, 2199, 2132, 2127 (Velligirimala)
East:- Starting from hill point at 2127 (Velligirimala) runs along the eastern
boundary of Idivara Shola Reserved Forest and Pullardi Shola Reserved Forest
till it reaches the south eastern corner of Pullardi Shola Reserved Forests
adjoining to the boundary of Kannan Devan Hills Village concession lands.
South:- Starting from the south eastern corner of Pullardi Shola Reserved
Forest runs more or less south along the southern boundary of Pullardi Shola
Reserved Forests, Idivara Shola Reserved Forest and Mannavan Shola
Reserved Forests adjoining to the northern boundary of Kannan Devan Hills
Village concession land till it reaches Tirthamala.
West:- Starting from Tirthamala runs along eastern boundary of Mannavan
Shola Reserved Forest till it reaches hill point 2164, Ottakombumala.
Remarks:- The proposed National Park Includes all the areas notified as
Reserved Forest under Idivara Shola Reserve No. 56, Pullardi Shola Reserve No.
57 and Mannavan Shola Reserve No. 58

Lizzie Jacob
Principal Secretary to Government
329
Appendix – VII
©
Government of Kerala
1992
KERALA GZETTE
EXTRA ORDINARY
17th February 1992

Vol. XXXVII Thiruvananthapuram, Monday No.206
28th Magha 1913
h\w h\y-Pohn (C) hIp¸v

hnÚm-]\w
kÀ¡mÀ Pn. H. 9/92/h\w h\y-Pohn Xncp-h-´-]pcw, 1992 s^{_p-hcn 7 16/07/1992

kÀ¡mÀ D¯-chv (ssI-sb-gp-¯v) 75/01/h\w F¶ D¯-chnÂ aq¶mÀ, hmg-¨mÂ,
t\mÀ¯v hb-\m-Sv, ae-bm-äqÀ F¶o t^mdÌv Unhn-j-\p-I-fnse t^mdÌv sk£-\p-IÄ
]p\:kwL-Sn-¸n¨v t^mdÌv tÌj-\p-IÄ cq]o-I-cn-¡p-I-bp-−mbn. Cu D¯-c-h-{]-Imcw
ap¶mÀ t^mdÌv Unhn-j-\nse ap¶mÀ, ad-bqÀ, ASn-am-en, t\cy-aw-Kew, sdbv©p-I-fnse
13 sk£-\p-IÄ 8 t^mdÌv tÌj-\p-I-fmbpw hmg-¨mÂ t^mdÌv Unhn-j-\nse NmÀ¸v,
hmg-¨mÂ, sImÃ-¯n-cp-ta-Sv, tjmf-bmÀ, BXn-c-¸Ån sdbv©p-I-fnse 14 sk£-\p-Isf 8
t^mdÌv tÌj-\p-I-fmbpw t\mÀ¯v hb-\mSv Unhn-j-\nse am\-´-hmSn, t_KqÀ, s]cnb
sdbv©p-I-fnse 11 sk£-\p-IÄ 5 t^mdÌv Unhn-j-\nse tImS-\mSv Ime-Sn, Xp−-¯nÂ,
Ip«-¼pg sdbv©p-I-fnse 19 sk£-\p-IÄ 15tÌj-\p-Ifpw 1 sk£-\p-ambpw ]p\:kwL-
Sn-¸n-¡p-I-bp-−m-bn. Cu 36 t^mdÌv tÌj-\p-I-fp-tSbpw 6 sk£-\p-I-fp-tSbpw AXncpw
BØm-h\pw Xmsg ]«n-I-bnÂ ]dbpw {]Imcw \nÀ®-bn¨v hnÚm-]\w sN¿p-¶p.
]«nI
ap¶mÀ t^mdÌv Unhn-j³
1. aq¶mÀ sdbv©v
(1) tÌjsâ t]cv þ s]«n-apSn

BØm\w þ \b-a-¡c
hS-¡vþ ae-bm-äqÀ dnkÀÆnsâ hS¡p Ingt¡ aqe-bnÂ apt¡m«v apSn-bnÂ \n¶pw
kwØm\ AXnÀ¯n CS-a-e-bm-dnÂ F¯p¶ Øew apXÂ Ing-t¡m«v
tIcf Xan-gv\mSv AXnÀ¯n-bn-epsS sI. Un. F¨v hntÃPv I¬k-j³ Gcn-
bm-bpsS km´-a-e-bn-epÅ AXnÀ¯n-h-sc.
Ing-¡vþ Ahn-sS-\n-¶pw sI. Un. F¨v hntÃPv I¬k-j³ Gcn-bm-bpsS AXnÀ¯n-
bn-eqsS ad-bqÀ ]IpXn Imfn-h-bÂ ]Ip-Xn-h-scbpw Ingt¡ AXnÀ¯n-bn-eq-
sSbpw slUv IzmÀt«gvkv emânsâ Ingt¡ AXnÀ¯n-bn-eq-sSbpw am«p-
s¸«n dnkÀthm-b-dnsâ hS¡p ]Sn-ªmsd AXnÀ¯n-bn-eq-sSbpw Imþ-t»m-
¡nsâbpw It¨cn emân-sâbpw ]Sn-ªmsd AXnÀ¯n-bn-eq-sSbpw sNm¡-
\mSv FtÌ-änsâ Ingt¡ AXnÀ¯n-eqsS tZhn-Ipfw sdbv©nse Acp-hn-
¡mSv sk£sâ AXnÀ¯n-h-scbpw
330
sX¡vþ Ingt¡ AXnÀ¯n tcJ I¬k-j³ _u−-dn-bnÂ kÔn-¡p¶ sNm¡-
\mSv FtÌäp apXÂ I¬k-j³ _u−-dn-bn-eqsS ]Sn-ªmdv ]Ån-hm-kÂ
]IpXn hsc.
]Sn-ªmdv þ AhnsS \n¶pw ]Sn-ªm-td¡v I¬k-j³ Gcn-bm-bpsS _u−-dn-bn-eqsS
ae-bm-äqÀ dkÀÆnsâ Ingt¡ AXnÀ¯n-bn-eqsS CS-a-e-bmÀ tNcp-¶-h-sc.
2. ad-bqÀ sdbv©v
(2) tÌjsâ t]cv þ ad-bqÀ

BØm\w þ ad-bqÀ
hS¡v þ Nn¶mÀ h\y-arK kwc-£W tI{μw
Ing-¡v þ ]m¼mÀ \Zn
sX¡ þ sI. Un. F¨v hntÃPv AXnÀ¯n
]Sn-ªmdv þ Cc-hn-Ipfw \mjWÂ ]mÀ¡v
(3) tÌjsâ t]cv þ Im´-ÃqÀ

BØm\w þ Im´-ÃqÀ
hS¡v þ Nn¶mÀ h\y-Pohn kwc-£W tI{μw
Ing¡v þ Unhn-j³ AXnÀ¯n
sX¡v þ sI. Un. F¨v hntÃPv AXnÀ¯n
]Sn-ªm-dvþ ]m¼mÀ \Zn (A-Xm-bXv ad-bpÀ t^mdÌv tÌjsâ Ingt¡ AXnÀ¯n)
3. ASn-amen sdbv©v
(4) tÌjsâ t]cv þ a¨n-¹mhv

BØm\w þ ASn-amen
hS¡v þ Ip´³]pg tXmSv ]qbw-Ip«n Bdq-abn tNcp-¶nSw apXÂ Ip´-¼pg Bdp-

hgn s]cp-¼³Ip-¯nÂ sI. Un. F¨v hntÃPv AXnÀ¯n hsc.
Ing¡v þ s]cp-¼³Ip¯v apXÂ sXt¡m«v ae-bm-äpÀ dnkÀÆnsâ AXnÀ¯n-bn-eqsS
Iq¼³]d hsc.
sX¡v þ Iq¼³ ]mdbnÂ \n¶pw Beph þ aq¶mÀ tdmUp-hgn Ccp-¼p-]mew hsc.
]Sn-ªmdv þ Beph ap¶mÀ tdmUnsâ Ccp-¼p-]mew apXÂ hS-t¡m«v ]Sn-¡-¸p-hgn
Bh-dp-Ip«n hscbpw AhnSw apXÂ Bh-dp-Ip«n tXmSp hgn Sn tXmSv
Ip´³]pg (]q-bw-Ip«n Bdv) bpambn tNcp¶ t\cy-aw-Kew Ip«w-]p-g, ASn-
amen, sdbv©p-I-fpsS kwK-a-Øm\w hsc.
(5) tÌjsâ t]cv þ ]\w-Ip«n

BØm-\w þ ASn-amen
hS¡v þ Ccp-¼p-]mew apXÂ aq¶mÀ-þ-B-eph tdmUv hgn ASn-amen hsc.
Ing¡v þ ASn-amen apXÂ ae-bm-äqÀ dnkÀÆnsâ AXnÀ¯n-bn-eqsS ]\w-Ip«n hsc.
sX¡v þ AhnsS \n¶pw s]cn-bmÀ \Zn hgn \Zn-bpsS CÛh Øm\w-h-sc.
]Sn-ªmdv þ Xt«-¡®n apXÂ s]cn-bmÀ \Zn-bn-eqsS tIcf kwØm\ hnZyp-Ñàn
t_mÀUnsâ s_©p-amÀ¡phscbpw AhnsS \n¶pw sdbv©v AXnÀ¯n-
eqsS Ccp-¼p-]mew hsc-bpw.
331
4. t\cy-aw-Kew sdbv©v
(6) tÌjsâ t]cv þ \K-c-¼md

BØm\w þ t\cy-aw-Kew
hS¡v þ Xe-t¡mSv sN¡v t]mÌnÂ \n¶m-cw-`n¨v Beph aq¶mÀ tdmUv hgn t\cy-
aw-Kew hsc.
Ing-¡vþ apXn-c-¸p-g-bm-dnÂ \n¶m-cw-`n¨v sdbv©v Unhn-j³ _u−dn hgn Xe-t¡mSv
hsc.
sX¡vþ aos\m-gn-ªm-ap-SnÂ \n¶m-cw-`n¨v sdbv©v Unhn-j³ _u−dn hgn Xe-
t¡mSv hsc.
]Sn-ªmdv þ Xe-t¡mSv
(7) tÌjsâ t]cv þ hmfd

BØm\w þ Bdmw ssaÂ
hS¡v þ ]W-hqÀ Ip«n tXm«nÂ \n¶m-cw-`n¨v ]c-¸-bmÀ hgn Ip©n-bmÀ hsc.
Ing¡v þ Ip©n-bmÀ apXÂ ]Sn-¡-¸p-hgn Beph aq¶mÀ tdmUnÂ Ccp-¼p-]mew
hsc.
sX¡v þ t\cy-aw-K-e¯v \n¶m-cw-`n¨v s]cn-bmÀ tZhn-bmÀhgn Ccp¼p ]mew hsc.
]Sn-ªmdv þ ]W-hqÀ tXm«nÂ \n¶m-cw-`n¨v Beph aq¶mÀ tdmUnÂ t\cy-aw-Kew hsc.
(8) tÌjsâ t]cv þ Ce-I-¯mfn

BØm\w þ Dcp-f³X®n
hS¡v þ ]nW-hqÀ tXm«nÂ \n¶m-cw-`n¨v Unhnj³ _u−dn sdbv©v _u−dn hgn
tImf-t¼Â tXmSv hsc.
Ing¡v þ ]nW-hqÀ tXmSnÂ \n¶m-cw-`n¨v Beph aq¶mÀ tdmUnÂ dmWn-I-Ãp-h-sc.
sX¡vþ ]nW-hqÀ tXmSnÂ \n¶m-cw-`n¨v Xt«-¡mSv hgn s]cn-bmÀ ]pg-bn-eqsS t\cy-
aw-Kew hsc.
]Sn-ªmdv þ tImf-¼Â tXmSv
332
Appendix – VIII
AGRICULTURE (FOREST A) DEPARTMENT
NOTIFICATION
FA2. 1084/57/AD Dated, Trivandrum, 6th August, 1969
In exercise of the powers conferred by section 19 of the Travancore –Cochin

Forest Act, 1951 (Act III of 1952) and after having taken the proceeding prescribed in
section 4 to 18 of the said Act (Both inclusive), the Government of Kerala hereby specify
the limits mentioned in the Scheduled hereto appended as the limits of the forest which it
is intended to reserve and declare the said forest to be reserved from the date of
publication of this notification in the Gazette.
SCHEDULE
Name of Block
Unsurveyed Forest areas Devikulam Taluk laying between the Coimbatore

District of Madras State and the K.D.H.P. Concession area to be named the Anamudi
Reserved Forest.
District : Kottayam
Taluk : Devikulam
Village : Unsurveyed portion of the above Taluk
Extent : About 41 Sq. Miles
Situation :- The block is situated to the south of the inter state boundary between the
Coimbatore district and the Kerala State to the east of the Malayattoor
Reserve Forest and to the north of the KDHP concession area.
Boundaries
North:- Starting from the north-west point (1619) on the Edamalayar were the
state boundary running south from Mukkottumudi meets the Edamalayar
forming the North – Eastern corner of along the northern boundary of the
Kerala State separating it from Coimbatore District to the point were the
boundary of the KDHP concession area meets it at south- east of
Semthamalai (6367)
East:- Thence southwards along the northern boundary of KDHP concession
area passing through Erumaipatti Malai (6999) Erumai Malai (7495)
Kolukku Malai (7137) Bhima Malai, Samba Malai, Umayamalai to
Anamudi Elevation (8841).
South:- Thence westwards along the same boundary passing through Raja Malai
(7209) and Anamudical (6056) to the point where it meets the bundary of
the Malayattoor Reserve Forest.
West:- Thence northwards along the eastern boundary of the Malayattoor
Reserved Forest till it meets the State boundary at the starting pint on the
Idamala Yar.
Private rights:- There are no private rights admitted within this reserve.
Public rights :- There are no public rights admitted within this reserve.
333
1951 se XncphnXmwIqÀþsIm¨n h\w BIvSv (1952 se aq¶mw BIvSv) 19þmw
hIp¸nse A[nImc§Ä hn\ntbmKn¨pw taÂ ]dª BIvSv 4 apXÂ 18 hscbpÅ
hIp¸pIfnÂ (c−pw DÄs¸sS) \nÀ®bn¨n«pÅ \S]SnIÄ FSp¯Xn\ptijhpw tIcf
Kh¬saâv CtXmSptNÀ¯n«pÅ ]«nIbnÂ ]dªncn¡p¶ AXnÀ¯nIÄ dkÀÆv
sN¿m³ Dt±in¨n«pÅ h\¯nsâ AXnÀ¯nIfmbn CXn\mÂ \nÝbn¡pIbpw
taÂ]dª h\w Cu ]ckyw KÌnÂ ]vkn²s¸Sp¯p¶ XobXnapXÂ dnkÀÆv
sNbvXXmbn {]Jym]n¡pIbpw sN¿p¶p.
]«nI
t»m¡nsâ t]cv:þ a{Zmkv tÌänse tImb¼¯qÀ Unkv{SnIvSnsâbpw I®³tZh³
I¼\nbpsSbpw Øe¯n\pw CSbv¡pInS¡p¶ tZhnIpfw Xmeq¡nse kÀÆ sN¿m¯
h\`qansb B\apSn dnkÀÆv F¶v hnfn¡p¶p.
Unkv{SnIvSv : tIm«bw
Xmeq¡n : tZhnIpfw
hntÃPv : tZhnIpfw Xmeq¡nÂ kÀsÆ sN¿m¯ `qan.
hnkvXoÀ®w : Dt±iw 41 NXpc{i ssaÂ
InS¸v:þ tIcf tÌänsâbpw a{Zmkv tÌänse tImb¼¯qÀ Unkv{SnIvSnsâbpw
AXnÀ¯n¡v sX¡mbpw, aebmäqÀ dnkÀÆosâ Ing¡mbpw I®³tZh³
I¼\n Øe¯nsâ hS¡mbpw ØnXnsN¿p¶p.
AXnÀ¯n hnhcw
hS¡v:þ aebmäqÀ dnkÀÆnsâ hS¡vþIng¡v aebmb ap¡q«papSnhgn sXt¡m«pÅ
kwØm\ AXnÀ¯nsN¶v CSaebmänÂ tNcp¶ hSp¡p]Snªmsd
Øm\w (1619) apXÂ tIcf kwØm\¯nsâ hSt¡ AXncphgn Ingnt¡m«v
tImb¼¯qÀ Unkv{SnIvSns\ thÀXncn¨v I®³tZh³ I¼\n Øe¯nsâ
AXncpambn kÔn¡p¶Xpw sk¼ae (6367) sâ sX¡pIng¡phsc.
Ing¡v:þ AhnsS\n¶pw sX¡mbn I®³tZh³ I¼\nbpsS hSt¡ AXncphgn
Fcpas]«nae (6999) Fcpa ae (7495) sImfp¡pae (7137) òa ae,
km¼ae, Daba ae, Ch IS¶v B\apSn Dbcw (8841) hsc.
sX¡v:þ AhnsS\n¶pw ]Snªmdmbn Sn AXncphgn cmPae (7209) B\apSnbv¡Â
(6056) F¶oh IS¶v aebmäqÀ dnkÀÆnsâ AXncnÂ tNcp¶p.
]Snªmdv:þ AhnsS\n¶pw hS¡mbn aembmäqÀ dnkÀÆnsâ Ingt¡ _u−dnhgn
Bcw` Øeamb CSaebmdpw, kwØm\ AXncpw kÔn¡p¶
Øewhsc.
dnkÀÆn\I¯pÅ ss{]häpw ]»n¡pamb AhImi§Ä bmsXmcp hn[amb
AhImi§fpw {]tXyI BÄt¡m, s]mXpP\§Ät¡m A\phZn¨n«nÃ.
By Order of the Governor
C. Thomas
Secretary
334
Appendix – IX
NOTIFICATION UNDER SECTION 18 OF REGULATION II OF 1068
Taluq and Boundaries Name of Probable

provertmes in Block if extent
Which the land is any
situated
Kunnathunad' Taluq North Boundry between

Mangapira proverthy Travancore and Cochin and
Muvattupuzha Taluq between Travancore and
Kothamangalam Coimbatore
proverthy
West A line from Eratamoogam The 345 Square

and on the Kodasheri river to Malayattur miles
South Cruze Mudi, Malayattur, and Idyara
thence to the junction of Reserve
the prunthode with the
Periyar excluding the 10.9
acres of land claimed by
Rukmini Ammal, then
along the Periyar past
Nerinjamangalam to about
two miles west of its
junction with the
Motharapoly river:
The western boundary of
Thodupuzha Taluq the Poonjat Chiefs land
Kumaramangalam . and then along the water
proverthy East shed dividing the Theviyar
Karimannur and Kandanpara river
proverthy from the Montharapoly
river
SANAGARA SOOBAYER,
DEWAN.
Huzur Cutcherry,
Trivandrum:
29th March 1895
Chief Conservator of Forests
335
Appendix – X
NOTIFICATION
24th June 1902
It is hereby notified under Section 18 of Regulation II of 1068 that from and after
this date the tract specified in the subjoined schedule shall be deemed to be a reserved
Forests.
Huzur Cutcherry,
Trivandrum K. KRISHNASWAMY RAO
13th June, 1902 DEWAN
Name and Taluk and Portable Remarks

Number of Village in Boundaries
reserve which the
reserve is
situated
No. 60 Thodupuzha North: The Periyar river 130
The are no registered lands in this reserve

Square
East: The Periyar river
Nagarampara Miles
South From Thodupuzha
Periyar Crossing west-
ward in a straight line to
the edge of Ghats.
West From the Edge of the
Ghats west of
Thodupuzha Periyar
northward along. Then
following the eastern
boundary of reserve No.
8 Methalipara and
thence to
Neriamangalam on the
Periyar
Certified that this is a true copy of the notification published on page 571 of the
Travancore Government Gazette date 24-6-1902.
Date Signature Chief Conservator of Forests
Name:
Official Designation : Chief Conservator of Forests
Office Seal
336
Appendix – XI
FINAL NOTIFICATION OF DEVICOLAM FUEL RESERVE

No. 406/ F&M.R
It is hereby notified under section 18 of the Forest Regulation II of 1068, as

amended by regulation IV of 1071 and IX of 1085, that from and after this date, the tract
specified in the Sub-joined schedule shall be deemed a reserve forest.
Huzur Cutchery, T. Raghaviah,
Trivandrum, 8th October, 1920 Dewan
Name of Reserve : Devicolam Fuel Reserve
Revenue : Devicolam
Taluk : Devicolam
Village : Kannan Devan Hills
Extent : 191.32 Acre
Situation:- The block lies to the west of Devicolam cutcherry land an either side of
Munnar Devicolam cart road between 3rd mile 6th furlong 4th mile, 7th furlong and
comprises whole of survey Nos. 154 and 20/1-B and the major portion of 153 of Kannan
Devan Hills.
Boundaries:-
North:- Starting from cairn No. 1 situated at the north west corner of Sy. No. 154 of
Kannan Devan Hills on the southern side of the bridle path from Munnar to Bodimettu, the
line runs east along the revenue survey line south of Sy. No. 56 for about 2 chains to
cairn No. 2, thence south east along the revenue Sy. Line for about 9 chains passing
cairn No. 3 to cairn No. 4, thence south for about 6 ¾ chains along the Revenue Sy. line
passing cairn No. 5 to cairn No. 6; thence eastward along the said Revenue Sy. line
passing cairn No. 7 to 13 to cairn No. 14 at a theodolite station.
East:- Thence southwards along the Revenue By. Line for about 4 ½ chains passing
cairn No. 15 to cairn No. 16 on the west side of the Munnar Bodimettu bridle path; thence
along the Revenue survey line and along the west side of the said bridle-path and
passing cairn No. 17 & 18 to cairn No. 19 on the north west corner of Survey No. 20/1A
passing cairn Nos. 20 to 22 to cairn No. 23on the south east corner of No. 20/1N; thence
west along its south side passing cairn No. 24 to cairn No. 25 on its south west corner on
the north side of the Munnar Devicolam cart road thence westward along the north side or
the side of the said cart road passing cairn Nos. 26 to 31 to cairn No. 32 thence south
crossing the road and passing cairn Nos. 33 and 34 to cairn No. 35; thence eastwards
along the south side of the land, exercised fro cooly lines and surveyed and passing cairn
Nos. 36 to 39 to cairn No. 40 on the east side of Sy. No. 155; thence along the east side
of that Sy. No. to cairn No. 41 at its south east corner.
South:- Thence eastward along the north side of Sy. Nos. 131 and 58 (Chokanad Estate)
passing cairn Nos. 42 to 46 to cairn No. 42 to 46 to cairn No. 47.
West:- Thence northward along the east side of Survey No. 156 passing cairn No. 48
and 49 and crossing the Munnar Devicolam cart road to cairn No. 50 on the north side of
th rd
the road near the 6 furlong of the 3 mile stone; thence north ward along the revenue
Sy. line passing cairn No. 51 to 55 to cairn No. 1 the starting point, on the north boundary.
I Npote:-1. The cart road from Munnar to Devicolam (S. Nos. 128, 129 & 130) enters the
reserve near cairn No. 50 and exits near cairn No. 2.
337
2. The bridle path from Munnar to Bodimettu enters the reserve near cairn No. 13
and exits near cairn No. 16.
II. Rights of ways:-1. Right of way for public conveyance and cattle is granted in respect
of the Munnar – Devicolam cart road entering the reserve near cairn No. 50 as far as
cairn No. 32, the length of which being 89.97 chains and breadth 0.85 chains.
2. In respect of Munnar-Bodimettu bridle path between cairn No. 13 and cairn No. 16.
NOTIFICATION
R.O.C. No. 4603/40/Devt.
With the sanction His Highness the Maharaja, it hereby notified under Section 20
of the Travancore Forest Act II of 1068 as amended by Act IV of 1071, IX of 1085, IV of
1089 VIII of 1097 and XII of 1112 that the blocks of land comprised in S.No. 155/6, 155/7
and 155/8 of the Kanan Devan Hills Pakuthy, Devicolam Taluk within the boundaries
described below having an area of 11.89 acres is disafforested with effect from the date
of publication of this notification in the Gazette. A correct description of the boundaries of
the block disafforestated and demarcated on the ground is hereto appended for general
information.
338
Appendix – XII
Dis-1434/32/Rev. Huzur Cutcherry,

Trivanchum.
27-8-1932. (12-0\-1108)
To The Land Revenue and Income Tax Commissioner
Sir,
With reference to the correspondence ending with your letter RO. C. NO.3
878/31/LR dated 10th May 1932; regarding the assignment of lands outside C.H.R. for
cardamom cultivation, I have the honour to inform you that, in the circumstances stated,
Government sanction the 500 acres of lands round about the Chinnakkanal thavalam in
the Poopara pakuthy, Devikularn Taluk and in the Periyar pakuthy of the Perumedu
Taluk, lying outside of the Cardamom Hill Reserve, and reported to be fit for cardamom
cultivation, being assigned under the cardamom rules, subject to the stipulation that,
when the lands are otherwise used at any time, the Puduval Rules and assessment will
apply.
I have etc
P. Viswanatha lyer.
For Chief Secretary
NO. B. 1250 NOTIFICATION
It is hereby notified under Section 4 of Regulation II of 1068 that, it is proposed to

constitute the land described in the subjoined schedule a Reserve Forest under the said
Regulation.
The Superintendent of the Cardamom Hills is appointed the forest Settlement

Officer to enquire into and determine the existence, nature and extent of any rights
claimed by, or alleged to exist in favour, of, any person, in or over any land comprised
within the limits of the proposed Reserve and to deal with the same as provided in the
regulation.
Humr Cutcherry SHUNGRASOOBYER

Trivandrum. Dewan
19th Nov. 1896.
339
Appendix – XIII
©
tIcf k¿°m¿ KL/TV(N)/12
1987
KERALA GAZETTE
tIcf Kk‰v
EXTRA ORDINARY
Akm-[m-cWw
Thiruvananthapuram 14th May 1987
Vol. XLVIII Thursday 1987 Unkw-_¿ 27 No.
408
hmeyw 48 Xncp-h-\-¥-]pcw 14th Vaisaka 1909 (Saka) \º¿
hymgw 1909 hnimIw 24
tIcf kÀ¡mÀ
h\w, h\yPohn (_n) hIp¸v
hnÚm]\w
\¼À 2356/_n 1b87/ h\w Xncph\´]pcw, XobXn 1987 sabv 4

Fkv. BÀ. H. \¼À 664/87þ1986 se tIcf hr£kwc£W BIvSv (1986 se 35)
5þmwhIp¸v (1)þmw D]hIp¸p {]Imcw \ÂIs¸« A[nImc§Ä hn\ntbmKn¨v, tIcf
kÀ¡mÀ Xmsg ]«nIbnÂ ]dbp¶ {]tZi¯v \nÂ¡p¶ bmsXmcp hr£hpwþ
(F) B hr£w Poht\m, kz¯nt\m A]ISImcnbmsWt¶m
AYh
(_n) B hr£w DW§nbtXm, tISph¶tXm, ImäSn¨p hoWtXm
BsWt¶m DÅ Imc§fnt·eÃmsX, apdn¡pItbm ]ngpXpamäpItbm I¯n¨p
IfbpItbm aäv hn[¯nÂ \in¸n¡pItbm sN¿m³ ]mSnsÃ¶v CXn\mÂ
\nÀt±in¡p¶p.
]«nI
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`qan InS¡p¶ Xmeq¡pw hntÃPpw 24þ08þ1897 Â 1932þmw t]Pv {]Imcw
XncphnXmwIqÀ kÀ¡mÀ KÌnÂ {]kn²s¸Sp¯nb {]ImcapÅ hnhc§\pkcn¨v Ipafn
sdbv©nsâ ]cn[nbnÂ hcp¶Xpw DSp¼³tNme Xmeq¡nÂ DÄs¸Sp¶Xpamb
B\hnemkw, N¡p]Åw, h−³taSv, I«¸\, A¿¸³tImhnÂ, ]m¼mSpw]md,
IÂ¡q´Â hntÃPpIfpw A¿¸³tImhnÂ sdbv©nsâ ]cn[nbnÂ hcp¶Xpw
DSp¼³tNme Xmeq¡nÂ DÄs¸«Xpamb A¿¸³tImhnÂ, I«¸\, X¦aWn, hm¯nIpSn
F¶o hntÃPpIfpw ASnamen sdbv©nsâ ]cn[nbnÂ hcp¶Xpw, DSp¼³tNme
Xmeq¡nÂ DÄs¸«Xpamb sIm¶¯Sn hntÃPpw tZhnIpfw sdbv©nsâ ]cn[nbnÂ
hcp¶Xpw DSp¼³tNme Xmeq¡nÂ DÄs¸«Xpamb kbneâvhmen, Nn¶¡\mÂ,
cmPm¡mSv, cmPIpamcn, ]q¸md, KmÔn¸md, NXpcK¸md, DSp¼³tNme, IÂ¡q´Â
F¶o hntÃPpIfpw.
340
AXncpIÄ
ht¡ AXncv:þ t_mUnsa«v apXÂ sXm−naebnte¡pÅ hgneqsSbpw AhnsS
\n¶pw I½oI³ Ip¸qImÀUv shÅ¡Âae, sNm¡\mSv ae hsc.
]Snªmsd AXncv:þsNm¡m\mSv ae apXÂ apXnçpg, PwKvj³, s]cnbmdv \Zn
AXnt\mSv sXm«pÅ s]cnªmÀ \Zn, s]m³apSn aehsc
Ings¡ AXnc:vþ sNÃmÀtImhnÂ ta«p apXÂ t_mUnsa«v {_n«ojv AXnÀ¯n hsc
sXt¡ AXncv:þ h−³taSv sdbv©nse FÃm tXm«§fpw DÄs¸Sp¯ns¡m−pÅ
s]m³apSn apXÂ tIm«ae hsc. AhnsS \n¶pw {_n«ojv
AXnÀ¯nbnepÅ sNÃmÀtImhnÂ ta«qÀ hsc.
Dt±iw hnkvXoIÀ®wþ GItZiw 15720 G¡À
KhÀ®dpsS D¯chp{]Imcw
F³. Imfoizc³
ImÀjntImÂ¸mZ\ I½ojWdpw
Kh¬saâv sk{I«dnbpw (h\w)
hniZoIcW Ipdn¸v
(CXv hnÚm]\¯nsâ `mKamIp¶XÃ. F¶mÂ AXnsâ s]mXp Dt±iw

kqNn¸n¡p¶Xns\ Dt±in¨n«pÅXmIp¶p)
kÀ¡mcnsâ A[o\XbnepÅ ImÀUaw lnÂ dnkÀÆv Gew Irjn \S¯m\mbn
]m«¯n\p sImSp¯ncp¶ ØeamWv. B h\ `qan hr£§fpsS kar²amb hÀ¨bv¡v
klmbIamWv. XWÂ {IaoIcW¯nsâ \mSy¯nÂ B {]tZis¯ ac§Ä
apdnbv¡p¶Xv kÀ¡mcn\v òaamb \jvShpw as®men¸pw, DcpÄs]m«epw DÄs¸sSbpÅ
Ak´penXamb ]cnXØnXnbpw D−m¡ns¡m−pÅ hnthIiq\yam h\w
\ioIcW¯n\p ImcWamIp¶p. AXpsIm−v ImÀUaw lnÂ dnkÀÆnse,
ssIhimhImi¡mcpsS A[o\XbnepÅ Irjn¡pw a\pjyhmk¯n\pw
lm\nIcamIp¶Xpw taenÂ kÀ¡mcnte¡v Xncns¨Sp¡phm³ ]äm¯Xpamb
{]tZi§fnÂ \nÂ¡p¶Xpamb ac§sfmgnsI aäp hr£§Ä sh«n amäp¶Xp
\Sbp¶Xn\mbn taÂ ]pds¸Sphn¨ ImÀUaw lnÂ dnkÀÆv F¶ t]cnÂ {]kn²w
sNbvXn«pÅ {]tZi§sfÃmw Xs¶ Zn tIcf {]kÀthj³ Hm^v {Sokv BIvSv (1986 se
35) se 5þmwhIp¸nsâ ]cn[nbnÂ sIm−p]hcp¶Xn\v Xocpam\n¡pIbp−mbn.
{]kvXpX e£yw t\mSp¶Xn\mWv Cu hnÚm]\w ]pds¸Sphn¡p¶Xv.
No^v I¬kÀthäÀ Hm^v t^mdÌv
(icn ]IÀ¸v)
341
Appendix – XIV
LIST OF AREAS NOTIFIED AS VESTED FOREST IN MUNNAR DIVISION
Appx extent,
Sub-
Sl. Survey not
District Village Division Locality North South East West
No Number Surveyed in
Number
ha
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Devikulam Range
Forest Land
(handed over
Harrison
to Forest Dept.
Malayalam
by Revenue
Private Plantation Private
1 Idukki Chinnakanal 356 2 Chinnakanal 2.0200 Ha Dept as
land and Mount land
compensation
Fort School
to
Property
Pooyamkutty
Project
2 do do do 3 do 0.8100 do do do do
3 do 1-6 4.7400
4 do 1-7 4.4500
5 do 1-8 0.8500
Harrison Harrison Harrison Harrison
6 353 Nil Surianelli 10.000 Malayalam Malayalam Malayalam Malayalam
Plantation Plantation Plantation Plantation
7 355 Nil Surianelli 0.2000 do do do do
8 361 Nil do 3.2600 do do do do
9 do do 479 Nil do 13.210 do do do do
10 do do 482 Nil do 14.210 do do do do
342
Appendix – XV
DETAILS OF ECOLOGICALLY FRAGILE LANDS VESTED IN GOVERNMENT AS PER SECTION 3(1) OF ACT 21 OF 2005
Survey Boundaries
Forest No. with
Sl.No Range Locality Village Extent (in ha appx)
Division Sub North East South West
Division
District : Idukki Taluk : Devikulam
1 Munnar Munnar Kelavikkadu K.D.Village 72&74 28.000
2 Do Do Lakshimi shola Do 77 48.000
3 Do Do Otaparashola Do 77 56.000
4 Do Do Kallar shola Do 77 20.000
Nallathanni
5 Do Do Do 77 28.000
shola
6 Do Do edappara shola Do 77 32.000
Edalipapara
7 Do Do Do 77 28.000
shola
Parapayar
8 Do Do Do 77 36.000
shola
Pampanmala
9 Do Do Do 25 72.000
shola
10 Do Do Swamy shola Do 25 28.000
Neymakkadu 77,78 & 44

11 Do Do Do 24.000
shola Part
12 Do Do Thenmala shola Do 44&25 24.000
343
Survey Boundaries
Forest No. with
Division
Proposal submitted under section 4 of EFL Act, but not notified (ha)
Nagarmudi
13 Munnar Munnar K.D.H.Village 70/1&72
shola
14 Do Do Soosan shola Do 77
15 Do Do Kadalar shola Do 77/A
Sholamala
16 Do Do Do 77
shola
karuppaswami
17 Do Do Do 77
shola
Kannimala
18 Do Do Do 77 Part
shola
19 Do Do Anamudi shola Do 77 Part
Periyavara
20 Do Do Do 77 Part
shola
21 Do Do Colony shola Do 25
Mattupetty
22 Do Do Do 28
shola
Kannimala top
23 Do Do Do 28
shola
Kannimala 78 & 44
24 Do Do Do
shola Part
25 Do Do Kadova shola Do 28
344
Survey Boundaries
Forest No. with
Division
26 Do Do Sothmara shola Do 78
Vaguvarai 79 & 44
27 Do Do Do
shola Part
Nagarmudi
13 Munnar Munnar K.D.H.Village 70/1&72
shola
14 Do Do Soosan shola Do 77
15 Do Do Kadalar shola Do 77/A
Sholamala
16 Do Do Do 77
shola
345
Appendix – XVI
hnf¼cw
hnf¼c¯nse XobXn apXÂ Xmsg tNÀ¯ncn¡p¶ ]«nIbnÂ
hnhcn¨ncn¡p¶ Øes¯ 1068þmw am−s¯ 2þmw dKqtej³ 18þmw hIp¸v
A\pkcn¨v Hcp Hgn¸n¡s¸« h\ambncn¡p¶p F¶v 1072þmw am−v IÀ¡SI amkw
28þmw XobXn
D¯chn³ {]Imcw
Kh¬saâv No^v sk{I«dn
]ß\m`³ XWph³
dnkÀÆv `qan InS¡p¶ AXnÀ¯n hnkvXoÀ®w DnamÀ¡v

\¼À Xmeq¡pw
{]hr¯nbpw
apdnbpw
37 sXmSp]pg hS¡v GItZiw CXnÂ

a−]¯pw t_mUnsa«nÂ \n¶pw sXm−nae 15720 hnhcn¨ncn¡p¶
hmXp¡Â hscbpÅ ]mXhgnsN¶v, AXnÀ¯n¡pÅn
Icna®pcpw G¡À epÅ ImSmb
AhnsS\n¶v I½n¡Â, I¸pImSv,
Imcnt¡m«pw shÅ¡Âae, sN¡\mSv ae ]qÂ¯dbpw
{]hr¯nIfnÂ Chbv¡v sNmÆ sNÃp¶ tcJ tNmebpw
tImSnIfhpw DÄs¸«ncn¡p¶p.
Ad¡pfhpw
Ad¡pfhpw ]Snªmdv
apdnbnÂ sNm¡\mSv ae, apXnçpgbpw
s]cnbmdpw tNcp¶
Øewhscbpw AhnsS\n¶pw
s]m³apSn hscbpÅ s]cnbmdpw
Ing¡v
sNÃmÀtImbnÂsa«nÂ \n¶pw
t_mUnsa«phscbpÅ {_n«ojv
AXnÀ¯n
sX¡v
h−³taSv sdbn©nepÅ FÃm
Get¯m«hpw DÄs¸S¯¡h®w
s]m³apSn aebnÂ \n¶pw
sImSaehscbpÅ Øehpw
AhnsS \n¶v {_n«ojv
AXnÀ¯nbnÂ sNÃmÀ
tImbnÂsa«phscbpw.
“certified that this is a true copy of the notification published on page 1382 of
the Travancore Government Gazztte date 24th August 1897- Auvany 10’1073”
346
Appendix – XVI (a)
COPY OF G.O. MS NO. 804-REVENUE DEPARTMENT (A) SECTION DATED 09/08/1958
Sub:- Land Assignment – Kottayam – Cardamom Reserve Govt. Policy – Regarding –

Orders passed.
Fef:- 1) G.O Rec. 4153/29/Rev. dated 30/09/1935.

2) G.O Rec. 2439/44/Rev. dated 10/11/1944
3) G.P F1. 9929/50/DD dated 16/12/1952.
4) Govt. Notification F4-1405/54/RD dated 09/01/1958
5) Govt. Memo No. 28019-A1/58 dated 16/08/1958.
6) Letter from the Board of Revenue, No. LR3.17851/54 dated 24/06/1958
ORDER
The Cardamom Hill Reserve in the Kottayam District comprises on area of about 334
sq. miles situated in the Taluks of Devikulam, Peerimadu and Udumbanchola. Originally, the
cardamom hill reserve was under the dual control of the Revenue and the Forest
Departments the Revenue Department having control of the lands assigned on registry and
the Forest Department having control over the land and the trees in the areas not given in
registry. In 1950, the control over the entire land (both in the registered and unregistered
areas) was vested in the Revenue Department, the Forest Department having control over
the tree growth only in the entire area. This system was however abolished in December -
1952, and the Forest Department was placed in charge of the land in the entire cardamom hill
reserve that were not assigned and also of the tree growth on lands that were already
assigned. This arrangement which is in force, was ordered at the instance of the Forest
Department and in the interest of forest preservation. Under this arrangement, the Renvenue
Department can assign lands in the area only with the concurrence of the Forest Department.
There was large scale concurrence of the Forest Department. There was large scale
encroachment in the reserve. Encroachment cases detected after the 1952 arrangement
came in to force were to be dealt with by the Forest Department and to facilitate action in this
regard, Govt. in their notification dated 09/01/1958, conferred on Divisional Forest Officer, the
dower of Collector under the Land Conservancy Act. But so far, no substantial work was
done in the detection of encroachments.
Government feel that the existing arrangement is not satisfactory. They have
therefore examine the question as to which Department should control the Reserve in future,
and pass the following orders:-
(i) The entire cardamom reserve (including lands under registry, lease or encroachment)
should be surveyed and demarcated and all encroachment dealt with.
(ii) Until then, in modification of the order issued n 1952, the Forest Department should, in
the interest of Forest preservation, retain control over the tree growth in the entire area,
in other respects however, the control over the lands-in the entire reserve, including
areas which are registered, leased or encroached upon together with the responsibility
for detection and disposal of encroachment should vest with the Revenue Department.
347
(iii) The Forest Department should co-operate with the Revenue Department and render
every assignment to that Department in connection with the survey and demarcation
that Department detection and location of encroachment.
(iv) The Chief Conservator of Forests should instructions to the Divisional Forest Officer
not to exercise power under land Conservancy Act, de located to them by Government
in their notification dated 09/01/1958.
(v) Until 1942, cardamom lands were being given on registry under cardamom rules, 1935
and from 1940, such registry was subject to a maximum limit of 60 acres per individual
(This 60 acre limit was to be fixed taking into account, the applicant’s patta lands, if
any, under cardamom). The registry was made mostly in auction with an upset price of
Rs. 85/- per Rs. 3/- per acre. In July 1942, Government ordered that the minimum land
value for registry of lands encroached upon Forest Range Officer cardamom cultivation
should be Rs. 125/- per acre. In October 1942, Government stopped the system of
registry and decided to introduce the system of lease by auction. In November – 1944,
Government issued rules regulating the lease. The lease to be period of 12 years
subject to a minimum premium of Rs. 50/- per are including survey demarcation and
other incidental changes and the annual assessment was fixed at Rs. 180 per acre for
the first four years, and Rs. 3/- per acre for the fourth and succeeding years. After the
itself these rules, it was noticed that th lease in auction of the lands already in the
possession of BONAFIDE occupation would result in hardship and therefore, in their
proceedings dt. 26/09/1945, Government ordered that cardamom lands already
occupied and improved up on should to leased out to the occupants without auction
for a premium of not less than Rs. 30/- per acre, and on annual rent of Rs. 3/- per acre.
The lease was to be fore 12 acres, subject to renewal thereafter. Government have
now examined the question whether future as intent of lands in the reserve for
cardamom cultivation should be by way of lease or and have decided that future
assignment should also be by lease in auction. Accordingly, Govt. patta the follows
orders :-
(I) RENEWAL OF LEASES GIVEN WITHOUT AUCTION TO PRE-1942 OCCUPANTS

AND OF LEASES GIVEN IN AUCTION AFTER -1942:
Leases in favour of the leases falling in this category should be renewed subject to
the following among other conditions.
(i) The maximum extent to be leased shall be 25 acres provided that the extent so leased
together with the extent, not exceed on overall limit of 60 acres.
(ii) The period of the lease shall be 20 years
(iii) The rate of the premium shall be equal to the rate originally collected 66-2/3 thereof the
period of 20 years.
(iv) Annual agreement shall Rs. 5/- (Rupees Five) for acres.
(v) Full areas of agreement at the above rate, should be collected for the entire period with
the year of expiry of the removing lease.
(vi) The excess area in the possession of the lease should be surrendered without claiming
any compensation whatsoever.
348
1. The maximum extent to be leased in all to be 25acres, provided that the extent so
leased together with the patta lands under cardamom of the occupant, if any, shall
not exceed an overall limit of 60 acres.
(ii) The lease period shall be 20 years.
(iii) The rate of premium shall be Rs. 75/- (Rupees seventy five per acre)
(iv) The annual assessment shall be Rs. 5/- (Rs. Five only) per acre.
(v) Full arrears of assessment at the rate of Rs. 5/- (Rs. five) per acre should be
collected for the entire period of occupation credit being given to the amounts, if
any, already payable by way of assessment
(vi) The excess area in possession of the occupant should be surrendered without
claiming any compensation what so ever.
2. AREA NO FALLIN UNDER CATE ORIES (I) AND (2) ABOVE :
In this category will come all cardamom lands not under occupation (either by way
of registry, lease or encroachment) and also those that will be surrendered and taken over
from leases and encroachers referred to in categorize (1) and (2) above.
These lands shall be leased in public auction with an upset price or Rs. 50/- (Fifty
only) per acre towards premium. The condition as regards period of the lease, assignment
and the maximum extent to be leased, specified in case of categories (1) and (2) above, will
apply to lease by auction lands under this category also.
3. In June 1942, (while the system of registry was still in force) Govt. ordered that
cardamom lands should not be allotted with out the previous sanction of Govt. and that in
case of such alienation, the land would be resumed without paying any compensation for
improvements. The lease rules of 1944 also contained as similar provision. In may 1955,
Govt. fixed fee f Rs. 2/- Rs. two) per acre for permitting alienation. There are a number of
applications for the auction of alienation now pending with Govt. Govt. direct that such
applications should be examined and disposed of on accordance with exiting rules.
4. The Board of Revenue is requested to submit necessary proposals for

implementing the decision. The board should also submit the necessary draft rules
(By Order of the Governor)

Sd/-
Deputy Secretary
Sd/-
For Cardamom Settlement of officer
349
Appendix – XVII
KANNAN DEVAN HILLS AGREEMENTS (INTRODUCTION)
By an agreement dated 11th July 1877/29th Mithunam 1052, (given in Appendix III.a)
the Poonnjar Chief granted a large extent of land called Kannan Devan Anchanatu Mala to
Mr.J.D.Munro for a consideration of Rs.5,000 and subject to annual rent of Rs.3,000/- under
the rule which required that Europeans and Americans desiring to acquire land within the
dominion of His Highness the Maharaja should obtain the previous permission of the Sirkar,
Mr. Munro applied to the Sirkar through his attorney for a ratification of his agreement with
Poonjar Chief, Under taking to abide by any stipulation which the Sirkar might consider
necessary for protecting their interest. After such discussions, His Highness Government
ratified the agreement on the terms set forth in the deed is given in Appendix III.b.
APPENDIX - I.a
The agreement between the Poonjat Chief and Mr.J.D.Munro is reproduced below:-
1ST POONJAT CONCESSION
“Agreement executed on the 11th July 1877/29th Mithunam 1052 by Punhatil Kayikal
Kela Varma Valuja Raja, aged 47, in Punbatila Vaka Kondu Pravarti, Minachil taluk, to
Mr.John Daniel Munro, aged 43, a Christian coffee Planter at Perumedu in Peruvanthanam
Mure, Kanjirappalli Pakuthi Changanasseri Taluk.
As you have made an application for the grant of the property called Kannan Devan
Anchanatu Mala, belonging to us at Pabhattila vedu in Kondu Pravarti, Minachil Taluk for
Coffee Cultivation, all the hills and jungles on the said property within the following
boundaries with the exception of such parts as are used by tenants from agriculture, public
utility, water supply and other purposes, are conveyed to you under this agreement in
consideration of Rupees 5,000 received.
The boundaries of the property are – Chirnarulpati, Thandokara, Kumarikailu,

Kattumala, Thandokara, Vinayakanatitandokara Alachinad Talayam Pullanur Tanna
Karinkullam, Tevikulam Metu, Munnatum, Munnatum Anakulam and Chumarulpathi. You
shall clear and remove the jungles, and reclaims the waste lands within the said boundaries,
and cultivate them with coffee upto the year 1058 and from the year 1059 pay our rent
controller a yearly rent at the rate of 3,000 British Rupees and obtain receipts.
2. You or your people shall deliver to our rent collector, the ivory, cardamoms, wax,
frankincense and other forest articles which may be obtained by them or you on these lands,
and shall receive the usual allowances. If elephants be got on these lands you shall also
deliver them to us and shall receive the usual rewards.
3. The roads, rivers and water-course, if there be any on these lands, shall continue to exist
as there to force.
4. When ever you think to give up the lands of your own accord, you shall relinquish your
claims to houses, improvements etc. effected thereon, and to the sum of Rs.5,000 advanced
to us and shall surrender the property to us.
5. If you fail to comply with the terms of this agreements by refusing to pay the sum of
Rs.3,000 annually as agreed upon, or by violating any other conditions specified herein, you
350
shall, without claiming the value of improvements effected on these lands, or the return of the
Rupee received by us, surrender the land to us.
The agreement has been executed in presence of witnesses.
1. Kallampalli Illatu Hariswaran Damodaran Namputhiri at Kummannur Kara, Kitangur

Provatti, Kottayam Taluk.2. Thirutai Illatu Tuppan Nampohi Nampuderi at Maritan Kara in the
said Pravati (A true translation as near as may be from the Malayalam language).
Madras Sd/-
27th May 1879 Malayalam Translation to the Government
of Madras
APPENDIX I.b
KANNAN DEVAN HILLS CONCESSION – DEED OF NOTIFICATION
Note:- This is an important document and constitutes the original title deed under which the
Kannan Devan Hills Produce Co. Ltd., hold a large tract known as the Kannan Devan Hills
Concession.
Whereas Kala Varma known as the Poonjat Raja or Chief has by a deed dated 11th
July 1877, granted for cultivation to John Daniel Munro Esq. Of Peermade and London, a
tract of land bounded as described in the schedule hereunder written, and the said J.D.Munro
Esq., through attorney H.G.Turner Esq. Post Master General Madras has applied according
to usage to His Highness the Maharaj as Government through the British Resident, under
date the 28th June 1877, for permission to hold the land, this is to declare and define the
terms and conditions upon which N.Nanoo Pillai Esq. Dewan of Travancore, on behalf of the
Government of His Highness the Maharaja, permits and ratifies the grant made by the above
Poonjat Raja or Chief.
First: Independent of any rents or payments due to the Poonjat Raja under the
grantee’s agreement with him, a tax of half a British Rupee will be payable to the Sirkar
annually direct by the grantee on every acre of land granted except on grass land, in respect
of which the Sirkar will not immediately ratify the grant, but the said J.D.Munro Esq., may
occupy grass lands for homesteads, farmsteads, and cultivation now or hereafter on
condition that he pays to annas eight pies for every acre of grass 1 and that he takes up, from
the time that he occupies the same and provided that at the end of twenty four years tax will
be levied on the whole of the grass land included in the grant whether it be occupied or not,
the ratification of the Sirkar in respect of each block of grass 1 and taking effect from the
date, that tax upon it becomes payable. The tax shall remain unaltered till the general survey
and reassessment of garden lands next after the one now initiated, at which time, the
circumstances may render desirable, but it is stipulated that no increase on the assessment
of these lands will be made except in concurrence with end in proportion to a general revision
of the assessment of the lands of the Travancore State.
Second: The aforesaid annual tax is payable in one sum to the Tahsildar of the
th th
District Meenachil or before the last day of Audi of each year corresponding with the 13 , 14
th
or 15 August without formal demand from the Tahsildar.
Third: Arrears of assessment or tax shall be treated in the same manner as arrears
of ordinary land revenue and be subject to the same mode of realization.
351
Fourth: The grantee shall maintain permanent boundary marks round his grant and
keep them in good repair, on failure of which, after due notice, it shall be competent to the
Sirkar to cause such marks, as it may deem necessary to be put up, and to levy the cost of
the same with all expenses attendant thereon in the manner prescribed in the foregoing
section.
Fifth: The grant can appropriate to his own use within the limits of the grant all timber
except the following and such as may hereafter be reserved, namely teak coleteak,
blackwood, ebony, karunthali, sandalwood. Should he carry any timber without the limits of
the grand, it will be subject to the payment of kottekanom or customs duty, or both, as the
case may be, in the same way as timber ordinarily felled. In the case of the expected timber,
the grantee is required to pay seigniorage according to the under-mentioned seals; teak
rupees ten per candy, ebony – rupees five per candy kole-teak – rupees four per candy;
black-wood rupees ten per candy, sandalwood rupees twenty five per candy. The grantee is
bound to deliver to the Poojat Chief, to enable him to make over to the Sirkar, all ivory,
cardamoms and other royalties produced in the land and all captured elephants and he will
be paid by the said Chief, according to agreement with him, the regulated price for the
articles of produce and the regulated reward for the elephants.
Sixth: All establishment rights of way shall be respected by the grantee, and such
ways shall be at least (21) twenty one feet wide. It is to be considered that there is a natural
right of way through the land when such is necessary in order to render the neighboring land
available. The grantee shall have the right of making roads throughout all the tract granted
by the Poonjat Chief without paying the Sirkar assessment on the land taken up for this
purpose; but such roads passing through lands on which the grantee pays no tax to the
Sirkar shall be considered as public roads.
Seventh: No exclusive right of water, beyond what is necessary for the use of the
plantation, shall be considered to be conveyed by the grant.
Eighth: Should the Sirkar have the occasion to take up any portion of the land
granted, for the purpose of constructing roads, channels or other public works, due
compensation shall be paid.
Ninth: All the land included in the grant, except grass land, will be free of
assessment for six years from the date of this documents, after which period the tax will be
levied on four thousand acres where the same be cultivated or not, and on therest of the
land, from year to year, on the extent that may be cleared and from the time of clearing
provided that, at the end of every sixth year from the expiration of the six year ‘remission of
tax above provided for every additional four thousand acres, whether cultivated or not, will
pay assessment till the whole is brought under cultivation, or to the end of twenty four years
from date of this document, when the entire grant will be taxed whether it has or has not been
cultivated.
Tenth: The grantee shall, as a most important condition of the grant, always use his
best exertion to prevent the produce of the grant being exported, except on payment of the
regulated duty at customs houses and to prevent smuggling of articles or Sirkar monopoly,
and criminals in general obtaining any kind of protection on the estate.
Eleventh: The land granted shall be held in perpetuity, as heritable or transferable

property, but every case of transfer of the grant by the grantee shall be immediately made
known to the Sirkar who shall have the right of opportunity and tax, if a portion of the holding
is transferred and will so and portion it on application by any duly registered transfer.
352
Twelth: The discovery of useful mines and treasures within the limits of one grant
shall be communicated to the Sirkar, and the grantee shall in respect to such mines and
treasures abide by the decision of the Sirkar.
Thirteenth: The produce of lands held under the grant will be liable to duty on export
in common with other produce exported from the Kingdom, but no special duty will be
imposed on such produce.
Fourteenth: The cultivation of the lands shall not interfere in any way with the
production of cardamom, whether the culture of the spice be conducted on the part of the
Sirkar or by Private individuals.
Sixteenth: The grantee shall be bound to preserve the forest trees growing on the
banks of the principal streams running through the tract to the extent of fifty yards in breadth
on each side of the stream, the underwood only being permitted to be cleared and the land
planted. Similarly, he shall also be bound to preserve the trees about the crest of the hill to
the extent of a quarter of a mile on each side.
Seventeenth: The grantee shall pay to the Sirkar a rupee an acre to cover expenses
of cadastral and topographical survey. The payment to be made for one thousand acres
within two months from date of this grant, and for the rest, at one thousand rupees at a time
on completion of the survey of every one thousand acres. He shall also cut the boundaries at
his own cost on being called upon by the Sirkar Surveyor to do so.
Signed, sealed and delivered at Trivandrum on the 28th November, one thousand eight
hundred and seventy eight in the presence of witness:
Richard La Bouchardiere N. NANOO PILLAI

R. R. Manuela Dewan of Travancore.
SCHEDULE
North: South of the Chinnar
East: Source of Chinnar, Thandokaram, Koomarikulu, Katumala, Thalyor, Thandokaram,
Alanjamedu, Poolaur Dam and Karinkulam.
South: Devikulam Medu and Moonaru.
West: Moonar and Annakulam.
APPENDIX I.c.
KANNAN DEVAN HILLS CONCESSION

AGREEMENT FOR NOTIFICATION OF TAXES
Note:- The circumstances which led to the execution of this document are setforth in the
following memorandum dated 7th September 1885 placed on record by Dewan
Mr.V.Ramiengar:-
“In July 1877, the Poonjat Chief entered into an agreement with Mr.J.D.Munro,
granting him a large extent of land in the Unjened in the consideration of Rs.5,000/- paid
down in cash and an annual rent of Rs.3,000/-
Mr.Munro through his attorney, Mr.J.H.Turner, applied to His Highness Government
for a ratification of this agreement. After much discussion and personal consultation with the
Resident His Highness Government ratified the agreement on the following terms, on the 28th
November 1878, viz.
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1. That independent of the payments to the Poonjat Chief the grantee with to pay
direct to His Highness Government, “tax of Anna Eight (Half Rupee) an acre on all the land
included in the grant except grass land.
2. All the land included in the grant, except grass land to be free of assessment for
six years from the date of the ratification after which period, the tax to be levied on 4,000/-
acres, whether same be cultivated or not, and on the rest of the land, on the extent cleared
and from the time of clearing, provided that at the end of every sixth year from the expiration
of the six years’ remission of tax and additions 4,000 acre to pay the tax whether cultivated or
not, and time at the end of 24 years from date of ratification, the entire area embraced in the
Grass (grass land excepted) to pay tax conditionally.
3. All grass land to be at the race of 2 Annas 8 pies per acre upon the extent
occupied and from the date of occupation.
Such as the terms of the original grant. A modification of the whole agreements,
however, was subsequently sought for Mr.Munro non-transferred the land to a Company
called “North Travancore Agriculture & Land Planting Society. They wanted that the six
years’ remission should extent to grass land also and then enter the period the tax should be
levied only on portions cultivated by the society or alienated to others. They also asked the
Dewan to intercede with the Poonjat Raja to abate this rent. This was declined.
The resident in his letter of the 23rd May 1885, made a proposition to the effect that
His Highness’ Government should take over the land from the Poonjat Raja and pay him his
rent of Rs.3,000/- a year, and that the Society would pay the Sirkar Rs.2,500 a year
irrespective of cultivation and also relinquish in their favour a great portion of the land,
estimated to be between 70,000 and 1,00,000 acres forest and grass included.
Mr.Munro on behalf of the society, Subsequently came down to Trivandrum and there
was a conference at which the President, the Dewan and Mr.Munro discussed the question
raised. The latter has now sent the Dewan the accompanying letter dated the 6th July 1885
with copy of one he has addressed to the Secretary to the society as a result of the
deliberations.
It was settlement at the conference subject to His Highness the Maharaja’s sanction:-
a. That the demand on account of the tax of Annas 8 should be confined to 1 and
opended i.e. that no land not actually brought under cultivation should pay the tax. The land
already opened during the last six years will become liable to the tax from the 7th year from
the date of cultivation.
b. That the society is to be responsible to Government for the payment and not
individual holders.
c. That the society be bound to furnish at once a correct account of the extent
already cultivated and liable to the tax and to furnish accounts of future cultivation as it is
made.
d. Then the Government is at liberty to make at any time any arrangements they
consider necessary to ascertain the correct extent of land liable to the tax and the expenses
or any such arrangement shall be borne by the society.
e. All grass land to pay Rs.2 and pice 8 from the date of occupation as stimulated in
the original agreement.
The plea on which these concessions are asked for is that the society and suffered
losses that their prospects are very bad and that unless a relaxation is made, they will have
to go into liquidation.
The matter has been so repeatedly urged in different forms on the consideration of
His Highness’ Government, notwithstanding that disinclination was strongly expressed to
reopen the terms of the ratification, that I think His Highness’ Government may yield so far as
354
to collect the tax on opened portion only.
To insist on payment on land whether cultivated or not under the agreement will
cripple the resources of a society labouring under disadvantages and apparently struggling
for existence.
This agreement is still in force.
In connectionwise certain claims preferred by the Poonjat Chief to the Anjanad tract,
His Highness’ Government decided in the proceedings dated 22nd January 1898 that a
portion of the tract mentioned in the sale deed executed by the Poonjat Chief to Mr.Munro as
lying within the limits of Anjanad, was outside those limits. This decision was based on the
report of a special commission (Poonjat Commission) who followed the boundaries described
in the Memories by Lieutenants Ward and Cooner. When this decision was communicated to
the North Travancore Land Planning and Agricultural Society Ltd., who owned the
concession, they contented that the boundaries fixed by Government were prejudicial to their
interests and urged that under a bonafide belief that the grant in respect of the portion in
question would not be impugneda, they had brought under cultivation large portions of the
same and had, in accordance with clause 3 of the deed of ratifications and in the interest of
the rapid development of the tracts themselves His Highness’ Government agreed to drop
the question of the western and southern boundaries by adopting the line as laid down by the
Society, on the understanding that the tract in question would be governed by the terms of
the Ratification on Deed. This decision was communicated to Mr.E.F.Muir who represented
th
the Society, in the Dewan’s letter No. 2531/R.383 dated 24 March 1900.
Agreement for the modification of the taxes imposed by the Deed of ratification dated
28th November 1878.
An agreement made the second day of August one thousand eight hundred and
eighty six between the Government of His Highness the Maha Raja of Travancore
(hereinafter called the Government) of the one part and the North Travancore Land Planning
and Agricultural Society Ltd. (hereinafter called the society) of the other part.
Whereas by a Deed of Ratification dated the twenty eighth day of November One
thousand eight hundred and seventy eight, under the hand of N.Nanoo Pillai, esq., the then
Dewan of Travancore and Seal of the Government after reciting that Kala Varma known as
the Poonjat Raja or Chief, had by a Deed dated the eleventh day of July, One thousand eight
hundred and seventy seven granted for cultivation to John Daniel Munro Esq. Of peermade
and London a tract of land bounded as described in the Schedule thereunder written (being
tract of land described in the schedule hereunder written) and that the said John Daniel
Munro through his attorney,, Hency Gribble Turner Esq., Post Master General, Madras had
applied according to usage, to H.H. the Maha Raja’s Government through the British
Resident under date the twenty eighth June One thousand eight hundred and seventy seven
for permission to hold such tract or land, the non reciting Deed declared and defined the
terms and conditions upon which the said N.Nanoo Pillai on behalf of the Government
permitted and rectified the grant made by the said Poonjat Raja or Chief and which terms and
conditions were (Amongst others) that independent of any rents or payments due to the
Poonjat Raja under the grantee’s agreement with him, a tax of half a British Rupee should be
paid to the Sirkar annually directed by the grantee on every acre of land granted except on
grass land in respect of which Sirkar would not immediately ratify the grant, but that the said
John Daniel Munro might occupy the grass-land, for homesteads, farmsteads and cultivation
them and thereafter, on condition that he paid two annas and eight pies for every acre of
grass land that he should take up from the date that he occupied the same and provided that
at the end of twenty four years a tax would be levied on the whole of the grass land included
in the grant, whether it should be occupied or not, the ratification of the Sirkar in respect of
each block of grass land taking effect from the date that the tax upon it should become
payable, such tax to remain unaltered till the general survey and reassessment of garden
lands next after the one then initiated, at which time the Sirkar was to have the power to
make any modification which circumstances might under desirable but it was stipulated that
355
no increase of the assessment of those lands would be made except in concurrence with and
in proportion to a general revision of the assessment of the lands of the Travancore State and
also that all the land included in the grant except grass land would be free of assessment for
six years from the date of the new reciting document, after which period the tax would be
levied on four thousand acres, whether the same should be cultivated or not and on the rest
of the land from year to year on the extent that might be cleared and from the time of
clearing, provided that at the end of every six years from the expiry of the remission of the tax
in the new reciting document provided for every additional four thousand acres whether
cultivated or not would pay assessment till the whole should be brought under cultivation or to
the end of 24 years from the date of such document, when the entire grant would be taxed
whether it had or had not been cultivated, and that the land granted should be held in
perpetuity as heritable or transferable property but that every case of transfer of the grant by
the grantee should be immediately made known to the Sirkar who should have the right of
apportioning the tax of a portion if the holding should be transferred.
And whereas the Society was incorporated under the Indian Companies Act, 1866 on
the Seventeenth day of November, One thousand eight hundred an seventy nine and
whereas by the memorandum of Association of the Society it was declared that the object of
the Society were (amongst other things) to purchase, acquire or take over a certain grant or
concession dated the eleventh day of June one thousand eight hundred and seventy seven
made the Raja of Poonjat to John Daniel Munro of or concerning diverse lands and property
in Travancore and also to stock implements and effects of or belonging to the said John
Daniel Munro upon the said lands and the benefit of all works and improvements effected
thereon and to perfect it necessary the aforesaid grants or concession and to obtain any
further grants or concession of disconcerning the same lands, or any other lands, in India,
Travancore or any other native states in alliance with the British Government.
And whereas by an indenture dated the eighth day of December one thousand eight
hundred and seventy nine ad expressed to be made between the said John Daniel Munro
and the one part and the Society of the other part, for the consideration therein mentioned the
said John Daniel Munro did convey and assign unto the Society its successors and assigns
all that the tract of jungle forest and grass land known by the name Kannan Devan Anchanad
Mala situated at Poonjat Edavaga in Dondur Proverthy, Meenachil Taluk in the territory of His
Highness the Maha Raja of Travancore (being the tract of land in the Schedule hereunder
written more particularly mentioned and described) with all the buildings and other errections,
erected or built and then standing and being on the said tract of jungle forests and grass
lands or any part thereof and together with all alive and dead stock, coffee and other trees
thereupon and appurtenances thereto (except such as were reserved by the said agreement
of the eleventh day of July one thousand eight hundred and seventy seven and the herein
before in part recited Deed of Ratification of the twenty eighth day of November, one
thousand eight hundred and seventy eight) to hold the same premises unto the Society its
successors and assigns as from the first day of August, One thousand eight hundred and
seventy eight, subject to the payment of the rents and other moneys payable in respect of
such premises and to the observance and performance of the conditions and stipulations by
and in the said Agreement of the eleventh day of July one thousand eight hundred and
seventy eight respectively reserved and contained and on the part of the said John Daniel
Munro, his heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, to be paid observed and performed.
And whereas the Society has recently applied to the said Government of Travancore
that the said taxes by the herein before in part recited Deed of Ratification of the twenty
eighth day of November one thousand eight hundred and seventy eight, reserved may be
reduced, to which the Government has consented and it has been agreed between the
parties to these presents that notwithstanding anything in the herein before recited deed of
Ratification contained the taxes payable by the society, its successors and assigns in respect
of the said tract of jungle forest and grass land shall be hereinafter mentioned.
How these per sents witness that in pursuance of the said agreement end in
consideration of the agreements on the part of the other of the hereinafter contained by the
356
said parties hereto for themselves, their respective successors and assigns hereby mutually
as follows, that is to say:-
1. That notwithstanding anything in the hereinbefore recited deed of Ratification of
the twenty eighth day of November one thousand eight hundred and seventy eight contained,
the government shall and will henceforth and as from the twenty eighth day of November one
thousand eight hundred and eighty four accept from the society its successors and assigns in
lieu and in full satisfaction of the taxes and assessment reserved and made payable to the
said Government of Travancore by such Deed of Ratification, the annual sum of one half of a
British Rupee on every acre of the Land other than grass land comprised in such Deed which
has already been or shall hereafter from time to time be opened up for the purposes for
cultivation or otherwise by the Society; their successors or assigns and also the annual sum
of two annas eight pice on every acre of grass land comprised in such deed and which has
been or taken up for Homesteads and Farmsteads or reserved as shooting reserves or for
the grazing of cattle or for any other purpose.
2. The Society shall and will pay the said taxes hereinbefore mentioned to the
Tahsilder for the time being of the District of Meenachil on or before the last day of Adul
th th th
corresponding with the 13 , 14 or 15 August, each year without formal demand from the
said Tahsildar.
3. The society shall on or before such last mentioned days give notice to the said
Tahsildar of all lands opened up for cultivation or otherwise by the society or their assignees
during the current year and shall specify in every such notice the number of acres of land so
opened up, and one place or places where the same are situated. Provided always that the
Government of Travancore shall be at liberty at any time to make any arrangement they may
consider necessary to ascertain for themselves the correct extent of land cultivated or liable
to all or any of the herein before mentioned taxes and that the expenses of such
arrangements shall be borne by the Society.
4. The Society, its successors and assigns shall on or before the first day of July
one thousand eight hundred and eighty eight furnish to the said Government of Travancore, a
survey map showing the total area of the entire tract of land granted to them by the said
Poonjat Raja or Chief by the hereinafter recited concession of the eleventh day of July one
thousand eight hundred and seventy seven and giving the boundaries of such tracts of land.
Such map shall previously to the such being furnished to the said Government of Travancore
be submitted to the said Poonjat Raja or Chief for counter – signature and confirmation.
5. All arrears of assessment or tax shall be treated in the same manner as arrears
of ordinary land revenue and be subject to the same mode or realization.
6. The Society, its successors and assigns shall maintain permanent boundary
marks round the said tract of lands and keep them in good repair, on failure of which after
due notice shall be competent to the said Government of Travancore to cause shue boundary
marks as it may deem necessary to be put up and to levy the cost of the same with all
expenses attendant thereon in the manner prescribed on ciause five of these presents.
7. The Society, its successors and assigns may use and appropriate to its own use
within the limits of the said tract of land all timber except the following (and such as may
hereafter be reserved) namely, Teak, Kole-teak, Blackwood, Ebony, Karinthali and
Sandalwood, but such Society, its successors and assigns shall not fell any timber beyond
what is necessary for clearing the ground for cultivation and for building furniture and
machinery within the limits of the grant. No un worked timber or articles manufactured there
from shall be carried outside the limits of the grant except in conformity with the Rules of the
Forest and Customs Departments for the time being in force. In the case of the excepted
timber, the society for itself, its successors and assigns agrees to pay seighniorage according
to the under-mentioned scale. Teak-ten rupees per candy, Ebony-five rupees per candy,
Kole teak-four rupees per candy, blackwood-ten rupees per candy, Kurunthali-eight rupees
per candy and sandal wood twenty five rupees per candy. The society for itself, its
357
successors and assigns, agrees to deliver to the said Poonjat Raja or Chief to enable him to
make over the same to the said Government of Travancore all ivory, cardamoms and other
royalties produced from the land and all captured elephants on payment by the Poonjat Raja
or Chief according to the Agreement with him to regulated reward for such captured
elephants.
8. All established rights of ways shall be respected by the Society, the successors
and assigns and such ways shall be at least twenty one feet wide. It is to be considered that
there is a natural right of way through the land when such is necessary in order to render the
neighbouring lands available. The Society, its successors and assigns shall have the right of
making roads throughout the said tract of land granted by the said Poonjat Raja or Chief
without paying to the said Government of Travancore any assessment on the land taken up
for such purposes, but such roads, if passing through the lands on which the Society for itself,
its successors assigns pays no tax to the said Government of Travancore, shall be public
roads.
9. No exclusive right of water beyond what is necessary for the use of any
cultivated lands to be conveyed to the Society, its successors and assigns by the terms of
these presents.
10. Should the said Government of Travancore have occasion to take up any portion
of the said tract of land for the purpose of construction of roads, channels or other public
works, due compensation shall be paid to the Society, its successors and assigns therefore.
11. The Society for itself, its successors and assigns hereby undertake and agree to
always use its best exertions to prevent the produce of the said tract of land from being
exported except on payment of the regulated duty at the different custom houses of the said
Government of Travancore and to prevent any smuggling of articles of Government
monopoly and also to prevent criminals in general from obtaining any kind of protection on
any of the Estates belong to the society, its successors and assigns.
12. The land granted shall be held in perpetuity as heritable or transferable property
but every case of the transfer of the grant by the society, its successors and assigns shall be
immediately made known by the society, its successors and assigns to the said Government
of Travancore.
13. On the discovery by the Society, its successors and assign of any useful or
valuable mines, minerals or treasure within the limits of the said tract of land, the same shall
be at once communicated to the said Government of Travancore and the society, its
successors and assign shall in respect to such mines, minerals and treasure abide by the
decision of the said Government.
14. All the produce of the said tract of land is to be liable to duty on export in
common with other produce exported from the Kingdom but no special duty is to be imposed
on such produce.
15. The cultivation of the said tract of land by the society, its successors and assigns
shall not interfere in any way with the production of cardamoms, whether the culture of that
spice be conducted on the part of the said Government of Travancore or by private
individuals.
16. The society, its successors and assign shall be liable to pay all municipal,
general or local taxes duly imposed on it.
17. The society, its successors and assign shall be bound to preserve the forest
trees growing on the banks of principal streams running through the said tract of land to the
extent of 50 yards in breadth on each side of the stream, the underwood thereon only being
permitted to be cleared and coffee planted instead. Similarly, the society, its successors and
assign shall also be bound to preserve the forest trees about the crest of all hills to the extent
of quarter of a mile on each side of such hills.
358
In witness where of Vambakam Rama Iyengar C.S.I. Dewan of Travancore acting for
and on behalf of the Government has hereunto set his hand and the seal of the said
Government of Travancore and the common seal of the society has been hereunto affixed in
the presence of a member of the Committee of the Society, who has hereunto set his hand in
token of his presence at the affixing of such last mentioned seal the day and year first above
written.
The schedule above referred to all the tract of land known by the name of Kannan
Devan Anchanad Mala situate at Poonjattitavaka in Kondur Proverthy, Meenachil Taluk, in
the territories of His Highness the Maharaja of Travancore bounded on the north by the
source of the Chinnar, on the east by the source of the Chinnar, Tandukoram, Kumarikalu,
Kattumala, Thalyar, Thandukoram, Venayogamedu, Thendukuram, Alanchimedu, Pullenur
dam and Karimcolam on the south by Devicolam Medu and Munnar and on the west by
Munnar and Anakulam.
Signed by the above named Vembakam Rama Iyengar in the presence of:-
(Sd/-)
M. RATNASWAMY IYER
Salt Deputy Peishkar of Travancore
Trivandrum.
(Sd/-)
N. SHUNGARA PILLAI
Clerk, Dewan’s Office
Trivandrum.
The common seal of the North Travancore Land Planting and Agricultural Society
(Limited) was hereunto affixed in the presence of Regional James Hugh Arbuthnot, a
member of the Committee of the said society who has hereunto set his hand in token of his
presence at the affixing of the said seal and in presence of:-
Seal of the Society.
(sd) (sd)
Willian Morgan, A.J.H. Arbuthnot,
Soler and Notary, Member of the Committee of North Travancore Public, Madras
Land Planting & Agricultural Society (Limited).
(sd)
E.P.BURTON,
Soler : Madras.
APPENDIX I.d
AGREEMENT REGARDING GRASSLANDS IN THE K.D.H.P
CONCESSION AREAS
Stamp duty Annas (8) eight only
Article of Agreement made this day the 19th of December One thousand nine
hundred and forty four between M.R.Ry. Rajayasevaparavina G. Parameswaran Pillai
Avergal, B.A, B.L., Chief Secretary to Government, acting for and on behalf of the
Government of His Highness the Maharaja of Travancore (hereinafter called “the
Government” which expression shall apply to and include its successors and assigns) of the
one part and the Kannan Devan Hills produce Company Ltd., a Joint Stock Company with
359
limited liability having its registered office at Glasgow in Scotland (hereinafter called “the
Company” which expression shall apply to and include its successors and assign) of the
other part.
1. Whereas by a Deed of Ratification dated 28th day of November 1878 given under
the hand of N.Nanoo Pillai Esq., the then Dewan of Travancore and under the seal of the
Government after reciting that Kela Varma known as the Poonjat Raja or Chief had by a
Deed dated the 11th day of July 1877 granted to John Daniel Munro Esquire, for purpose of
cultivation the tract of jungle forest and grass land bounded described in the schedule to the
said Deed of Ratification and in the Schedule hereunder written (hereinafter referred to as
“The Concession Area”) and that the said John Daniel Munro through his attorney Hency
Gribble Turner had applied according to usage to the Government of Travancore through the
British Resident under date the 28th day of June 1877 for permission to hold the concession
Area the said N.Nanu Pillai Esquire on behalf of the Government of Travancore permitted
and ratified the grant made by the said Deed of 11th day of July 1877 subject to the terms and
conditions declared in the said Deed of Ratification.
2. And whereas under clause first of the said recited Deed of Ratification dated the
28th day of November 1878, it was provided in respect to the grass land comprised within the
Concession Area that Government would not immediately ratify the grant but that the said
John Daniel Munro Esquire might occupy grass land for homesteads, form steads and
cultivation then or thereafter in conditions that he should pay to the Government an annual
tax of 2 annas 8 pice for every acre of grass land that he should take up, from the time he
should occupy the same and that at the end of 24 years tax would be levied on the whole of
the grass land included in the Concession Area whether it should be occupied or not the
Ratification in respect of each block of grass land taking effect from the date that tax upon it
should become payable.
3. And whereas by an Indenture dated the 8th day of December 1879 and made
between the said John Daniel Munro of the one part and the North Travancore Land Planting
& Agricultural Society Limited, of the other part, the concession area was conveyed and
assigned into the said society its successors and as and subject to the payments of rent and
to the observance and performance of the conditions and stipulations continued in the said
Deed of Ratification.
4. And whereas by and indenture dated the 2nd day of August 1886 and made
between the Government of Travancore of the one part and the said North Travancore Land
Planting and Agricultural Society Limited, of the other part, after reciting the hereinbefore
recited Deed of Ratification of the 28th day of November 1878 and the indenture of the 8th day
of December 1879 and that the said Society was incorporated on the 17th day of November
1879 for the purpose of inter-alia taking over the Concession Area and the benefits to be
derived here from and that the said society had applied to the Travancore Government for a
reduction of the taxes and payable to the said Government by virtue of the said Deeds of
Grant and ratification it was witnessed that the said taxes and the terms and conditions under
which the Concession Area should held modified and altered as therein set forth with effect
from the 28th day of November 1884.
5. And whereas by diverse means, assurances and acts in law and finally by and
indenture dated the 16th day of July 1990 and made between the said North Travancore Land
Planting and Agricultural Society Limited, in Liquidation of the one part of the company and
others of the other part, the Concession area (save and except the portions therein
functioned as having not been conveyed thereunder was thereby granted, conveyed,
transferred, assigned and confirmed into the company to the same subject to the observance
and performance of the several conditions and stipulations by and in the said herein before
recited deeds of the 11th day of July 1877, the 28th day of November 1878, and 8th day of
December 1879 and the 2nd day of August 1886, the 8th day of December 1879 and the 2nd
360
day of August 1886 respectively reserved and contained.
6. And whereas by and Indenture dated the 27th day of March 1928, and made
between Maurice Emygdius Watts Esquire., on behalf of the Government of the one part, and
the Company of the other part, the right of the company to the water flowing through over and
upon the Concession Area were regulated in the manner therein specified.
7. And whereas certain question have arisen as to the exact nature and scope of
the rights of the company over the unassessed and unoccupied grass lands within the
Concession Area.
8. And whereas the Company has agreed with the Government to pay an annual
tax of British Rupee Eight Thousand (Br. Rs.8000/-) which annual tax is calculated at the rate
and in the manner mentioned in the said recited Deed of Ratification dated the 28th day of
November 1878 in respect of the said unassessed and unoccupied grass lands the extent of
which is estimated to be forty eight thousands (48,000/-) British state acres with effect from
the 1st day of Chingom 1112 of the Malabar Era, the same being payable in like manner as
the tax on the other hands within the Concession Area, and the Government have agreed
with the Company that all the grass lands within the Concession area and which on the last
day of Audi lli were unassessed and unoccupied shall be deemed to be occupied as from the
1st day of Chingom 1112.
9. And whereas these presents are supplemental to the said recited Deeds.
Now these presents witness and it is hereby mutually agreed as follows:-
1. The Government hereby permits and ratifies the grant made by the said Kela
Varma known as the Poonjat Raja or Chief by the said recited Deed dated the 11th day of July
1877 in respect of all the grass lands within the concession area and which on the last day of
were unassessed and unoccupied that by ratifying the entire grant.
2. Therefore survey in so far as grass lands are concerned demarked from the said
area of the hitherto unassessed in unoccupied grasslands shall be taken to be 48,000 British
State Acres exclusive of the 500 acres referred to in Clause 4 below.
3. The provision of the Said Deed or Ratification dated the 28th day of November
1878, and the said Indenture dated the 2nd day of August 1886 with reference to the payment
of the annual tax but also so far as relating to grasslands unassessed and unoccupied are
hereby departed from and discharged and the company shall pay in respect of such of the
grass lands within the Concession Area as were on the last day of Audi 1111 un assessed
and unoccupied and as aforesaid taken to be 48,000 acres in extent, an annual tax of British
Rupee eight thousand (Br.Rs.8000/-) in like manner conditions as stipulated in the prior
recited Deeds regarding the assessment and payment being made on or before the last day
of Audi 1112, corresponding with the 16th day of August 1937 and the Government agrees
that all the grass lands with the Concession Area and which on the last day of Audi 1111
were unassessed and un occupied shall be deemed to be occupied as from the 1st day of
Chingom 1112.
4. The company shall assign to the Government free of all compensation, an area
of five hundred (500) acres to be selected by the Government, as and when the Government
chose, in blocks of not less than fifty (50) acres from out of the grass lands comprised within
the Concession Area and which on the last day of Audi 111 were unassessed and
unoccupied and upon which no improvements had been made by the Company upto the date
of selection by the Government.
361
5. Subject to the above variations, the terms covenants and conditions continued in
the said recited Deeds shall remain in full force and effect, and these presents shall be
supplemental thereto.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties hereto have hereunto set their hands and seals
the day and year first above writeen.
SCHEDULE
North: Source of the Chinner.

East: Source of Chinner, Thandokarum, Moomarikulu, Kutumalla, Thalayyar,
Thandokarum, Vennayacamade, Thendokaram, Elanjamadu, Poolaur Dam and
Karincoolum.
South: Devikulam madu and Moonaur.

West: Moonaur and Annakulam.
Signed, Sealed and delivered by the above said
M.R.Ry.Rajyesevapravina, G.Parameswaran Pillai Evl. B.A.B.L.

Sd/-
Chief Secretary to Government acting for and on behalf G.Parameswaran Pillai
of the Government of Travancore.
In the presence of witnesses (Sd/-):
1. K.A.Parameswara Menon, Assistant Secretary to Government.

2. A.Chidambara Aiyar, Superintendent, Huzur Cutcherry.
Signed, sealed and delivered by Eric Herberi Francis the duly constituted attorney of
the Kannan Devan Hills Produce Company Ltd.
Sd/-
Eric Herbert Francis
In the presence of witness: (Sd/-)
1. Office Manager, K.D.H.P. Co. Ltd., Munnar.

2. Traffic Manager, K.D.H.P. Co. Ltd.
There are no corrections or interlineations,
(Sd) Chief Secretary to Government
362
APPENDIX – III.a
ABSTRACT
Kannan Devan Hills Village – Transfer of land resumed under the Kannan Devan Hills
(Resumption of Lands Act, 1971 to the Forest Department Ordered.
Revenue (R) Department
G.O.Ms. No.379/80/Rd. Dated, Trivandrum, 18th April 1980
Read: G.O.Ms. No.262/77/RD Dated 19-2-1977.
ORDER
Government as per G.O. read above, approved the following pattern of utilization of the lands
vested in Government under the Kannan Devan Hills (Resumption of Lands) Act, 1971 based
on the recommendation of the expert committee:-
To be left as it is - 43,452.80
Afforestation - 17,922.00
Assignment - 5,189.00
Dairy Development - 3,487.49
Housing - 272.21
Vegetable Cultivation - 127.11
2. In the conference held by the Minister (Revenue and Fisheries) on 29-2-1980, it was
decided inter-alia that the extent of 43,452.80 acres of land “to be left as it is” and
17,922.00 acres set apart for afforestation should be transferred to the Forest
Department.
3. Sanction is, therefore, accorded for the transfer of an extent of 43,452.80 acres
earmarked as “to left as it is” and the extent of 17,922.00 acres set apart for
afforestation to the Forest Department.
4. The District Collector, Idukki should take further action for the transfer of the land to
the Forest Department immediately.
By Order of the Governor,
363
APPENDIX – XXIII
ABSTRACT
Forest Department – Production of eucalyptus for industrial use making forest area available
to M/s. Hindustan Newsprint Limited for captive plantation – Order issued.
FOREST & WILDLIFE (C) DEPARTMENT
G.O.(Ms) No.42/93/F&WLD Dated, Thiruvananthapuram, 11-6-1993
Read : Letter No.G3-21796/89 dated 5/11/1992 from the Chief Conservator of Forest.
ORDER
There are a few major wood-based industrial units in Kerala which have been
receiving substantial supplies of eucalyptus plantations of the Forest Department of the State.
It has however been found from experience that the annual eucalyptus crops harvested from
the plantation of the Forest Department are not adequate to meet the actual requirements of
the industries. The question as to how this problem of short-supply of raw-material can be
solved has been engaging the attention of the Government for some time.
It has been suggested that the above problem can be solved to a considerable extent
if the industrial units which utilise the eucalyptus as raw-material are themselves permitted to
cultivate it on their own in the most scientific and efficient manner with the objective of
achieving maximum productivity, to freely harvest their own product and to use it for their own
purpose.
M/s.Hindustan Newsprint Limited, Vellur, Kottayam District, is a public sector

industrial unit belonging to the Government of India which is utilising about 1.5 lakh tonnes of
eucalyptus annually as raw-materials for producing newsprint. They have come forward with
a proposal to cultivate eucalyptus on their own in the forestland of Kerala for being used as
raw-materials in their purpose. The Chief Conservator of Forests has also recommended this
proposal.
After having examined the matter in all its aspects, the Government are pleased to
order as follows:
(i) An area of 5600 hectares of existing plantation of Eucalyptus Grandis belonging

to the Forest Department will be made available to M/s. Hindustan Newsprint Ltd. Vellur, for
the present for purpose of their own captive plantation to meet the raw-materials requirement
of their existing plant.
(ii) If M/s. Hindustan Newsprint Ltd., Vellur take over Punalur paper Mill which is now
closed and make it operational, the following additional area will also be made available to
them in future for captive plantation.
364
(a) An area of 4400 hectares of existing eucalyptus plantation of the Forest
Department for the raw-material requirement of the major expansion project of M/s.HNL
which is now under active consideration.
(b) An area of 1000 hectares of existing eucalyptus plantation of the Forest

Department for the raw-materials requirements of Punalur Paper Mill.
(iii) The forest area (i.e., existing eucalyptus plantation) which is made available to
M/s. HNL for captive plantation as mentioned above will continue to be Reserve Forest
belonging to the State, its control protection and administration will remain with the State’s
Forest Department and the role of M/s.HNL will be confined to the cultivation and harvesting
of the eucalyptus crop subject to the guidance and supervision of the Chief Conservator of
Forest.
(iv) The price of the existing eucalyptus tress standing in the area which is allotted to
them will be collected from M/s. HNL at the time of making the area available to the Company
– for which the Chief Conservator of Forest will (in consultation with the Chief Executive of
M/s. HNL) estimate the value of the standing trees and get it approved by the Government.
(v) As and when the eucalyptus planted by M/s. HNL is harvested in future, they will
pay a royalty of Rs.150/- (Rupees One hundred and Fifty only) to the Forest Department of
the State for every metric tonne of eucalyptus wood at 50% moisture content.
(vi) The above arrangement will be valid for a period of twelve years from 1993-94 to
2005 to 2006 and will be reviewed thereafter.
(vii) The Chief Conservator of Forest will take immediate action to identify the area of
5600 hectares of existing Eucalyptus Grandis plantation to be made available to M/s. HNL
and make the area available to the Company for cultivation as early as possible.
(By Order of the Government)
R.RAMACHANDRAN NAIR
Commissioner & Secretary to Govt.
365
APPENDIX – II
KANNAN DEVAN HILLS (RESUMPTION OF LANDS) ACT, 1971.
The following bill as passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly received the assent
of the President of India on 21st April 1971.
ACT 5 OF 1971
THE KANNAN DEVAN HILLS (RESUMPTION OF LANDS) ACT, 1971.
An act to provide for the resumption of lands other than plantation in the Kannan
Devan Hills Village in the Devicolam Taluk of the Kottayam District and for the distribution of
such lands for cultivation and purposes ancillary thereto:
Preamble:- Whereas the lands comprising the entire revenue village of Kannan
Devan Hills in the Devicolam Taluk of the Kottayam District had been given on lease by the
then Poonjat Chief to the late Mr.John Daniel Munroe of London and peermade on the 11th
day of July 1877 for coffee cultivation.
And whereas the right, title and interest of the lesser had been assumed by the
former Government of Travancore;
And whereas by such assumption the lands have become the property of the former
Government of Travancore;
And whereas the Government of Kerala have become the successor to the former
Government of Travancore;
And whereas large extent of agricultural lands in that village as not been converted
into plantation or utilised for purposes of plantation and such lands are not required for the
purposes of the existing plantations;
And whereas the Government consider that such agricultural lands should be
resumed for the distribution thereof for cultivation and purposes ancillary thereto;
Be it enacted in the twenty second year of the Republic of India as follows:-
1. Short title, commencement and applications:
1.This act may be called the Kannan Devan Hills (Resumption of Lands) Act, 1971.
2. It shall be deemed to have come into force on the 21st day of January, 1971.
3. It applies to the lands comprising the revenue village of Kannan Devan Hills in the
Devicolam Taluk of the Kottayam District.
2.Definition:- In this Act, unless the contest otherwise requires.
a.“appointed day” means the 21st day of January 1971.
366
b. “building” shall not include a temporary shed;
c. “Collector” mean the District Collector, Kottayam or any other Officer not below
the rank of a District Collector appointed by the Government, by notification in the Gazette, to
exercise the powers and perform the function of the Collector Under this Act;
d. “Land Board” means the Land and Board constituted under section 100 of the
Kerala Land Reforms Act 1963 (a of 1964);
e. “Essee” means a person in possession of any land situated in the Kannan Devan
Hills Village in the Devicolam Taluk to the Kottayam District, who has derived the right to
such possession by means of a document executed by late Mr.John Daniel Munroe of
London and peermade or any person claiming through him or any person claiming under or
through any of the successors-in-interest of the said Mr.John Daniel Munroe;
f. “Plantation” means land used by a person principally for the cultivation of tea,
coffee, cocoa, rubber, cardamom (hereinafter referred of as “plantation crops”);
g. “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this act;
3. Vesting of possession of certain lands:-
1. Not withstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force,
or in any contract of other document, but subject to the provision of sub-section (2) and (3),
with effect on and from the appointed day, the possession of all lands situated in the Kannan
Devan Hills Village in the Devicolam Taluk of the Kottayam Distict shall stand transferred to
and vest in the Government free from all encumbrances, and the right, title and interest of the
lessees and all other persons, including right of mortgages and holders of encumbrances, in
respect of such lands, shall stand extinguished;
2. Nothing contained in sub-section (1) shall apply in respect of;
a. Plantations, other than plantations belonging to trespassers;
b. buildings, other than buildings belonging to trespassers, and lands appurtenant

to, and necessary, for the convenient enjoyment or use of, such buildings;
c. Play-grounds and burial and burning grounds; and
d. Lands in the possession of the Central Government or any state Government of

the Kerala State Electricity Board.
3. Nothing contained in sub-section (1) shall apply in respect of the much extent of
land held by a lessee under his personal cultivation as is within the coiling limit applicable to
him under any law for the time being in force or any building or structure standing thereon or
appurtenant thereto.
4. Restoration of possession of lands in certain cases:
1. Where the person on possession of a plantation considers that any land, the
possession of which has vested in the Government under sub-section (1) of section 3.
367
a. is necessary for any purpose ancillary to the cultivation off plantation crop on
such plantation or for the preparation of the same for the market, or;
b. being agricultural land interspersed within the boundaries of the area cultivated
with plantation are necessary for the protection and effficent means of such cultivation; or
c. is necessary for the preservation of an existing plantation,
he may, within sixty days from the date of publication of this act in the Gazette, apply
to the land Board for the restoration of possession of such lands.
2. An application under sub-section,(1) shall be in such form as may be prescribed
3. On receipt of an application under sub-section (1), the land board shall, after
giving the applicant an opportunity of being heard and after such inquiry as it deems
necessary, by order determine the extent of land necessary for the purpose or purposes
specified in the application, and such order shall be final.
4. As soon as may be bearer determining the extent of land necessary for the
purpose or purposes specified in the application under sub-section(1), the Land board shall
cause such land to be demarcated and put the applicant in possession of such land.
5. Any person put in possession of any land under sub-section(4) shall be entitled
to possess that land on the same terms and subject to the same conditions or subject to
which he was holding such land immediately before the appointed day.
4. Temporary arrangements pending restoration:-
If, during the period after the appointed day and before the restoration of possession
of any land under section4, the Collector is satisfied on representation or otherwise that the
person in possession of a plantation in any area to which this act applies is likely to be put to
hardship in the management of the plantation of account of the vesting or possession of any
land under sub-section(1) of section 3, the Collector shall take such measures and make
such arrangements as he deems fit for the hardship during such periods.
Provided that if the person in possession of the plantation does not apply to the Land
Board under section 4, of the Land Board determines under the section that such person is
not entitled to restoration of possession of any land, any arrangement if already made by the
Collector shall be discontinued with effect from the date on which the period for making the
application expires or the date of determination by the Land Board, as the case may be.
5. Demarcation of boundaries:
1. As soon as may be after the appointed day, the collector shall cause the
boundaries of each parcel of land, the possession of which has vested in the Government
under sub-section(1) of section 3, to be demarcated.
2. As soon as may be after the demarcation of the boundaries of a parcel of land

under sub-section(1), the collector shall publish a notification in such manner as may be
prescribed specifying the extent, identify and such other particulars as may be prescribed as
such land.
368
3. Where the possession of a portion of a parcel of land is restored under section 4,
or the alteration of the boundaries of a parcel of land is necessary consequent on the order of
the Land Board under section 7, the collector shall cause the boundaries of the remaining
portion of such parcel of land or such parcel of land, as the case may be, to be re-
demarcated and shall also publish a notification of such re-demarcation under sub-section
(2).
7. Decision of disputes regarding vesting:
1. If any question arises as to whether the possession of a parcel of land or a

portion of a parcel of land has vested in the Government under sub-section (1) of section 3,
such question shall be referred by the Collector to the Land Board for decision.
2. As soon as may be after the receipt of a reference under sub-section (1), the
Land Board shall, after giving the persons interested an opportunity of being heard and after
such inquiry as it deems necessary, decide the question, and such decision shall be final.
3. Notwithstanding the reference of a question to the Land Board under sub-section

(1), the Collector may; if he is satisfied that the possession of such parcel of land or portion
has vested in the Government under sub-section (1) of section 3, cause the boundaries of
such parcel of land to be demarcated as if the possession thereof has vested in the
Government under that sub-section.
Provided that if the Land Board decides that such parcel of land or portion has not
vested in the Government under sub-section (1) of section 3, the collector shall, as soon as
may be, restore possession of such parcel or portion, as the case may be.
8. No compensation to be payable for vesting:
Notwithstanding anything contained in any law for the time being in force, or in any
contract or other document, no compensation shall be payable for the extinguishments under
sub-section (1) of section 3 of the right, title and interest of the lessens of other persons or of
the rights of mortgages of holders encumbrances.
9. Assignment of lands:
(1) The Government shall, after reserving such extent of the lands, the portion of
which has vested in the Government under sub-section (1) of section 3 (other than lands, the
possession of which has been restored under section 4), as may be necessary for purposes
directed toward the promotion of agriculture or the welfare of the agricultural population to be
settled on such lands, assign on registry the remaining lands to agriculturists and agricultural
labourers in such manner, on such terms and subject to such conditions and restrictions, as
may be prescribed.
(2) The Government may, by notification in the Gazette, delegate their power of
assignment under sub-section (1) to the Collector, subject to such restrictions and control as
may be specified in the notification.
10. Eviction of persons in occupation on the appointed day.
(1) The Collector or any Officer authorised by him in that behalf may summarily evict
any person in occupation of any land, the possession of which has vested in the Government
under section (1) of section 3.
369
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force,
the Collector or the Officer authorised under sub-section (1( may, for the purposes of that
sub-section, use such force as he deem necessary.
11. Trespass after appointed day:
(1) It shall not be lawful for any person to enter upon any land, the possession of
which has vested in the Government under sub-section (1) of section 3, so long as it is in the
possession of the Government, with intent to occupy such land or to cut or remove any trees
standing thereon, without the permission of the Collector or any Officer authorised by the
Collector in that behalf.
(2) Without prejudice to any penalty under sub-section (4), the Collector or any
Officers authorised by him in that behalf may summarily evict any person who contravenes
the provisions of sub-section (1) and may confiscate or demolish any building, shed or other
structure put up on such land.
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force,
the Collector or the Officer authorised under sub-section (2) may, for the purpose of the sub-
section, use such force as he deems necessary.
(4) If any person contravenes the provisions of sub-section 91), he shall be

punishable with imprisonment for a term which is extend to six months, or with fine which
may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.
12. Powers of Land Board and Collector:
(1) The Land Board and the Collector shall, for the purpose of exercising any power
conferred by or under this Act, have all the powers of a civil court while trying a suit under the
Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (Control Act 5 of 1908), in respect of the following matters,
namely:
(a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and examining him on oath;
(b) requiring the discovery and production of any document;
(c) receiving evidence on affidavit,
(d) issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses or for local investigation;
(e) inspecting any property or thing concerning which any decision has to be taken; and
(f) any other matter which may be prescribed.
(2) The member of the Land Board, any member of the Land Board, the Collector
and any person authorised in the behalf by the Land Board or the Collector may enter upon
any land, the possession of which has not vested in the Government under sub-section (1) of
section 3, to do any act necessary for carrying out the purposes of this act, and it shall not be
lawful for any person to obstruct such member or the Collector or the person so authorised
from entering upon such land or doing any set necessary for carrying out the purposes of this
Act.
(3) Any person who contravenes the provision of sub-section (2) shall be punishable
with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend
to one thousand rupees, or with both,
370
13. Right to use private way
(1) Any officer of the Government exercising any power or performing any function
under this Act or any rule or order made thereunder shall, in the exercise of such power or
the performance of such function, be entitled to use any private way in any land, the
possession of which has not vested in the Government under sub-section (1) of section and it
shall not be lawful for any person to obstruct such officer from so using such way.
(2) Any member of the public shall be entitled to use any private way in any land, the
possession of which has not vested in the Government under sub-section (1) of section 3, for
the purpose of entry into or exit from any land, the possession of which has vested in the
Government, under the said sub-section, and it shall not be lawful for any person to obstruct
any member of the public from using such way for such purpose.
(3) If any person contravenes the provisions of sub-section (1) or sub-section (2), he
shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine
which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.
14. Bar of jurisdiction of civil courts
No civil court shall have jurisdiction to settle, decide or deal with any question or to
determine any matter which is, by or under this Act, required to be settled, decides or dealt
with or to be determined by the Government, the Land Board, the collector or any other
officer.
15. Indemnity
No suit, prosecution or other legal proceedings shall lie against the Government or
the Land Board or the Collector or any other Officer or person for anything in good faith done
or intended to be done under this act or any rule or order made thereunder.
16. Cognisance of offences
Not withstanding anything contained in the code of Criminal procedure, 1898 (Central
Act 5 of 1898), all offences punishable under this Act shall be congnisable.
17. Saving of certain rights
1. For the removal of doubts, it is hereby declared that nothing in this act shall affect
the right of the Kannan Devan Hills Produce Company Limited or any person authorised by it
to enter upon any land, the possession of which has vested in the Government under sub-
section 91) of section 3, for purposes connected with the transmission, supply or use of
electrical energy including maintenance and repair of any electric supply line or any works
connected therewith or the maintenance and repair of any telephonic communication lines or
posts.
2. Nothing in this Act shall affect the right of any lessee or any person authorised by
him to enter upon any land, the possession of which have vested in the Government under
sub-section (1) of section 3, for the purpose of entry into, or exit from, any land, the
possession of which has not vested in the Government under the said sub-section.
371
18. Power to remove difficulties:
If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Act, the Government
may as occasion may require, by order do anything not inconsistent with such provisions,
which appears to them necessary for the purpose of removing the difficulty.
19. Power to make rules
1. The Government may, by notification in the Gazette, make rules to carry out the
purposes of this Act.
2. Every rule made under this Act shall be laid as soon as may be after it is made
before the Legislative Assembly while it is in session for a total period of fourteen days which
may be comprised in one session or in two sessions, and if, before the expiry of the session
in which it is so or the session immediately following, the legislative Assembly makes any
modification in the rule or decides that the rule should not be made, the rule shall thereafter
have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be, so however
that any such modification and annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything
previously done under that rule.
20. Repealing having
1. The Kannan Devan Hills (Resumption of Lands) Ordinance 1971 (3 of 1971) is

hereby repealed.
2. Notwithstanding such repeal, anything done or any action taken under the said
ordinance shall be deemed to have been done or taken under this Act.
372
APPENDIX III
Award of Land Board of Kerala

In the Land Board of Kerala
Present:- Sri K.C. Sankaranarayanan
LB(A)2-5227/71 Trivandrum, 29-3-1974
In the matter of application for restoration of lands under section 4 of the Kannan Devan Hills
(Resumption of lands) Act, 1971 (Act 5 of 1971) in respect of the Kannan Devan Hills Produce
Company Limited, Munnar.
By Messers:- Thomas Vellapally and Joy Joseph, Advocates, Joseph and Markos, Lawyers and
Notaries, Kottayam.
Read:- The application dated 15-3-1971 and the connected records.
ORDER
1. The Kannan Devan Hills (Resumption of Lands) Act, 1971 (Act 5 of 1971) came into
force on the 21st day of January, 1971, a provided in section 1(2) of that Act, with effect from the
date, under Section 3(1), subject to the exemption stated in section 3(2) and 3(3), the entire extent
of lands situated in the Kannan Devan Hills Village in the Devikulam Taluk of the Idukki District
shall stand transferred to and vest in the Government free from all encumbrances and the right,
title and interest of the lessens and all other persons, including right of mortgagees and holders of
encumbrances, if any, in respect of such lands, shall stand extinguished. The rules under section
19(1) of the Act were framed by the Government of Kerala on 22nd January, 1971 and published
in the Kerala Gazette extraordinary of the same date. From A under rule (3) of the above rules
was also published in the gazette along with the rules. An application dated 15-3-1971 from the
Kannan Devan Hills Produce Company Limited in triplicate, according to the prescribed form, was
received by the Land Board on 19-3-1971. That application was filed without prejudice to the
company’s writ petition filed before the Supreme Court of India, challenging the validity of the
K.D.H (Resumption of Lands) Ordinance of 1971. The Supreme Court of India in its judgment
dated 27th April, 1971, in writ petition No. 44 of 1971, has upheld the validity of the Act and
dismissed the writ petition.
2. The Land Board posted the case for hearing under section 4(3) of the Act on 30-6-
1972. However, on 2-6-1972, the Company filed a revised application and requested that the
case may be decided on the basis of the revised application. This prayer was accepted on 21-6-
1972. The Company filed another affidavit by its Senior Manager dated 14-9-1972 which was
received in the Land Board on 18-9-1972. Copies of certain documents were also filed on behalf
of the company on 22-9-1972. The preliminary arguments of the Company were heard on 23-9-
1972. Certain maps of the area concerned were filed by the Company and Officers of the
Company were heard on 23-7-1973, 26-7-1973 and 27-8-1973. The Divisional Forest Officer,
Munnar was examined on 5-9-1973. The Land Board visited the Kannan Devan Hills area on the
4th and 5th October, 1972 as well as on 24th and 25th and 26th of April 1973, 5th May 1973 and 27th
November 1973 to inspect certain areas and ascertain the lie of the land. Further details
regarding the area of individual bits of land continued to be supplied by the Company on requests
made by the Land Board, throughout January, February and March, 1974.
3. The total area of the Kannan Devan Hills Village is 1,37,606.04 acres. Of this, an
extent of 182.02 acres in the Mankulam area is situated outside the Concession Area of the
K.D.H.P. Company. The Concession Area over which the K.D.H.P. Company had exclusive
rights is therefore 1,37,424.02 acres only. During the course of the enquiry, it was found that the
company in its own survey has not taken account of a total area of 7.35 acres. Adding this survey
difference also, the total area of K.D.H. Concession is 1,37,431.37 acres. From out of this area,
the K.D.H.P. Company has at various time in the past, alienated a total extent of acres 7171-31-
440 to different parties, other than the State Government or Government Sponsored Agencies. A
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detailed list of these transactions with the extent of each is added to this order as Annexure I.
There is a difference of 3 acres 91 cents between the K.D.H.P Company’s land accounts and
those of M/s. Anglo-American Direct Tea Trading Company Ltd., and M/s. Malayalam Plantations
Ltd., with regard to the areas of Devicolam and Lackhart Estates. (2 acres in regard to Lockhart
Estate, and 1.91 acres in regard to Devicolam Estate). In the order of the land board relating to
the restoration petitions of the two estates concerned, the land areas as given by the two
companies concerned has been taken as the area in their possession for the purpose of Section
4 of the Act. This will however be subject to the actual measurement and verification on the
ground by the District Collector, Idukki, when he take action under section 6 of the Act. In regard
to this restoration petition filed by the K.D.H.P. Company’s application and land accounts. This
will also be subject to future measurement and verification by the Collector under section 6 of the
Act. At various times, the Government of Travancore and the Successor Governments as well as
Several Government sponsored Agencies like the Kerala State Electricity Boards, the Indo Swiss
Project etc. have either acquired or otherwise obtained certain extents of land from the K.D.H.P.
Company. These areas total an extent of 2611.38 acres within the Concession Area. A list of
these lands is also appended to this order as Annexure II.
4. It was also seen during the enquiry that the Government of Travancore and the
Successor Governments have at various times granted some of the areas taken over by them
from the Concession area earlier, to the Company itself for certain Purposes either on
Kuthagapattom or Puthuval Patt. A list of such areas totalling 5.89 acres in all granted by the
Governments under such conditions is also appended to this order as Annexure III.
5. The balance area of the concession after taking into consideration all the above
mentioned land is 1,27,881.26 acres. The Letchmi Estate of K.D.H.P Co. is found to be having an
extent of 23.30 acres of land coming within its jurisdiction, situated in the Pallivasal Village of
Devicolam Taluk, which is outside the concession area,. Adding this to the total, the K.D.H.P. Co.
holds today a total of 1,27,904.30 acres, (1,27,881.26 acres in the concession area and 23.30
acres in Pallivasal Village). The Land Board is called upon to determine the extent of land
necessary for the K.D.H.P. Co. under section 4(3) of the Act keeping in mind the exemption
contained in section 3(2) and the direction relating to restoration contained in section 4(1) of the
Act. The total extent of the land held by the K.D.H.P. Co. to be so adjudicated is therefore,
1,27,654.56-560 acres.
6. Under section 6 of the Act, the District Collector, Idukki, within whose jurisdiction the
Concession lands lie should have caused a survey of the area to be done and the lands in the
concession should have been demarcated into convenient blocks. Based on this survey, the land
board should then have gone into the question of which lands in the blocks are those which do
not vest in Government under section 3 and which would vest. Then taking the latter category of
lands into consideration, the Land Board would have considered the submission of the K.D.H.P
Co. and others who come under the group of “Lessees”, for the restoration of such lands to them
for which they are able to make a case as provided under section 4 of the Act. Unfortunately, this
preliminary survey and demarcation of the Concession area into various blocks has not been
done for reasons not known. Therefore, the Land Board has bad to perform its functions under
section 4, on the basis of the survey records already available for the area with the Government
and the Company. As already mentioned the Government survey and the Company survey have
a difference of 7.35 acres, which is negligible extent considering the total acreage involved. The
necessary correction for this has been made in the calculations which follow.
7. The K.D.H.P. Company holds a total area of 1,27,654,56-560 acres, after deducting
all the alienations made by them during the past. These 1,27,654 and odd acres are used by
them for various purposes. They have divided these purposes into seven board and different
categories and classified all the lands held by them, accordingly. The classification adopted is
given below in detail:
A) Area under Tea Crop.
B) Area under Fuel trees.
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C) Area kept for grazing of worker’s cattle.
D) Area under building sites, roads, worker’s gardens etc.
E) Area under swamps and streams.
F) Area under lands which are uncultivable, rocks, slips, barren lands, ridges etc.
G) Interspersed lands between the above, between estates and all around.
8. Category ‘A’ above containing the tea crop stands exempted from vesting straight
away under section 3(2)(a) Category ‘D’ is the area under buildings and sites for buildings, the
roads of the estate and the small cultivation plots allotted to workers to raise vegetables, etc. as a
part of the industry-wide settlement of labour issues. These are partly covered by the exemption
under section 3(2)(b) and the provisions of section 4(1)(a). Category ‘C’ contains grazing lands
for worker’s cattle, which they are permitted to keep under an industry wide settlement. Category
B which consists of fuel trees, would be necessary for the plantation, if it could be established on
enquiry that the processing of the crop requires fuel and the required quantity can be raised from
a given area. The areas under Category E and F can be claimed for restoration to the Company,
only by virtue of their position, vis-a-vis other lands. If they are so mixed that their separation is
impractical, then the company could claim them. Category G is the one which covers the largest
area. Lands can be interspersed within the fields of an estate, or between estates in the
Concession Area and the other boundary. The company could get them only if it is proved that
these interspersed lands are not easily separable and that they are required for the protection and
efficient management of the estate.
9. The K.H.D.P. Company filed their amended application on 2-6-1972 and requested
that their claim may be decided on that basis. This prayer was granted. On 14-9-1972, the
company filed a second affidavit, in the course of which they stated that certain alterations in the
areas covered by the seven categories have taken place since the ‘appointed day’ in the course
of Company’s usual operations and requested the Land Board to take cognizance of the same
while passing orders. The company also filed subsequently three set of statements given the
details of the lands coming under each category. The first set related to the position as per the
amended application dated 1-6-1972 which correspond to the position as on the appointed day.
The second set related to the changes that had taken place in each category and third set related
to the position as per the affidavit dated 14-9-1972. The board details as per the I set and the III
set are given below:
Statement No.I as on 2.6.72 Statement No.III as on 14-9-72.
A.C A.C
A) Tea 22,549.65 23,239.06 (-)
B) Fuel 17,851.55 18,247.80 (+)
C) Grazing 1,453.75 1,400.89 (-)
D) Building etc. 2,605.05 2,617.89 (+)
E) Swamps etc. 2,406.36 2,465.20 (+)
F) Uncultivable etc. 6,788.81 6,464.42 (-)
G) Interspersed 9,502.75 9,722.66 (+)
64,157.92 64,157.92
10. It may be seen that the totals of the seven categories specified in the two
statements agree, changes have been made only in between categories. The areas under
Tea, Grazing and uncultivable land have been reduced. The areas under the other five
categories have been increased. This has been done in the course of the business of the
Company, according to the requirements. It is unavoidable especially in cases where, between
the original vesting and the consequent adjudgement as in this case, there has been
considerable passage of time. It may also be noted that the total land covered is only
64,157.92 acres out of a total 1,27,654.56-560 acres which were in the company’s hands on
the appointed day. The balance area is approximately 63,496 acres, consisting of 21,353.60
acres of wild life preservation area, 6,157.49 acres of grass lands, 22,311.00 acres of forest
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lands and 13,901.25 acres of interspersed lands, for which the company is not pressing its
claims for restoration. They however requested in their affidavit and arguments that the
integrity and homogeneity of their holding should be preserved as far as possible, by given
them a contiguous area which can be operated as one common unit and within which there will
be no occupations by outsiders, as it would prejudice the preservation, maintenance and
management of their plantations. They had however no objection if the Government
considered that some of these lands should be in their hands, provided the Government did
not in their turn assign them or alienate them in any manner to outsiders. They said that the
introduction of a large outside population, over whom they will have no control, into these
estates, would make the administration of these estates well high impossible. In particular they
pointed out that the uncontrolled freedom to outsiders to use the lands within the estates as
they like and in any manner they wish has the hazard in past and paint diseases which will very
adversely affect the tea plantation. They requested that the Land Board in considering this
questions, may indicate in its order that if any area in the valley of the K.D.H. Concession is
vested in Government under the Act, the Land Board may also specify that it should continue to
be kept in Government’s lands. In the light of this request the entire Concession area has to be
considered and appropriate orders passed, rather than restrict the manner to the 64,157.92
acres to which their application relates.
11. In the course of consideration of the restoration petition and the arguments and
discussions which the land board has with K.D.H.P. Company, certain alphabetical signs and
numbers were used to denote certain areas of land for the purpose of easy identification and
calculation. These signs and numbers have been mainly used in relation to interspersed areas
although in some cases they have also been applied to other lands. The series A to E relate to
the wild life preservation areas of Iravikulam, Anamudi, Mankulam and the high grass lands to
the east. They have a total area of 49,822.09 acres. These lands are not required by the
Company and they are not asking for their restoration. As such these lands A to E could
continue to vest in the Government. The K.D.H.P. Company have only one request to make in
regard to these lands. In their letter No.224/11 dated 4-2-1974 to the Land Board, they have
invited the attention of the Land Board to a note on the Eravikulam Rajamallay Sanctuary in the
High Ranges in Kerala, written by Shri.Ranjitsingh I.A.S. Deputy Secretary to Government of
India in the Ministry of Food and Agriculture. In that note he has recommended that the
Eravikulam-Rahamallai area should be declared as a reserve forest under the Forest Act and
subsequently also declared as a National Park to protect the wild life therein. He has also
made other detailed recommendations. The Land Board agrees with these views and
recommends that the lands A,E and F,S, nearby should be declared as a forest and also a wild
life preservation area. It may be seen from the map of the area that these 4 plots are adjacent
to the Malayattoor Reserve Forest of Government. The areas should continue to be under the
joint management of the Kerala Forest Department and the High Range Game preservation
Association.
12. The area ‘B’ is a block of forest land having an area of 22,311 acres. It is
commonly known as the Mankulam area. This is geographically a valley different from the
K.D.H. valley. This is the starting point of several rivers like the Melacher Ar, the Karindiri Ar
and the Esthashola Ar, which are tributaries of the Edamalayar river, which in turn is a tributary
of the Periyar river. A Hydro Electric Project is under construction is Edamalayar and several
hydro electric projects are under investigation in the Mankulam area. It is desirable that as
much of the Mankulam area as possible is preserved as a forest, in the larger interests of the
Agricultural Population, ensuring rainfall, preservation of climate and availability of electric
power, green manure, timber etc. About 5,000 acres of land may be available in the melacheri
river valley for distribution to landless poor. The allottees of this land should be asked to form
Co-operative Society, if possible. They should also be directed to follow invariably soil
conservation measures in cultivating these lands.
13. The lands bearing the signs F to Z are all interspersed lands adjoining the 23
estates and the areas under the direct management of the Headquarters of the Company. The
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lands bearing the signs AA and CC are also similar interspersed lands. These lands have a
total area of 13,455.50 acres. These lie mainly along the outer boundaries of the concession
area and many of them contain forests and grass lands, while a few are rocky ridges. The
K.D.H.P. Company does not require these lands for the protection and efficient management of
their estates and have therefore not pressed for their resumption to them. These lands stand
vested in Government and may continue to be so. In view of the fact that many of them contain
forest growth and are very steep, these lands are not fit for occupation by allottees. These
lands may therefore continue to be with Government and may be declared as reserve forests.
Where these are grass lands it may be possible to set up cattle development and milk co-
operative societies under Government control. This is a matter for further consideration by
Governments. The allotment of these areas to individuals who are landless and poor will create
problems of management to the K.D.H.P.Co and should therefore be avoided.
14. The K.D.H.P. Company has also dropped their claim for three other areas bearing
signs SB, DD and EE, having a total area of 445.75 acres. These are the slopes of two hills
right within the K.D.H Valley. The reasons for their offering these lands, which are clearly
interspersed lands between Crahamsland, Madupatty, Thenmallai and Sothuparai Estates, are
obscure. The possession of these lands in hands other than the Company would create
problems of management to them. Therefore these lands may be returned to the Company
and be continued in their possession.
15. The K.D.H.P. Company presses its claims for retaining the balance area of
64,157.92 acres as per their list III, in para 9 snte. The area under Tea is the only one which
will be definitely theirs under section 3(2)a of the Act. On the appointed day they had 23,549.65
acres of Tea. Later as per their affidavit dated 14-9-1972, this area has shrunk to 23,239.06
acres only. This area will continue to be with the Company.
16. The next area is that under fuel trees. Here on the appointed day the Company
had 17,851.55 acres only. But subsequently as per affidavit dated 14-9-1972, this area has
been increased to 18,247.80 acres. Obviously they had extended the area in the estates under
the fuel trees after the appointed day in view of the fear of possible shortage of land for raising
fuel wood. In their affidavit and arguments, the company stated that they require firewood for
processing tea in large quantities in their 18 tea factories in the area. They also need it for their
building construction and maintenance programme, the production of batten for tea-chests, etc.
which according to certain definite scales for their labourers (17,000) permanent hands and
(4,000) temporary hands, their staff (about 950 persons) and their Managers, in accordance
with their customary practice, which has become legally binding with the passage of years. The
company also maintains 27 hospitals, 3 dispensaries, 50 canteens, 80 crèches and 75 schools
to which also the required firewood and charcoal have to be supplied. They claim these
purposes also as ancillary to the production of Tea. In this affidavit the Senior Manager has
stated that for all these purposes, they would require per annum around 1,53,000 cubic yards of
firewood. During the argument, the company’s representative maintained that a production of
about 91.56 cubic yards per acre, which will be the equivalent of 35 tonnes is what can be
reasonably expected from their forests. They pointed out that this is the rate adopted by the
District Collector, Idukki in arranging for interim supplies of firewood for them.
17. The Divisional Forest Officers, Munnar who was examined as an expert in this
connection, said that the figure of 35 tonnes per acre was actually suggested by the company
and was adopted in order to get over an urgent temporary situation. It would not be corrected to
adopt that low figure of assessing permanent needs. In his view it will be possible to raise about
104 cubic yards per acre in these lands. He also pointed out that the area under Tea has been
declining and most of the requirements of firewood and charcoal are not for direct utilisation in
the production of made Tea for the market, but are being used for other purposes, stretching
the use of the word “ancillary” to and unjustified length. With intensive forestry and careful
husbanding of resources and the land available to them, the yield of firewood could be
increased and the land area needed for firewood could be limited. The Company
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representatives pointed out that their sister company Tata-Finlay, manufacturing instant tea in
this area has to be supplied with the necessary firewood and the process of making instant-tea
consumes more firewood at various stages. They also stated that they had in the past few
years a large programme of thinning out the shade trees and so had a good stock of Grevilles
wood. This source is not now likely to be available. Thus for their future requirements they
estimated that they would need 18,950 acres of fuel area, at the rate of 1895 acres per year
producing 95 cubic yards of firewood on cutting in a 10 year cycle. The Divisional Forest Officer
countered this by pointing out that at the rate of 104 cubic year per acre per year only 17,150
acres will be needed to produce 1,80,000 cubic yards per year. (The assumed need for the
year 1980-81 at constantly increasing crop yields). It was clear that the company was quoting
the production capacity of firewood per acre at a low figure in order to get more land. The best
course under the circumstances is to fix the production capacity at a reasonable average figure
of 100 cubic yards per acre. The demand also appeared to have been placed at too high a
figure by the Company representatives. In his affidavit dated 14-9-1972, the Senior Manager
has calculated his annual requirements at a figure of only 1,53,000 cubic yards for all purposes.
Taking that demand and a production capacity of 100 cubic yards per year 15,300 acres of fuel
land would be adequate to meet all their reasonable needs in the near future.
18. As per the list III as on 14-9-1972, the K.D.H.P. Company has an area of 18,247.80
acres under fuel trees. It is clear from the above that this entire acres under fuel is not needed
by them. Apart from the area classified as fuel area, the areas known as ‘interspersed between
estates’ and the areas called ‘uncultivable’ also have a good stand of timber and firewood on
them. These areas are also available to the Company for exploitation and intensive forestry in
the future. In the circumstances some fuel areas can be continued to vest in the Government.
The exact list of the areas of fuel lands to be retained by the Government under the Act is given
separately in para 24.
19. The next item for consideration is grazing lands. It is seen that the company has
reduced this area from 1,453.75 acres to 1,400.89 acres after the appointed day. In their
affidavit they have stated that there are about 6,950 heads of cattle in their estates belonging to
their labourers. Under an industry wide arrangement made through the Association of Planters
of Kerala, the keeping of this cattle has to be permitted and grazing land allotted. The scale of
land needed per animal as per the A.P.K. Circular quoted is very unrealistic. (6 acres for one
cow). It is clear that no estate could provide that much grazing acreage for their workers cows.
The company is maintaining a veterinary department for looking after these animals. Most of
these animals are crossed with European Varieties of animals. The modern practice is to feed
for them intensively in the grazing plots. The Indo Swiss Project, situated within the K.D.H.
Valley, is adopting this practice. The company could also advise workers through their
veterinary department as follows the same methods. The major part of the land classified as
grassing lands are under active utilisation for the purpose. But there are a few places where
though the area is shown as grazing land, the actual utilisation is not for that purpose. Such
lands need not be restored to the Company. The list of such lands proposed to be retained with
the Government is given separately in para 24.
20. Building sites, roads and worker’s garden have been classified together as one
class. Buildings and lands appurtenant to them have been exempted from vesting under
section 3(2)(b). Roads in the estates would partly come under the exemption of section 3(2)(b)
and partly under section 4(a) and (c). The worker’s gardens have been alloted for vegetable
growing under an industry wide settlement. These lands would come under the scope of
section 4(b). Excepting one or two isolated cases of site not being used for the purpose of
building, all the other lands in this category are needed by the Company and may be restored
to them. The site in Headquarters lands 8 to 154 measuring 20 cents may continue to vest in
Government as it is convenient to do so.
21. Swamps and streams from another category amounting to a total of 2,465.20
acres. These are not necessary to the Company for any purpose except water supply. But
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these lands are so situated that they form interspersed lands inside the estates with other
categories. Thus the provision in section 4(c) is attracted. All these lands may therefore be
restored to the Company.
22. Uncultivable lands, rocks, slips, ridges etc. are pooled into one category. These
lands are theoretically not useful for any one. But in fact they do grow some fuel and timber
treasure. At a pinch the company could utilise these lands for growing fuel regularly. These also
attract the provision of section 4(c) by their being interspersed and inextricably mixed. These
lands have been reduced from 6,788.81 acres to 6,464.42 acres after the appointed day. This
fact would show their potential usefulness to the Company. All these lands may therefore be
restored to the company.
23. The largest category after tea and fuel is the category of interspersed lands. The
Company had already offered the large chunks of interspersed lands to the Government and
have not pressed their claims. They are however pressing their claims for this group which
covered 9,502.75 acres on the appointed day. They are however pressing their claims for this
group which covered 9,502.75 acres on the appointed day. This area has actually registered
an increase upto 9,722.66 acres after the day. The list of these lands has been perused by the
Land Board. It is found in many cases that densely wooded lands have been classified as
interspersed land and included in this list. Examples are the block of land numbered as 4 in
Kadalaar Estate limits which contain 751.40 acres of forest land and 1,111.89 acres of Kalaar
Estate numbered as 5 it is clear that the list is artificial and several other kinds of lands have
been included in this, in order to get the benefit under section 4(c). Therefore there is
justification for taking away from this list several sizable chunks of land, which do not really form
interspersed land but only border land. A list of such land which would continue to vest in the
Government is given separately in the next paragraph.
24. The following list gives the details of the lands contained in the estates and outlying
headquarters lands which in the opinion of the Land Board should continue to vest in the
Government under various categories. Although the K.D.H.P. Company has tried to present a
case for restoring these lands to them, they have not been able to present a convincing case for
doing so.
Interspersed Fuel Grazing Building

Sl. No. Lands Remarks
area area Area sites etc.
1 Kadalaar No.4 S.No.77A 751.40 - - -
2 Kundaly No.7 S.No.28 210.25 - - -
3 Kundaly No.7A S.No.28 66.90 - - -
4 Letchmi No.8 S.No.77 575.00 - - -
5 Vagavurrai No. 9 S.No. 78 292.00 - - -
6 Nyamakad No.11 A.S.No.77 166.08 - - -
7 Periavurrai No.12 S.No. 77 Part 648.67 - - -
8 Thenmallay No. 14 S.No.44 143.20 - - -
9 Kanniamallay No.6A S.No.44 62.40 - - -
10 Chokanad No.2 S.No.17 523.52 - - -
11 Kalaar No.5 S.No.17 1111.89 - - -
12 Nyamakad No.11 S.No.78 & 44 414.00 - - -
13 Headquarters land No.2 S.No.11A - 193.86 163.94 -
part
14 Headquarters land No.11 - 93.83 - -
S.No.622 prt.
379
Interspersed Fuel Grazing Building
Sl. No. Lands Remarks
area area Area sites etc.
15 Headquarters land - - 16.18 0.20
No.8,9,10,12,13,14 & 15.
16 Nettigudi S.No.8/I - 624.00 Nettimaed
hill area
assigned
the symbol
17. Arivikad S.No.8/I 217.60 - - -
18. Arvikad S.No.8/I - 276.80 - -
19. Silent Valey - 160.40 - -
20. Gudumallay S.No.25 (No.3) 333.01 - - -
21. Arivikad No.1 S.No.987, 427, 68.36 - - - This area
803/1 and 785 has been
leased by
KDHP Co.
to Sandoz
Ltd.
22. Sandoz area in Kundaly S.No.28 60.21 - - -
Pt.
1348.8 7173.70
Total 5644.49 180.12 0.20
9 Ac.
25. Items 16 to 19 in the list above form one compact block of land known as
Nettimaed hill. This consists of areas partly lying in Arivikad, Silent valley and Nettigudi estates.
This is also classified partly as fuel areas and partly as interspersed area. About the total extent
of this land there is some doubt. Initially the company was not able to supply the correct
information about this area. Subsequently the information was gathered. The extent is still not
free from doubt. According to the records of the company these four items have an extent of
1278.80 acres. But on computation by the survey department the area is calculated as 1458.60
acres. Since the extent of this area is in doubt, this will have to be surveyed and demarcated
under section 6(3) while implementing this order. As the area is not definite while the outer
boundaries of this block are known, this area is assigned the alphabetical symbol in Malayalam.
This area will continue to vest in the Government under section 3(1) of the Act. Plan attached.
26. Item 22 is an area of 60.21 acres, which has been leased to M/s.Sandoz Ltd., the
Pharmaceutical manufacturing firm by the K.D.H.P. Company for raising digitalis, a plant which
produces an alkaloid used in medicine for heart diseases. Sandoz Ltd., will come within the
meaning of the definition “lessee” in section 2(e). But the crop they are raising is digitalis which
is not a plantation crop coming within the scope of the definition in section 2(f). As such this
land will not have the protection of section 3(2)(a) and will vest in the Government. The lease
between the Kannan Devan Hills Produce Company and Sandoz Ltd will not be binding on
Government as the vesting under section 3(1) is free from all encumbrances. However it is
recommended that in fairness to all concerned, Sandoz Ltd., may be granted the area under a
lease from the Government with effect from the appointed day. The lease rent and other terms
may be settled between the Government and M/s. Sandoz Ltd.
27. The next question to be decided relates to the Munnar town area and the
headquarters land. Under the administrative pattern followed by the K.D.H.P Company, the 23
tea estates have been given certain areas under their jurisdiction. The balance area is
controlled directly by the local head office of the company in Munnar town. These areas
consists of Blocks A to E and headquarters numbered 1 to 19. We have already dealt with
blocks A to E and headquarters land Nos.2 and 8 to 15. Those areas are to continue to vest in
Government. Headquarters land 3, 4, 16, 17, 18 and 19 are small patches of land and situated
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within the Kundaly estate. These six plots have a total extent of 84.80 acres. These six plots
measuring 80.80 acres may be restored to the company. Similarly headquarters lands Nos.5, 6,
7 are (3) three small plots lying within Grahams land estate measuring a total of 11.89 acres.
These plots may also be restored to the company. Both these are ordered on the grounds of
convenience. The only plots remaining to be delt with is headquarter land No.1 which is the
Munnar town area. This lies adjacent to the Munnar township area and PWD land, which
together form a compact block of Government land. The Munnar town area (headquarter land
No.1) has a total extent of 352.97 acres. The classified breakup of this land is given below:
a.Tea Nil.
b.Fuel area 9.38 acres
c.Building sites, etc. 93.07 acres
d.Grazing 174.69 acres
e.Swamps & Streams 05.00 acres
f.Uncultivable land etc. 70.83 acres
g.Interspersed land Nil.

Total 352.97 acres
28. These 352.97 acres consists partly of K.D.H.P. Company lands held under the
concession, lands held by the company on Kuthagapattom and Puthuvalpatta, Government
owned lands and lands held by others deriving title through the company either on sale or
lease. However the lands classified as fuel areas, grazing lands swamps and streams and
uncultivable lands are in the exclusive possession of the K.D.H.P Co. Under the concession the
biggest block is the grazing land covering 174.69 acres. This is used for grazing by the cattle
held by those living in Munnar Town and surrounding estates. There are no figures about the
cattle population in this particular area. These open spaces are also functioning as the lungs for
the Town population. Under these circumstances, it does not appear correct to take over these
grazing lands from the company. They may be restored to the company with the direction that
the areas should not be covered to other uses. An area of 70.83 acres is classified as
uncultivable land. This consists of five pieces of land, of which the two largest measure 45.29
acres and 16.21 acres respectively. The map furnished by the company shows these lands to
be capable of utilisation for putting up residential buildings and other structures. These lands
are not needed by the company. Therefore these 7083 acres may continue to vest with
Government under section 3(1) of the Act. The balance areas in headquarters land will be
restored to the company, subject to the observations made earlier. A detailed area list of these
70.83 acres is appended to this order, as annexure iv.
28.A. The total area of the lands held by the K.D.H.P. Co. within their estates and
headquarters lands, coming under the category “Building sites, Roads, Workers’ gardens” as
per statement III as on 14-9-1972 is 2617.89 acres. This area includes part of the Munnar top
station road and the Munnar – Letchmi estate road along with many other roads. These two
other roads are actually intensively used public paths through which private and public motor
vehicles pass carrying passengers and goods, not only in the course of the Company’s
business but also public and personal business. The company have asked for the restoration of
these two roads along with the other roads and areas. However in view of the public importance
of these two roads the Land Board is of the opinion that the portions of these two roads which
are not already in the ownership of the Government should also continue to vest in the
Government under Section 3(1) of the Act. The K.H.D.P. Company will free to use them, like
anybody else. The provisions of section 13(2) of the act may be seen in this connection. These
381
roads lead to areas which will vest in the government under these orders, while passing
through areas which will be restored to the Company. In order to ensure the free and
unrestricted travel of the public in these roads, it is desirable that these two roads continue to
vest in the Government.
29. In the final analysis, the following table summarise the position resulting from the
Land Board’s decision under section 4(3) of the K.H.D.P (Resumption of Lands Act) 1971.
Acres Cents
137606 04 Total area of K.D.H. village
182 02 Munkulam area outside the concession in K.D.H.Villave
137424 02 Total area of K.D.H.P concession
7 35 Survey difference
137431 37 Area as per Thahsildar’s letter dated 8-4-1123 M.E.
6944 62 Alienated to others (6929.01 + 15.61)
130486 75
2611 38 Land acquired by Government and Govt.agencies from Comp.
127875 37
5 89 Land held by K.D.H.P.Co. under puduval patta – 0.16 acres
kuthagapattom 5.73 acres.
127881 26
70522 12 Area to be taken by vesting in the Govt. under section 3(1)
57359 14 Area to be left with the K.D.H.P.Co. in 23 estates and lands under
their headquarters.
Note:Please see para 35 below for 166-48-440 acres alienated by KDHP to 38 parties.
30.The above said 57359.14 acres will consist of the following acres under their seven fold
classification scheme;”
Area under Tea Crop 23239.06 Acres

Area under Fuel trees 16898.91 ”
Area under Grazing 1220.77 ”
Area under building sites, roads
Workers gardens etc. 2617.69 ”
Area under streams & Swamps 2465.20 ”
Area uncultivable 6393.59 ”
Area interspersed in estates and
Between estates. 4523.92 ”
---------------------
Total 57359.14 ”
31. The area of 70522.12 acres which will be finally left vesting with the Government
will be surveyed and demarcated under section 6(3) of the Act by the district Collector, Idukki.
The Government will be free to utilise the above lands as laid down under section 9 of the
382
Act. In doing so, the Government will no doubt take into consideration the observations
made by the Land Board in these orders, while dealing with the different blocks of lands. The
area of 57359.14 acres left with the company (23239.04 acres as exempt from vesting under
section 3(2)(a) and the balance as restored under section (4) through as under, subject to the
note in para 29 and will also be surveyed and demarcated by the District Collector Idukki
under section 6(3). As provided under section 4(5) of the Act, the K.D.H.P. Company shall
be entitled to possess the above said 57192-65-560 acres of land (57359.1400-
16648.440=57192-65-560) on the same terms and subject to the same conditions on or
subject to with they were holding those lands immediately before the appointed day.
32. In the course of the enquiry it was found that 6929.01 acres were alienated to
others as estates by the K.D.H.P. company earlier. Of these Talliar Estate covers 2504-80
acres lockhart 1592-45 acres and Devicolam estate belonging to the sister company, Anglo-
American Direct Tea Trading Co., Limited covers 1912-78 acres. Separate orders have been
passed in regards to these three estates. They have documents to show their title and these
are recognised and entered in the revenue records also. Apart from these one are known as
Vayalkadavu Estate I and II occupying an area of 103.59 acres also came to the notice of the
land board during inspection. This area, was sold some time in the past to one Ajoo, an
employee of K.H.D.P. company. This area, divided into two separate pieces, is in the
possession of the descendants of the above mentioned Ajoo and some others. The Land
Board has passed orders in these cases also. However it was noticed that these properties
have not been recognised as distinct from K.D.H.P and that separate pattas have not been
granted. The District Collector Idukki should look into this and arrange to carry out the
transfer of registry in the revenue records of K.D.H. village.
33. An area of 787.36 acres is similarly seen to have been sold as Mankulam Estate.
But no parties came to submit petitions before the land board, claiming any land as “Lessees”
of the K.D.H.P. land under section 2(e) of the act. The K.D.H.P Company also did not make
any submission regarding this land, as it has gone out of their possession. Enquiries made
locally during inspection elicited the information that the Mankulam Rubber Estate is now
defunct and that the area is now occupied by several persons, whose exact title to their
occupation is not clear. It is desirable that further inquiries are made by the officers of the
Revenue department in this area and the position in regard to these 787-36 acres set right
and regularised forms an integral part of K.D.H. Concession area. There are 4 other small
parties holding small areas, within the total area of 6929.01 acres described as alienated
estates. The District Collector, Idukki should also check up their titles and Pattas.
34. 15.61 acres of land have been sold or gifted to outsiders by the
K.D.H.P.Company and these areas have been deducted in the calculations pertaining to the
lands still with the Company. These 15.61 acres are held by 33 parties. None of the parties
has approached the Land Board. It is presumed that transfer of registry has been effected in
these cases. The District Collector Idukki, should check up these cases also.
35. 226-69-440 acres have also been either leased, sold or gifted to outsiders by the
K.D.H.P. Company. But in these cases covering 39 instances, the company has not yet
deleted them from their land accounts and no transfer of registry has been effected or pattas
granted. The lease of 60.21 acres to M/s.Sandoz Ltd., and 15.67 acres in the possession of
M/s. Tata-Finlay & Co. Ltd., also come within these 39 cases. It is very essential that these
cases are inquired into by the District Collector, Idukki and further action taken. Where they
are leased the position should be reported to the land board for further action. Where they
are outright sales or gift the District Collector may take further action to grant patta. The
question whether any of these parties hold land in excess of the ceiling prescribed under the
Kerala Land Reforms Act has also to be looked into. This may be done urgently.
36. A list of the areas to be continued under vesting in Government under section
3(1) of the Act and a list of the areas to be retained with the K.D.H.P Company are addes to
383
this order as annexures V and VI. A map of the area designated with the symbol “K” is also
appended to this order. Other appendices mentioned in the earlier paragraph are also added
to this order.
Given under my hand and seal, this the 29th day of March 1974.
Sd/-
LAND BOARD,
29-3-1974
By Order.
Sd/-
For SECRETARY
To:
1. The Applicant through the Advocate.
2. The District Collector, Idukki.
3. The Assistant Collector, Devicolam.
4. The Tahsildar, Devicolam.
5. The Divisional Forest Officer, Munnar Division, Devicolam.
6. The Chief Engineer, B&R, Trivandrum.
7. The Director of Survey and Land Records, Trivandrum.
8. The Chief Conservator of Forests, Trivandrum.
9. The Secretary to Government, Revenue Department, Trivandrum.
10. The Executive Officer, Munnar Panchayat.
Annexure (I)
A. Alienated Estates”.
Talliar 2504.80 acres

Vayalkadavoo 103.59 ”
Mankulam 787.36 ”
Lockhart & Manale 1592.45 ”
Konandakad Palace 10.80 ”
K.D.H.P. Church 14.22 ”
Mr.A.Alaganan 2.81 ”
Marchants’ Association 0.20 ”
Devicolam 1912.78 ”
B. Areas sold and /or gifted to outsiders

(Deducted from total holdings)
Staff colony 2.36 ”
Esusi Building etc. 0.30 ”
Mr.F.Mayne 1.00 ”
Mr.A.W.Luiz 1.00 ”
Pappu Asari 0.01.510 acres.
0.10 acres
Mr.A.Antony 0.04 ”
0.10 ”
Messrs.Sam & Co. 0.05 ”
Mr.T.C.Thomas 0.10 ”
384
Midland Oil Mills 0.05 ”
Mr.Ganapathy Ramaswamy 0.02.5 ”
0.02.2 ”
Mr.S.Paul 0.15 ”
Mr.Paul Periasamy 0.10 ”
Mr.Parameswaran Nair 0.02 ”
0.05 ”
Mr.s.R.Ramalingam 0.20 ”
Bank of Cochin Limited 0.03.1 ”
Federal Bank Limited 0.05 ”
State Bank of Travancore 0.33 ”
Mr.S.Thangiah 0.02.5 ”
0.01.205 ”
Mr.Lucose Boby 0.08 ”
Messrs.N.Ramaswamy Iyer Sons 0.05 ”
Mr.V.Srinivasan 0.03.9 ”
Mr.Kurian Uthup 0.15 ”
Mr.S.Kalimuthu 0.06.1 ”
Mr.T.M.Chacko 0.36 ”
0.14 ”
Dr.Paul Babu 0.04.850 ”
0.06 ”
Messrs Tata-Finlay Limited 6.50 ”
Mr.George Thomas 1.00 ”
High Range Club, Munnar 0.08.5 ”
The Kannan Devan Employees Society 0.29 ”
Miss Jaspine Markar 0.10 ”
Miss A.B.Markar 0.35 “
Mrs.Lakshmi Marikar 0.15 ”
Area Handed over to Munnar Panchayat 0.01.3 ”
1560.665 ” or 15.61 acres
C. Areas leased or gifted or sold or for which

claims relinquished or in the possession of
others but not deducted from the total holdings:
Messrs Sandoz (India) Limited (Lease) 60.21 ”

Munnar Supply Association (Sold) 0.50 ”
Land handed over to Munnar Hindu
Devasthanam and in their possession 2.54 ”
Area gifted to Little Flower Convent 7.00 ”
Land in the possession of M/s.Tata-Finlay Ltd. 15.67 ”
Building and land handed over to
Mr.E.K.Kuriype 0.1283 ”
Lands appurtenant to Theatre Building 0.071 ”
The Ceylon Pentecostal Mission, Munnar(Gift) 1.90 ”
The Secretary, the Stewards Association
Of India (Gift). 0.50 ”
The Bishop in North India, Kozhikode (Lease) 0.30 ”
Land handed over to Munnar Panchayat
for construction of waiting sheds (Gift) 0.2823 ”
Area occupied by Munnar Mosque 1.48 ”
Area in the occupation of Roman Catholic
Church, Munnar. 4.97 ”
Area shifted to St.Mary’s Orthodox Syrian
Church, Munnar. 2.10 ”
385
Land permitted to be occupied by V.Srinivasan 0.15 ”
Land permitted to be occupied by
Sri.P.W.Union 0.01 ”
Land leased to Burmah Shell Oil Storage &
Distributing Co. of India Ltd., Ernakulam 0.084 ”
Land leased to the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. 0.08 ”
Mr.R.Gopalakrishnan, Managing Director
Messrs N.Ramaswamy Iyer & Sons. 0.02 ”
Mr.M.V.Thomas, Partner, Sam & Co.
Devicolam. 0.0225 ”
Mr.Ganapathy Ramasamy, Munnar 0.0045 ”
Mr.S.Muthaiah Pillai,
C/o. M.Muthuswamy, Munnar. 0.01 ”
Messrs.Marikar & Co. Munnar 0.0698 ”
Mr.Peter Thavukutty, Munnar 0.022 ”
The High Range Marthoma Church, Munnar 2.50 ”
Land sold to Mr.V.Veerasamy 0.25 ”
Land agreed to be sold to Dr. Paul Babu 0.01 ”
Land agreed to be sold to the Kerala State
Handloom Weaver’s Co-operative Society Ltd 0.03 ”
Land agreed to be sold to A.Karuppiah 0.04 ”
Mr.P.V.Jacob 0.08 ”
Mr.C.A.Chacko 0.10 ”
Mr.K.V.Antony 0.03 ”
Mr.S.Paul 0.08 ”
Transport contractor
Land agreed to be gifted to Kannan Devan
Employees Co-operative Society Ltd. 0.055 ”
Land agreed to be leased to Bishop of the
Vijayapuram Diocese. 0.96 ”
Areas entered into by Government–N.O.Road 113.06 ”
Munnar/Devicolam 7.16 ”
Periakanal Road
Area for which claims relinquished (for the
Construction of a godown for the Food
Corporation of India). 3.50 ”
22669.440 acres.
A= 6929.01.000
B= 15.61.000
C= 226.69.440
----------------------
7171.31.440
=============
By Order
Sd/-
LAND BOARD
29.3.1971.
386
Annexure (II)
GOVERNMENT LANDS
Area acquired by Government for

Kundaly Dam 221.23 acres
Area acquired by Labour Colony Building
At Kundaly 0.45 ”
Area acquired by Govt. for Madupatty Dam
Block A 708.53 ”
Block B 104.60 ”
Area on which Telephone Exchange is
Constructed at Munnar 1.42 ”
Kerala State Road Transport Office 0.20 ”
Area occupied by Malayalam Primary
School Munnar/Devicolam Road 0.97 ”
Area handed over to Govt. for house sites
At Munnar on 27.4.1956 216.58 acres. 500.00 ”
Area acquired for public school
(now Indo-Swiss Project). 511.91 ”
Area occupied by Sethuparwathipuram/
Kanthaloor Road 29.31 ”
Alwaye/Munnar Road 14.91 ”
Area acquired for diversion of Upper
Kalaar Waters. 3.10 ”
Munna High Range School & A.T.P.School
House sites for teachers handed over to 6.67 ”
Garage for State Transport Department 5.55 ”
TOTAL 2108.45 ”
Pieces of land in the register Poromboke
of K.D.H. Village. 501.93 ”
TOTAL 2611.38 ”
Sd/-
LAND BOARD
/By Order/
Sd/-
For SECRETARY
387
Annexure (iii)
Area held under Puduval Patta

Chokanad Estate.
Building sites etc. 782 21/2B 0.16 Ac
Area held under Kuthagapattom

In Sevenmally
Uncultivable lands etc.
695 61/15A2 0.43 Ac
In Chokanad 781 61/100 0.84 Ac
783 61/10E 0.10 Ac 0.94 Ac
In Munnar town 1717 61/8B 0.06 Ac
Building Sites 1718 61/BC 0.78 Ac
1721 61/15A2 0.32 “
1722 61/15A3 0.01 “
1723 61/15A4 0.73 “
1724 61/15A5 0.18 “
1725 61/15A7 0.02 “
1726 61/15A8 0.18 “
1729 61/15A9 0.70 “
1737 62/5A/2 0.12 “
1738 A/3 0.15 “
1740 A/4 0.01 “
1740 A/5 0.28 “
1741 A/6 0.34 “
1742 A/7 0.09 “
1743 A/8 0.35 “
--------
Total 5.89 Ac
=====
Sd/-
LAND BOARD
Annexure (iv)
LIST OF UNCULTIVABLE LANDS AT THE MUNNAR TOWNSHIP
1. Sl.No. 61/6 -- 5.00 Ac

2. “ 62/1A -- 16.21 “
3. “ 62/4 -- 3.17 “
4. “ 62/7 -- 1.16 “
5. “ 62/25 -- 45.29 “
Total 70.83 “
Sd/-
LAND BOARD
/By Order/
Sd/-
For SECRETARY
388
Annexure (v)
LIST OF LAND WHICH WOULD CONTINUE TO VEST IN THE GOVERNMENT.
Code No./Letter Assigned Extent

By the Company. Survey No. Ac. Cent. Sq. L.
1 2 3
A.Eravikulam Area 79 Part 19,806.00

B.Mankulam Area 75,75 (Part) 22,311.00
C. “ 28 (part) 3,487.49
D. “ 8/1 (Part) 2,670.00
E.Anamudi area 77 Part. 1,547.60
F.Vaguvurrai 79 “ 2,496.48
G. “ 28 “ 339.20
H.Gundumallay 28 “ 850.00
I. Kundaly 28 “ 762.80
J. Chundavurrai 127 “ 616.80
K.Chittavurrai 127 “ 332.40
L.Kundaly 8 “ 263.20
M.Yellapatty 8/I “ 572.00
N. Arvikad 8 “ 925.60
O. Silent Valley 8 “ 1,253.60
P. Gunderale 13/11D Part & 8. 150.80
Q. Kalaar 77 Part. 200.00
R. Nyamakad 77 “ 540.00
S “ 840 “ 2,153.52
T. Chittavurrai I/I “ 222.54
U. Chundavurrai 28 “ 32.00
V. Yellapatty. 116 “ 60.00
W.Guderale 14/1 “ 287.06
X. Nettigudi 56 Part 162.00
Y. Chokanad 179,59/1 & 178 228.59
Z. Sevenmallay 72 & 74 358.51
AA. Letchmi 77 part 440.00
CC.Kaniammallay 44 part 208.40
Kadalaar No.4 77 “ 751.40
Kundaly No.7 28 “ 210.25
Kundaly No.7A 641 “ 66.90
Letchmi No.8 77 “ 575.00
Vagavurrai No.9 78 “ 292.00
Nyamakad No.11A 77 “ 166.08
Periavurrai No.12 77 “ 648.67
Thenmallay No.14 44 “ 143.20
Kanniamallay No.6A 44 “ 62.40
Chokanad 17 “ 523.52
Kalaar No.5 77 “ 1111.89
Nyamakad No.11 78 & 44 “ 414.00
Headquarters land No.2 11 A Part. 193.86 + 163.94
Headquarter land No.11 622 Pt. 93.83
Headquarter land No.8, 618 Part
619,620,9,10,12
13,14 & 15, 623,
624, 625 & 626. 16.38
389
Nettigudi 8/1 624.00
Arvikad 8/1 217.60
Extent to be
Determined
finally
by Collector
after
demarcation
and survey.
“ 8/1 276.80
Silent Valley 8/1 160.40
Gundumallay No.3 25 333.01
Arvikad No.1 987, 427, 803/1 & 785 68.36
Sandoz Area in Kundaly 28 part. 60.21
Uncultivable land in Headquarters 70.83
Total 70,522.12
Sd/-
LAND BOARD
/By Order/
Sd/-
For SECRETARY
Annexure (v)
LIST OF LANDS TO BE RETAINED BY THE K.D.H.P. Co. LTD.
Area under Tea Crop 23239.06 Acres

Area under Fuel trees 16898.91 “
Area under Grazing 1220.77 “
Area under building sites, roads
Workers gardens etc. 2617.69 “
Area under streams & Swamps 2465.20 “
Area uncultivable 6393.59 “
Area interspersed in estates and
Between estates. 4523.92 “
57359.14.000
Deduct lands sold to 38 persons 166.48.440
Balance 57192.65.560
Note: This includes the area comprised in the 2 main roads taken over under para 28 A of the order.
Sd/-
LAND BOARD
/By Order/
Sd/-
For SECRETARY
390
Appendix – XVIII
DETAILS OF LEASED AREAS
Payment
Expiry Date
Extent(ha)
lease rent
Period of
made this Whether
Division
interest
District
Date of
Arrear
Penal
Issue
lease
Sl. Range/ Rate of during G.O.No. & agreement
Lessee Remarks
No Location lease rent this Date executed or
financial not
year
Renewed
31.3.2001
Rs.25 upto
25 Years
1212.59
Munnar
Kerala Forest G.O.(MS)25/2003 Agreement for a further
1E+06
Idukki
1976
March 2001
Nil
1 Development Devikulam Nil /p&WLDdt.15.05. executed by period of 25
Rs.50/ha after
Corporation 03DTdt.05.01.02 CCF years from
April 2001
01.01.2001
31.03.2005
M/s Agreement Renewed
12 Years
1082.36
Munnar
Munnar/De
Idukki
1994
Hindustan GO(MS)20/2006/ executed by for a further
Nil
Nil
2 Newsprint
vikulam & 1300/ha 18,56,855/-
dt.20.02.2006 Govt.CCF period of 14
Adimaly
Ltd.Velloor level years
391
Appendix – XIX
ABSTRACT
Forest & Wild Life Department – Kerala Forest Development Corporation Limited – Fixation
of lease rent for the forest land leased out to the Corporation – Order issued.
FOREST & WILD LIFE (C) DEPARTMENT
G. O. (MS) No. 2/2002/F&WLD. Dated, Thiruvananthapuram 05/01/2002
Read:- 1) Letters No. CL/II/43, dated 22/01/1998 and 04/02/2000 from the
Managing Director, KFDC Limited.
2) Correspondence resting with letter No. L4/12080/84 dated 30/11/1998
from the Chief Conservator of Forests .
ORDER
An extent of 10717.182 ha of forest land has been leased out to the Kerala Forest
Development Corporation Limited from time to time from its operations. The Activities of the
Corporation include management of forests on sustained basis and undertaking conservation
measures/protection and development of flora and fauna etc. The functions of the
Corporation are peregrination and improvement of ecological environment of forests and are
largely and extension of the functions of the Forest Department. The Managing Director of
the Corporation as per his letters read above has pointed out that the Corporation is engaged
in the Developmental activities in forestry sector as a supplementary and complementary unit
of Kerala Forest Department as well as Government in production and supply of raw
materials to wood based industries and hence it is not proper to treat this Corporation on par
with those engaged in planting commercial crops with profit motive. Unlike other Corporations
owned by Government, which concentrates on planting commercial crops, Kerala Forest
Development Corporation is often forced to bear financial burden even beyond its capacity in
compliance of Government direction and honoring the contractual obligations to industrial
units like Grassim, Hindustan News Print Limited etc. In these background the Managing
director, Kerala Forest Development Corporation has requested Government to exempt the
Corporation from payment of lease rent for the forest land leased out to the Corporation. The
Chief Conservator of Forests has recommended the request of the Managing Director, Kerala
Forest Development Corporation.
No specific lease rent has been fixed in respect of the forest land leased out to the
Corporation. The land has been leased out to the Corporation for 25 years from 1976. Lease
deed has not been executed with Kerala Forest Development Corporation for the forest land
leased out and no lease rent has been realized from them so far. Out of the total area of
10717.182 ha of forest land leased out to the Corporation, the area covered under cash corps
is 2968.741 ha and the area meant for tree cultivation is 7748.441 ha
Government have examined the matter in detail and are pleased to order that the
lease rent at the following rates be fixed for the forest land leased out to the corporation.
392
1) Lease rent @ Rs. 25/- and Rs. 100/- ha/per annum with effect from the date of
lease till 31/03/2001 for the forest land leased out to Kerala Forest Development
Corporation, which is cultivated with tree and cash crops respectively.
2) Lease rent @ Rs. 50/- and Rs. 200/- per ha/per annum respectively for the
aforesaid areas with effect from 01/04/01.
The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests will take immediate necessary action to
executive lease deed and collect lease rent as ordered.
(BY ORDER OF THE GOVERNOR)
E. K. BHARATH BHUSHAN
secretary to Government
To
The Managing Director, Kerala Forest Development Corporation Ltd., Aranykom,
Karapuzha, Kottayam – 686 003.
The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Thiruvananthapuram
The Chief Conservator of Forests (Protection), Thiruvananthapuram
The Accountant General (Audit), Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram (This issues with the
concurrence of Fin. Dept.)
The Finance Department (Vide No. 18606/AW.A1/2001/Fin. Dated 13/03/2001
The General Admn. (SC) Department – vide item No. 651 dated 26/01/01
Stock File
Office Copy
Forwarded /By Order
Section Officer
Forestry operations (Pulpwood,

KFDC Forest Forest Forest Softwood, Canes, Bamboos etc) Net area under
Division Circle Division Range Possession
Plantation Rocky area
High
Munnar
Munnar Range Devikulam Pulpwood 457.0370 1212.587
Division
Circle
Sd/-
Managing director
393
Appendix – XX
DETAILS OF HNL CAPTIVE PLANTATIONS IN AREA OF MUNNAR FOREST DIVISION
Sl.
Plantation Range Area (ha)
No.
1 1994 Block III Kaithachal & Kathippara Adimaly 63.360
2 2000 Block II Kaithachal Adimaly 24.430
3 1994 Block I Surianelly Adimaly 76.510
4 1994 Block IV Sengulam Adimaly 37.399
5 1995 Block I Kundala Devikulam 53.030
6 1995 Block II Palar Devikulam 48.300
8 1995 Block IV Ka-Block Devikulam 116.180
9 1995 BI. V Choondal & Surianelly Devikulam 56.620
10 1995 Block VI Pappathishola & Santhanpara Devikulam 24.760
11 1999 Block VI Surianelly (Replanted 2006) Devikulam 51.520
12 1999 Block VII Sengulam Devikulam 54.720
13 2000 Block I Surianelly Devikulam 91.930
14 2001 Block VIII Pappathishola Devikulam 46.460
15 2001 BI. VIII Pappathishola (replanted 2008) Devikulam 17.680
16 2001 Block IX Pazhathottam (replanted - 2008) Devikulam 67.540
17 2001 Block X Pettimudy Munnar 16.000
18 1999 Block II Mattupetty Munnar 74.000
19 1999 Block III Iddalimotta Munnar 59.420
20 2001 Block II Gundumala Munnar 37.240
21 2001 Block XV Mattupetty Munnar 11.320
Total 1028.419
394
Appendix – XXI
DETAILS REGARDING COLLECTION OF NWFP SINCE 1995
1998-99
1999-00
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
2004-05
2005-06
2006-07
2007-08
2008-09
Sl.No NWFP
Kg Kg Kg Kg Kg Kg Kg Kg Kg Kg Kg
1 Kattupadavalam 11931 14906 10.3 11435 11868 19625 12330 3881 500 350 940
2 Cheevakai 1351 95 520 5067 518 4426 4514 2400 550 250
3 Thelli 7186 16465 8.5 6600 8576 700 50 12500
4 Kadukka 600 14000 1000 8000 3500 15143
5 Then 580 2300 1200 500 3213 2918 9521 125 2250
6 Kasthurimanjal 99 469 1650 4000 800 3125 3323 3260 4550 2000 3200
7 Maramanjal 1478 50 250 1800 100 200 5
8 Peenari 19822 8000 2200 5512 15900 5500 8710 2500
9 Kudampuli 88.45 37 200 5423 200
10 Kuruthotti 35 27 240 20
11 Kattuvalli 50
12 Pulinchi 1000 300
13 Makkumkai 690 250 700 50 492 50
395
1998-99
1999-00
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
2004-05
2005-06
2006-07
2007-08
2008-09
Sl.No NWFP
14 Pulinchikai 40
15 Kattuelakka 350
16 Pathripoovu 1053 91 184 1998 493 25 25
17 Kattukurumulaku 50 119.3 400 50 1250 100
18 Incha 31100 2150 2000 600 7800 2400
19 Manjakoova
20 Marottikuru 550 500 35 50
21 Kunnikuru
22 Pachotti 190 230 450 100
23 Vayambu 99 19535
24 Nellikka 700 95 5195 4400
25 Nankukuru
26 Kalpasam 151 14528
27 Karimkurunjiveru 1500 1300
28 Mezhuku 14 11
29 Damar 297
396
1998-99
1999-00
2000-01
2001-02
2002-03
2003-04
2004-05
2005-06
2006-07
2007-08
2008-09
Sl.No NWFP
30 Palikuru 2500
31 Idanapool 5000
32 Inchpullu 25 19000
33 Kunthirikkam 336 850 95 30
34 Pashionfruit 700 800
35 Pattincha 850 2350 4160 2500
36 Kannimanga 2400
37 Chittmruthu 6 1200
Marayoor Division
1 Eechampullu 35
397
Appendix – XXII
COST OF EXTRACTION OF FOREST PRODUCE IN ORDINARY AREA
Rate in Rate in
Sl Unit rate Quantity
1994 2006
Timber
Felling and preparation of logs (Hard
i 12 20
wood) ½ m3 and below 1m3
Felling and preparation of Logs (wood to
ii 1m3 36 60
be Desapped) ½ m3 and below
Felling and preparation of logs
iii 1 m3 9 15
(Softwood) ½ m3 and below
Haulage for a distance of initial 400m.
iv 1m3 31.78 44.14
Hand dragging
v Haulage for every additional 200m m3 7.94 11
3
vi Haulage in difficult area over initial 400m 1m 35.75 55.17
Transportation charge
i By Lorry Main road 1st 10 km m3 22.5 33.75
Next 15 kms. Per m3/Km 1.5 2.25
3
Beyond 25 kms. Per m /Km 1.2 1.8
ii By Coupe roads for 1st 10 Km m3 33.75 50.62
3
Next 15 kms m /Km 2.25 3.37
iii Loading charges m3 8.47 14.12
3
iv Unloading charges m 2.54 3.53
Firewood Extraction
i Felling and billeting, Stacking 1 MT 10.46 17.44
ii Transportation by head load (200m) MT 6.28 8.72
iii Loading charges MT 14.62 18
iv Unloading and stacking MT 8.5 10.46
Bamboo extraction
i Felling and collection of full bamboos 100 Nos 243.75 300
ii Felling and collection of top bamboo 100 Nos 117 144
iii Felling and collection bottom bamboos 100 Nos 146.25 180
iv Collection reed 100 Nos 9.75 12
398
Appendix – XXIII
PRICE TREND TIMBER AUCTION, KOTHAMANGALAM DEPOT
Sl. 2000- 2001- 2002- 2003- 2004- 2006- 2008- 2009-

Species
No 01 02 03 04 05 07 09 10
1 Export I A - - - - - 71500 - -
2 Teak Exp C 51,000 Nil Nil 36,300 Nil 66100 - -
3 Teak I C 37,100 Nil Nil 41,300 Nil - - -
4 IB - - - - - 75000 - -
5 IE - - - - - 63000 - -
6 II A - - - - - 56000 - -
7 Teak II B 36,100 Nil 30,100 38,400 42,000 60900 60500 42200
8 Teak II C 32,400 Nil 21,500 31,600 39,100 - - -
9 II D - - - - - - 30100 40100
10 II E - - - - - 44700 36100 76600
11 Teak II LLC 32,400 Nil Nil 36,300 Nil 37300 - -
12 Teak II SLC 14,500 Nil Nil 18,100 Nil - - -
13 II SL D - - - - - 23000 - -
14 Teak II D Nil Nil Nil 15,400 18,600 - - -
15 Teak III B 28,600 Nil 21,700 31,100 33,000 34100 43300 56500
16 Teak III C 27,100 Nil 18,600 22,600 24,100 28300 - -
17 III D - - - - - - 16100 -
18 III E - - - - - - 37100 53100
19 SL III E - - - - - - 32300 -
20 Teak III LLB 26,500 Nil Nil 25,100 32,600 - - -
21 Teak III LLC 23,100 Nil Nil 22,800 30,100 27900 - -
22 Teak III LLC 13,100 Nil Nil 17,500 17,500 20300 - -
23 Teak III D Nil Nil Nil 15,200 22,000 17000 - -
24 III E - - - - - 26600 - -
25 SL IV D - - - - - - 27100 -
26 Teak IV B 19,300 Nil 14,600 16,100 21,100 27700 - -
27 Teak IV C 19,500 Nil 13,000 14,000 18,200 17100 - -
28 - - - - - - - -
29 IV E - - - - - 18100 21200 -
30 Teak IV LLC 18,000 Nil 13,200 15,200 Nil - 24000 -
31 Teak IV SLC 15,000 Nil Nil 10,100 15,100 8000 - -
32 IV B - - - - - - - 44200
33 Teak IV D Nil Nil Nil 8,100 13,200 15600 - 21600
34 Teak BSC 11,100 Nil 5,600 13,700 Nil 15100 - -
35 Teak BSD Nil Nil Nil 8,200 Nil - - -
36 Teak II LLB 35,600 Nil 31,600 Nil Nil - - -
37 IV LLE - - - - - 24000 - -
38 Cheeni I 2,200 Nil Nil 1,100 Nil - - -
39 Irul I 14,000 Nil 2,850 8,200 Nil - - -
399
Sl. 2000- 2001- 2002- 2003- 2004- 2006- 2008- 2009-
Species
No 01 02 03 04 05 07 09 10
40 Irul II 11,000 Nil 2,850 2,300 Nil - -
41 Maruthy I 11,000 Nil 2,950 Nil Nil - - -
42 Maruthy II 9,600 Nil 2,900 Nil Nil - - -
43 M. Venga 6,000 Nil Nil 1,600 Nil - - -
44 Vetty II 2,050 Nil Nil Nil Nil - - -
45 Vatta I 1,050 Nil Nil Nil Nil - - -
46 Vatta II 1,100 Nil Nil Nil Nil - - -
47 Velleetty I 1,100 Nil Nil Nil Nil - - -
48 Velleetty II 1,100 Nil 2,500 Nil Nil - - -
49 Thabamkam I 10,100 Nil Nil 14,550 Nil - - -
50 Thambakam II 13,300 Nil Nil 8,050 Nil - - -
IB
51 - - - - - 14200 - -
(Thenbavu)
Export B
52 - - - - - 22000 - -
(Thenbavu)
Price trend timber auction, Veettoor Depot
Sl.No Species 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07

1 Teak Exp 25,600 31,500 39,000 -
2 Teak I A 40,800 45,500 46,700 72,200 -
3 Teak I B 34,600 56,100 57,100 65,600 -
4 Teak I C 42,400 47,600 48,500 57,000 36,500
5 Teak II A 41,500 49,400 57,000 45,100 -
6 Teak II B 42,300 43,700 42,000 58,300 66,100
7 Teak II C 33,500 37,800 33,700 57,000 66,000
8 Teak III B 30,100 31,700 32,200 41,000 47,200
9 Teak III C 26,000 29,100 29,900 39,400 37,600
10 Teak IV B 18,000 22,500 24,400 24,600 25,100
11 Teak IV C 15,900 17,900 15,500 20,000 28,900
12 Teak BS 11,500 12,100 13,700 21,380 19,000
13 Teak Poles I C 3,100 3,575 5,350 5,450 7,700
14 Teak Poles II C 2,450 2,550 3,050 3,250 3,275
15 Teak Poles III 1,100 1,100 1,200 1,220 1,700
16 Teak Poles IV 490 475
400
Price trend timber auction, Mudikkal Depot
Sl.
Species 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
No
1 I LLB - - - - - 124000 -
2 II LLB - - - - - 85500 -
3 II LLE - - - - - 65100 -
4 LL III B - - - - - 47100 -
5 LM - I B - - - - 100100 - 118500
6 LMBS - - - - - 20500 16500
7 LM I E - - - - 46900 - 85100
8 LL II B - - - - 76500 - 51826
9 LM II A - - - - - - 47672
10 LM II B - - - - - - 117500
11 LM II C - - - - 52800 - -
12 LM II D - - - - - - -
13 LM II E - - - - - - 79000
14 LM III A - - - - - - 71900
15 LL III B - - - - 57800 - 63100
16 LL III E - - - - - - 43300
17 LM III B - - - - 59000 - 69000
18 LM III C - - - - - - 48200
19 LM III D - - - - - - 10100
20 LM III E - - - - 39100 -
21 LM IV B - - - - - - 37400
22 LM IV E - - - - 23600 - 30000
23 SL III E - - - - - - -
24 PIE - - - - - - -
25 PID - - - - - - 4850
26 TEAK I C Nil 37,488 Nil 48,500 - - -
27 TEAK II B 29899 37,297 Nil 47,803 - - -
28 TEAK II C 23513 21,536 Nil 28,750 - - -
29 TEAK III B 19710 24,586 Nil 31,929 - - -
30 TEAK III C 18422 16,410 Nil 22,917 - - -
31 TEAK IV B 17834 18,509 Nil 1,293 - - -
32 TEAK IV C 12851 11,122 Nil 13,613 - - -
33 TEAK BS 10932 14,208 Nil Nil - - -
34 TEAK II CLL 34101 24,360 Nil Nil - - -
35 TEAK III CLL 24099 20,962 Nil Nil - - -
TEAK III CSL
36 12195 11,765 Nil Nil - - -
37 TEAK IV CSL Nil 13,093 Nil 10,250 - - -

TEAK POLES
38 3284 2,871 Nil 4,306 - - -
IC
TEAK POLES
39 1905 1,465 Nil 2,650 - - -
II C
401
Sl.
Species 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
No
TEAK POLES
40 896 859 Nil Nil - - -
III
KUNNIVAHA
41 Nil 2,258 Nil 13,500 - - -
II
42 K.THAKARA I Nil 1,050 Nil 11,813 - - -
K. THAKARA
43 Nil 1,050 Nil 6,946 - - -
II
44 SL Export C- - - - - 52800 - -
45 LM Export E - - - - - 23900 -
46 PIE - - - - - 5500 8700
47 PII E - - - - - 4600
48 SL II E - - - - - - 30100
49 SL III B - - - - - - 40000
50 SL III E - - - - - - 29200
51 SL IV E - - - - 16100
402
Appendix – XXIV
FIXATION OF SELLING PRICE
Price for Whether

Sl. Ex-depot
standing with bark
Common name Botanical name Unit price
No timber at or without
(Rs)
site (Rs) bark
1 Bamboosa Metric Not
Bamboos 800
(a) species Tonne applicable
1 Flowered Bamboosa Metric Not

500
(b) bamboos species Tonne applicable
Ochlandra Metric Not

2 Reeds 1200
species Tonne applicable
Stacked
Eucalyptus hybrid
Tonne (2
3 Eucalyptus and Eucalyptus 1700 With bark
cubic
grandis
metres)
Cubic Without
4 Vellapine Vateria indica 10915 12293
metre bark
Dipertrocarpus Cubic Without
5 Kalpine 22615 23933
species metre bark
Calophyllum Cubic Without
6 Punna 10060 11438
species metre bark
Cubic Without
7 Chandana vembu Toona ciliata 12210 13588
metre bark
Palaquin Cubic Without
8 Pali 7280 8658
ellipticum metre bark
Ailanthus Cubic Without
9 Matti 3035 4413
malabaricum metre bark
Elavu (above 125 Bombax Cubic Without
10 2500 3672
cm GBH) malabaricum metre bark
Evodia Cubic Without
11 Kambili 4828 6000
roxburgiana metre bark
Dysoxylum Cubic Without
12 Vellakil 40935 42313
malabaricum metre bark
Cubic Without
13 Manja kadambu Adina cordifolia 23450 24828
metre bark
Anogeissus Cubic
14 Vekkalee 4460 5838 With bark
latifolia metre
Cubic
15 Benda Kydia calycina 2175 3553 With bark
metre
Macaranga Cubic
16 Uppathy Vatta 2395 3773 With bark
peltata metre
Cubic
17 Pala Alstonia scholaris 2395 3773 With bark
metre
Terminalia Cubic
18 Thanni 8755 10113 With bark
bellerica metre
403
Appendix – XXV
OFFICER'S HELD INCHARGE IN MUNNAR DIVISION
Sl. No Name From To

1 C.Chadrasekharan 23/02/1963 18/12/1964
2 M.S.Nair 19/12/1964 4/4/1966
3 I.Natarajan Chettiar 5/4/1966 31/07/1970
4 S. Chand Basha 1/8/1970 17/06/1974
5 P.M.Abraham 19/06/1974 26/07/1975
6 Abraham Vargheese, Adl.Charge 27/07/1975 9/10/1975
7 A.K.Narayanan Nair 8/10/1975 10/9/1975
8 K.K.Ibhrahim Kutty 11/9/1976 8/6/1978
9 K.Dharmapalan, Adl.Charge 9/6/1978 17/07/1978
10 P.K.Surendranathan Assari, IFS 17/08/1978 4/3/1930
11 K.Dharmapalan 4/3/1980 23/06/1981
12 V.K.Sinha,IFS 23/06/1981 27/08/1981
13 B.Krishnan, Adl.Charge 28/08/1981 13/03/1981
14 V.K.Sinha,IFS 14/09/1981 9/12/1983
15 R.S.R.Prasad, IFS 9/12/1983 3/8/1985
16 G.Harikumar, IFS, Adl.Charge 4/8/1985 20/12/1985
17 B.Sivaraju, IFS 20/12/1985 10/12/1987
18 V.Gopinathan, IFS 10/12/1987 17/06/1989
19 K.J.John, IFS 17/06/1989 1/7/1989
20 V.Gopinathan, IFS 1/7/1989 17/08/1989
21 P.T.Joseph, IFS 17/08/1989 11/7/1990
22 H.Nagesh Prabhu, IFS 11/7/1990 10/8/1993
23 K.A.Mohammad Noushad, IFS 10/8/1993 15/12/1996
24 Dr.S.K.Khanduri, IFS 16/12/1996 2/5/1997
25 P.A.Abraham, Adl.Charge 2/5/1997 24/05/1997
26 Dr.S.K.Khanduri, IFS 24/05/1997 16/05/1998
Bennichan Thomas, IFS,
27 16/05/1998 11/11/1998
Adl.Charge
28 G.Rennensen, IFS 11/11/1998 1/9/1999
29 N.SethuKumar, ACF, Adl.Charge 1/9/1999 4/10/1999
30 Pramod Kumar Pathak, IFS 4/10/1999 29/03/2000
31 N.SethuKumar, ACF, Adl.Charge 29/03/2000 5/6/2000
32 G.Mohandas, IFS 5/6/2000 11/5/2001
K.A.Noorudheen Methar, ACF,
33 11/5/2001 6/8/2001
Adl.Charge
404
Sl. No Name From To
34 G.Mohandas, IFS 6/8/2001 27/09/2001
35 D.Jayaprasad, IFS 27/09/2001 15/11/2001
36 A.R.Anirudhan, ACF, Adl.Charge 15/11/2001 3/12/2001
37 Prakrithy Srivasthava, IFS 3/12/2001 3/3/2004
38 Rajan Sehgal, IFS 3/3/2004 18/03/2005
39 J.Justin Mohan, IFS 18/03/2005 3/1/2007
40 G.Phanindra Kumar Rao, IFS 4/1/2007 8/2/2007
41 V.Sasidharan, IFS, Adl.Charge 9/2/2007 15/04/2007
42 G.Phanindra Kumar Rao, IFS 16/04/2007 30/05/2007
43 P.K.Rajan, ACF, Adl.Charge 31/05/2007 5/9/2007
405
Appendix – XXVI
FOREST AND WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT - FOREST SCHEDULE OF RATES -

REVISION OF MINIMUM WAGES IN FOREST
Department Orders Issued – Forest & Wildlife (B) Department

GO (MS) No:7/07/F&WLD Thiruvananthapuram, dated 24-02-2007
Existing Revised
VDA
Wages VDA (1350
Sl (1350points)
Classification as per points) @
No. Revised @ 0.06
1999 paise/point Total Total
Wages paise/point
Govt: above 900
above 1200
order point
point
Un skilled
1
Mazdoor
Oridinary Area 92.8 27 119.8 146 9 155
Difficult Area 104.4 27 131.4 154 9 163
Very Difficult
115 27 142 162 9 171
Area
Semi Skilled
2
Mazdoor
Oridinary Area 102 27 129 151 9 160
Difficult Area 114.75 27 141.75 162 9 171
Very Difficult
127.5 27 154.5 174 9 183
Area
Skilled
3
Mazdoor
Oridinary Area 115.2 27 142.2 167 9 176
Difficult Area 129.6 27 156.6 181 9 190
Very Difficult
144 27 171 193 9 202
Area
Highly skilled
4
Mazdoor
Oridinary Area 115.2 27 142.2 181 9 190
Difficult Area 129.6 27 156.6 197 9 206
Very Difficult
144 27 171 214 9 223
Area
406
Appendix – XXVII
DETAILS OF BUILDINGS IN MUNNAR DIVISION
Sl. No Particulars Range Location Remarks

1 Division Office Devikulam Devikulam
2 Range Office Neriamangalam Neriamangalam
3 Range Office Adimaly Koompanpara
4 Range Office Munnar Munnar
5 Range Office Devikulam Devikulam
6 Forest Station Neriamangalam Valara
7 Forest Station Neriamangalam Inchathotty
8 Forest Station Neriamangalam Karimanal
9 Forest Station Adimaly Machiplavu
10 Forest Station Adimaly Choorakattan
11 Forest Station Munnar Nymakkad
17 Out Post Type-II Adimaly Panamkutty
18 Out Post Type-II Neriamangalam Urulanthanni
19 Out Post Type-II Devikulam Santhanpara
20 Thondy Shed Devikulam Devikulam
21 Thondy Shed Devikulam 2 nd Mile
22 ACF's Quarters Munnar Munnar
23 RO Quarters Neriamangalam Neriamangalam
24 RO Quarters Adimaly Koompanpara
25 RO Qarters Munnar Munnar
26 RO Qarters Devikulam Devikulam
27 Dy.RO Quarters Neriamangalam Neriamangalam
28 Dy.RO Quarters Adimaly Machiplavu
29 Forester's Quarters Devikulam Devikulam
30 Forester's Quarters Devikulam 2 nd Mile
31 Guard Stay Neriamangalam Neriamangalam
32 Guard Stay Devikulam Devikulam
35 Guard Stay Devikulam 2 nd Mile
36 Clerk's Quarters Neriamangalam Neriamangalam
37 Clerk's Quarters Devikulam Devikulam
38 Peon's Quarters Neriamangalam Neriamangalam
39 Peon's Quarters Munnar Munnar
407
Sl. No Particulars Range Location Remarks
40 Peon's Quarters Devikulam Devikulam
41 Barrack Accomadation Neriamangalam Nagarampara
42 Barrack Accomadation Neriamangalam Inchathotty
43 Barrack Accomadation Adimaly Panamkutty
44 Community Hall Neriamangalam Pazhampallichal
45 Community Hall Adimaly Chattupara
46 Type-II Building Devikulam Devikulam
47 Type - I Building Devikulam Devikulam
48 Type - I Building Munnar Munnar
Permanent &
49 Neriamangalam Urulanthanny
Temperory Bulding
Permanent &
50 Adimaly Panamkutty
Temperory Bulding
51 Green House Munnar Kuttiyarvalley
Green House, Central
52 Devikulam Devikulam
Nursery
Staff Quarters, Central
Nursery
Watchman's Cabin,
Central Nursery
Permanent Shed,
Central Nursery
Inspection Bunglows
1 Inspection Bunglow Devikulam Devikulam
2 IB Central Nursery Devikulam Devikulam
Checking Stations
1 Checking Station Neriamangalam Thalakkode
2 Checking Station Adimaly Panamkutty
3 Checking Station Devikulam Bodimettu
4 Checking Station Devikulam Palar
5 Checking Station Munnar Munnar
408
Appendix – XXVIII
DETAILS OF VEHICLES IN MUNNAR DIVISION
Sl. Type/ Petrol/

Vehicle No. Office Custodian Remarks
No Model Diesel
1 KL-7 B 9725 RO Neriamangalam Jeep Diesel RO Not useful
2 KL-6 9684 RO Neriamangalam Jeep Diesel RO Stolen
3 KL-17-B 8632 RO Neriamangalam Jeep Diesel RO Using
4 KL-01B 3524 RO Neriamangalam Bullet Petrol RO Not useful
5 KBV 4391 RO Neriamangalam Bullet Petrol RO Not useful
6 KL-01N 3297 RO Neriamangalam Bullet Petrol RO Not useful
7 KL-05 J 301 RO Neriamangalam Bike Petrol RO Using
Country
8 Nil RO Neriamangalam RO Using
Boat
Dy.RO
9 KL-05G 9867 RO Adimaly Jeep Diesel Using
Machiplavu
10 KL-06C 7121 RO Adimaly Jeep Diesel RO Using
11 KL-06 310 RO Adimaly Jeep Diesel RO Condemned
SF
12 KL-11 R 1037 RO Adimaly Bullet Petrol Using
Mukkadam
SF
13 KBT 9560 RO Adimaly Bullet Petrol Using
Koompanpara
14 KL-01B 3404 RO Adimaly Bullet Petrol RO Not useful
15 KL-01B 3544 RO Adimaly Bullet Petrol RO Not useful
16 KL-05 Q RO Munnar Jeep Diesel RO Using
17 KL-01 H 8429 RO Munnar Jeep Diesel RO Not useful
18 KL-01B 3408 RO Munnar Bullet Petrol RO Not useful
19 KL-05Q DFO Munnar Qualis Diesel DFO Munnar Using
20 KL-06C 40 ACF Munnar Gypsy Petrol ACF Munnar Using
RO
21 KL-06C 7248 RO Devikulam Jeep Diesel Using
Devikulam
RO
22 KL-11R-1038 RO Devikulam Bullet Petrol Using
Devikulam
RO
23 KL-05Q-5053 RO Devikulam Pulsar Petrol Using
Devikulam
409
Appendix – XXIX
EQUIPEMENTS WITH MUNNAR FOREST DIVISION
Sl.
Item Accessories Office Custodian
No
Printer 2 Nos,
1 Computer UPS, Keyboard, Range Office RO Adimaly
Speaker
2 Server Divisional Office DFO
3 Computer Divisional Office DFO
4 Computer TVS UPS 2 KVA Divisional Office DFO
5 Fax machine Divisional Office DFO
Digital Photo
6 Divisional Office DFO
copier
7 Fax machine Divisional Office DFO
8 Generator Divisional Office DFO
Printer 2 Nos,
9 Computer UPS, Keyboard, Range Office RO Munnar
Speaker
Printer 2 Nos,
10 Computer UPS, Keyboard, Range Office RO Devikulam
Speaker
Printer 2 Nos,
RO
11 Computer UPS, Keyboard, Range Office
Neriamangalam
Speaker
Wireless sets & Walkie-Talkies
Sl.
Range Location of Sets Type of Sets Remarks
No
1 Adimaly Range Office I Com Using 1 No
2 Adimaly Machiplavu FS I Com Using 2 Nos
3 Adimaly Panamkutty FS I Com Using 1 No
Perinjankutty
4 Adimaly I Com Using 1 No
Section
5 Adimaly Mukkadam SF I Com Using 1 No
Under the
6 Munnar Range Office Walkie talki Custody of RO-
4 Nos
Under the
7 Neriamangalam Range Office Walkie talkie Custody of RO-
7Nos
Under the
8 Devikulam Range Office Walkie Talkie custody of RO-
1Nos
410
Binocular
Sl.No Range Office Make Rate
1 Adimaly Range Office Olympus 1950
Camera
1 Adimaly Range Office Canon 9900
1 GPS 10 Nos
Details of Arms and Ammunition in Munnar Division
Sl.No Item Serial number Qty Reference Custodian
As per
A.6894 33 Nos Range Officer,
1 0.32 Revolver 1 Range
ctarridge Adimaly
stock
A.3690 10 Nos Range Officer,

2 0.32 Revolver 1 "
Catridges Munnar
Range Officer,
3 0.32 Revolver A. 3696 1 "
Devikulam
A.4149 As per
4 0.32 Revolver 2 division DFO, Munnar
J.8512 stock
As per
Range Officer,
5 0.315 Rifle AB.05-1918 1 Range
Munnar
stock
411
Appendix – XXX
TREATMENT AREAS TAKEN UNDER KERALA FORESTRY PROJECT IN MUNNAR

DIVISION LIST OF TREATMENT AREAS (RRB) TAKEN UNDER KFP
Sl.
Range Locality Year Extent (ha) Species
No
Bamboo,
1 Nerimangalam Nandukulam 1998 100.000 maruthu,
Thenmbavu
Cane, Bamboo,
2 Nerimangalam Moonnukalingu 1999 20.000
Reed
3 Adimaly Manjakuzhy 1999 20.000 Cane
4 Nerimangalam Kanjiravelly 2000 30.000 Cane
5 Adimaly Nellimala 2001 31.200 Reeds
Rattan, Reeds &

6 Adimaly Avarukutty 2001 37.400
bamboo
7 Nerimangalam Thattekanni 2002 60.000 Reed, bamboo
Bit-I 63 - Reed,
Bamboo
8 Adimaly Sooriyamudi 2002 125.000
Bi-II 62 Reed,
Bamboo
Adichillu micro water

9 Nerimangalam 2002 148.500 Reed, bamboo
shed Block-II
Reed &
bammboo

shed Block-V
12 Nerimangalam Eenthalumpara 2003 121.100 Reed
Total 804.300
Details of Treatment areas (ANR) taken under KFP
Sl.
No
Bamboo,
1 Nerimangalam Nandukulam 1998 100.000 maruthu,
Thenmbavu
Cane, Reed
2 Nerimangalam Moonnukalingu 1999 20.000
Bamboo,
3 Adimaly Manjakuzhy 1999 20.000 Cane
4 Nerimangalam Kanjiravelly 2000 30.000 Cane
5 Adimaly Nellimala 2001 31.200 Reeds
Rattan, Reeds &
bamboo
7 Nerimangalam Thattekanni 2002 60.000 Reed, bamboo
412
Sl.
No
Bit-I 63 - Reed,
Bamboo
8 Adimaly Sooriyamudi 2002 125.000
Bi-II 62 Reed,
Bamboo
shed Block-II
Reed &
bammboo
shed Block-V
12 Nerimangalam Eenthalumpara 2003 121.100 Reed
Total 804.300
Details of Treatment areas (ANR) taken under KFP
Sl.
Range Locality Year Extent(ha) Remarks
No
Attuvanci,Anjili,
1 Adimaly Pambla 1998 64.300
Cadachi etc
Anjili, Edana,
2 Adimaly Manjalkuzhi 1998 65.700
Kulamavu etc.
Nelli, Thanni,
3 Neriamangalam Elamblassery 1998 130.000
Venga
Nelli, Thanni,
4 Adimaly Mangapara 1998 54.000
Venga
Nelli, Thanni,
5 Neriamangalam Ranikallu 1999 200.000
Venga
Nelli, Thanni,
6 Neriamangalam Kinachery 1999 90.750
Venga
Nelli, Thanni,
7 Neriamangalam Cheeyapara 2000 59.050
Venga
Plavu, Njaval.
Valiyaparakutty Block
8 Adimaly 2000 165.000 Venga, Reeds
I,II,III&IV
Etc
Nelli, Thanni,
9 Neriamangalam Chempankuzhi 2000 116.250
Venga
Nelli, Thanni,
10 Neriamangalam Kanjiravelly 2000 150.000
Venga
Nelli, Thanni,
11 Neriamangalam Inchapathal 2000 135.800
Venga
Nelli, Thanni,
12 Neriamangalam Upper pinavoor 2001 77.000
Venga
Nelli, Thanni,
13 Adimaly Manalkayam 2001 100.000
Venga
Adichillu Micro water Nelli, Thanni,
14 Neriamangalam 2002 162.000
shed Block – I Venga
Nelli, Thanni,
15 Neriamangalam " Block – III 2002 125.500
Venga
Nelli, Thanni,
16 Neriamangalam " Block – IV 2002 151.100
Venga
413
Sl.
No
Nelli, Thanni,
17 Neriamangalam Soochipara 2002 89.000
Venga
Total 1935.450
Details of Treatment areas (RDF) taken under KFP
Sl.
No.
1 Neriamangalam Bharanikuzhi 1999 50.00 Misc
2 Adimaly Manjakuzhy 1999 50.00 Misc
3 Adimaly Choorakkattan 1999 70.00 Misc
Akil,Rosewood,
4 Adimaly Valayamkulam 1999 70.00
venga Etc
5 Adimaly Kozhiyala 1999 20.00 Misc
6 Adimaly Kurathikudy 2000 22.30 Misc
7 Neriamangalam Valara 2000 12.30 Misc
Total 294.60
List of recent treatment areas
Sl. Extent
Range Locality Year Remarks
No. (ha)
1 Adimaly Kaithachal 2004 77.5 Misc. plantation
2 Adimaly Moothasserri Bit-I 2004 56 Misc. plantation
Moothasserri Bit-II 53.4
Moothasserri Bit-III 57.6
3 Adimaly Kaithachal 2006 18.4 Misc. plantation
4 Adimaly Moothasseri 2007 98.5 Misc. plantation
5 Adimaly Thumbipara 2008 25.9 Misc. plantation
Total 387.3
414
Appendix – XXXI
PLANTATIONS RAISED UNDER COMPENSATORY AFFORESTATION SCHEME
Sl. Year of
Name Range Area (Ha)
No. Plantation
1 1994 Perubankuthu Munnar 25.54
2 1994 Koonthrapuzha Munnar 51.50
3 1994 Kunchiyar Munnar 44.70
4 1995 Parisakallu Munnar 93.28
5 1995 Njandukulam Munnar 123.52
6 1996 Parappara Bit I Munnar 362.37
7 1996 Parappara Bit II Munnar 219.24
8 1998 Mamala I Munnar 90.00
9 1998 Mamala II Munnar 90.00
10 1998 Averkutty I Munnar 105.00
11 1998 Averkutty II Munnar 107.00
12 1998 Averkutty III Munnar 100.41
13 2003 Padhanithandu Bit I Munnar 90.70
14 2003 Padhanithandu Bit II Munnar 50.40
15 2003 Thondicuppu Munnar 76.50
Total 1630.16
415
Appendix – XXXII
ABSTRACT
Forest and Wildlife Department - Kerala Forestry Project the Kerala Forest Revolving
Fund for Teak and Pulp Wood Rules 1999 - approved - orders Issued
FOREST AND WILD LIFE (E) DEPARTMENT
G.O (M. s) No. 66/99/F&WLD Dated, Thiruvananthapuram 02/07/1999
Read - Lr . No PC2. 1035/97 dated 27/07/1998 from the Principal Chief Conservator or
Forests (General), Thiruvananthapuram
ORDER
Government are pleased to approve the appended Kerala Forest Revolving Fund
for Teak and Pulpwood Rules I 999,and order accordingly
(By order of the Governor),
LISSIE JACOB,
Principal Secretary of Government
To
The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (General), Thiruvananthapuram

The Chief Conservator of Forests (World Bank Project), Thiruvananthapuram
The Chief Conservator of Forests (Social Forestry), Thiruvananthapuram
The Accountant General (Audit! A&E), Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram Vide Lr. No
Go .ord. IlI/7-152/l50/16 72 dated 28/12/1998 This Issue with the concurrence of
Finance Department
The Finance Department, Thiruvananthapuram
The General Administration Dept Thiruvananthapuram
The District Treasury Officer Thiruvananthapuram
The Forest & Wildlife (D) Department
Stock File.
Office Copy
416
THE KERALA FOREST REVOLVING FUND TEAK AND PULPWOOD RULES 1999
1. Short title and commencement -
These rules may be called the Kerala Forest Revolving Fund for Teak and Pulp
Wood Rules 1999. It shall come into force at once.
2. Definitions
In these rules- unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context
(I) 'Conservator of Forests' means the Chief Forest Officer in charge of
territorial, wildlife, social forestry or any functional circles or a portion or
portions of one or more circles if in independent charge of such portion or
portions of when they are constituted into a forest circle.
(2) ‘Department' means the Kerala Forest Department
(3) 'Divisional Forest Officer' means the Chief Forest Officer of a territorial,
Wildlife, Social Forestry or any functional forest Division or a portion or
portions of one or more divisions if in independent charge of such portion
or portions of when they are constituted into a forest division.
(4) 'FUND' means the fund-constituted under the Kerala Forest Revolving
Fund for Teak and Pulpwood Rules 1999.
(5) 'Government' means the Government of Kerala.
(6) 'Personal Deposit Account' means the personal deposit account opened
in Government treasuries for operating the fund in accordance with these
rules
(7) 'Plantation' means plantation of Teak and Pulp wood raised or
maintained by the Kerala Forest Department
(8) 'Principal Chief Conservator of Forests' means the Principal Chief
Conservator of Forests
(9) ‘Pulp wood’ means wood used as raw material in pulp, paper or related
industries
(10) ‘Value means the sale value fetched in the auction sale or other forms of
sale excluding taxes, surcharge, duties etc.
(11) 'Year' means the financial year of the Government from 1st April to 31st
March.
3 Constitution of the Fund -
(1) A fund namely the Kerala Forest Revolving fund for teak and pulp wood
is hereby consolidated, which shall comprise of 5% of the value of Teak and
50% of the value of pulpwood obtained by Government from the sales of
teak and pulpwood
(2) The Government shall make sufficient provision in the annual budget for every
year of transferring from the consolidated Fund of the state, an account
equivalent 5% of the value of Teak and 50% of the value of pulpwood to the
Personal Deposit Accounts, to be maintained accordance with these rules.
(3) The Government shall make an initial deposit into the fund for the
commencement of the fund soon after these rules come into force
417
4. Source of Fund -
(1) The main source of the fund will be the portion of revenue received by the
Department from the sales of teak and pulpwood from the plantations
(2) The budget head for the revenue receipt from the sale of timber and other
forest produce of the Department shall be divided suitably to account the revenue
from the sale of Teak and Pulpwood separately
(3) The revenue obtained from the sales of forest produce in the Department shall
be credited to the respective heads separately depending on the source of
revenue.
(4) 5% of the total amount credited to the detailed head for sale of teak and 50%
of the total amount credited to the detailed head for sale of pulpwood shall be the
source of the fund
(5) Principal Chief Conservator of Forests shall allot the budgetary provision
made under the 'Revolving Fund' to the Divisional Forest Officers who will draw
the amount and credit the same into the Personal Deposit/accounts in their name.
5. Operation of the fund -
(1) The fund shall be administered and operated by the Chief Conservator of
Forests (Development), and the Divisional Forest Officers as provided for under
these rules under the general supervision and control of the Principal Chief
Conservator of Forests
(2) The fund shall be operated through Personal Deposit Accounts in the name of
Divisional Forest Officers or any other officer specifically authorized by Principal
Chief Conservator of Forests for this purpose
(3) There shall be two Personal Deposit Accounts in the name of Divisional Forest
Officer, one for teak and other for pulp wood.
(4) The amount for the Personal Deposit Accounts in the name of Divisional
Forests Officers shall be authorized by principal Chief Conservator of Forests by
means of allotment letters subject to the amount provided for in the budget for in
the year, on request made by Divisional Forest Officers in the form prescribed
along with utilization certificate.
(5) The amount as authorized by the government /Principal Chief Conservator of
Forests shall be drawn by bills and credited into the Personal Deposit Account by
Divisional Forest Officers.
(6) Personal Deposit Accounts shall be opened in the name of Divisional Forest
Officers in the District Treasuries of that Treasuries within their respective
jurisdiction as authorized by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.
(7) The cash balance in Personal Deposit Account shall not exceed Rs. 2.00
lakhs.
(8) The Personal Deposit Accounts shall be operated by Divisional Forest
Officers in accordance with the rules governing Personal Deposit Accounts in
Government treasuries.
(9) The two Personal Deposit Accounts shall be closed by the Divisional Forest
Officers every year by the end of March after proper reconciliation by crediting the
unspent balance in the Personal Deposit Accounts to the service head. Personal
Deposit Accounts shall be opened afresh in April every year.
Statement of monthly accounts of the funds shall be sent to the Accountant
General with necessary supporting documents. Similarly annual accounts of the fund with
reconciliation certificate shall also be sent to the Accountant General before the accounts
of the year are finally closed in order to carry out the above adjustments In the accounts.
418
6 Utilization of the Revolving Fund -
(1) The amount from the revolving fund shall be utilized from each account for the
following activities after obtaining necessary and appointee sanction for the
marks from the concerned authorities/Government as the case may be and as
per the standing orders for the Forest Department with amendments made from
time to time
(2) The amount from revolving fund shall be utilized for all or any of the following
activities.
(a) Nursery Development and Maintenance
(i) Preparation of Nursery, area development, fencing and other related field
operations for nursery establishment.
(ii) Purchase of seeds, Plant-stock, container, fertilizers, implements etc
(iii) Preparation and transport of seedlings to planting sites
(iv) Protection and maintenance of nurseries
(b) Planting and Maintenance
(i) Area preparation including survey and demarcation, weeding, fencing
and other pre-planting operations.
(ii) Pitting, planting, manuring, casualty replacement etc.
(iii) Weeding, tending-operations, soil working etc
(iv) Soil and moisture conservation works
(v) Fire protection, Protection from grazing, biotic factors, pests and
diseases
(vi) Other silvicultural operations
(vii) Protections and maintenance of plantations
(viii) Construction and maintenance of inspection paths and plantations
development
(c) Research and Development activities:-
(i) Research on nursery management, planting stock improvements, seed
handling, improved technology etc
(ii) Research on plantation management, productivity increases, planting
technology and other areas related to plantations development
(iii) Training and HRD activities connected with nursery development and
plantation management
(d) Other Activities
(i) Purchase of books, periodicals
(ii) Traveling allowance
(iii) Purchase and maintenance of vehicles
(iv) Office expenses
(v) Civil works and other works incidental to the items mentioned above Provided
that the expenditure under Item (d) should not exceed 10 percent of the total
allotment in the respective Personal Deposit Accounts
419
(3) The amount shall not be utilized for any purpose other than stipulated works,
for which the fund has been created and the Conservator of Forests having
administrative control over the Divisional Forest officer shall supervise and ensure
effective utilization of the funds.
7 Maintenance of Accounts -
(1) Separate accounts and cashbooks and vouchers in identifiable form, shall be
maintained for each account and furnished to the Accountant General A register
indicating receipts and expenditure shall be maintained at the Division level.
(2) The Divisional Forest Officer who maintains accounts shall render monthly
accounts of receipts and payments to the Accountant General not later than 10th
of the succeeding month with copy to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests
with a progress report on utilization of fund for activities in the form prescribed.
(3) The Chief Conservator of Forests (Development) who maintains the main
accounts shall consolidated the accounts after the close of financial year and
render the compiled accounts classified under the appropriate Head of Account
and furnish to Accountant General
(4) The Chief Conservator of Forests (Development) prescribes the necessary
forms for requests for funds, utilization certificate, progress reports and other
form necessary for the administration of the fund.
8. Power to relax rules or impose further restrictions
Government shall have power to relax any rules or Impose further restrictions or issue
any further orders for the effective management of the fund and the achievement of its
objectives.
420
Appendix – XXXIII
BUDGETORY ALLOCATION DURING LAST 10 YEARS MUNNAR DIVISION
Non-Plan
Sl.No Year Plan (Rs) WGDP (Rs) TSP (Rs) SCP (Rs) KFP (Rs) IRM PE (Rs) IFP (Rs)
(Rs)
1 1995-96 5000000 6701000 2450000 300000 320000 Nil Nil Nil
2 1996-97 9050000 8532000 2125000 1050000 500000 Nil Nil Nil
3 1997-98 8000000 10471000 1990000 900000 Nil Nil 2300000 67000
4 1998-99 7000000 16620000 1470000 410000 Nil Nil 3300000 Nil
5 1999-00 5818000 14449000 1495000 Nil Nil 10243000 5700000 Nil
6 2000-01 9578000 24910000 1233000 950000 Nil 6000000 9760000 Nil
7 2001-02 11255400 19255000 1825000 Nil Nil 16937000 4100000 Nil
8 2002-03 12755400 11663000 400000 Nil Nil 20203000 1989000 285000
9 2003-04 5365000 10590000 Nil Nil Nil Nil 2000000 355000 950000
10 2004-05 24541000 29965000 Nil Nil Nil Nil 7000000 Nil 4690000
11 2005-06 21050000 23260000 Nil Nil Nil Nil 3300000 Nil Nil
421
EXPENDITURE DURING LAST 10 YEARS
Sl.No Year Non-Plan Plan (Rs) WGDP (Rs) TSP (Rs) SCP (Rs) KFP (Rs) IRM PE (Rs) IFP (Rs)
(Rs)
1 1995-96 4785876 13515463 1334472 630309 350958 Nil Nil Nil Nil
2 1996-97 7850849 18551577 2326623 922660 347576 Nil Nil Nil Nil
3 1997-98 6472565 17166295 2011259 840175 Nil Nil 2346163 61193 Nil
4 1998-99 6307693 21623595 1318727 420000 Nil Nil 3922030 Nil Nil
5 1999-00 3882338 10278238 1277879 Nil Nil 10692657 308332 Nil Nil
6 2000-01 7303990 12320222 932296 817132 Nil 16781238 6763777 Nil Nil
7 2001-02 10156897 16179599 1513100 Nil Nil 5264148 2253277 Nil Nil
8 2002-03 22924513 7448855 316000 Nil Nil 18454665 1743632 Nil Nil
9 2003-04 5174991 8598574 Nil Nil Nil Nil 1480767 193844 587868
422
Appendix – XXXIV
5% ENUMERATION IN TEAK PLANTATION
Projected quantity as 5% Enumeration Estimated value Total

Value
Sl. Total Value Projected Qty Projected Value (Rs)
Plantation Total
No. Total Sample plot of poles
Timber Firewood Number
Extent enumeration Timber Firewood
of Poles 3 Timber Firewood
(M ) (MT)
1 1952 Neriyamangalam 8.82 0.441 83.42 31.453 100 292400 1668.3 629.06 33366000 2390428 36048828
1963 TP, Colamba

2 67.2 3.36 403.67 206.229 2080 4500400 8073.4 4124.58 161468000 15673404 181641804
Inchathotty
3 1964 TP, Valara 6.86 0.343 64.88 12.353 760 1304700 1297.56 247.06 25951200 938828 28194728
4 1965 TP, Ponmudi 115.384 5.769 693.08 122.992 1935 4240800 13861.6 2459.84 277232400 9347392 290820592
5 1966 TP, Ranikkallu 42.96 2.148 336.68 53.000 930 2121000 6733.54 1060 134670800 4028000 140819800
6 1975 TP, Munnar 52.06 2.603 364.42 34.000 4855 4809150 7288.4 680 145768000 2584000 153161150
7 1976 TP, Pambla 157.54 7.877 1102.64 104.000 9600 10220650 22052.8 2080 441056000 7904000 459180650
8 1978 TP, Perinjankutty 202 10.1 858.50 99.000 9321 8987530 17170 1980 343400000 7524000 359911530
1984 TP,
9 2 0.1 9.40 2.000 120 111800 188 40 3760000 152000 4023800
Chembankuzhy
10 1984 TP, Needapara 13.6 0.68 71.40 20.000 213 221180 1428 400 28560000 1520000 30301180
423
Appendix – XXXV
5% SAMPLE PLOT ENUMERATION IN MISCELLANEOUS PLANTATION IN MUNNAR DIVISION
No. of Estimated Volume Projected Volume Projected Cost Total

Sl.No Year Plantation Extent ha
plots Timber Firewood Timber Firewood Timber Firewood
1 1989 Mixed Plantation Pambla 65.00 14
Mahagony 1.542 116.320 30.840 2320.000 35466.00 2668000.00 2703466.00
Other Species 87.540 91.690 1750.800 1834.000 2012500.00 2109100.00 4121600.00
Matti Plantation
2 1985 10.70 4 2047966.00 4777100.00 6825066.00
Chempankuzhy
Matti 2.485 31.060 49.700 34.220 56350.00 39353.00 95703.00
Other Species 27.588 34.220 571.760 1080.000 656650.00 1242000.00 1898650.00
Mixed Plantation
3 1988 50.00 19 713000.00 1281353.00 1994353.00
Chempankuzhy
Matti 0.639 167.020 12.780 3340.000 14697.00 3841000.00 3855697.00
Teak 7.299 25.960 144.580 520.000 165600.00 1981200.00 2146800.00
Other Species 46.274 61.640 925.480 1240.000 1063750.00 1426000.00 2489750.00
Mixed Plantation
4 1986 13.00 5 1244047.00 7248200.00 8492247.00
Chempankuzhy
Mahagony 2.767 23.260 55.340 460.000 63250.00 529000.00 592250.00
Siver Oak 0.100 0.200 230.00 230.00
Teak 0.540 1.169 10.800 23.000 38100.00 87630.00 125730.00
Nasakam 0.604 20.000 23000.00 23000.00
Other Species 30.463 45.560 609.260 920.000 700350.00 1058000.00 1758350.00
Mixed Plantation
5 1985 5.00 1 801700.00 1697860.00 2499560.00
Inchathotty
Matti 2.836 14.280 56.72 280.000 104400.00 322000.00 426400.00
Teak 0.908 2.320 18.160 40.000 68580.00 152400.00 220980.00
Other Species 0.271 1.423 5.420 40.000 5750.00 46000.00 51750.00
Mahagony Plantation
6 1989 26.00 8 178730.00 520400.00 699130.00
Inchathotty
Mahagony 6.798 41.140 135.960 820.000 186400.00 943000.00 1129400.00
Other Species 134.318 163.198 2686.360 3260.000 30889.00 3749000.00 3779889.00
424
No. of Estimated Volume Projected Volume Projected Cost Total
Sl.No Year Plantation Extent ha
plots Timber Firewood Timber Firewood Timber Firewood
Matti Plantation
7 1986 5.00 2 217289.00 4692000.00 4909289.00
Inchathotty
Matti 13.838 35.619 276.760 720.000 317400.00 828000.00 1145400.00
Other Species 28.650 35.420 573.000 700.000 658950.00 805000.00 1463950.00
Mixed Plantation
8 1944 21.56 2 976350.00 1633000.00 2609350.00
Neriamangalam
Elavu 10.624 23.117 212.480 460.000 243800.00 529000.00 772800.00
Teak 9.415 17.475 188.000 360.000 716280.00 1371600.00 2087880.00
Venga 3.623 2.500 72.460 5.000 82800.00 5750.00 88550.00
Other Species 24.968 25.770 499.000 520.000 573850.00 5980000.00 6553850.00
Mixed Plantation
9 1947 20.00 2 1616730.00 7886350.00 9503080.00
Neriamangalam
Karimaruthu 28.750 79.540 575.000 1590.000 661250.00 1828500.00 2489750.00
Venteak 16.842 26.560 336.000 531.000 386400.00 610650.00 997050.00
Other Species 7.535 12.590 150.000 251.000 172500.00 288650.00 461150.00
Mixed Plantation
10 1942 10.50 1 1220150.00 2727800.00 3947950.00
Neriamangalam
Mahagony 40.750 50.650 815.000 1000.000 937250.00 1150000.00 2087250.00
Elavu 0.619 2.520 12.380 50.000 13800.00 57500.00 71300.00
Mixed Plantation
11 1937 21.00 3 951050.00 1207500.00 2158550.00
Neriamangalam
Elavu 21.497 43.090 429.940 860.000 493350.00 989000.00 1482350.00
Other Species 18.228 20.790 364.560 400.000 418600.00 460000.00 878600.00
Matti Plantation
12 1985 15.60 6 911950.00 1449000.00 2360950.00
veliathparambu
Matti 21.028 270.000 420.000 540.000 48300.00 621000.00 669300.00
Matti Plantation
13 1984 23.40 5 48300.00 621000.00 669300.00
veliathparambu
Matti 1.704 50.050 34.000 1000.000 39106.00 1150000.00 1189106.00
Grand Total 39106.00 1150000.00 1189106.00
425
Appendix – XXXVI
5% SAMPLE PLOT ENYMERATION WORK IN WATTLE PLANTATIONS, MUNNAR

DIVISION
Sl. No.of Estimated Projected Projected

Plantation Extent ha
No. Plots Qty Qty cost
1977 Wattle
1 Plantation 80.00 27 360 7200 11520000
Pazhathottam
1965 Wattle
2 Plantation 40.00 16 170 3400 5440000
Iddalimotta
1962 Wattle
3 Plantation 40.00 16 166 3320 5312000
P.R.Division
1963 Wattle
4 Plantation Near 48.00 16 209 4176 6681600
P.R.Division
1978 Wattle
5 50.00 21 225 4500 7200000
Plantation Bunder
1979 Wattle
6 100.00 37 425 8500 13600000
Plantation Bunder
1980 Wattle
7 200.00 87 830 16600 26560000
Plantation Bunder
1981 Wattle
8 50.00 19 218 4350 6960000
Plantation Bunder
1960 Wattle
9 Plantation 40.00 17 180 3600 5760000
Mannavan shola
1972 Wattle
10 42.00 18 179 3570 5712000
Plantation Bunder
1983 Wattle
11 50.00 20 208 4150 6640000
Plantation Bunder
1990 Wattle
12 63.00 23 274 5481 8769600
Plantation Bunder
1992 Wattle
13 55.00 27 248 4950 7920000
Plantation Bunder
1983 Wattle
14 Plantation 115.50 36 491 9818 15708000
Koodakad
1984 Wattle
15 Plantation 100.00 24 415 8300 13280000
Koodakad
1990 Wattle
16 Plantation 29.60 11 129 2580 4128000
Koodakad
1991 Wattle
17 Plantation 66.48 22 299 5980 9568000
Koodakad
1992 Wattle
18 Plantation 52.90 17 225 4500 7200000
Koodakad
426
Sl. No.of Estimated Projected Projected
Plantation Extent ha
No. Plots Qty Qty cost
1990 Wattle
19 Plantation 13.80 5 55 1100 1760000
Nagamala
1975 Wattle
20 Plantation 35.00 11 152 3045 4872000
Pazhathottam
1983 Wattle
21 Plantation 80.00 29 360 7200 11520000
Pazhathottam
1983 Wattle
22 Plantation 45.00 17 191 3825 6120000
Pazhathottam
1984 Wattle
23 Plantation 46.98 18 195 3899 6238944
Pazhathottam
1976 Wattle
24 Plantation 43.30 16 188 3767 6027360
Pazhathottam
1958 Wattle
25 Plantation 41.00 14 185 3690 5904000
Vattavada
1986 Wattle
26 Plantation 11.00 4 47 935 1496000
Pattiangal
1972 Wattle
27 Plantation 31.00 11 129 2573 4116800
Pattiangal
Grand Total 2041.12 175234 280374944
427
Appendix – XXXVII
SAMPLE PLOT ENUMERATION WORK IN PINE PLANTATIONS IN MUNNAR

DIVISION
Estimated Projected Projected

Extent No. of Volume Volume Cost
Sl.No Plantation
ha plots
Timber Timber Timber
1981 Pine
17 Plantation 20.00 10.0 425.122 8502.440 17004880.0
Bunder
Pine
1971 Pine
18 Plantation 14.01 7.0 404.556 8091.120 16182240.0
Vattavada
Pine
1990 Pine
19 Plantation 3.00 3.0 76.984 1539.680 3079360.0
Bunder
Pine
1982 Pine
20 Plantation 5.00 5.0 233.087 4661.740 9323480.0
Bunder
Pine
1976 Pine
21 Plantation 25.00 10.0 427.577 8551.540 17103080.0
Pazhathottam
Pine
1988 Mixed
22 Plantation 40.00 16.0 659.009 13180.180 26360360.0
Vattavada
Pine 107.01
Total 107.01 51.0 2303.319 44526.700 89053400.0
428
Appendix – XXXVIII
SAMPLE PLOT ENUMERATION WORK IN EUCALYPTUS PLANTATIONS IN

MUNNAR DIVISION
Sl. Estimated Projected Projected

Plantation Extent ha Total
No. Volume Volume Cost
1999 Eucalyptus
1 Plantation 11.97 2,617 126.69 2550.00 5100000
Kacheriland
1962 Eucalyptus
2 Plantation 116.18 23,389 2074.00 41480.00 82960000
K.A.Block
2000 Eucalyptus
3 Plantation Kundala 25 5,425 75.00 1500.00 3000000
Sandoz
1998 Eucalyptus
4 30 6,464 311.78 6240.00 12480000
Plantation Sandoz
2000 Eucalyptus
5 Plantation 83 18,563 226.00 4520.00 9040000
K.A.Block
1999 Eucalyptus
6 Plantation 54.36 10,632 397.00 7940.00 15880000
Kuttiarvalley
1999 Eucalyptus
7 Plantation 153 19,944 552.73 11060.00 22120000
K.A.Block
2001 Eucalyptus
8 Plantation 71 10,526 116.24 2320.00 4640000
K.A.Block
2001 Eucalyptus
9 35 5,393 65.15 1300.00 2600000
Plantation Kuttiyar
1994 Eucalyptus
10 Plantation Augment 70 11,711 136.83 2740.00 5480000
K.A.Block
1996 Eucalyptus
11 75 6,124 144.00 2880.00 5760000
Plantation Pettimudi
1997 Eucalyptus
12 50.24 5,282 150.96 3020.00 6040000
1997 Eucalyptus
13 40 4,526 188.97 2380.00 4760000
1996 Eucalyptus
14 Plantation 59.9 2,196 49.75 1000.00 2000000
Oosimala
1995 Eucalyptus
15 49 3,653 177.00 3540.00 7080000
Plantation Kallar
1984 Eucalyptus
16 Plantation, 42 2,127 74.00 1480.00 2960000
Plakkayam
1983 Eucalyptus
17 Plantation, 39 392 188.80 3780.00 7560000
Chinnapara
1994 Eucalyptus
18 Plantation 51 1,745 47.00 940.00 1880000
Valayamkulam
1979 Eucalyptus
19 Plantation, Munnar 14 878 194.31 3879.00 7758000
Shola
Total 1069.7 141,587 5296.20 104549.00 209098000
429
Appendix – XXXIX
PROJECTED GROWING STOCK OF NAGARAMPARA RESERVE BASED ON 2%

ENUMERATION
Number of Sample plots - Size 40m x 40m, Total Area -
Result of Estimated Qty as Projected result

Cost
Sl. 2%Enumeration per enumeration for enite area
Total
No.
Area 2000 ha Timber Firewood Timber Firewood Timber Firewood
1 Maruthy 310.07 435.16 143551 201463 137490720 25922150 163412870
2 Eetty 38.12 40.00 17648 18518 10270000 238050 10508050
3 Mullu Venga 1.61 3.38 745 1565 567120 201250 768370
4 Anjili 18.34 23.57 8491 10912 1558000 1403000 2961000
5 Erul 60.28 64.48 23277 29852 2498000 384100 2882100
6 Nedunaru 7.49 4.56 3468 2111 698400 271400 969800
7 venteak 158.19 167.87 73236 77718 5244288 999350 6243638
8 Punna 43.25 32.87 20023 15217 963329 1957300 2920629
9 Teak 38.79 18.36 17958 8509 7434410 109369 7543779
10 Thenmavu 12.56 13.52 5815 6306 9750900 805000 10555900
11 Poovam 32.85 53.82 15208 24917 663624 319700 983324
12 Unnam 28.52 44.04 13204 20389 1181840 262200 1444040
13 Elavu 7.63 2.16 3532 1009 11446080 127650 1163730
14 Venga 42.89 62.02 19856 28713 1777360 369150 2146510
15 Cherapathri 7.51 3.84 3477 1778 972500 227700 1200200
16 Pothandy 8.82 4.75 4083 2199 1003200 282900 1286100
17 Cheeni 229.13 240.99 106078 111569 2134800 1476600 3611400
18 Kambakam 26.96 34.21 12481 15838 12564000 2037800 14602400
19 Vellakil 1.95 2.76 903 1277 1818000 164450 1982450
20 Pala 25.30 24.87 11713 11514 2621000 1481200 4022208
21 Nasakam 4.88 5.51 2259 2551 1764000 327750 2091750
22 Eeyalvaka 24.20 26.74 11204 12380 12530000 1592750 14122750
23 Chanadanavembu 17.99 14.70 8329 6806 3724000 875150 4599150
24 Kavalam 18.78 10.64 8694 4926 1652400 633650 17154050
25 Kanjiram 4.07 3.72 1884 1722 588000 220800 808800
26 Arayanjili 25.68 21.92 11875 10148 2261000 1305250 3566250
27 Vatta 45.28 33.36 20963 15444 4221000 1987200 6208200
28 Madukka 12.89 8.84 5968 4093 1334000 529950 1863950
430
Result of Estimated Qty as Projected result
Cost
Sl. 2%Enumeration per enumeration for enite area
Total
No.
Area 2000 ha Timber Firewood Timber Firewood Timber Firewood
29 Therakam 3.27 2.53 1514 1171 456300 150650 606950
30 Thali 4.81 3.36 2227 1556 697200 200100 897300
31 Mayilellu 27.00 41.07 12500 19014 11184000 2446050 3630050
32 Nelli 4.61 2.47 2134 1144 809200 146050 955250
33 Pathri 7.93 6.36 3671 2944 1845000 378350 2223350
34 Kumbil 16.20 16.49 7500 7634 4530600 952106 5482700
35 Cheru 5.55 3.50 2569 1620 487900 208150 696050
36 Thanni 44.24 71.00 20481 32870 12142300 4228550 54370850
37 Njaval 2.28 1.26 1055 583 672600 750950 1423550
38 Murikku 16.20 9.11 7500 4217 696370 542800 1239170
39 Neerkadambu 8.44 7.38 3907 3417 2622000 439300 3061300
40 Kalayam 9.56 8.57 4426 3968 990000 510600 1490610
41 Karingazha 39.37 46.56 21556 21556 1218000 2771580 1495150
42 Kanikkonna 3.79 2.68 1755 1241 1274000 158700 1432700
43 Others 164.21 147.87 76023 68458 680000 81190 1491900
281037441 60477945 372120278
431
Appendix – XL
PROJECTED GROWING STOCK OF MALAYATTOOR RESERVE BASED ON 2%

ENUMERATION
Number of Sample plots - Size of plot - Total area -
Result of Estimated Qty as Projected result for

Cost
Sl. 2%Enumeration per enumeration enite area
Total
No.
Area 2000 Ha Timber Firewood Timber Firewood Timber Firewood
1 Anjili 410.21 547.87 20510.00 27393.00 200382700 31501950 231884650
2 Vellakil 306.93 319.67 15347.00 15984.00 280696630 18381600 299078230
3 Aaval 172.69 243.64 8635.00 12182.00 36612400 14009300 50621700
4 Arayanjili 108.47 163.68 5424.00 8184.00 15078720 94111600 24490320
5 Thanni 544.59 982.96 27230.00 49148.00 145680500 56520200 202200700
6 Chorakkali 449.64 685.78 22482.00 32789.00 46088100 37707350 83795450
7 Chora Pathri 508.76 237.75 25438.00 11888.00 65630040 13636700 79266740
8 Njaval 244.02 431.14 12201.00 21557.00 51366210 24790550 76156760
9 Poovam 928.00 1562.65 46400.00 78133.00 182816000 89931083 272747083
10 Bhadrasham 337.05 514.02 16853.00 25701.00 48705170 29556150 78261920
11 Thellipine 165.89 245.65 8295.00 12283.00 21484050 14125450 35609500
12 Pathri 904.00 874.04 45200.00 43702.00 199784000 50257300 250041300
13 Kudampuli 28.30 25.24 1415.00 1262.00 4160100 1325200 5485300
14 Kadukka 206.32 209.51 10316.00 10476.00 117602400 12047400 129649800
15 Kulamavu 417.94 401.32 20891.00 20066.00 98396610 23075900 121472510
16 Vetti 391.13 577.04 19557.00 28852.00 60327960 33179800 93507760
17 Konna 147.30 137.19 7365.00 6860.00 47872500 7889000 55761500
18 Elavu 936.94 438.65 46747.00 21933.00 135566300 25227990 166789250
19 Mavu 131.58 161.52 6519.00 9076.00 26336760 10437400 36774160
20 Kara 148.91 56.74 7445.00 2837.00 29854450 3262550 33117000
21 Cheeni 1953.76 2051.60 97688.00 102580.00 177792160 117967000 295759160
22 punnappa 880.45 785.66 44023.00 39283.00 202065570 45175450 247241020
23 Pali 256.84 229.80 26342.00 11490.00 96938560 13213500 110152060
24 Marotti 292.64 197.01 14632.00 9851.00 111788480 11328650 123117130
25 Nasakam 385.21 337.21 19260.00 16855.00 20827800 19383250 40211050
Thembavu
26 708.68 749.01 35434.00 37451.00 355957360 43067500 398824810
(karimaruthy)
27 Teak 288.03 170.64 14402.00 8532.00 320444500 32566920 352951420
28 Kumbil 101.01 101.16 5050.00 5058.00 1478039050 5816700 1483855750
29 Irul 729.47 1020.31 36474.00 51016.00 366563700 58665400 425232100
30 Eiyal Vaka 412.63 453.96 20632.00 22698.00 635546561 2610270 32457356
432
Result of Estimated Qty as Projected result for
Cost
Sl. 2%Enumeration per enumeration enite area
Total
No.
Area 2000 Ha Timber Firewood Timber Firewood Timber Firewood
31 Karivetti 282.09 264.78 14106.00 13239.00 36393480 15224850 51618330
32 maruthy 3474.08 5741.64 173704.00 287082.00 1486906240 106109800 1538524520
33 punnappa 1090.02 755.24 54501.00 37762.00 250159590 43426300 293585890
34 Venteak 3158.02 3357.29 157901.00 167865.00 1016882440 193039000 1209921440
35 Mulluvenga 9.88 21.19 479.00 1060.00 3266980 121900 3388680
36 Chuvanna Akil 73.47 40.81 3674.00 2041.00 23697300 2347150 25984450
37 Vellapine 496.98 550.26 24849.00 27513.00 11820500 31639950 143460450
38 Nanku 66.42 75.98 3320.00 3799.00 19156400 4368850 23525250
39 Kambakam 637.48 737.72 31874.00 36886.00 297384420 42418900 339803320
40 Mylellu 394.92 491.71 19746.00 24586.00 160337520 28273900 188611420
41 Plavu 98.22 173.30 4911.00 8665.00 67968240 9964750 77932990
42 Chandanaveppu 43.95 48.68 2198.00 2434.00 9275560 2799100 12074660
43 Rosewood 258.01 464.02 12900.00 23201.00 671703000 92804000 764507000
44 Venga 3412.61 1025.65 170630.00 51283.00 1392340800 58975450 1451316250
45 Karingazha 746.72 736.93 37336.00 36847.00 141130080 41059000 182189680
46 Vatta 746.92 714.08 37346.00 35704.00 67222800 41059600 108282400
47 Unnam 291.02 435.93 14551.00 21797.00 119272580 25066550 144339130
48 Nedunar 822.40 458.37 41120.00 22819.00 77716800 26241850 103958650
49 Nelli 96.14 131.51 4807.00 6576.00 16776430 7562400 24338830
50 Kunnivaka 66.47 60.21 3324.00 3011.00 35600040 3462650 39062690
51 Pathri 34.83 19.06 1742.00 953.00 7699640 1095950 8795590
52 Kanjiram 117.56 107.36 5878.00 5368.00 16928640 6403200 25331840
53 Neerkadambu 231.59 220.66 11580.00 11033.00 67858800 12687950 80546750
54 Pala 214.48 280.93 10724.00 14047.00 22198680 16154050 38352730
55 Manimaruthy 139.39 153.90 6970.00 7695.00 49626400 8849250 58475650
56 Vediplavu 12.98 16.37 649.00 819.00 942380 941850 1884230
57 Other Species 2164.59 2381.96 108230.00 119098.00 303044000 136960400 440004400
Total 11953715081 1899827713 13216330709
433
Appendix – XLI
PROJECTED GROWING STOCK OF ANAMUDI RESERVE BASED ON 2% ENUMERATION
Number of sample plots 1615, size of plots 40m X 40m, Area - 64 Ha, Total - 10,619 Ha
Sl. No. Result of 2 % Estimated Qty. As per Projected quantity for entire Total
No. of Trees Cost
Enumeration enumeration area
Species Trees Timber Firewood Timber Firewood Timber Firewood
1 Nanku 1491 3493 2891 174963 144809 209955600 166530350 2266086350
2 Pali 1082 2252 2584 112802 129432 411727300 148846800 560574100
3 Chorapathri 447 442.1 202.3 22145 10133 57134100 11652950 68787050
4 Vediplavu 793 1666 2050 83449 102684 1211679480 118086600 1329766080
5 Punnappa 276 376.9 653.6 18878 32739 160463000 37648700 198111700
6 Vellakil 328 564.9 496.1 28296 24849 269660880 31061250 300722130
7 Cheru 276 365.4 291.9 18303 14621 40083570 16814150 56897720
8 Karakil 345 302.7 343.4 15162 17200 120083040 19780000 139863040
9 Kanala 299 187.3 128.4 9382 6432 66612200 7396800 74009000
10 Njara 114 222.5 180.5 11145 9041 2988450 10397150 4028165
11 Panamba 70 303.9 212.8 15222 10659 72913380 12257850 851717230
12 Plavu 393 193.8 337.6 9707 16409 134344880 18870350 153215230
13 Chandanavembu 156 122.4 103.2 6131 5169 25872820 5944350 31817170
14 Anjili 112 93.66 127.8 4691 6401 45831070 9361150 55192220
434
No. of Trees Cost
15 Tellipine 199 247.8 107.3 12412 5375 32147080 6181250 38328330
16 Vatta 32 113.6 47.14 5690 2361 10242000 2715150 12957150
17 Njaval 77 628.3 517.8 26462 25936 111405020 29826400 141231420
18 Bhadraksham 202 179 144.6 8966 7243 25911740 8329450 34241190
19 Kara 264 171.6 71.13 8595 3562 34465950 4096300 385622250
20 Marotty 397 92.24 39.86 4620 1946 35296800 2237900 37534700
21 Karandakam 175 342.3 273.1 17145 13679 50920650 15730850 66651500
22 Kulamavu 905 177.8 160.4 8906 8034 41947260 9239100 51186360
23 Manjakadambu 65 36.96 59.22 1851 2966 11254080 3410900 14664980
24 Poovam 257 168.6 277.7 8445 13909 33273300 15995350 49268650
25 Vellapine 139 51.02 53.97 2556 2703 11502000 3108450 14610450
26 Edana 244 348.5 285.4 17456 14296 47829440 16440400 64269840
27 Pala 49 29.98 19.84 1502 994 3109140 1143100 4252240
28 Mulaku Nari 362 723.6 492.4 36214 24664 143045300 28363600 171398900
29 Mazhukanjiram 88 23.24 16.64 1164 833 2054460 957950 174411310
30 Kambakam 408 76.24 66.24 3819 3318 356631270 3815700 39446970
31 Karivetty 276 61.76 32.57 2592 1636 6687360 1881400 8568760
32 Kudampuli 331 133 80.09 6662 4012 19186560 4613800 23800360
435
No. of Trees Cost
33 Karimaram 134 226.3 134.3 11335 6727 63707700 7736050 714338750
34 Anavaya 576 155 109.9 7764 5505 23214360 6330750 29551110
35 Karana 224 427.3 275.4 21403 13795 83043640 15864250 98907890
36 Pathri 26 143.8 88.27 7163 4421 31660460 5084150 317113015
37 Varangu 154 83.89 49.44 4202 2476 11975700 2847400 14823100
38 Ayiramkali 262 72.09 29.94 3610 1500 10035800 1725000 10208300
39 Kozhivalan 1112 331.7 134 16615 6712 42866700 7718800 50585500
40 Kattukappi 307 187.7 114.8 9402 5750 10530240 6612500 11191490
41 Chakki 650 173.5 62.19 8691 3115 20771490 3582250 24353840
42 Evergreen 223 74.24 33.61 3719 1684 1157000 1936600 13093600
43 Kambili 261 138.6 84.21 6942 4218 17702100 4850700 22552800
4122924370 837023950 8729951940
436
Appendix – XLII
REGENERATION SURVEY IN MALAYATTOOR RESERVE FOREST
Sl.No Species Poles Sapling Seedling

1 Vatta 57 105 73
2 Poovam 400 260 44
3 Aaval 7 10 2
4 Veetty 357 192 56
5 Venteak 34 76 46
6 Nelli 179 74 12
7 Maruthy 291 388 145
8 Nedunar 245 185 52
9 Idampiri Valampiri 3 12 10
10 Dhandhapala 4 39 5
11 Eeyalvaka 5 6 2
12 Chuvannakil 59 12 9
13 Pali 28 9 7
14 Marotti 50 38 14
15 Pathri 150 86 20
16 Akil 27 26 9
17 Kudumpuli 9 5 1
18 Bhadraksham 10 6 3
19 Kulamavu 8 8 8
20 Chorapathri 45 66 14
21 Thali 66 76 20
22 Pathri 2 4 8
23 Kanjiram 9 8 4
24 Eetty 299 99 25
25 Kariveetty 44 22 18
26 Punna 64 115 57
27 Karingazha 95 106 40
28 Unnam 28 57 18
29 Elavu 6 1 9
30 Njaval 13 16 2
31 Nanku 4 3
32 Teak 30 39 13
437
33 Thellipine 7 3 3
34 Konna 15 22 8
35 Pala 4 7 7
36 Murukku 11 9
37 Neerkadambu 101 79 27
38 Venga 172 92 18
39 Myla 18 13 11
40 Kadukka 2 12 11
41 Chorakkali 19 7
42 Thampakam 102 37 7
43 Manimaruthy 3 11 8
44 Kara 2 3 1
45 Karumaruthy 15 20 10
46 Irul 243 162 57
47 Kunnivaka 5 1
48 Mavu 14 7 1
49 Punnappa 4 6 5
50 Manjakadambu 1 1
51 Vellapine 25 14 3
52 Mulluvenga 2 1
53 Thanni 15 7 14
54 Vediplavu 2
55 Anjili 58 21 19
56 Karuva 10 4 1
57 Cheeni 10 7
58 Chandanavembu 3 2
59 Kumbil 13 6 7
60 Nasakam 51 36 30
61 Arayanjili 3 4
62 Plavu 15 7 3
63 Other species 227 149 95
438
Appendix – XLIII
REGENERATION SURVEY IN NAGARAMAPARA RESRVE FOREST

1 Maruthu 18 21 31
2 Venteak 5 1 1
3 Vetty 12 31 28
4 Unnam 9 3 7
5 Thondy 2 1 1
6 Neerkadambu 4 6 15
7 Vatta 12 7 1
8 Uruvanchi 6 3 14
9 Sindhooram 4 9 26
10 Marotti 2 4 12
11 Karingazha 1 7 7
12 Vaka 4 2 3
13 Poovam 2 1 5
14 Kavala 12 3 5
15 Kanjiram 2 4
16 Anjili 3 4
17 Venga 3 2
18 Kariveetty 1 3
19 Cheeni 2 4
20 Vellakil 2 3
21 Kalayam 2 3
22 Kumbil 1 2
23 Eetty 1 9
24 Dhndhapala 1 4
25 Karimaram 1 6
26 Nasakam 1 4
27 Nedunaru 4 3
28 Teak 2
29 Elavu 3
30 Others 15 8 28
439
Appendix – XLIV
REGENERATION SURVEY IN ANAMUDY RESERVE FOREST

1 Nanku 425 900 4012
2 Pali 380 801 3809
3 Pathri 204 310 1700
4 Vediplavu 380 670 3706
5 Punnappa 75 170 608
6 Vellakil 90 122 310
7 Cheru 150 280 1341
8 Karakil 131 204 910
9 Plavu 104 70 1092
10 Anjili 16 48 312
11 Chandanavembu 18 70 190
12 Poovam 170 356 1050
13 Kara 16 27 150
14 Thellipine 40 70 184
15 Kulamavu 60 100 840
16 Vellapine 2 3 0
17 Manjakadambu 28 60 122
18 Kudampuli 80 104 284
19 Karandakam 72 194 406
20 Karimaram 61 99 550
21 Anavaya 70 106 401
22 Mulkunari 190 375 1510
23 Kambakam 0 1 5
24 Kanala 16 60 102
25 Njara 36 5 250
26 Edana 104 198 1200
27 Pala 0 0 0
28 Vatta 148 301 1150
29 Bhadraksham 64 138 630
30 Njaval 200 192 1365
31 Marotti 70 138 643
32 Panamba 100 171 604
33 Kariveetty 60 29 100
34 Karana 68 98 340
440
35 Pathri 8 7 10
36 Mazhukanjiram 0 2 0
37 Varangu 0 0 0
38 Ayiramkali 28 70 260
39 Kozhivalan 195 204 1108
40 Kattukkappi 70 90 442
41 Chakki 460 300 750
42 Evergreen 40 35 68
43 Kumbil 50 60 240
44 Kattuchampa 18 30 40
441
Appendix – XLV
CAPITAL VALUE OF THE FOREST
Value of
Value of
Sl. Land in Total Value
Type of Land Extent(ha) Vegitaion
No Lakhs @ Rs. (in lakhs)
(in Lakhs)
25000/ha
Reserve Forest
Malayattoor
1 19283.200 4820.8 132163.307 136984.107
Reserve
Nagarampara
2 2072.000 518 3721.203 4239.203
Reserve
3 Anamudi Reserve 10619.000 2654.75 87299.519 89954.269
4 Fuel Reserve 77.000 19.25 19.600 38.850
Total 32051.200 8012.8 223203.629 231216.429
Plantations in
Reseve Forest
1 Teak Plantations 453.843 113.46075 1068.461 1181.922
Eucaliptus
2 548.140 137.035 1074.080 1211.115
Plantation
3 Mutty Plantation 54.700 13.675 27.500 41.175
4 Miscellaneous 1014.160 253.54 2046.088 2299.628
5 Grevelia 17.800 4.45 4.094 8.544
Total 2088.643 522.16075 4220.223 4742.384
Vested Forest
1 Vested forest 245.000 61.25 0.000 61.250
Total 245.000 61.25 0.000 61.250
KDH Land
1 KDH Land 7255.870 1813.968 0.000 1813.968
Eucalyptus
2 1784.870 446.218 3498.345 3944.563
Plantation
3 Wattle 1170.790 292.698 1409.631 1702.329
4 Pine 62.000 15.500 132.680 148.180
5 Alnus 61.000 15.250 856.440 871.690
6 Pulpwood (Misd) 728.840 182.210 869.652 1051.862
7 Grevelia 15.000 3.750 7.500 11.250
Total 11078.370 2769.593 6774.248 9543.841
CHR Land
1 Teak 317.380 0.000 79.345 79.345
2 Eucalyptus 153.970 0.000 298.700 298.700
3 Matti 40.000 0.000 1.320 1.320
Value of Vegitation 0.000 0.000 2121431.000 2121431.000
Total 38584.140 0.000 2121431.000 2121431.000
Revenue Surplus
Land
1 Wattle Plantation 105 0 126.000 126.000
Total 0 126.000 126.000
Grand Total (Amount in Cores) 234324.101 245689.904
442
Appendix – XLVI
POLICY GUIDELINES FOR FOREST MANAGEMENT IN KERALA
ABSTRACT
Forest & Wildlife Department – Guidelines of Forest Management – Approved – Orders

issued
Forest & Wildlife Department (B) Department
G.O (MS) No. 3/98/F & WLD Dated, Thiruvananthapuram 07/01/98
Read 1 GO (MS) No.1187 dated 01..01..1987

2 Letter No PCB 819/97 dated 26.11.97 from the Principal Chief
Conservator of Forest (General), Thiruvanthapuram
Order
The Policy guidelines for forest management appended herewith is approved

K. MOHANACHANDRAN
Principal Secretary to Government
To
The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests

The Accountant General (A & E) and Audit, Kerala, Thiruvananthapurarn
The Revenue Department
The Finance Department
All Sections of Forest Department
Office Copy 1 Stock file.
Forwarded / By Order
Sd/-
Section Officer
443
POLICY GUIDELINES FOR FOREST MANAGEMENT
Background:
Over the years vast tracts of forests In Kerala have been diverted for non-forestry
purpose and large areas were lost to encroachments The forest has undergone
qualitative changes adversely affecting the interest of people at large and eroding the
ecological values. These changes necessitated a review of the forest management
strategy for which the GOK constituted a High-level Expert committee under the
Chairmanship of Sri. Madhava Menon in 1987 to recommended measures for
conservation and management of the forest wealth of the state. Based on the
recommendations of the Committee, the GOK issued orders outstanding the principles of
forest management in the state vide GO MS 1/87 dated 01/ 01/1987 Later GOI
formulated the National Forest Policy In 1988 having emphasis on.
• Maintenance of environmental stability through preservation, restoration

of the ecological balance and reduction of degradation of the forests in
the country
• Conserving the natural heritage of the country by preserving the

remaining natural forests which represent the remarkable biological
diversity and genetic resources of the country.
• Checking soil erosion and denudation in the catchment areas of rivers,

lakes, reservoirs.
• Increasing the productivity of the forests to meet essential national needs
• Meeting the requirements of fuel wood, fodder, minor forest produce and
small timber of the rural and tribal populations
• Increasing substantially the forest/tree cover in the country through

massive afforestation especially on all denuded, degraded and
unproductive lands.
• Creating a massive people's movement with the involvement of women,

for achieving these objectives and to minimize pressure on existing
forests.
The preparation of the Kerala Forestry Project afforded an opportunity to revisit
many of the recommendations made by the High Level Expert Committee and suitably
modify the principles of forest management in the state, drawing inputs from the National
Forest Policy, the various studies and consultation undertaken as part of the preparation
of the Project.
The responsibilities of the forestry sector have expanded and changed over the
years But strategy for development continued to follow the traditional approaches. The
new vision on forestry sector, therefore, calls for a new paradigm for development in
which the planning process is bottom-up, technology is up to date, fully responsive to the
needs of the clients and develop strong partnership with clients so as to strengthen the
forestry sector and initiate and institutionalize a process of sustainable development.
The purpose of this statement is to evolve a vision and strategy for the
management of forestry resources in Kerala, which will reconcile the desperate demands
upon forests to conserve the biodiversity for posterity on the one hand and meet the
demands of the society on other hand. Realizing that the Government alone cannot
protect and manage the forests effectively, the policy guidelines emphasize the need to
develop partnerships with all stakeholders out side the Government sector. The
proposed policy guidelines also aim at broadening the institutional framework for forest
management, with clearly defined roles and responsibilities for the various stakeholders.
444
l. Objectives of Forest Management
The forests of Kerala will be managed to
1. To conserve forests for posterity, in particular with regard to biodiversity,
soil, water and historical, cultural religious and aesthetic values.
2 To increase the tree cover and productivity of the natural forests and
forest plantations to meet the needs of present and future generations for
forest products and services.
3 Improve the standard of living of the forest dependent tribals and village
communities.
2. Principle of Management
A. General
1. All Government forest will be brought under sustainable and scientific
management both in terms of the continued existence of the diverse eco-
systems and wild life habitants and the flow of forest produce and
services
2. The traditional knowledge, innovation and practices, cultural values and
religious beliefs of tribals living within or adjacent to forest areas will be
recognize and respected.
3. For the management and protection of the forest the state will, where
appropriate, form partnership with local people, rural communities and
other stake holders and develop appropriate institutional arrangements.
4. Revenue generation will not be the prime consideration in Natural Forest
Management. As far as possible revenues from the forests will be
earmarked and utilized only for management and improvement of forest
resource.
5. It will be ensured that the state forest policy and other sectoral policies
remain consistent and compatible with each other.
6. The natural forest will be allocated primarily for conservation function.
7. The forest areas forming catchments of rivers and reservoirs and the
forest existing on slopes exceeding 300 will be managed with added
emphasis on soil and water conservation.
8. The forest areas will be resource budgeted reflect the objectives and
purposes of management.
9. The forests will be managed on watershed principles
B. Natural Forests
1. The natural forests will be set apart mainly for sustaining the life support
systems and biodiversity conservation
2. As far as possible only non-invasive uses of natural forests will be
undertaken
3. Degraded forestlands will be rehabilitated for conservation and for
multiple use forestry for the benefit of the local people
4. Soil and moisture conservation will be the main conservation in natural
forests management.
5. For the protection of natural forests, the state wi1l, where appropriate,
form partnerships with local people, tribals and other stakeholders
445
C. Forest Plantations
1. The establishment and management of industrial forests plantations will be
improved through adoption of modern technological practices
2 Harvesting of plantations will be limited to the extend that could be
successfully regenerated with appropriate site-specific mix.
3. The management of plantations will be gradually developed as an enterprise
activity
D. Tree Resources outside Government Lands
1. Growing of trees on home steads and other forms of agro forestry will be
promoted as a main strategy to supply woods and other forest produce for
meeting house hold and market needs.
2 The establishment, management and harvesting of industrial forest
plantations on private lands by local people, communities, industries and
other entrepreneurs in the private sector will be promoted.
3 The state will promote tree growing by local people, rural communities
NGO's and other non-state sector bodies for meeting the demands for forest
produce and improving tree cover in the state.
4. The fragile and threatened eco systems lying out side the state forests viz,
sacred groves, mangroves, wetlands etc., will be protected through peoples
participation
E. Non-Wood Forest Resources
1 The productivity of Non Wood Forest Products (NWFP) will be improved
through sustainable and scientific management.
2 Improved methods of collection, harvesting and processing of NWFPs will
be promoted
3 The economic potential of NWFPs as a resource for value added bio-related
products will be recognized and promoted
F. Forest Industries, Marketing
a. Greater responsibility will be given to local people, organized groups, co--
operatives, industries and other private bodies in commercial wood
production, Industrial manufacturing and marketing.
b. Efficient utilization of forest products, development of forest industries based
on sustainable wood sources like Rubber and manufacture of value-added
forest products, will be promoted.
c. The state will liberalize regulations relating to the harvesting and transport of
produce grown on private lands.
d. The state will aim to attain a rational balance between industrial processing
capacity and resource availability
e. Improved measures to protect the forests and prevent illegal trade In woods,
no wood forest products flora and fauna, Will be instituted
f. Improved harvesting and post harvesting methods will be promoted In the
forestry sector
G. Institutional Development
1. The state will support the forestry sector institutions in creating an enabling
environment for sustainable forestry development and will promote
reorientation and strengthening of Kerala Forests & wildlife Department to
446
achieve the desired objectives of the state forest policy
2 The Government will formulate a staff policy and staffing plan In the Kerala
Forests & Wildlife Department which will encourage longer tenure and
specialization.
3. The state will promote research that is responsive to the requirements of
beneficiaries and supports the implementation of the sectoral policy
4. The NGOs and other people's organizations will be motivated and supported
in their conservation efforts.
H. Inter-Sectoral Linkages
1. It will be ensured that the policies and programs dealing with forestry sector
and other scctoral policies and programs remain consistent with each other
through a process of interdepartmental interaction.
2. Efficient use of scare forest produce and their substitution by other materials
will be promoted.
3. Nature – based tourism beneficial to local communities will be promoted in
the forest areas to the extent that it does not degrade and damage such
areas and they are ecological values.
4. The Government will facilitate the development of rural forestry and urban
forestry.
5. Government will support outreach functions to educate the people about the
importance of environmental conservation.
3. Strategies for Implementation
1. Forest Management Zones
A comprehensive rationalization of the forests of Kerala will be undertaken to
resource budget the state lands. Based on this, the forestlands will be allocated under the
following categories to active the objectives of forest management in the sate.
A. Conservation area
a. Protected areas
Such areas will include legally notified national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in
the stake.
The existing Protected Area (PA) network will be rationalized and consolidated
for effective management of bio diversity. While nationalizing PA network, all
representative habitat and eco systems will be included in the PA network
Improved and scientific PA management will be introduced to achieve the
objective, conservation of the forest and bio diversity People's participation in
planning and implementation of conservation program will be encouraged.
b. Protection Forests
All well stocked natural forests of various types will be managed primarily for bio-
diversity conservation
Conservation areas will be largely managed through non-invasive prescription in
less disturbed natural forests (Crown density 0.4 to 0.7) with insufficient natural
regeneration, management interventions for regeneration will be under taken.
B. Degraded Natural Forests
Degraded forests will include partially degraded natural forests (Crown density 0.1 –
0.4) and totally degraded natural forests (Crown density 0.0 – 0.1)
447
Management interventions will focus on the rehabilitation of these forests and
productivity improvements partly through departmental efforts and partially
through participatory programmes with the local communities
The management of these forests will be for enhancing bio-diversity
conservation, increasing productivity and meeting the needs of the local People
C. Plantation
Industrial plantation in forestlands especially Teak and Pulpwood will be
unproved by adopting new technologies.
The management interventions will be directed towards maximization of
production for meeting the needs of industries and people
The management of plantations will be under taken without detrimental effects to
the environment.
1. Inventory
The scope and extent of forest date as will be improved for efficient decision
making and management of forests.
448
Appendix – XLVII
DETAILS OF PLACES WERE BOUNDARY CONSOLIDATION IS REQUIRED IN

MUNNAR DIVISION
Sl. No Location Range No. of cairns

1 Kulamankuzhi Neriamangalam 120
2 Padikkappu Neriamangalam 100
3 Mamalakandam Neriamangalam 100
4 Kambiline portion Neriamangalam 60
5 Thattekanni Neriamangalam 60
6 Manniam Neriamangalam 50
7 Ponmudi Adimaly 125
8 Perinjankutty Adimaly 25
9 Machiplavu Adimaly 400
10 Panamkutty Adimaly 50
11 Puthukudy Munnar 200
12 Nadukudy Munnar 150
13 Andavankudy Munnar 150
14 Kandathikudy Munnar 100
15 Shedkudy Munnar 200
16 Iddalipparakudy Munnar 200
17 Meenkuthykudy Munnar 300
18 Ambalapparakudy Munnar 150
19 Ambalakudy Munnar 130
20 Iruppukalkudy Munnar 150
21 Mulakutharakudy Munnar 300
22 Nenmanalkudy Munnar 200
23 Vellvarakudy Munnar 250
24 Vellakasamkudy Munnar 100
25 Udumbanparakudy Munnar 100
26 Kavakattukudy Munnar 200
27 Thakaramthattykudy Munnar 200
28 Thenparakudy Munnar 100
29 Periyakudy Munnar 100
30 Parappayarkudy Munnar 250
31 Chennaipparakudy Munnar 100
32 Nooradikudy Munnar 200
33 Koodalarkudy Munnar 200
34 Kezhvalayamparakudy Munnar 100
449
Sl. No Location Range No. of cairns
35 Pathamkudy Munnar 100
36 Kezhpathamkudy Munnar 100
37 KDH Munnar, Devikulam 3000
Total 8420
Average
Sl. Extent of No. of
Range No. of Remakrs
No. Boundary cairs
cairns
1 Neriyamangalam 50 Km 1000 200 To be completed
within 5 years
2 Munnar 26 Km 2500 400 (Including
Edamalakudy area)
To be completed
within 5 years
3 Devikulam 44 Km 1000 200 To be completed
within 5 years
4 Adimaly 50 Km 500 200 To be completed
within 5 years
Extent of construction of Kayyala
Sl.
Range Location Extent
No.
1 Ozhukathadam 8 Km
2 Thattekanni 15 Km
3 Neryamangalam Rage Kinacherri 6 Km
4 Elamblaserri Mamalakandam 15 Km
5 Kanjiraveli 12 Km
1 Korathiudy 1 Km
2 Thattekananni 1 Km
3 Kattamudi 1 Km
Adimaly Range
4 Moothasseri 1 Km
5 Vettukallumudy 1 Km
6 Padicup 1 Km
450
Name of places proposed for Agave/Glyricidia/Gatropha etc. Planting
Sl. No. Range Location Extent

1 Ponmudi area 13 Km
2 Vettukallumudi 3 Km
3 Peruvannoor chal 5 Km
4 Thumbipara 5 Km
5 Adimaly Range Perinjamkutty 5 Km
6 pambla 5 Km
7 Mezhukumchal 5 Km
8 Chinnapra 5 Km
9 Kaithachal 5 Km
Neriyamangalam
1 Kambiline area 40 Km
Range
Repairing of cairns
Sl. No Range Place No. of cairns

1 Ozhuvathadam 50
2 Thattekanni 75
3 Elamblasseri 75
4 Kenasseri 50
Neriyamangalm
5 Kanjiraveli 40
6 Mannamkandam 50
7 Kulamankuzhi 50
8 Mannyam 50
9 Ponmudi 50
10 perinjankutty 75
Adimaly
11 Machiplavue 100
12 Padikkappu 50
13 Kallar 10
Munnar
14 Neyamakadu 25
451
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Sl. No.
Total
14P35c
14P33a
14P36a
14P34a
14P35a
14P32a
14P30bj
14P30bn
Micro
watershed
Neriyamangalam Range
F
E
B
A
H
D
G
code
Treatment
Extent of
forest area
9.686
10.453
25.4998
6.917
5.74
12.475
6.868
8.268
50
50
50
20
50
300
125
100
745
area
required
Treatment
75
50
50
50
50
20
50
50
395
area
Proposed
1
Treatment A- 50 ha
2010-11
Treatment B-20 ha, C-30 ha, 2nd year Mtc. of A.

2011-12
Treatment C-20 ha, D-35 3rd year Mtc of A, 2nd

3
year Mtc. of B&C

2012-13
Treatment of D-40 ha, 4th year Mtc. of A, 3rd year

4
Mtc. of B&C, 2nd year Mtc. Of C&D

2013-14
Treatment of E-50 ha, 5th year Mtc. Of A, 4th year

SCHEDULE OF OPERATIONS IN MICRO WATER SHEDS
Mtc. of B&C, 3rd year Mtc. of C&D, 2nd year Mtc.

Of D
2014-15
Treatment of F- 50 ha, 5th year Mtc. of B & C, 4th

6
year Mtc. of C&D 3rd year Mtc. of D, 2nd year

Mtc.of E
2015-16
Treatment G-30 ha, 5th year Mtc. Of C&D, 4th year

7
Mtc. Of D, 3rd Mtc. of E 2nd year Mtc. Of F

2016-17
Treatment of G-20 ha, H-10 ha 5th year Mtc. Of D,

8
4th year Mtc. Of E, 3rd Mtc. Of F. 2nd year Mtc. Of

G
2017-18
Treatment of H- 40 ha. 5th year Mtc. Of E, 4th year

9
Mtc. Of F, 3rd year Mtc. Of G. 2nd year Mtc. Of

G&H
2018-19
5th year Mtc. Of F, 4th year of G, 3rd year Mtc, of

10
G&H. 2nd year Mtc of H

2019-20
452
Appendix – XLVIII
9
23
22
21
20
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
10
Sl. No.
CHR
Total
Adimaly Range
14P40a
14P39a
14P38a
14P35d
14P37a
14P30bc
14P30bh
14P40bb
14P30be
14P30bd
14P40bd
14P41a -
Micro
14P35c(pt)
14P35b(pt)
14P36a(pt)
watershed
I
J
L
F
K
E
B
A
N
D
C
O
G
M
code
Treatment
Extent of
forest area
10.5162
7.23190
17.6844
7.9595
12.854
9.6793
10.488
12.293
9.589
38.303
10.9203
14.9524
4.5527
2.4843
2.075
50
40
40
40
40
25
60
50
50
50
20
60
50
30
35
640
area
required
Treatment
40
50
40
40
25
50
50
60
40
60
50
20
50
30
35
640
area
Proposed
1
Treatment of A-35 ha, B-30

2010-11
2
Treatment of B-20ha, C-40ha, 2nd year Mtc of A&B

2011-12
Treatment of D-60 ha, 3rd year Mtc. Of A&B, 2nd year Mtc. Of
3
B&C
2012-13
Tretment of E-20&F-50, 4th year Mtc. Of A&B, 3rd year Mtc of

4
B&C, 2nd year Mtc. Of D

2013-14
Treatment of G-50&H-20 ha, 5th year Mtc. Of A&B, 4th year Mtc.
5
of B&C, 3rd year Mtc. of D, 2nd year Mtc. Of E&F

2014-15
Treatment of H- 30&I-40 ha, 5th year Mtc. of B & C, 4th year Mtc.
6
of D 3rd year Mtc. Of E&F, 2nd year Mtc.of G&H

2015-16
Treatment I-20,J-30&K-20 ha, 5th year Mtc. Of D, 4th year Mtc.

7
Of E&F, 3rd Mtc. of G&H 2nd year Mtc. Of H&I

2016-17
Treatment of G-20 ha, H-10 ha 5th year Mtc. Of D, 4th year Mtc.
8
Of E, 3rd Mtc. Of F. 2nd year Mtc. Of G

2017-18
Treatment of K- 20,L-25&M-40 ha. 5th year Mtc. Of E&F, 4th

9
year Mtc. Of G&H, 3rd year Mtc. Of H&I. 2nd year Mtc. Of I,J&K
2018-19
Treatment of M-10,N-40&O-40 ha, 5th year Mtc. Of G&H, 4th

10
year Mtc. Of H &I, 3rd year Mtc. Of I,J&K, 2nd year Mtc. Of
2019-20
K,L&M
453
Appendix – XLIX
AREAS REQUIRING SOIL CONSERVATION MEASURES
Range Location Ecco- rest / Gully Contor Bund Trench M3 Check Station/ Watershed
ANR/RDF/RRB Pluggng M3 M Dam Section
Neriamangalam 1. Poothanal 400 2300 2000 500 2 Valara Periyar
1.Pambla dam area 350 2500 2000 800 Panakutty Periyar
2. Parappara 175 200 1000 750 2 Machiplavu Periyar
3. Kodakkallu 200 800 1000 500 2 Machiplavu Periyar
4. Ponmudy 200 800 500 - Machiplavu Periyar

5. Thumpipara 200 800 500 1000 - Machiplavu Periyar
6. Muthirayar 200 Machiplavu Periyar
7. Suriyamudi 100 Machiplavu Periyar
8. Kunjiyar 100 Machiplavu Periyar
1. Pappathishola 100 800 1000 - - Chinnakanal. Periyar
2. Kolukkumala 100 600 500 - - Chinnakanal. Periyar
3. Nagamala 100 500 500 - - Chinnakanal. Periyar
1. Ambalapadikudy 100 250 400 - - Pettimudy Periyar
2. Kavakattukudy 75 250 300 - - Pettimudy Periyar
3. Puthukudy 75 200 300 - - Pettimudy Periyar
454
Range Location Ecco- rest / Gully Contor Bund Trench M3 Check Station/ Watershed
ANR/RDF/RRB Pluggng M3 M Dam Section
4. Kandathukudy 75 200 250 - - Pettimudy Periyar
5. Meenkuthykudy 75 250 300 - - Pettimudy Periyar
6. Iddaliparakudy 100 200 300 - - Pettimudy Periyar
7. Mulakutharakudy 75 150 250 - - Pettimudy Periyar
8. Nenmanalkudy 100 200 300 - - Pettimudy Periyar
Total 2900 11000 11400 3550 6
455
Appendix – L
456
457
458
459
460
461
462
Appendix – LI
GANJA RAIDS CONDUCTED IN MUNNAR DIVISION
Sl. Date Place Range Extent No.of Remarks

No plants
1 17-12-02 Varavedi Devikulam 2000
2 10-01-03 Pappathishola, Devikulam 1500

Chinakanal
3 29-01-03 Varavedi, Devikulam 1630 plots 6520

Aruvikkadu
6 12-02-04 Gundumala Munnar 0.50ha 1776
7 15-10-04 to 17-10-04 Mulakuthara Munnar 20Cen 600
8 8-12-04 to 11-12-04 Chappukkad, Munnar 1 Acre 3400

Idumbanpara
9 01-01-04 to 14-01-04 Edamalakudy Munnar 2102
10 28-11-04 Puthukudy Devikulam 1.5Acr 125
11 18-01-05 Edamalakudy Munnar 1800

12 18-02-05 Edamalakudy Munnar 1264
13 20-10-05 to 23-10-05 Meenkuthikudy, Munnar
Mulakuthara,
Keezhpakam
14 15-12-05 to 20-12-05 Charivupara, Munnar 4.50 Acre 2300
Vellavarakudy,
Iruppukallu,
Anakulamkudy
15 02-02-06 to 03-02-06 Osimala Munnar 0.75 Acre 2186
16 09-04-06 to 13-04-06 Puthukudy, Munnar 1606

Vellavarakudy,
Parappayarkudy
17 27-09-06 to 30-09-06 Osimala, Munnar 5000

Iruppukallu
18 16-11-06 to 18-11-06 Iddaliparakudy, Munnar 17500

Malikudy
19 09-12-06 to 12-12-06 Puthukudy, Munnar 9 Acre 17500

Vellakasam,
Iddaliparakudy,
Malikudy
20 26-12-06 to 27-12-06 Pathankudy Munnar 1 Acre 1200
21 10-01-07 to 12-01-07 Vellavarakudy, Munnar 5.25 Acre 4505

Iddaliparakudy,
Vellakasam,
Kavakattukudy
22 23-01-07 to 24-01-07 Iddaliparakudy, Munnar 750

Puthukudy,
Kavakattukudy,
Kandathikudy,
Mulakuthara
463
No plants
23 08-03-07 to 15-03-07 Keezhpalayampara Munnar 3025

kudy,
Mennkuthikudy,
Mappilakuthu,
Chappukadu,
Thakaramthatti,
Nenmanal,
Mulakuthara
24 11-04-07 to 18-04-07 Mennkuthy, Munnar 1.50 Acre 6500

Kavakattukudy,
Ambalaparakudy,
Andavarkudy,
Koodankuthu,
Maranakuzhy,
Uriyadikuthu,
Chenapara
25 20-04-07 to 25-04-07 Malikudy, Munnar 60 Cents 1434

Mulakuthara,
Vallavarakudy,
Parappayarkudy
26 09-06-07 to 14-06-07 Koodallarkudy, Munnar

Kadankuthu,
Nadukani
27 07-07-07 to 10-07-07 Edamalakudy, Munnar

Shedukudy
28 06-09-07 to 09-09-07 Vayakattukudy, Munnar 176000

Maranakuzhy,
Koodankuthu,
Uriyadikuzhy
29 22-09-07 to 03-10-07 Iddaliparakudy, Munnar 0.50 Acre 125

Thenparakudy,
Vellakasamkudy
30 16-10-07 to 17-10-07 Mennkuthikudy Munnar 1 Acre 31750
31 23-10-07 to 30-10-07 Kandathikudy, Munnar 53 Cents 3650

Kavakattukudy,
Meenkuthikudy,
Melvalayampara,
Mappilakuthu,
Kadankuthu
32 15-11-07 to 16-11-07 Edamalakudy, Munnar 95 Cents 3645

Iddaliparakudy
33 1-12-07 to 05-12-07 Keezhpathamkudy, Munnar 5.77 Acres 32956

Melpathamkudy,
Manaliyar,
Nelmanalkudy,
Chattupara,
Iruppukallukudy,
Kavakattukudy
34 04-12-07 to 05-12-07 Osimala Munnar 2 Acres 22635
35 05-12-07 Vankalakudy Munnar 4.30 Acres 29100
36 06-12-07 to 07-12-07 Kavakattukudy, Munnar 6 Acres 42444

Meenkuthikudy
37 10-12-07 Malikudy, Munnar 8674

Karinkasam,
Mennkuthikudy
464
No plants
38 13-12-07 to 15-12-07 Idappara, Munnar 5 Acres 13270

Kalekudy,
Vembuthara,
Meenkuthikudy
39 15-12-07 to 17-12-07 Meenkuthikudy, Munnar 6 Acres 31515

Ambalaparakudy,
Mangaparakudy,
Shedukudy.
40 24-08-07 Pachakkadu, Shola Devikulam 1.50 Cents 103

Forest inside 1995
Eucalyptus captive
plantation
41 01-09-07 Palar shola forests Devikulam 0.50 Cents 40

in 1995 HNLcaptive
plantation
42 03-09-07 Near Kundala dam Devikulam 0.50 Cents 30

KDHP Eucalyptus
plantations
43 20-12-07 to 23-12-07 Shedukudy, Munnar 23.10 Acres 96937

Komalikudy,
Malikudy,
Ullakayamkudy,
Vayakattukudy,
Thathankudy,
Amabalakudy,
Kandathikudy,
Kalekudy
44 30-12-07 to 03-01-08 Goodallarkudy, Munnar 3.30 Acres 9427

Ambalaparakudy
45 03-01-08 to 07-01-08 Swamimala, Munnar 2.15 Acres 6365

Mappilapara,
Thakaramthatti
46 05-01-08 to 07-01-08 Vellakasam,Vellava Munnar 1.47 Acres 7825

ra, Thenpara
47 05-01-08 to 07-01-08 Mulakuthara, Munnar 2.50 Acres 5619

Iruppukallu
48 06-01-08 to 07-01-08 Melvalayampara, Munnar 4.90 Acres 3905

Meenkuthi,
Iruppukallu
49 13-01-08 to 17-01-08 Vellavarakudy, Munnar 35 Cents 240

Parappayarkudy
50 12-01-08 to 14-01-08 Keezhpatham, Munnar 78 Cents 2855

Nelmanal
51 12-01-08 to 16-01-08 Meenkuthikudy, Munnar 1.25 Acres 867

Iruppukallu,
Kavakattukudy,
Vellavarakudy,
Thenpara
52 19-01-08 to 22-01-08 Shedukudy, Munnar 85 Cents 2270

Iruppukallu,
Mulakuthara,
Koodankuthu,
Iddaliparakudy
53 09-02-08 to 14-02-08 Andavankudy, Munnar 70 Cents 1125

Thankachankuthu,
Chappukadu,
Shedukudy,
Iddaliparakudy
465
No plants
54 02-03-08 to 04-03-08 Oosimala, Munnar

Mabilapara,
Thangachan kuth,
Iruppukallu,
Nelmanai,
Vazhakuthu,
Meekuthi
55 19-04-08 to 03-05-08 Meenkuthi Munnar 3 Cents 64 2 month

(O/P Staff report) aged
Irupukallu
Idappara
Shedkudy viruppu
Idalippara
Kandathikudy
Andavankudy
Nadukudy
Ambalapadi kudy
virupu
Meenkuthikudy
Viruppu
Koodalar kudy
56 05-05-08 to 15-05-08 Shedkudy viruppu Munnar Nil Nil Nil

(O/P staff report)
Idappara
Vellavarakudy
Kezhvalayampara
Thenparakudy
Idalipparakudy
viruppu
Nelmanal
Mulakutharakudy
Pathamakudy
virupu
Meenkuthi kudy
57 16-05-08 to 21-05-08 Ampalaparakudy Munnar Nil Nil Nil

(O/P staff report)
Kandathukudy
Periyakudy
Kavakattukudy
Vellavarakudy
466
No plants
Thenparakudy
58 23-05-08 to 31-05-08 Idalipparakudy Munnar Nil Nil Nil

(O/P staff report) viruppu
Kandathikudy
Shedkudy viruppu
Melpatham
Keepatham viruppu
Ampalaparakudy
Meenkuthi kudy
Idalippara kudy
Vallakasamkudy
Thenparakudy
59 01-06-08 to 12-06-08 Kavakattukudy Munnar Nil Nil Nil

(O/P staff report) viruppu
Ampalaparakudy
Koodankuthu
Kelvalayamapara
Nadukudy
Andavankudy
467
Appendix – LII
REPORT ON THE SURVEY CONDUCTED FOR EUCALYPTUS GALL PROBLEM
Based on the letter No. M4-5440/08 dated 16/01/09 the following area were visited
1) Plaldmyam Eucalyptus Plantation (2007) Adimaly Range 4.2 Ha
2) Variyani - Changadakkadavu (2007) 15.8 Ha
3) Ponmudi Reservoir (2007) 15 Acre 5.2 Ha.
The following observations were made
• Low to medium level incidence of Eucalyptus gall wasp was observed at all the
locations
• Galls were observed in Eucalyptus grandis coppice and newly planted plants
• Galls were observed in stem, petiole & mid ribs
• In addition to gall problem, trunk borer (species identification to be confirmed)

termite and leaf rust problem were also observed
• Nursery stock maintained at Central Nursery, Devikulam was also examined and
found free from gall wasp problem.
Inference
During the Eucalyptus Gall survey conducted by IFGTB Coimbatore during 2007 and
2008, galls were not reported from these areas. Incidence reported now indicate the
spread of the gall wasp from plains to high elevation. Spread to further higher elevations
need to be closely monitored through periodic surveys.
Suggestions and recommendations:-
• Severely affected plants may be pruned and lopped branches may be burnt to
avoid spread of gall problem.
• Regular monitoring may be done to track the spread of the gall pest.
• Shifting of seedlings or any vegetative material from infested areas to un-infested

area may be avoided.
• Known seed sources/provenances if any which are consistently remaining

free from gall infestation should be identified production and planting in future.
• Brochures on Eucalyptus gall problem brought out by IFGTB, Coibatore is

provided for further details information.
• Occurrence of Gall will cease in your plantation after 2-3 year of age. Therefore
existing plantation need not be abandoned. However Nurseries may be
monitored regularly to locate pest incidence and avoid severe loss of planting
stock.
• Classical Biological Control Programme is being attempted by IFGTB. Which is

the only solution for gall problem.
468
• For trunk borer problem bore holes may be injected with Dichlorvos (2ml per liter
of water) and sealed with mud.
• For termite problem drenching with Chlorpyriphes ( 2 or 4 ml/liter of water).
• Seedlings may be dipped or watered with a rose can with Chlorpyriphes solution
before taking for planting. Pit treatment with same solution may be attempted
before planning for future programme.
Dr. John Prasanth Jacob

Scientist
Institute of Forest Genetics & Tree Breeding
R. S. Puram
Coimbatore
469
Appendix – LIII
SCHEDULE FOR FELLING OF EUCALYPTUS
Sl. No Range Plantation Year Extent (ha) Remarks Status of land Year of felling
1 Devikulam Kuttiarvally 1965 8.9 Handed over to Munnar Range for KDH 2010-11
Fern Sanctuary
2 Devikulam Ka- Block 1974 83 Extracted by M/S HNL during 1999- KDH 2010-11
2000. Coppice maintained.
3 Munnar Munnar 1986 0.5 Failed KDH 2010-11
4 Adimaly Pettimudi 2000 30.5 Average stock RF 2010-11
5 Munnar Gundumala 2000 3.5 - KDH 2010-11
Total Extent 126.4 2010-11
6 Munnar Oosimala 1996 59.9 - KDH 2010-11
7 Munnar Kallar 1995 41 (Extraction work started) KDH 2010-11
8 Devikulam Devimala 2000 4.5 - KDH 2010-11
9 Devikulam Theerthamala 2000 7.5 - KDH 2010-11

sandoz
10 Munnar Pambanmala 2002 12.7 - KDH 2010-11
11 Devikulam Grahamsland 2000 7.5 - KDH 2010-11
Total Extent 133.1
470
12 Devikulam Kundala sandoz 2000 25 - KDH 2011-12
13 Devikulam Ka- Block 2001 71 - KDH 2011-12
14 Munnar Kallar 1999 4.8 - KDH 2011-12
15 Munnar Pambanmala 1999 3.15 - KDH 2011-12
17 Devikulam Kacheriland 1999 11.97 Replanting of 1963 plantation KDH 2011-12
18 Devikulam Kacheriland 1994 22 Replanting of 63 plantation KDH 2011-12
Total Extent 140.48
19 Devikulam Ka-block 1999 153 Replanting of 1974 plantation KDH 2012-13
20 Devikulam Kacheriland 1999 7.2 - KDH 2012-13
21 Munnar Pambanmala 2000 12 - KDH 2012-13
22 Devikulam Theerthamala 2001 7.5 - KDH 2012-13
23 Devikulam Kuttiyar 2001 35 - KDH 2012-13
Total Extent 214.7
24 Munnar Upper Gundumala 2001 14 - KDH 2013-14
25 Munnar Upper Gundumala 2001 20.8 - KDH 2013-14
26 Munnar Shola mala 2001 4.37 - KDH 2013-14
471
27 Munnar Kadukumudi 2001 5.2 - KDH 2013-14
28 Munnar Vayalkkadavu 2001 4 - KDH 2013-14
30 Devikulam Cape 2002 4 Extracted by HNL during KDH 2013-14

2001.Replanting of 1962 PLN
31 Devikulam Pazhathottam 2002 6 Too bits KDH 2013-14

(lower)
32 Devikulam Yellapetty 2002 7 - KDH 2013-14
33 Munnar Laktchmi 2002 8 - KDH 2013-14
34 Devikulam Gundmala 2002 7.5 - KDH 2013-14
35 Munnar Thenmalai 2003 9.5 - KDH 2013-14
37 Munnar Lekshmi 2003 4 - KDH 2013-14
Total Extent 148.42
39 Devikulam Kurisumutta- 2003 26.5 - KDH 2014-15

Sailent valley- bit-I
40 Devikulam Kurisumutta-Sailant 2003 4.7 - KDH 2014-15

valley- bit II
472
41 Devikulam Upper Chettuvurai 2003 14.2 - KD 2014-15
42 Devikulam Paniyarappara bitI 2003 16.32 - KDH 2014-15
43 Devikulam Paniyarappara bit II 2003 12.12 - KDH 2014-15
46 Munnar Gundumala 2004 4 - KDH 2014-15
47 Munnar Kadalar 2004 9.8 - KDH 2014-15
48 Munnar Nagamudy 2004 2.6 - KDH 2014-15
49 Munnar Sevenmala 2004 2.73 - KDH 2014-15
Total Extent 185.12
50 Munnar Thenmala 2004 14.45 - KDH 2015-16
51 Devikulam Kundala 2004 23.93 - KDH 2015-16

Randavanakudy
52 Devikulam Chokkanandu 2004 21.37 - KDH 2015-16
54 Devikulam Nedumpullumutta 2004 15.02 - KDH 2015-16
55 Devikulam Chettuvarai 2004 12.72 - KDH 2015-16
473
56 Devikulam Chettuvarai 2004 1.6 - KDH 2015-16
57 Devikulam Odikey Devikulam 2004 7.81 - KDH 2015-16
58 Adimaly Kaithachal 2004 14.6 - RF 2015-16
59 Munnar Gundumala 2005 5 - KDH 2015-16
61 Munnar 8th Mile 2005 3.42 - KDH 2015-16

(Neyamakadu)
63 Munnar Kannimala 2005 7.67 - KDH 2015-16

Gundumala (A)
64 Munnar Kundumala (B) 2005 13.74 - KDH 2015-16
65 Munnar Lakshmi 2005 4.94 - KDH 2015-16
66 Munnar Kannimala Top 2005 2.76 - KDH 2015-16
67 Munnar Nagamudi 2005 1.78 - KDH 2015-16
68 Munnar Sevanmala 2005 4.59 - KDH 2015-16
69 Adimaly Pettimudy 2005 31.5 Average stock RF 2015-16
Total Extent 196.05
70 Adimaly Kaithachal 2005 10.3 Average Stock RF 2016-17
474
71 Adimaly Thalamaly 2005 4.6 Average Stock RF 2016-17
72 Devikulam Erattayarkallu 2005 21.76 - KDH 2016-17
73 Devikulam Yellapetty 2005 13.27 - KDH 2016-17
74 Devikulam Thogupara 2005 7.79 - KDH 2016-17
75 Devikulam ODK 2005 3.78 - KDH 2016-17
76 Devikulam Yellapetty- 2005 5.61 KDH 2016-17

Karinkulam
77 Devikulam Pallar- Aruvikadu 2005 11.64 - KDH 2016-17
78 Devikulam Kacheriland 2006 9.51 Augmented area KDH 2016-17
79 Devikulam Kacheriland 2006 7.32 Augmented area KDH 2016-17
80 Munnar Kallar 2006 39 - KDH 2016-17
81 Munnar Sevenmala 2007 15.8 - KDH 2016-17
82 Devikulam Chokramudi- 2007 10.24 - KDH 2016-17

Chokkanadu
83 Adimaly Ponmudi 2007 15.8 Average Stock CHR 2016-17
84 Adimaly Ponmudi 2007 5.17 Average Stock CHR 2016-17
Total Extent 181.59
85 Adimaly Plakkayam 2007 42 Average Stock RF 2017-18
475
86 Devikulam Senkoinikudy in 2008 13 - KDH 2017-18

Gundumala
87 Devikulam Urulichola 2008 4 - KDH 2017-18
88 Munnar Idilimutta 2008 13.6 - KDH 2017-18
89 Munnar Vattapara 2008 38.8 - KDH 2017-18
90 Munnar Idilimutta 4 Bits 2009 57.45 KDH 2017-18
91 Devikulam Pazhathottamom 2009 20.62 KDH 2017-18
Total Extent 189.47
92 Devikulam Kuttiarvally 1965 8.9 Handed over to Munnar Range for KDH 2018-19
Fern Sanctuary
93 Devikulam Ka- Block 1974 83 Extracted by M/S HNL during 1999- KDH 2018-19
2000. Coppice maintained.
94 Devikulam Pazhathottam 1980 70 Extracted by M/S HNL during 1999- KDH 2018-19
2000.Coppice maintained.
Total Extent 161.9
476
Appendix – LIV
SCHEDULE FOR FELLING FOR WATTLE PLANTATION
Sl. Extent Status of Proposed

No (ha) land Year
1 Devikulam Upper Santoz 1984 40 Augmented KDH 2009-10
Augmented in
2 Devikulam Devimala 1984 22 KDH
1995
3 Munnar Gundumala 1985 15.2 KDH 2010-11
Upper 40+15.2 =
4 Munnar 1986 108 KDH
Gundumala 55.2
Balance 68 KDH 2011-12
5 Devikulam Upper Santoz 1986 26 Failed KDH 2012-13
Augmented in
6 Devikulam V.Mutta 1987 25 KDH
1995
Augmented in
7 Devikulam Koismotta 1987 25 KDH 2013-14
1995
8 Devikulam Koismutta 1987 20 Failed KDH
9 Devikulam Sailent valley 1988 100 (25+25+25)
Balance 75 KDH 2014-15
10 Munnar Thenmala 1989 60 - KDH 2015-16
11 Munnar Thenmala 1989 40 - KDH 2016-17
12 Devikulam Pazhathottam 1991 10 KDH 2017-18
Revenue
13 Devikulam Nagamala 1991 35 Failed
land
15 Devikulam Nagamala 1992 70 10+35+20
Revenue
(Balance 50) 2018-09
land
15 Devikulam Sailent valley 1992 20 KDH
Total 616.2
477
Appendix – LV
LIST OF PLANTATION TO DELETED FROM PLANTATION LIST
Sl. Range Year Plantation Species Extent

No.
1 Neriyamangalam 1977 Manniyam Teak 13.930
2 Neriyamangalam 1984 Kodakkal thattekanni Teak 43.180
3 Adimaly 1996 Kattamudi Teak 18.000
4 Neriyamangalam 2000 Thattekanni Teak 6.000
5 Munnar 1960 Cholamala Alnus 60.100
6 Munnar 2001 Sholamala Alnus 1.400
7 Neriyamangalam 1993 Mamalakandam Bamboo 12.000
8 Neriyamangalam 1995 Elablaserri Bamboo 12.500
9 Neriyamangalam 1995 Muniyarachal Bamboo 14.000
10 Neriyamangalam 1998 Deviyar Bamboo 12.000
11 Neriyamangalam 2004 Pachamarakanam Bamboo 55.000
12 Neriyamangalam 2005 Thennokkipara Bamboo 118.000
13 Neriyamangalam 1936 Neriamangalam Elavu 4.050
17 Neriamangalam 1942 Inchathotti Miscellaneous 4.250
18 Neriamangalam 1943 Neriamangalam Miscellaneous 10.120
19 Neriamangalam 1944 Valara Miscellaneous 8.720
24 Adimaly 1985 Mukkudam Miscellaneous 25.000
25 Neriamangalam 1986 Chempankuzhy Miscellaneous 50.000
26 Neriamangalam 1986 Chempankuzhy Miscellaneous 13.000
27 Neriamangalam 1986 Incathotty Miscellaneous 5.000
28 Neriamangalam 1986 Nagarampara Miscellaneous 5.000
29 Adimaly 1986 Thalamaly Miscellaneous 8.500
30 Adimaly 1986 Thlayoorappan Miscellaneous 15.000
31 Adimaly 1987 Pettimudi Miscellaneous 25.000
32 Adimaly 1988 Thalamaly Miscellaneous 20.000
33 Adimaly 1988 Peruvanoorchal bit I Miscellaneous 6.000
34 Adimaly 1988 Peruvanoorchal bit II Miscellaneous 3.600
35 Neriamangalam 1988 Chepankuzhi Miscellaneous 50.300
36 Adimaly 1989 Thalayoorappan Miscellaneous 39.340
37 Neriamangalam 1989 Chempankuzhi Miscellaneous 5.300
38 Neriamangalam 1989 Inchathotty Miscellaneous 26.000
39 Neriamangalam 1989 Pazhampillichal Miscellaneous 31.000
40 Neriamangalam 1989 Thattekanni Miscellaneous 13.500
41 Neriamangalam 1989 Muniyarachal Miscellaneous 8.500
42 Neriamangalam 1990 Kanjiraveli Miscellaneous 20.000
43 Neriamangalam 1990 Kudakkallu Miscellaneous 20.000
44 Adimaly 1990 Koragatty Miscellaneous 98.300
45 Neriamangalam 1990 Inchathotty Miscellaneous 20.000
478
Sl. Range Year Plantation Species Extent
No.
46 Neriamangalam 1990 Ohuvathadam Miscellaneous 12.000
47 Neriamangalam 1990 Manniyam Miscellaneous 23.000
48 Adimaly 1991 Chinnapara Miscellaneous 6.000
49 Munnar 1992 Meenkuthy Miscellaneous 35.000
50 Neriamangalam 1995 Mudickal Miscellaneous 12.000
51 Neriamangalam 1995 Muniyarachal Miscellaneous 14.000
52 Neriamangalam 1995 Muthicadu Miscellaneous 13.800
53 Neriamangalam 1996 Cheyappara Miscellaneous 25.000
54 Adimaly 1996 Kattamudy Miscellaneous 20.000
55 Adimaly 1996 Porkumthotty Miscellaneous 5.000
56 Adimaly 1996 Panamkutty Miscellaneous 10.000
57 Adimaly 1997 Thondicup Miscellaneous 36.000
58 Adimaly 1997 Nellipara Miscellaneous 15.000
59 Munnar 1997 Malikkudy Miscellaneous 20.160
60 Munnar 1997 Puthukudy Miscellaneous 24.160
61 Munnar 1998 Kavakkattukudy Miscellaneous 10.120
62 Munnar 1998 Kandathikudy Miscellaneous 36.700
63 Adimaly 1999 Parappara Miscellaneous 50.000
64 Neriamangalam 2001 Valara Miscellaneous 10.000
479
Appendix – LVI
NWFP STATUS OCCURANCE AND QUANTUM OF GROWING STOCK IN VARIOUS RENGES OF MUNNAR DIVISION - STUDY REPORT BY TGBRI
Munnar Range
Sl NWFP's part & Average

Name of Plant Family Common Name NWFP/unit Total Total
No. usage Density/Ha.
area or per quantity/Ha(Kg) quantity/Range(MT)
plant (Kg)
1 Acacia caesia Mimosaceae Eencha Bark 39.68 2.02 80.15 8.4959
2 Adenia hondala Passifloraceae Karimothaku Tuberous root 3.62 2.068 7.48 0.79288
3 Alstonia scholaris Apocynaceae Ezhilampala Bark 76.82 3.41 261.95 27.7667
4 Aerva Lanata Amaranthaceae Cherula Root
5 Ailanthus triphysa Simaroubaceae Permaram Resin
6 Albizia lebbeck Mimosaceae Vaka Leaf
7 Aphanamixis polystachya Meliaceae Chemmaram Bark
8 Amorphophalus Araceae Katuchena Corm 1.82 10 18.2 1.9292
paeonifolium
9 Anamirta cocculus Menispermaceae Nanchu Seed 5.81 2.16 12.54 1.32924
10 Argyreia speciosa Convolvulanceae Samudrapacha Stem 1.62 10 16.2 1.7172
11 Aristolochia indica Aristolochiaceae Garudakodi Root 0.832 10 8.32 0.88132
12 Aerva Lanata Amaranthaceae Cherula Root 0.009 10 0.09 0.02928
13 Asparagus racemosus Liliaceae Sathavari Root 2.006 10 20.06 2.12636
14 Balanophora indica Balanophoraceae - Fruit 0.49 10 4.9 0.5194
15 Barleria pratensis Acanthaceae Kanakambaram Root 1.1 10 11 1.166
16 Boerhaavia diffusa Nyctaginceae Thazhuthama Root
480
Munnar Range

plant (Kg)
17 Baliospermum montanum Euphorbiaceae Nagadanti Root
18 Butea monosperma Fabaceae Chamatha Bark,Root
19 Biophytum sp. Oxalidaceae Mukkutti Entire 0.008 10 0.08 0.00848
20 Caesalpinia bonduc Fabaceae Kazhanji Seed 17.8 3.54 63.08 6.68646
21 Calycopteris floribunda Combretaceae Pullani Bark
22 Celastrus paniculatus Celastraceae Valuluva Seed 3.98 2.1 8.358 0.885948
23 Centrosema pubescens Fabaceae Kattupayaru Seed 3.19 10 1.9 0.2014
24 Chonemorpha fragrans Apocynaceae - Stem 5.89 1.94 11.4266 1.2112196
25 Coscinium fenstratum Menispermaceae Maramanjal Stem
26 Cinnamomum verum Lauraceae Karuka Bark
27 C.malabatrum Lauraceae Vayana Bark,Flowers 20.31 2.91 59.1 6.2646
28 Coffea travancorensis Rubiaceae - Root 0.2 10 2 0.212
29 Cyathula prostrate Amaranthaceae Cherukadaladi Stem.Root 0.008 10 0.08 0.00848
30 Calycopteris floribunda Combretaceae Pullani Bark 1.93 1.81 3.49 1.19547
31 Clerodendrum serratum Verbenaceae Cheruthekku Stem
32 C.zedoaria Zingiberaceae Kasthurimanjal Rhizome 1.99 10 19.9 2.1094
33 Cyclea peltata Menispermaceae Padathali Rhizome 0.056 10 0.56 0.5936
34 Desmodium gangeticum Fabaceae Oarila Root 0.06 10 0.6 0.0636
35 D.gyrans Fabaceae Ramanamapacha Root 0.0072 10 0.072 0.007632
481
Munnar Range

plant (Kg)
36 Dillenia pentagyna Dilleniaceae Malampunna Flower
37 D.velutinum Fabaceae Oarila Root 1 10 10 1.06
38 Drosera peltata Droseraceae Entire plant 0.0009 10 0.009 0.000954
39 Eclipta alba Asteraceae Kaithonni Entire plant
40 Elephantopus Scaber Asteraceae Anachuvadi Entire plant 0.92 10 9.2 0.9752
41 Entada rheedii Mimosaceae Paranda Seed
42 Embelia ribes Myrsinsceae Vizhal Fruit 5.71 2.51 14.33 1.51898
43 Evolvulus alsinoides Convolvulanceae Vishnukranthi Entire plant 0.007 10 0.07 0.00742
44 Ficus gibbosa Moraceae Ithi Bark 17.1 3.18 54.378 5.764068
45 Ficus racemosa Moraceae Athi Bark
46 Garcinia gummi gutta Clusiaceae Kodamopuli Fruit 18.45 2.91 53.68 5.69008
47 G.morella Clusiaceae Eravilara Stem,Leaves 0.098 10 0.98 0.10388
48 Gaultheria canmarica Myrsinsceae Aril Rhizome Fruit 22.61 2.512 56.79 6.01974
49 Gaultheria Fragrantissima Ericaceae Kolgate cheddi Stem.Leaves 0.098 10 0.98 0.10388
50 Gmelina arborea Verbenaceae Kumbil Fruit
51 Gymnacrathera canarica Myrsinsceae Aril Rhizome Fruit 22.61 2.512 56.79 6.01974
52 Heracleum ringens Apiaceae Chittalam Fruit 1.68 10 16.8 1.7808
53 Hydnocarpus pentandra Flacourtiaceae Marotti Fruit
54 Holorrhena antidysenterica Apocynaceae Kudagappala Bark,seed
482
Munnar Range

plant (Kg)
55 Holostemma ada-Kodian Asclepiadaceae Adakkapaiyan Root
56 Helicteres isora Sterculiaceae Idampiri Fruit 1.68 10 16.8 1.7808
Valampiri
57 Holoptelea integrifolia Ulmaceae` Aaval Bark
58 Hemidesmus indicus Periplocaceae Nannari Root 1.93 10 19.3 2.0458
60 Lagerstromia reginae Lythraceae - Bark
61 Indigofera tinctoria Fabaceae Nila amari Leaf
62 Kingiodendron pinnatum Kuzhavu Wood oil
63 Mucuna Pruriens Cucurbitaceae Naikkurana Root 0.87 10 8.7 0.9222
64 Myristica dactyloides Myrsinsceae Adakkapaiyan Aril
65 Malaxis rheedii Oxalidaceae - Flower.seeds 0.008 10 0.08 0.00848
66 Merremia tridentata Convolvulanceae - - 0.092 10 0.92 0.09752
67 Mesua ferrea Clusiaceae Nangu seed 7.19 3.18 22.8642 2.4236
(M.nagasssarium)
68 Naregamia alata Meliaceae Nilanaragam Root 0.0065 10 0.065 0.00689
69 Nervilia aragoana Oxalidaceae Oorilathamara Tuberous root 0.007 10 0.07 0.00742
70 Ocimum gratissimum Lamiaceae Root
71 Palaquium ellipticum Sapotaceae Palli Seed 8.16 2.9 23.664 2.50838
72 Persea macrantha Lauraceae Ooravu Bark 197.87 3.27 647.03 68.58518
483
Munnar Range

plant (Kg)
73 Phyllanthus amaraus Euphorbiaceae Kizharnelli Entire plant 0.0067 10 0.067 0.0071
74 P.Longum Piperaceae Thippali Fruit,stem,root 0.9 10 9 0.954
75 P.emblica Euphorbiaceae Nelli Fruit
76 P.Galeatum Piperaceae Kattu fruit 0.1 10 1 0.106
Kurumulagu
77 Ponamia pinnata Fabaceae Pongu Bark,seed
78 Pseudarthria viscida Fabaceae Moovila Root 0.98 10 9.8 1.0388
79 Rotula aquatica Lythraceae Kallarvalli Root
80 Rauvolfia serpentina Apocynaceae Sarpagandhi Root
81 Rubia cordifolia Rubiaceae Manjatti Root 1 10 10 1.06
82 Sarcostigma kleinii Icacinacea Ooda Fruit 8.09 1.19 9.6271 1.02047
83 Sapindus trifoliata Sapindiaceae Sopumaram Fruit
84 Sarcostemma acidum Asclepiadaceae Somalatha Stem
85 Schleichera oleosa Sapindiaceae Poovanam Seed
86 Scarcostemma brunonianum Asclepiadaceae Somalatha Stem
87 Salacia oblonga Hippocrateaceace Korandi Root
88 Semecarpus anacardium Anacardiaceae Thempra Fruit
89 Sida rhombifolia Malvaceae Kurunthotti Root 1.95 10 0.9 0.0954
90 solanum Torvum Solanaceae Chunda Root 0.09 10 0.9 0.0954
91 solanum Anguivi Solanaceae - Root
484
Munnar Range

plant (Kg)
92 S.Trilobatum Solanaceae - Root
93 Stereospermum - Pathiri Root
94 Strychnos nuxvomica Strychaceae Kanjiram Seed
95 Spondias pinnata Anacardiaceae Ambazham bark,fruit 43.18 2.61 112.69 11.94514
96 Strobilanthes ciliatus Acanthaceae Karinkurinji Root 1.93 10 19.3 2.0458
97 Symplocos cochinchinensis Symplocaceae Pachotti Bark 10.64 1.65 17.55 1.8603
98 Terminalia Chebula Combretaceae Thanni Fruit 95.43 2.95 281.51 29.84006
99 T.bellerica Combretaceae Thanni Fruit
100 Tinospora cordifolia Menispermaceae Amirthu stem 4.18 1.9 7.94 0.04714
101 Tragaia involucrata Euphorbiaceae Vallichoriyanam Root 0.129 10 12.9 1.3674
102 Vateria Indica Di[terocarpaceae Payan Resin
103 Wrightia tinctoria Apocynaceae Kannippala Leaves 7.08 2.1 14.868 1.576008
104 zingiber zerumbet Zingiberaceae Channa Rhizome 0.98 10 9.2 0.9752
485
Devikulam Range

plant (Kg)
6 Albizia lebbeck Mimosaceae Vaka Leaf
7 Aphanamixis polystachya Meliaceae Chemmaram Bark
8 Amorphophalus Araceae Katuchena Corm
0.7 10 7 2.27746
paeonifolium
14 Balanophora indica Balanophoraceae - Fruit 0.32 10 3.2 1.0411264
15 Barleria pratensis Acanthaceae Kanakambaram Root 0.8 10 8 2.6021816
16 Boerhaavia diffusa Nyctaginceae Thazhuthama Root 0.86 10 8.6 2.7980272
17 Baliospermum montanum Euphorbiaceae Nagadanti Root
486
Devikulam Range

plant (Kg)
24 Chonemorpha fragrans Apocynaceae - Stem 0.18 10 1.8 0.5856336
25 Coscinium fenstratum Menispermaceae Maramanjal Stem 4.19 1.9 8.2962 2.6991852
26 Cinnamomum verum Lauraceae Karuka Bark
28 Coffea travancorensis Rubiaceae - Root 0.11 10 1.1 0.3578872
31 Clerodendrum serratum Verbenaceae Cheruthekku Stem
36 Dillenia pentagyna Dilleniaceae Malampunna Flower 6.39 1.89 12.0771 3.9293
37 D.velutinum Fabaceae Oarila Root 0.089 10 0.89 0.28956
487
Devikulam Range

plant (Kg)
38 Drosera peltata Droseraceae Entire plant 0.0062 10 0.062 0.0201718
39 Eclipta alba Asteraceae Kaithonni Entire plant 3.86 1.6 6.176 2.009373
41 Entada rheedii Mimosaceae Paranda Seed 13.1 2.18 28.56 9.29205
44 Ficus gibbosa Moraceae Ithi Bark
45 Ficus racemosa Moraceae Athi Bark 16.9 2.14 36.17 11.76798
47 G.morella Clusiaceae Eravilara Stem,Leaves
48 Gaultheria canmarica Myrsinsceae Aril Rhizome Fruit
49 Gaultheria Fragrantissima Ericaceae Kolgate cheddi Stem.Leaves 0.18 10 1.8 0.58563
50 Gmelina arborea Verbenaceae Kumbil Fruit
51 Gymnacrathera canarica Myrsinsceae Aril Rhizome Fruit
52 Heracleum ringens Apiaceae Chittalam Fruit
53 Hydnocarpus pentandra Flacourtiaceae Marotti Fruit 14.19 1.9 26.96 8.77148
54 Holorrhena antidysenterica Apocynaceae Kudagappala Bark,seed 4.53 1.9 8.61 2.80128
56 Helicteres isora Sterculiaceae Idampiri Fruit
10.9 1.98 21.502 6.995718
Valampiri
488
Devikulam Range

plant (Kg)
57 Holoptelea integrifolia Ulmaceae` Aaval Bark
60 Lagerstromia reginae Lythraceae - Bark 15.1 1.89 28.54 9.28554
63 Mucuna Pruriens Cucurbitaceae Naikkurana Root 1.67 1.09 1.11663 0.3632978
64 Myristica dactyloides Myrsinsceae Adakkapaiyan Aril 6.19 1.12 6.93 2.25468
65 Malaxis rheedii Oxalidaceae - Flower.seeds 0.006 10 0.06 0.0195211
67 Mesua ferrea Clusiaceae Nangu seed
10.16 2.92 29.6672 9.6522828
(M.nagasssarium)
69 Nervilia aragoana Oxalidaceae Oorilathamara Tuberous root
74 P.Longum Piperaceae Thippali Fruit,stem,root 0.96 10 9.6 3.123379
75 P.emblica Euphorbiaceae Nelli Fruit 11.09 1.94 21.51 6.99832
489
Devikulam Range

plant (Kg)
76 P.Galeatum Piperaceae Kattu fruit
0.06 10 0.6 0.1952112
Kurumulagu
79 Rotula aquatica Lythraceae Kallarvalli Root 2.16 10 21.6 7.0276342
80 Rauvolfia serpentina Apocynaceae Sarpagandhi Root
81 Rubia cordifolia Rubiaceae Manjatti Root 4.13 10 41.3 13.43703
83 Sapindus trifoliata Sapindiaceae Sopumaram Fruit 8.13 2.02 16.42 5.34227
84 Sarcostemma acidum Asclepiadaceae Somalatha Stem 0.09 10 0.9 0.29281
85 Schleichera oleosa Sapindiaceae Poovanam Seed 8.9 2.16 19.224 6.2545668
88 Semecarpus anacardium Anacardiaceae Thempra Fruit 6.66 2.17 14.4522 4.7020521
89 Sida rhombifolia Malvaceae Kurunthotti Root 0.1 10 1 0.325352
90 solanum Torvum Solanaceae Chunda Root
92 S.Trilobatum Solanaceae - Root
490
Devikulam Range

plant (Kg)
98 Terminalia Chebula Combretaceae Thanni Fruit
99 T.bellerica Combretaceae Thanni Fruit 17.01 1.83 31.12 10.12495
100 Tinospora cordifolia Menispermaceae Amirthu stem 0.98 1 0.98 0.318844
101 Tragaia involucrata Euphorbiaceae Vallichoriyanam Root 0.009 10 0.09 0.02928
102 Vateria Indica Di[terocarpaceae Payan Resin 4.18 1.9 7.94 2.58329
103 Wrightia tinctoria Apocynaceae Kannippala Leaves
491
Adimaly Range

plant (Kg)
5 Ailanthus triphysa Simaroubaceae Permaram Resin 0.007 2.04 16.1976 1.79586
6 Albizia lebbeck Mimosaceae Vaka Leaf 7.94 2.04 16.1976 1.79586
7 Aphanamixis polystachya Meliaceae Chemmaram Bark 17.18 1.9 13.642 1.5125158
1.05 10 10.5 1.16415
paeonifolium
10 Argyreia speciosa Convolvulanceae Samudrapacha Stem 0.9 10 9 0.997848
14 Balanophora indica Balanophoraceae - Fruit
15 Barleria pratensis Acanthaceae Kanakambaram Root 0.087 10 0.87 0.09645864
17 Baliospermum montanum Euphorbiaceae Nagadanti Root 0.99 10 9.9 1.0976328
492
Adimaly Range

plant (Kg)
23 Centrosema pubescens Fabaceae Kattupayaru Seed 0.9 10 9 0.997848
26 Cinnamomum verum Lauraceae Karuka Bark 11.1 1.08 11.988 1.329133
28 Coffea travancorensis Rubiaceae - Root
30 Calycopteris floribunda Combretaceae Pullani Bark 19.54 3.21 62.72
31 Clerodendrum serratum Verbenaceae Cheruthekku Stem 1 10 10 1.10872
35 D.gyrans Fabaceae Ramanamapacha Root 1.9 10 19 2.106568
36 Dillenia pentagyna Dilleniaceae Malampunna Flower 4.91 2.09 10.2619 1.1372237
493
Adimaly Range

plant (Kg)
37 D.velutinum Fabaceae Oarila Root 1.9 10 19 2.106568
38 Drosera peltata Droseraceae Entire plant
39 Eclipta alba Asteraceae Kaithonni Entire plant 0.009 10 0.09 0.009978
41 Entada rheedii Mimosaceae Paranda Seed 10.12 2.14 21.6568 2.4011327
49 Gaultheria Fragrantissima Ericaceae Kolgate cheddi Stem.Leaves
50 Gmelina arborea Verbenaceae Kumbil Fruit 6.14 1.09 6.6926 0.742021
494
Adimaly Range

plant (Kg)
2.98 10 29.8 3.3039856
Valampiri
57 Holoptelea integrifolia Ulmaceae` Aaval Bark 8.92 3.906 34.84 3.86278
65 Malaxis rheedii Oxalidaceae - Flower.seeds
67 Mesua Clusiaceae Nangu seed
8.12 1.94 15.7528 1.746544
ferrea(M.nagasssarium)
495
Adimaly Range

plant (Kg)
0.1 10 1 0.110872
Kurumulagu
80 Rauvolfia serpentina Apocynaceae Sarpagandhi Root 0.9 10 9 0.997848
83 Sapindus trifoliata Sapindiaceae Sopumaram Fruit 6.14 2 12.28 1.36150816
89 Sida rhombifolia Malvaceae Kurunthotti Root 0.94 10 9.4 1.0421968
90 solanum Torvum Solanaceae Chunda Root 0.2 10 0.6 0.0665232
92 S.Trilobatum Solanaceae - Root 0.06 10 0.6 0.0665232
496
Adimaly Range

plant (Kg)
94 Strychnos nuxvomica Strychaceae Kanjiram Seed 9.17 2.14 19.6238 2.1757299
96 Strobilanthes ciliatus Acanthaceae Karinkurinji Root 3.9 10 39 4.327008
101 Tragaia involucrata Euphorbiaceae Vallichoriyanam Root
497
Neriyamanglam Range

plant (Kg)
2 Adenia hondala Passifloraceae Karimothaku Tuberous root 3 10 30 3.0822
6 Albizia lebbeck Mimosaceae Vaka Leaf 6.94 2.19 15.1986 1.561504
7 Aphanamixis polystachya Meliaceae Chemmaram Bark 5.19 1.08 7.7652 0.7979796
1.007 10 10.07 1.03459
paeonifolium
13 Asparagus racemosus Liliaceae Sathavari Root
14 Balanophora indica Balanophoraceae - Fruit
15 Barleria pratensis Acanthaceae Kanakambaram Root
17 Baliospermum montanum Euphorbiaceae Nagadanti Root 0.9 10 9 0.92466
18 Butea monosperma Fabaceae Chamatha Bark,Root 3.94 1.98 7.8012 0.801495
498
Neriyamanglam Range

plant (Kg)
22 Celastrus paniculatus Celastraceae Valuluva Seed 5.94 1.9
26 Cinnamomum verum Lauraceae Karuka Bark 7.2 1.08
28 Coffea travancorensis Rubiaceae - Root
31 Clerodendrum serratum Verbenaceae Cheruthekku Stem 2.14 10 21.4 2.198636
33 Cyclea peltata Menispermaceae Padathali Rhizome 0.0572 0.0588
36 Dillenia pentagyna Dilleniaceae Malampunna Flower 5 2.16 10.8 1.109592
37 D.velutinum Fabaceae Oarila Root 1.842 10 18.42 1.89247
499
Neriyamanglam Range

plant (Kg)
38 Drosera peltata Droseraceae Entire plant
39 Eclipta alba Asteraceae Kaithonni Entire plant 0.009 10 0.09 0.0092466
41 Entada rheedii Mimosaceae Paranda Seed 29.65 4.31 127379 13.12914
49 Gaultheria Fragrantissima Ericaceae Kolgate cheddi Stem.Leaves
50 Gmelina arborea Verbenaceae Kumbil Fruit 6.19 1.9 11.761 1.2083251
55 Holostemma ada-Kodian Asclepiadaceae Adakkapaiyan Root 1.94 10 19.4 1.99315
1.94 10 19.4 1.99315
Valampiri
500
Neriyamanglam Range

plant (Kg)
57 Holoptelea integrifolia Ulmaceae` Aaval Bark 9.43 2.95 27.81 2.85719
58 Hemidesmus indicus Periplocaceae Nannari Root 0.9 10 9 0.92466
61 Indigofera tinctoria Fabaceae Nila amari Leaf 15.86 3.82 60.58 6.22398
62 Kingiodendron pinnatum Kuzhavu Wood oil 6.14 1.47 12.145 1.24777
65 Malaxis rheedii Oxalidaceae - Flower.seeds
66 Merremia tridentata Convolvulanceae - -
67 Mesua ferrea Clusiaceae Nangu seed
12.99 1.8 23.382 2.402266
(M.nagasssarium)
70 Ocimum gratissimum Lamiaceae Root 0.64 10 6.4 0.657536
501
Neriyamanglam Range

plant (Kg)
0.84 10 8.4 0.863016
Kurumulagu
77 Ponamia pinnata Fabaceae Pongu Bark,seed 6.94 1.84 12.7696 1.3113487
80 Rauvolfia serpentina Apocynaceae Sarpagandhi Root 0.099 10 0.99 0.1017126
83 Sapindus trifoliata Sapindiaceae Sopumaram Fruit 5.82 1.82 10.59 1.088016
86 Scarcostemma brunonianum Asclepiadaceae Somalatha Stem 6.74 10.9 7.346 0.754728
87 Salacia oblonga Hippocrateaceace Korandi Root 1.24 10 12.4 1.273976
89 Sida rhombifolia Malvaceae Kurunthotti Root
90 solanum Torvum Solanaceae Chunda Root
91 solanum Anguivi Solanaceae - Root 0.84 10 0.84 0.0863016
92 S.Trilobatum Solanaceae - Root 0.071 10 0.71 0.0729454
93 Stereospermum - Pathiri Root 0.43 10 0.47 0.0482878
502
Neriyamanglam Range

plant (Kg)
101 Tragaia involucrata Euphorbiaceae Vallichoriyanam Root
503
Appendix – LVII
RED LISTED PLANTS IN -MUNNAR DIVISION
Sl. Name of Plant Family Dis Threat Status

No.
KA KL TN
1 Adenia hondala Passifloraceae N/E DD EN VU
2 Amorphophallus Araceae N/E DD LRnt VU
paeonifolium
3 Aphanamixis polystachya Menispermaceae N/E VU VU DD
4 Aristolochia tagala Cham Aristolochiaceae N/E VU LRic DD
5 Artocarpus hirsutus Lam Moraceae E VU
6 Asparagus rottleri Baker Liliaceae E EX
7 Bailospermum montanum Euphorbiaceae N/E VU VU DD
(Willd.) Mull. Arg.
8 Calophyllum aptalum Clusiaceae E VU
Willd.
9 Canarium strictum Roxb. Burseraceae N/E VU
10 Celastrus paniculatus Celastraceae N/E LRnt UV LRnt
Willd.
11 Chonemorpha fragrans Apocynaceae N/E EN VU DD
(Moon) Alston
12 Cinnamomum wightii Lauraceae E VU
Meisn.
13 Coscinium fenestratum Menispermaceae N/E CR
(Gaertn.) Coleb
14 Cycas circinalis L. Cycadaceae N/E CR VU CR
15 Drosera peltata J.E. Sm. Droseraceae N/E EN VU EN
Ex Willd.
16 Dysoxylum malabaricum Meliaceae E EN
Bedd. Ex Hiern
17 Embelia ribes Burm.f. Myrsinaceae N/E VU LRnt VU
18 Garcinia gummi gutta (L) Clusiaceae E LRnt
Robson
19 Garcinia morella (Gaertn.) Clusiaceae N/E VU LRnt VU
Desr
20 Gloriosa superba L. Colchicaceae N/E VU VU LRic
21 Heracleum candolleaum Apiaceae E VU
(Wight & Arn.) Gamble
22 Holostemma ada-kodian Asclepiadaceae N/E VU EN LRnt
Schult
23 Janakia arayalpathra J. Periplocaceae E CR
Joseph & V. Chandras
24 Kingiodendron Pinnatum Caesalpiniaceae E VU
(Roxb. Ex DC.) Harms
25 Myristica dactyloides Myristicaceae N/E VU VU LRic
Gaertn.
504
Sl. Name of Plant Family Dis Threat Status
No.
KA KL TN
26 Nervilia aragoana Gaud Orchidaceae N/E LRnt VU EN
27 Nilgirianthus ciliatus Acanthaceae E EN
(Nees) Bremek
28 Oroxylum indicum (L.) Bignoniaceae N/E VU EN DD
Benth.ex Kurz
29 Persea macrantha (Nees) Lauraceae N/E EN VU EN
Kosterm
30 Piper longum L. Piperaceae N/E NE LRnt EN
31 Piper mullesua Buch.- Piperaceae N/E VU LRnt VU
Ham. Ex Don
32 Pseudarthria viscida (L.) Fabaceae N/E VU VU LRnt
Wight & Arn
33 Rauvolfia serpentina (L.) Apocynaceae N/E EN EN EN
Benth.ex Kurz
34 Salacia oblonga All. Ex Hippocrateaceae N/E EN EN EN
Wight & Arn
35 Semecarpus travancorica Anacardiaceae E EN
Bedd.
36 Smilax zeylanica L. Liliaceae N/E LRnt VU LRic
37 Strychonos aenea A.W. Loganiaceae E EN
Hill
38 Symplocos Symplocaceae N/E LRnt LRic LRic
cochinchinensis (Lour.)
Moore subsp. Laurina
(Retz) Noot.
39 Terminalia arjuna Combretaceae N/E LRnt LRnt LRic
(Roxb.ex.DC.) Wight &
Arn
40 Tragia bicolor Miq Euphorbiaceae E VU
41 Vateria Indica L. Dipterocarpaceae E VU
DIS Distribution Status CR Critically Endangered

E Endemic EN Endangered
N/E Non Endemic VU Vulnerable
KA Karnataka LRnt Lower Risk near threatened
KL Kerala LRlc Lower Risk least concern
TN Tamil Nadu DD Data Deficient
EX Extinct NE Not Evaluated
Source:- 100 Red - Listed Medicinal Plants (K. Ravikumar, D. K. Ved)
505
Appendix – LVIII
(Copy of Proceedings NO. 7959/41/Rev, Chief Secretary, Dated 09/06/1942)
TRAVANCOREANS TO BE ENCOURAGED IN CARDAMOM CULTIVATION
In the Cardamom Rules issued on the 30th September 1935, no restriction was
made in respect of the area of Cardamom Land assignable to a single applicant as large
extents of Cardamom lands were also very few in number. In recent years Travancore
have taken to Cardamom planting in large number and it has become difficult to meet the
increasing demand for assignment of areas for cardamom cultivation. In order to ensure a
fair distribution of the available area among as many applicants as possible, Government
in G.O dated 12th October 1940 ordered that not more than 60 acres of Cardamom land
should be assigned in favour of a single applicant. It was also ordered that encroachment
should be evicted in all cases. Instances have also come to the notice of Government
where individual applicants, after getting an order of Government for registry of large
areas of cardamom land, have alienated them even before the registry proceedings were
completed.
Government have now come to the conclusion that the registry of cardamom land
should be better regulated with a view to safeguard the interest of bona fide cultivators.
They accordingly direct that the following further conditions should be observed in
disposing of applications for cardamom land.
(i) The registry of Cardamom lands is not to be regarded any longer as a matter of right or
of course but should be taken as intended to foster cultivations by Travancoreans of the
cash crops for the best advantage of the State. The discretionary character of assignment
of cardamom lands should not be overlooked.
(ii) The extent of sixty acres referred to in G.O .R.O.C No. 4719/40 Rev. dated 12 the
October 1910, is the maximum and not the minimum area available to any applicant.
(iii) The registry of Cardamom land will be made terminable if the holding or any part of it
is alienated by sale, mortgage, with possession or lease for over 10 years in favour of
anyone without the previous approval of government and the lands so dealt with will be
liable to be resumed by Government without payment of compensation for improvements.
(Proceedings No. 7959/41/Rev, Chief Secretary, Dated 19/06/1942)
506
Appendix – LIX
UDUMBANCHOLA TALUK
ABSTRACT OF ASSIGNED LAND UNDER VARIOUS SCHEMES (IN HA)
Land Assigned Under One Under Highrange

Cardamom Patta Under KLA 1993 Land Assignd to Poramboke
under KLA 1964 Lakh Housing Colonisation Total Patta Land
Sl. Land Special Rules Tribals /Kutha Total
Village Rules Scheme Scheme
No kappattom extent
Land
No Extent No Extent No Extent No Extent No Extent No Extent No Extent
1 Chathurangappara 1041 1977.6349 218 195.605 233 56.691 1492 2229.9309 762.244 2992.1749
2 Chinakanal 649 1256.2722 293 1764.3049 338 144.2286 21 0.3402 421 170.379 1722 3335.5244 3397.909 6733.4334
3 Kanthipara 116 393.7229 286 909.2981 774 244.8369 1176 1547.8579 1477.6338 3025.4917
4 Konathady 389 255.9744 5696 1949.2152 2921 1104.986 9006 3310.1756 7728.1884 11038.364
5 Parathodu 513 1252.1078 930 949.4643 757 283.6964 72 1.1664 549 599.0095 47 19.0209 2821 3085.4444 2452.0185 5537.4629
6 Pooppara 835 1478.4119 590 876.9409 491 107.4048 19 0.3078 1982 2482.0863 1805.9516 4288.0379
7 Rajakkadu 54 346.8274 1444 1473.7459 1193 325.8559 27 0.4374 2718 2146.8666 1119.0883 3265.9549
8 Rajakumary 762 1784.7106 1195 1237.1052 872 211.9508 22 0.3482 2849 3234.1148 1217.5542 4451.669
9 Santhanpara 1020 2587.2678 2020 198.9867 229 47.7763 3269 2834.0308 848.9336 3682.9644
10 Udumbanchola 796 1307.005 349 101.522 852 208.22 50 0.81 2047 1617.557 2112.0994 3729.6564
Total 9141 24147.3056 27675 25991.9729 25293 7718.9679 318 7.0382 1631 1825.178 481 204.661 64539 59895.1232 48730.0369 108625.16
507
Appendix – LX
RULES FOR LEASE OF GOVERNMENT LANDS FOR CARDAMOM CULTIVATION 1961
In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 7 of the Kerala Government land

Assignment Act, 1960 (Act 30 of 1960), and in suppression of the Rules issued under
Notification No. G. O. (Press) No. 21/Revenue dated 8th January, 1959, published in the
Gazette Extraordinary dated 8th January, 1959. as subquently amended, the
Government of Kerala hereby make the following rules for the lease of Government land
for cardamom cultivation, namely:-
1. a) These rules shall be called "Rules for Lease of Government Lands for
cardamom Cultivation, 1961"
(b) They shall apply to lease of land for cultivation of cardamom in the Taluks
Devicolam, Peermade and Udumbanchola in the Kottayam District.
(c) They shall come into force at once.
2. In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires,-
(a) "Alienation" includes sale, gift, will, 1[mortgage, hypothecation or sub lease.
(b) "Encroacher" means and includes a person who is in unauthorized
occupation of the land and has cultivated the same with cardamom 2[xxxx].
(c) "Land" means Government land available for cultivation of cardamom and
are assignable on lease for the purpose.
3
(d) ["Lease" shall include renewal of an existing but shall not include the
mere right given for collecting usufructs of trees or plants on land]
3
(e) ["Lessee" means, a person who holds the land under an existing lease or
to whom lands will be leased under these rules 4[xxxx)]
(f) "Person" includes the members of his or her family and "family" includes a
person, his wife or her husband, their children living with or dependent on
them, and also their parents solely dependent on them
3. Lands in the possession of encroachers who have cultivated the same with
cardamom may be leased to them, without auction for a period of 20 years subject to the
following and the other provisions in these rules.
(1) The maximum extent that may be leased to a person shall be 25 acres:
Provided that the extent so leased together with the extent of cardamom lands
registry or lease (current or time-expired) already held by him, shall not exceed 60 acres:
R3 RULES FOR LEASE ……. CARDAMOM CULTIVATION, 1961
Provide further that the extent of 25 acres shall be reduced to the extent of land
that the person has obtained under 4 or Rule 5 or both
5
[(2) In respect of lands occupied and cultivated with cardamom, the premium to
be collected from the lease shall be 6[Rs. 5000 (Rupees Five Thousand only) per hectare]
1
Substituted by Notification No. G. O. MS. 625/62/Rev. dt. 19/07/19962, published in K.G. Dt. 24/07/1962 Part I
2
Omitted by Notification No. G. O. (P) 97/67/Rev. Dt. 04/03/1967, published in K. G. No. 13 dt. 04/04/1967 w.e.f. 06/11/1965
3
Substituted by Notification No. 32777/AI/59/RD dt. 19/01/1962, published in –KG. d. 30/01/1962, P.I
4
Omitted by Notification G. O. MS. No. 307l63/Rev. dl05/04/1963in K. G. No.17 dt. 23/04/1963, P.1
5
Sub-rule (2) Substituted by S.R.O No. 1231/80 Dt. 27/11/1980, published in K.G. No. 51 Dt. 23/12/1980. It ran as follows: - “(2) in respect of the
lands occupied and cultivated with cardamom on or before the 8th day of January, 1959, the minimum premium to be collected from the lessee
shall be Rs. 375 per hectare. In respect of lands occupied after the 8th day of January, 1959, the minimum premium to be collected from the
lessee shall all be Rs. 1250 per hectare. The annual pattom payable in al cases shall be Rs. 25 per hectare. The Revenue Divisional Officer may
in deserving cases fix a higher rate of premium taking into consideration the condition of the cardamom plants, fertility of the soil and accessibility
of the land by cartable road”
6
Substituted by Notification G.O (MS) No. 69/94/RD dt. 05/03/1994, published in K.G.Ext. No. 245 dt. 21/03/1994 as S.R.O No. 354/94.
508
and the annual pattom payable shall be 7[ Rs. 250 (Rupees Two hundred and fifty only)
per hectare]
(3) Arrears of pattom at [Rs. 250 (Rupees Two hundred and fifty only) per
hectare) per annum shall be payable for the same period of occupation, credit being
given to the amount already paid by way of assessment or otherwise in respect of the
extent to be leased out to him….
(4) The encroacher shall surrender unconditionally the area in his possession
which is in excess of that to which he is entitled under clause (1). The area to be
surrendered shall, as far as possible, be in compact blocks as decided by the Revenue
Divisional Officer.
8
[(5) The person who is eligible for lease under this rule shall, within the date
specified by the officer granting the lease deposit with the officer the entire lease amount
on account of premium and pattom, including arrears of pattom if any, on the land. The
Revenue Divisional Officer may, however, for sufficient reason to be recorded in writing
extent the time for payment for a period not exceeding thirty days. He may also grant, at
his discretion, in really deserving cases such further period or periods of time not
exceeding sixty days in all charging interest at 12% per annum on the amount due for the
period or periods so further extended. Any further extension of time for payment may be
grated by any authority exercising appellate or revisional powers under the rules, subject
to payment of interest at 12% per annum.
The Revenue Divisional Officer may in really deserving cases and for reason to
be recorded in writing, permit payment of the dues in equal annual installments not
exceeding three in number, if the amount due is Rs. .500 or more and below Rs. 3000
and in equal annual installments not exceeding five in number if the amount due is Rs.
3000 or more, provided that the lessee pays on installment of the dues with the time
specified by the Revenue Divisional Officer before the concession of payment in
installments is granted. The lessee in such cases shall execute an agreement for the due
payment of the subsequent installments on the dates specified therein together with
interest thereon at the rate of 12% per annum. In case of default in the payment of any
installment on the due date the lease shall be terminated. On such termination the lessee
shall not be entitled to compensation for improvement if any, made by him on the land or
for refund of the amount already paid by him.
LAND LAWS IN KERALA
Hillmen may however be permitted to pay the dues in installments as above even
the amount due is less than Rs. 500]
9
Notes.- (1) Where a person holds more than one lease granted under Rule 3,
Rule 4 or Rule 5, the total amount due from that person in respect of all such leases may
be considered as a consolidated demand for the purpose of giving instalment facility
under this rule.
(2) The agreement to be executed by the lessee under this rule shall be in the
form in Appendix III to these rules].
RENEWAL OF LEASES
4. All time expired leases in respect of which the lessees are still holding on, all
existing leases and all leases that may be granted under these rules may be renewed in,
favour of the lessees or their legal heirs, subject to the following and the other provisions
in these rules:-
(1) The maximum extent to be leased to a person shall not exceed 25 acres:
7
Substituted by Notification G.O. (MS) No. 69/94/RD dt. 05/03/1994, published in K.G Ext. No. 245 dt. 21/03/1994 as S.R.O No. 354/94
8
Added by Notification G.O (MS) 861/63/Rev. dt. 07/11/1963 in K.G. No. 46 dt. 19/11/1963, P.1
9
Notes 1 and 2 added by S.R.O. No. 83/67 dt. 03/03/1967, published in K.G. No. 13 dt. 04/04/1967. Note1 substituted by S.R.O. No. 174/74 dt.
07/02/1974, published in K.G. No. 11 dt. 12/03/1974.
509
Provided that the extent so leased together with the extent of other cardamom
lands if any, held by him by way of registry or lease (current or time expired) shall not
exceed 60’ acres;
Provided further that the maximum extent of 25 acres shall be reduced to the
extent of land that the person has obtained under rule 3 or 5 or both.
10
[(2) The period of renewal shall be 20 years and the rate of premium shall be
one and two third times the rate originally charged, provided that Government may, in
deserving cases, charge lower rate of premium. In case where no premium was charged
at the time of the original lease the minimum rate of premium to be collected at the time
of renewal shall be Rs. 150 per acre provided that the Revenue. Divisional Forest Officer
may in deserving cases fix a higher rate of premium than Rs. 150 per acre regard being
had to the conditions of the cardamom plants, fertility of soil 11[and] accessibility of the
land by cartable roads. [xxx].]
12
(3) The annual pattom shall be [Rs. 250 (Rupees Two hundred and fifty only)
par hectare]
(4) The arrears of assessment at [Rs 250 (Rupees Two hundred and fifty only)
per hectare] per annum shall be realised for the entire period subsequent to the expiry of
the previous lease in respect of the area the lease of which is to be so renewed, credit
being given to the pattom, if any paid at the existing rate in respect of that area.
(5) The lessee shall surrender unconditionally the area already in this possession
on lease (existing or time expired) which is in excess of that to which he is entitled under
clause (1). The area so surrendered shall, as far as possible, be in compact blocks, as
decided by the Revenue Divisional Officer.
13
[(6) The person who is eligible for lease under this rule, shall within the date
specified by the officer granting the lease, deposit with the officer the entire lease amount
on account of premium and pattom, including arrears of pattom if any the land. The
Revenue Divisional Officer may, for sufficient reasons to be recorded in writing extend
the for payment for a period not exceeding thirty days. He may also grant, at his
discretion, in really deserving cases 'such further period or periods of time not exceeding
sixty days in all, charging interest-fat '12°/0" per annum on the amounts due for the period
or periods so further extended. Any further extension of time for payment may be granted
by any authority exercising appellate or revisional powers under the rules, subject to
payment of interest at 12% per annum.
The Revenue Divisional Officer may in really deserving cases and for reasons to
be recorded in writing, permit payment of the dues in equal annual installments not
exceeding three in number if the amount Rs. 500 or more and below Rs. 3,000 and in
equal annual installments not exceeding five in number If the amount due is Rs. 3,000 or
more, provided that the lessee pays one installment of the dues within the time' specified
by the Revenue Divisional Officer before the concession of payment in installments is
granted. The lessee in such cases shall execute an agreement for the due payment of the
subsequent installments on the dates specified therein together with interest thereon at
the rate of 12% per annum. In case of default in the payment of any installment on the
due date, the lease shall be terminated. On such termination the lessee shall not be
entitled to compensation for improvements if any, made by him on the land or for refund
of the amount already paid by him. .
Hillmen may however be permitted to pay the dues in installments as above even
if the amount is less than Rs. 500]
14
[Notes- (1) Where a person holds more than one lease granted under Rule 3,
Rule 4 or Rule 5, the total amount due from that person in respect of all such leases may
be considered as consolidated demand for the purpose of given instalment facility under
this rule.
10
Substituted by Notification No. 32777/AI/59/RD dt. 19/01/1962, published in K.G. dt. 30/01/1962, P.1.
11
Inserted and omitted by Notification G.O.M.S 307/63/Rev. dt. 05/04/1963, published in K.G. No. 17 dt. 23/04/1963, P.1.
12
Substituted by Notification G.O (MS) No. 69/94/RD dt. 05/03/1994, published in K.G. Ext. No. 245 dt. 21/03/1994, it was prior to substation it read
as “Rs. 250, (Rupees Two hundred and fifty only) per hectare*
13
Added by notification G.O.M.S 861/93/Rev. dt, 07/11/1963, published in K.G. No. 46 dt. 19/11/1963.
14
Notes added by S.R.O No. 83/67, published in K.G. No. 13 dt. 04/04/1967. Note 1 substituted by S.R.O No. 174/74, published in K.G. No. 11 dt. 12/03/1974.
510
(2) The agreement to be executed by the lessee under this rule shall be in the
form in the form in Appendix III to these rule].
LEASES IN PUBLIC AUCTION
5. The area taken possession of by the Government after evicting the lessees or
encroachers under the provisions of Land Conservancy Act for the time being in force or
otherwise, the area got surrended under Rules 3 and 4 and also all other lands free of
encroachment, may be leased in ·public auction on the following and the other provisions
in-these rule,-,
(1) The land shall be leased in public auction to the highest bidder with an upset
15
price of [Rs. 16[1250] per hectare] towards premium.
(2) The maximum extent leased in auction to a single person shall not exceed
15
[10 hectares]:
Provided that the extent so leased together with the extent of cardamom lands by way of
registry or lease (current or time-expired) already held by him shall not exceed 15[25
hectares]:
Provided further that the maximum extent 15[10 hectares] shall be reduced to
LAND LAWS IN KERALA
(3) The lease shall be for a period of 20 years.
17
(4) The annual pattom shall be [Rs. 250 (Rupees Two hundred and fifty only)
per hectare]
CONCESSIONAL LEASES
18
[6. Lands may be leased out to Hillmen for a period of 20 years at a time
subject to the following and other provisions of these rules;
(1) Lands in bona fide occupation of Hillmen shall be leased out to them without
auction on concessional terms. The maximum extent that a single family may hold on
concessional lease shall not exceed 19[1.25 hectares]. No premium shall be charged on
the area held on concessional lease. Annual Pattom at 17[Rs. 250 (Rupees Two hundred
and fifty only) per hectare] shall however be charged on this area.
(2) Lands may also be leased out to a Hill tribe family under all or any Rule 3,4
and 5.
Provided that the extent so leased together with the cardamom lands granted on
concessional lease, shall not exceed 19[10 hectares]:
Provided further that this extent of 19[10 hectares] together with the extent of other
cardamom lands, if any held on registry or lease (current or time expired) shall not exceed
19
[25 hectares]:
6A. Lease of land jointly to more than one person can be granted but the area
limits shall be the same as are specified for individuals in these rules. The lessees shall,
however, be jointly and severally responsible for the rights and obligations affecting the
individual lessees in these rules.
Firms or Companies may hold lands on lease and the maximum extent that may
be granted shall be as many multiples or the extent permissible for individuals as there
are partners in the Firm or Companies subject to a total extent of 20[40 hectares] provided
that extent so leased together with the extent of cardamom lands by way or registry or
lease already held by the Firm or Company shall not exceed 20 [20 hectares].
15
Substituted by Notification G.O. (P) 97/67/Rev. dt. 04/03/1967, published in K.G. No. 13 dt. 04/04/1957, w.e.f 06/11/1965
16
Substituted by S.R.O 291/70 dt. 13/07/1970, published in K.G. No. 30 dt. 28/07/1970
17
Substituted by Notification G.O (MS) No. 69/94/RD dt. 05/03/1994, published in K.G. Ext. No. 245 dt. 21/03/1994 as S.R.O No. 354/94
18
Substituted by Notification G. O. (MS) 124/63/Rev. dt. 08/02/1963, published in K.G. No. 8 dt. 19/02/1963, P.1
19
Substituted by Notification G.O. (P) 97/67/Rev. dt. 04/03/1967, published in K.G. No. 13 dt. 04/04/1967, w.e.f. 06/11/1965
20
Substituted by Notification G.O. (P) 97/67/Rev. dt. 04/03/1967, published in K.G. No. 13 dt. 04/04/1967 w.e.f. 06/11/1965
511
GENERAL PROVISIONS
7. The lessee shall be free to remove the undergrowth and fell trees to the extent
necessary to admit, on the land, sufficient sunlight for cultivation of cardamom:
Provided that the he shall not, except with the prior sanction of the Revenue
Divisional Officer, fell
(I) any tree falling under the description of teak, black wood, ebony or sandal
wood; and
(II) any tree other than teak black wood, ebony or sandalwood exceeding four
feet in girth at a height of three feet from the ground.
The lessee may also with the permission of the Revenue Divisional Officer fell trees
for construction of such buildings as are essential for cultivation of cardamom.
8. All applications for felling trees shall, in the first instance, be made to the
Tahsildar, who after a local inspection and on such enquiry as he may consider
necessary shall forward the same with his report to the Revenue Divisional Officer for
disposal.
9. If any tree is felled or undergrowth is removed or destroyed in contravention of
these rule, the lessee shall be liable to pay, by way of damages double the value of the
timber of the trees so felled or the undergrowth so removed or destroyed as may be
assessed by the Revenue Divisional Officer.
10. The lessee my collect free of charge for his own grass, if any, found on the
land. He may also collect dead trees 21[other than teak, ebony, blackwood and
sandalwood] and undergrowth for full free of charge but not live tree or undergrowth shall
be purposely felled or uprooted for such use or any other use.
11. Subject to the provisions of Rules 7 to 10 the lessee shall also, in the interest
of forest conservancy, be found to maintain all tree growth and under growth on the land
in proper condition.
12. The lease shall not convey any right to mines or minerals on the land or any
right to water power, and the ownership of the land shall continue to vest in the
Government and the rights of the lessee shall be strictly limited to those specifically
conferred on him be the lease.
13. The lease shall be heritable.
14. The lessee shall not, on his own accord, determine the lease during the
currency of the lease. No leasehold or part thereof, shall be alienated without the prior
sanction of the District Collector and in every case in which alienation is sanctioned, the
party shall be charged with a fee calculated at the rate of 22[Rs. 5 per hectare].
15. The lessee shall pay the prescribed annual pattom in advance annually.
16. If a lessee whose lease has expired but who is holding over fail to get the
lease renewed or if an encroacher fails to get the land leased in accordance with these
rules, or if any person who is bound to surrender any land under these rules, fails to
surrender the same, such lessee or encroacher, or person, as the case ma be, shall be
proceeded against under the provisions or the land Conservancy Act, for the time being in
force.
17. No compensation for improvements shall be given in respect or the area
surrendered under Rules 3, 4, 5 or 6 the area in respect or which action is taken under
Rule 16.
18. The lese shall be determined and the land resumed at the discretion of the
authority that granted the lease or of an superior authority on the ground that there has
21
Inserted by Notification G.O. MS. 531/63/Rev. dt. 04/06/1963, published in K.G. No. 25 dt. 18/06/1963, P.1
22
Substituted by Notification G.O. (P) 97/67/Rev dt. 04/03/1967, published in K.G. No. 13 dt. 04/04/1967 P.1. w.e.f. 06/11/1965
512
been unauthorized felling or removal of trees or under growth or any violation of the
conditions specified in these rules. The land shall also be liable for resumption if are
where the land is needed for Government or public purpose.
19. The lessee shall start effective cultivation of the land with cardamom to the
satisfaction of the Revenue Divisional Officer within six months of taking possession there
and shall in cultivating the land be bound by such directions as the Government, the
Board of Revenue, the District Collector or the Revenue Divisional Officer, may, from to
time, issue.
MACHINERY AND PROCEDURE
20. The authority competent to lease land under these rules shall be the Revenue
Divisional Officer but in cases where the lease is to be by public auction, he may subject
to the provisions in Rules 25 and 26, authorise the Tahsildar to conduct the auction Land
shall be granted on lease only if the Revenue Divisional Officer is satisfied that it can be
so leased without detriment to Government interest.
23
[21 in cases where it is necessary to survey and demarcate the land, the lease
shall be granted on provisional basis in the first instance, pending such survey and
demarcation, and a regular lease order issued after the survey and demarcation is
completed. Until the issue of the regular lease order, the lease shall be treated as
provisional. The order of lease, regular or provisional as the case may be, shall be issued
in the form in Appendix II to these rules]
22. A public notice of the proposed lease shall be published under authority of the
Revenue Divisional Officer before sanctioning the lease, whether by public auction
otherwise, inviting claims or objections from interested persons. The notice shall provide
thirty days' time for preferring claims or objections arid shall beipublishedbyaffixture1/lns
prominent place in the Revenue Divisional Office and the Taluk and Village Offices. Copy
of the notice shall also be sent to the owners, if any, of the adjoining registered lands. The
notice shall be in the form Appendix I.
23. Objections and claims received in response to the notice shall be duly
considered and disposed of by the Revenue Divisional Officer after such inspection and
enquiry, as may be considered necessary, which may either be held by the Revenue
Divisional Officer, himself or caused to beheld by the Tahsildar.
24. In the cases falling under Rule 5, after the disposal of the claims and
objections referred to in the foregoing rule, a notice shall be published by the Revenue
Divisional Officer both in Malayalam and in English, specifying the time and place and the
authority conducting the auction and containing the following, among other particulars:-
(i) Exact location and boundaries and the description of the land with its survey
number and sub-division numbers; its extent.
(ii) The annual pattom payable for the land.
(iii) The minimum premium, ie. the upset price, and the deposit to be made by
the bidders.
(iv) Any other conditions subject to which the auction is to be held.
The notice shall be published 30 days in advance of the date fixed for the auction
and shall be pasted on the land itself and in the Village and Taluk Offices and in the
24
Revenue Divisional Office. It shall also be published in [xxx] the Government Gazette.
MACHINERY AND PROCEDURE
25
25. On the date fixed for the auction, either the Revenue Divisional Officers or,
on authorization by him, the Thasildar, shall conduct the auction, it shall be open to the
23
Substituted by Notification G.O M.S. No. 900/Rev. dt. 03/12/1963, published in K.G. No. 49 dt 10/12/1963, P.1
24
Omitted by S.R.O. No. 414/68 dt. 22/10/1968, published in K.G. No. 41 dt. 10/12/1968
25
Substituted by notification G.O (P)97/67 Rev.dt.04/03/1967, published in K.G.No 13 dt.04/04/1967, w.e.f 06/11/1965
513
Revenue Divisional Officer, if necessary to alter the time & place of auction after giving
not less than 15 days’ further notice .in case where the auction is conducted by the
Thasildar, the same be subject to confirmation by the Revenue Divisional Officer.
26. The auction shall be conducted subject to the following conditions:-
(a) Every intending bidder shall, before the auction, deposit with the Officer
conducting the auction, a sum of [Rs.25 per hectare] as earnest money.
(b) The land shall be put to auction in respect of each block separately if the
land consists of more then one block, and the lease shall be given to the
highest bidder.
(c) The person declared to be the highest bidder shall immediately after such
declaration deposit with the Officer conducting the auction an amount
(inclusive of the earnest money already deposited by him) equivalent to
20 percentage of the total bid amount. the earnest money deposited by
the other bidders shall be returned to them soon after the auction is over.
26
[(d) The balance of the bid amount shall ,subject to provisions here in after
contained, be paid by the purchaser before the expiry of thirty days from
the date of receipt of notice intimating confirmation of ,lease or, if the 30th
day happens to be a Sunday or other holiday, on the next working day.
The Revenue Divisional Officer may however, for sufficient reasons to be
recorded .He may also grant, at his discretion, in really deserving cases
such further period or periods of time not exceeding 60 days in all,
charging interest at 12% per annum on the amounts due for the periods
so further extended .Any further extension of time for payment may be
granted by any authority exercising appellate or provisional powers under
the rules, subject to payment of interest at 12% per annum].
(e) In the event of failure to pay the amount referred to in clause (d)within the
period mentioned therein, the deposit shall be forfeited to the
Government and the land auctioned again .the defaulter shall be liable for
any loss which the Government may sustain consequent on the such
fresh auction.
(f) No Officer or servant of the Government shall directly or indirectly bid for
any land ,or acquire or attempt to acquire any interest in any land leased
under these rules.
27
[27. Not with standing anything contained in rules 26(d), Revenue Divisional
Officer may in really deserving cases and for reasons to be recorded in writing permit
payment of the balance of the bid amount in equal annual installments not exceeding
three in number if the balance of the bid amount is Rs.500 or more but below Rs.3,000
and in equal annual installments not exceeding five in number if the balance due is 3,000
or more the bidder shall in such cases execute an agreement for payment of the
installments on the dates specified therein together with interest thereon at 12% per
annum.In case, of default in the payment of any installment on the due date, the lease
shall be terminated. On such termination the lessee shall not be entitled to any
compensation for the improvements if any, made by him on the land or for refund of the
amount already paid by him. He shall, moreover, be liable for any loss which the
Government may sustain consequent on putting the land for fresh auction.
Hill men may however be permitted to pay the dues in installments as above
even if the amount is less than Rs.500]
28
[Notes-(1) Where a person holds more than one lease granted under Rule 3,
Rule 4, Rule 5, the total amount due from that person in respect of all such leases may be
26
Substituted by notification G.O MS.721/62 Rev.dt.23/08/1962,published in K.G.No 36dt.04/09/1962
27
Substituted by notification G.O MS 861/63 Rev.dt.07/11/1963,published in K.G.No 46dt.19/11/1963
28
Notes added by S.R.O. No .83/67,published in K.G.No.13dt04/04/1967.Note 1 was substituted by S.R.O .No 174/74 published in K.G.No.11dt.12/03/1974
514
considered as a consolidated demand for the purpose of giving installment facility under
this rule.
(2) The Agreement to be executed by the lease under his rule shall be in the form
in Appendix III to these rules].
28. After confirmation of the lease an order of lease shall be issued to the lease in
the form in Appendix II to these rules.
29. An appeal shall lie to the District Collector against an order passed under
these rules by the Revenue Divisional Officer, and to the Board of Revenue against an
order passed by the District collector.
29
[Provided that the proceeding taken under the provisions of the Kerala Land
Conservancy Act,1 957 as provided for in Rule 16 of these rules shall not be subject to
appeal under these rules but only under the relevant provisions of the Kerala Land
Conservancy Act,1957].
30. Appeal shall be presented within thirty days from the date of receipt of the
order by the aggrieved party, but the appellate authority may, in its discretion, admit an
appeal, not submitted within time, if sufficient grounds exist for condoning the delay.
31. No appeal shall be admitted unless it is duly stamped and is accompanied by
the original decision or order appeals against or a certified copy thereof.
32. The appellate authority may confirm, vary or cancel the decision or order
appealed against, but no decision or order interfering with the original order, shall be
made by it without giving the party or parties, interested therein, a reasonable opportunity
to be heard.
33. The government shall be competent to revise, cancel, or alter on its own
motion or otherwise, any decision made or order passed by the Revenue Divisional
Officer, or District collector, or Board of Revenue under these rules:
Provided that no proceeding in this behalf shall be initiated by the Government
after the expiry of the two years from the date of such decision or order, and no such
decision or order shall be set aside or modified by them without giving he party or parties
affected there by reasonable opportunity for representing their case.
30
34. [The Government shall, for sufficient reasons, be competent]to dispense
with any provision of these rules and grant leases, in any manner they choose, imposing
any terms or conditions whether contemplated by these rules or not.
APP . II APPENDIX
31
[34A. The Government may authorise, by notification in the Gazette, any Officer
to exercise any or all the powers and discharge any or all the functions of the Revenue
Divisional Officer and the District Collector under these Rules]
RECOVERY OF GOVERNMENT DUES
35. All amounts due to Government under these rules shall, in cases of default,
be recoverable as if they are arrears of revenue under the Revenue Recovery Act, for the
time being in force.
REGISTER AND ACCOUNTS TO BE MAINTAINED
36. The registers and accounts necessary for purposes of these rules shall be
duly maintained by the authorities concerned.
29
Added by Notification G.O.MS.77/66/Rev.dt.07/02/1966 in K.G. Ext No.14dt.08/02/1966
30
Substitutted by Notification G.O.MS.625/62/Rev.dt.19/07/1962 in K.G dt.24/07/1962 .P.1
31
Substituted by Notification G.O MS. 77/66/Rev. dt. 07/02/1966, published in K.G. Ext. NO. 14 dt. 08/02/1966
515
APPENDIX I
Notice
[See Rule 22]
Whereas it is proposed to lease ……. cents of …….. lands comprised in S. No.
……. of Village in …………… Taluk, notice hereby given that all persons who may have
any objection to the lease of the land or may have any claims to the land should prefer
the same in writing to the undersigned within 30 days of publication of this notice.
Station :
Date : Revenue
Divisional Officer
32
[APPENDIX II]
[See Rule 28]
Form or order of leasing Government land for cardamom cultivation

The land specified in the Schedule below is hereby leased to ………….. residing
in ……… Village of ………… Taluk for a period of 20 year commencing from ………. for
cultivation of cardamom subject to the following condition to which the aforesaid lessee
has agreed:
33
[(In the cases of provisional leases the preamble shall be as follows:-
“The land specified in the Schedule below is hereby leased provisionally to
…………. residing in ………………. Village of ……………………. Taluk for cultivation of
cardamom pending regularisation of the lease after survey and demarcation of the area,
subject to the following conditions to which the aforesaid lessee has agreed”)]
1. The lease is liable to cancellation if it be found that it was grossly inequitable or
was made under a mistake of fact or owing to misrepresentation or in excess of the limits
of authority delegated to the officer granting the land or that there was an irregularity in
procedure. Cancellation on any of the grounds may be ordered by any authority to whom
the assigning authority is administravely subordinate.
2. In the event of such cancellation of the lease, the lessee shall not be entitled to
compensation for any loss caused to him by the cancellation.
3. The lessee shall, so long as the lease be in force, pay clear of all deduction a
sum of ……………… per annum for credit to the general revenues of the State and
further sum of ………… on account of rates, taxes, assessments and outgoings payable
by the Government to any local body as a result of his occupation of the land. The
consolidated charge shall be payable to Government in advance annually, the first of
such payments to be made on or before the day of commencement of the lease on the
subsequent annual payments on or before the list date preceding the date of the lease.
33[In case where a provisional lease order is issued in the first instance, if any, additional
amounts are found due, consequent on the increase in area or otherwise when survey
records are finalized, the lessee shall be liable to pay such amounts also and if the
amounts already realized are found to be in excess, such excess amount shall be
refunded].
4. In the event of the local body varying in demands, the assigning authority shall
be at liberty to revise. without notice, the second part of the charge referred to in condition
3 as the sum payable by the lessee on account of taxation by the local body and on such
revision any balance due shall become immediately payable by the lessee.
32
Substituted by Notification 29913-A1/61/RD/dt. 16/01/1962, published in K.G. dt. 13/02/1962, P.1
33
Added by Notification G.O. MS. 9000/Rev. dt. 03/12/1963, published in K.G. No. 49 dt. 10/12/1963
516
5. If the lessee shall fail to pay to the Government any sums payable under the
grant on the respective dates on which they are made payable he shall pay interest at 12
percent per annum on such amounts from the dates on which they were so payable until
the date of payment or recovery.
6. If the land is not already cultivated with cardamom the lessee shall bring the
land under cultivation within the period of six month from the date of the, lease.
7. The lessee shall not use the land or suffer it to be used except for the purpose
for which it is leased.
8. The lessee shall permit the officers and servants of the 'Government with or
without workmen at all times to enter upon the lands aforesaid to view the condition of the
land.
9. The lessee shall not assign or underlet the benefits arising under the lease or a
part thereof without the prior sanction of the District Collector.
10. (a) The Government reserve to themselves the right to all trees, their
branches and roots which exist at the time of the grant as well as those which may grow
subsequently on the lands granted and the Government shall be at liberty to cut or dig
out, any such trees, branches or their roots remove them from the land in question and
dispose of them at their pleasure. The lessee shall not be entitled to cut or remove them
or cause them to be cut or removed except provided in condition 12 below.
(b) The lessee shall take all reasonable measure to the satisfaction of the District
Collector" for the protection of the trees from theft or damage and for the careful
protection of the immature trees growing on the land.
(c) The lessee shall take steps to see that the marks made by the officers of the
Government on the trees are preserved and are not tampered with.
(d) In the event of the infringements of or failure to observe ,any of the conditions
mentioned in (a),(b)or (c) the lessees shall infringements or failure on his part as
assessed by the Revenue Divisional Officer/Special Officer for Survey and Settlement of
Cardamom Lands,Devikulam.The Government shall also be at liberty to cancel the lease
and the re-enter the land and the whole land shall there upon vest absolutely in the
Government .In that case the lease shall not be entitled to any compensation whatever.
11. The lessee shall not erect any buildings, fences or structures of a permanent or
temporary character on the land without the previous written sanction of the assigning
authority.
34
12. [The lessee shall be free to remove the undergrowth and fell trees to adit
sunlight sufficient for the cultivation of cardamom on the land,but shall not cut any tree
falling under the description of teak,blackwood,ebony or sandalwood or any trees
exceeding four feet in grith,at a height of three feet from the ground,except with the
permission of the Revenue Divisional Officer or Special Officer for Survey and Settlement
of Cardamom Lands,Devikulam.]
13. The sale proceed of the wind-fallen trees and such other trees as may be cut
and removed on the application of the lessee and under the written permission of
Government may be credited to Government.
14. The lessee shall not without the previous 35[written] sanction of the assigning
authority permit any person to use the land except as provided in condition 7.
15. The lessee shall, on the termination or revocation of this lease restore the said
land to the government in as good a condition assign consistent with the foregoing
conditions.
34
Substituted by Notification G.O.MS.307/63/Rev.dt.05/03/1963,published in K.G.No 17dt.23/04/1963
35
Inserted by Notification G.O.MS.307/63/Rev.dt.05/03/1963,published in K.G.No 17dt.23/04/1963
517
16. The lessee shall be answerable to the Government for all or any injury or
damage done to the said land and other Government property thereupon except as in
permitted by the foregoing conditions.
APPENDIX
17. The Government may revoke the lease wholly or in part if the sums specified
in condition or any part therefore shall remain unpaid for fifteen days after they have
become payable whether normally demanded or not, or if the lessee has broken any of
the conditions of the lease herein contained and assume control or otherwise dispose of
all or any part of the land and any buildings, fences & structures thereon and the lessee
shall not be entitled to any compensation therefore.
18. If the amounts specified in condition 3 or 4 any part thereof together with
interest or any other amount due from the lessee are in arrears, the same shall be
recovered from the lessee as arrears of the land revenue under the provisions of the
Revenue act for the time being in force.
19. The lease hereby given may be revoked by the assigning authority after
giving sixty days’ notice in writing and by the Government or Board of Revenue without
notice in an emergency .the Government or Board of Revenue the sole judge of the
emergency .the lessee shall not in the lease of such revocation or termination be entitled
to any compensation in respect of any improvements affected by the lessee on the land
or for the loss caused by the interruption of his occupation.
20. In the event of termination of the lease under condition 17 or condition 19 the
Government shall be at liberty to levy proportionate pattom up to the date of such
termination.
36
21. [XXXX]
22. The lease includes all rights, easements and appurtenances belonging to the
land or reputed to belong to it or usually held or enjoyed with it .The existing and
customary rights of the Government and the public in roads, path, rivers, streams and
channels running through or bounding the land the right of the Government to water
power, mines, minerals and quarries, subjacent to the land are however reserved and are
in no way affected by the lease.
23. The lessee shall be liable to maintain, repair or renew survey marks cut or
planted in or on the boundaries of the leasehold.
24. The lease is heritable, but the lessee shall not on his own accord determine
the lease during he currency of the lease nor shall he alienate 37[the lease hold or any
part thereof without the prior written sanction of the district collector].
37
[25 The lessee may collect free of charge, for his own use grass, If any found
on the land. He may also collect dead trees and undergrowth for fuel, free of charge, but
no live tree or undergrowth shall be purposely felled or uprooted for such use or for any
other use.]
Area Boundaries
Other annual dues on
Total annual dues

account of rates,
Survey and sub
Annual Pattom
Tavalam if any
divisional No.
taxes etc
Remarks
District
Village
Taluk
A Cs. Sq Lings North East South West
36
Omitted by Notification G. O. MS. 307/63/Rev. dt 05/03/1963, published in K. G. No. 17 dt. 23/04/1963
37
Substituted by Notified G. O. MS. 307/63/Rev. dt 05/03/1963, published in K.G. No. 17 dt. 23/04/1963
518
In witness whereof I …………………….(name & designation) acting for and on
behalf of and by the order and direction of His Excellency the Governor of Kerala have
hereunto set my hand this …….day of …….19……..
Place: Signature and designation of the
Date : Assigning authority
DECLARATION
I declare that I shall hold the lease subject to conditions……given above. I also
declare that I shall abide by the rules which are now in force or may hereafter be issued
by government in regard to leases.
Signature of Lessee
38
[APPENDIX III
Agreement executed on this the ……day of …..One thousand Nine hundred

and……..by……..of …………Kerala……Village……….Taluk(herein after called the
lessee) favour of the Government of Kerala(herein after called Government)
WHEREAS under he Rules for lease of Government lands for Cardamom

cultivation,1961 and subject to the said Rules and in pursuance of order No……..of the
Assistant Settlement Officer……………Government land described in the schedule
attached thereto and measuring ……..is given lessee on Kuthakapattom for a term of 20
years and it is seen that the lessee has to pay to Government Rs……………….as
premium and arrears of rent in respect of the property described in the Schedule and as
per the provisions of section 3(5)/4(6)/27 of the said rules and the pursuance of order
No……….dated ……of ……. The lessee has remitted Rs……………….as the first
installment in the Sub-Treasury………….as per chalan …………………..and it is
necessary that the lessee shall execute an agreement under Section 27/3(5)/4(6) of the
said rules for the due payment of the remaining installments with interest, the following
agreement is executed.
1. Of the amount of Rs………………….due the lessee to the government towards

the premium in respect of the scheduled property ,the balance amount of Rs………after
deducting Rs……………….remitted as the first installment shall be paid by he lessee
in………………..Sub-Treasury as yearly/half yearly/quarterly installments of Rs………with
12%interest.
2. If the lessee falls to remit any installments .the full or balance amount shall
become payable in a lumpsum. It shall be remitted within the time stipulated in the written
notice received by him. If he fails to do so the Kuthakapattom granted by
Shri,……………………..Settlement Officer, may be cancelled or caused to be cancelled
and the installment or installments remitted may be declared or caused to be declared as
forfeited to Government or the entire balance amount due by the lessee to the
Government may be directed to be recovered under the Revenue Recovery Act in force
for the time being.
3. If the Kuthakapattom is cancelled as described above, the lessee shall have no

right to claim any compensation for the improvements made in the scheduled property
and the possession of the property shall be surrendered immediately, otherwise the
lessee may be evicted under the Land Conservancy Act.
38
Added by S.R.O. No. 83/67 dt. 03/03/1967, published in K.G. No. 13 dt. 04/04/1967
519
4. As per this agreement the ownership of the property given on Kuthakapattom
and described in the schedule below vest in the Government.
5. The lessee shall have no right what so ever, to transfer the scheduled property
without the previous sanction of the Government or the Officer authorized by them.
6. The lessee shall have right only to enjoy the scheduled property in a
reasonable manner, subject to he provisions of the said Rules, 1961 and the Rules made
by the Government from time to time for giving lands on Kuthakapattom for cardamom
cultivation.
7. If it is found that there is any difference in the extent of the property when the
survey record of the scheduled property is completed(if the record is not already
completed)the lessee shall be liable to pay on receipt of a written notice, the premium and
pattom at the previous rate for the extent of property as per the completed survey
records.
8. If it is found that the scheduled property is enjoyed in violation of any

provisions described above or rules which are made or may be made for lease of lands
on Kuthakapattom for cardamom cultivation, the lessee fully agrees that the
Kuthakapattom may be cancelled and the property revested in Government without giving
compensation for improvements.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SCHEDULED PROPERTY
Lessee
Witnesses
1.
2.
520
Appendix – LXI
CENTRAL EMPOWERED COMMITTEE
REPORT IN APPLICATION NO. 305 FILED BEFORE THE CEC BY "ONE EARTH ONE
LIFE" REGARDING THE ILLEGAL GRANT OF LEASES AND THE
ENCROACHMENTS IN THE CARDAMOM HILL RESERVE, IDUKKI DISTRICT,
KERALA
ISSUE
This report is being filed by the CEC in Application No. 305 filed before it by "One Earth One
Life" regarding the illegal grant of leases and encroachments in the Cardamom Hill Reserve,
Idukki District, Kerala.
2. The Application No. 305 has been filed before the CEC by the NGO 'One Earth One
Life' through Director, Legal Cell Mr. Tony Thomas, raising the issue of the assignment of the
forest lands to the private parties and the encroachments continuing in the Cardamom Hill
Reserve (CHR) with the active connivance of the forest and the revenue officials and the
other powerful and influential persons in violation of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. This
report is being filed after holding hearings on 06/01/2004, 20/02/2004, 18/07/2004,
15/04/2004 and 28/02/2005 and carrying out the site visit between 26th and 28th May, 2004.
lnspite of giving ample opportunities, no response has been received from the State
of Kerala except for a part report from the District Collector, Idukki District on the information
sought by the CEC during the site visit.
Background
3. An area of 334 sq. miles has been declared as The Cardamom Hill Reserve (CHR) and
notified as a Reserve Forest in 1897 under Section 18 of Regulation II of 1068 by a Royal
Proclamation published on page no. 1932 of the Travancore Gazette dated 24/08/1897. The
then Maharaja of Travancore encouraged cardamom cultivation which grew naturally in this
area. The forests of the CHR were being assigned for cardamom cultivation. The forests of
the CHR are situated in the catchments area of the Periyar River which is of vital importance
as several hydro-electric projects including Idukki Dam are constructed in this area. These
forests connect Palani Hills with the Periyar Tiger Reserve and the forests to the South and
form the natural corridors for the passage of wild life specially elephants between these
regions. The forests in this area are ecologically fragile evergreen with rich bio-diversity home
to many rare and endangered species of wild flora and fauna. The steady decline in the forest
cover in the CHR is a direct consequence of the large scale encroachments of the forest land,
deforestation for the cardamom cultivation and assignment of the land under the Cardamom
Rules without following the due process of law.
Cardamom Rules (Travancore) 1935 and dual control of the Forest and the
Revenue Departments
4. The forests of the CHR were assigned on grant I lease for the cultivation of cardamom,
which naturally grows in this area. The Rules framed to regulate the activities of the
cardamom growers were subsequently consolidated as the Cardamom Rules (Travancore)
1935. Under the said 1935 Cardamom Rules a Revenue Officer designated as the
Cardamom Settlement Officer was posted in the CHR for granting areas for cardamom were
responsible for finding suitable applicants, assignment of the leases and exercising control
over the lessees while the forest officers enforced the relevant rules and regulations. The
Forest Department continued to exercise authority in the area because the grantees/lease
holders were required to obtain the prior permission of the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) for
clearing the forest grovv1:h. Even after independence and the reorganization of the State, the
Revenue Department and the Forest Department continued to exercise authority over this
area.
Government Order of 1958
5. In 1958, the responsibilities of the Forest and the Revenue Departments were
521
reviewed and by an executive order the Forest and the Revenue Departments were made
responsible for the protection of forests and the administration of cardamom cultivation,
respectively.
Rules for Lease of the Government Land for Cardamom Cultivation, 1961
6. The State Government subsequently enacted "Rules for Leases of the
Government Land for Cardamom Cultivation,1961” and authorized the Revenue
Divisional Officer (RDO), Devikulam to conduct all business related to cardamom leases
in the detection and the disposal of the encroachment cases, including the right to
regularize encroachment on forest lands in the CHR.
7. The problem of the CHR has got aggravated because the State continues to
implement the Rules for Lease of the Government Land for Cardamom Cultivation, 1961,
which are inconsistent and contrary to the provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Act,
1980. A copy of the said Rules is enclosed at ANNEXURE-A to this report. For the sake
of convenience some of the relevant extracts of the said Rules are reproduced below
which reveals the extent and magnitude of the problem:
"3. Lands in the possession of encroachers who have cultivated the same with
cardamom may be leased to them, without auction for a period of 20 years subject to the
following and the other provisions in these
(1) The maximum extent that may be leased to a person shall be 25 acres.
Provided that the extent so leased together with the extent of cardamom lands registry or
lease (current or time- expired) already held by him, shall not exceed 60 acres :
……………….
7. The lessee shall be free to remove the undergrowth and fell trees to the extent
necessary to admit on the land,
Provided that he shall not, except with the prior sanction of the Revenue Divisional
Officer, fell -
(i) any tree falling under the description of teak, black wood, ebony or sandalwood;
and
(ii) any tree other than teak, black wood, ebony or sandalwood exceeding four feet
in girth at a height of three feet from the ground.
The lessee my also with the permission of the Revenue Divisional Officer fell trees for
construction of such buildings as are essential for cultivation of cardamom.
8. All applications for felling trees shall, in the first instance, be made to the Tahsildar,
who after a local inspection and on such enquiry as he may consider necessary shall
forward the same with his report to the revenue Divisional Officer for disposal.
9. If any tree is felled or undergrowth is removed or destroyed in contravention of these
rule, the lessee shall be liable to pay, by way of damages double the value of the timber of
the trees so felled or the undergrowth so removed or destroyed as may be assessed by
the Revenue Divisional Officer.
10. The lessee may collect free of charge for his own use grass, if any, found on the land.
He may also collect dead trees (other than teak, ebony, black wood and sandalwood) and
undergrowth for full free of charge but no live tree or undergrowth shall be purposely
felled or uprooted for such use or any other use.
14. The lessee shall not, on his own accord, determine the lease during the currency
of the lease. No leasehold or part thereof, shall be alienated without the prior sanction of
the District Co/lector and in every case in which alienation is sanctioned, the party shall be
charged with a fee calculated at the rate of (Rs. 5 per hectare).
8. It is seen that under ·the above Rules the forest lands which are in possession of
the encroachers can be leased out to them for a period of 20 years without auction. The
522
encroacher is free to fell trees or under growth except teak, ebony, black wood (rose
wood) or sandal wood without the prior permission of the Revenue Divisional Officer. if
the tree felling is done without permission he is liable to pay by way of damages double
the value of timber trees felled or undergrowth removed. The leased lands cannot be
alienated without the prior permission of the District Collector and in every case when
alienation is sanctioned the party shall pay a fee at the rate of RS.5/- per hectare. Several
of these provisions of 1961 Rules are still being enforced, in clear violation of the
provisions of Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 in so far as they allow (a) alienation of
reserve forest land and (b) felling of trees is concerned.
Kerala Land Conservancy Act, 1957
9. The Kerala Land Conservancy Act, 1957 was enacted to check the unauthorized
occupation of Government lands. Cases under the said act were filed against
encroachers who had sold the Government forest land to others who in turn have got
lease sanctioned in respect of the same encroached forest lands in their favors under the
1961 Cardamom Rules.
10. It may also be relevant to mention that under the Kerala Land Conservancy
Act, 1957 the low quantum of fines imposed has emboldened the encroachers to occupy
more and more forest lands in the CHR. For instance as per Section 5 of the said Act no
person shall occupy government public lands without permission from the Government.
Section 7 prescribes the punishment for un authorized occupying 1and which is the
property of the Government and the fine imposed should not exceed Rs. 200/- and in case
of continuing contravention such additional fine not exceeding Rs. 200/- per day for every
day during which such contravention continues. The encroachers merrily occupy CHR
lands, get booked under Kerala Land Conservancy Act, 1957 pay meager fines under the
said Act and get the lease sanctioned in respect of the same land in their favors under the
1961 Cardamom Rules.
Cardamom cultivation is non-forestry activity - requires approval under F.C.
Act, 1980
11. As per the explanation (a) to Section 2 of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, the
cultivation of cardamom (spices) is a non-forestry activity. The conversion of the natural
.forests into cardamom plantations in the CHR, which is a notified reserve forest,
therefore, requires the prior approval of the Central Government under the provisions of
the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. Similarly, leasing of any forest land requires prior
approval under the FC Act.
Illegal grant of pattas
12. In view of the above, the leases granted in the Cardamom Hill Reserve area under the
Cardamom Lease Rules, 1961 after the enactment of the Forest (Conservation) 1980,
without the prior approval of the Central Government are illegal and invalid. The
continued practice of leasing out and allowing the conservation of natural forest to non
forest use in the CHR as per the provisions of the Cardamom Lease Rules, 1961 is
contrary to the provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. Many such lease
assignments are reported to have taken place with documents unauthorized signed and
sanctified by the Revenue Officials including some by retired official. By way of
illustrations the applicant has cited cases of such grant of pattas and many of these were
subsequently cancelled by the orders of the Board of Revenue (LR). However, the
encroachers not only continue to be in illegal possession of the forest land but there are
also instances where the encroachments have been legalized by grant of lease rights
under the Cardamom Rules of 1961 in clear violation of the FC Act. A few glaring
examples are given below to highlight the seriousness of the problem:
(a) one R.K Krishna Pillai and V.M. Balagangadharan had each purchased
about 5 acres of land in Survey No. 216/1 of Thondimala Thavalam of Poppara Village, in
Udumbanchola Taluk from Joy Mathew and others during July, 1995. Since the land
alienation was done unauthorized a case was booked against them under the Kerala
Land Conservancy Act, 1957 and thereafter the assessed land conservancy dues were
paid by· them. Subsequently they applied for the leasing of the land before the
523
Cardamom Settlement Officer, Devikulam who sanctioned the lease citing the case
booked under Kerala Land Conservancy Act, 1957. Thus booking of an offence under the
Kerala Land Conservancy Act for unauthorized occupation of Government land in CHR
became the basis for the grant of lease to the encroachers;
(b) Patta no. 12732 was issued to one Mr. Sudha Ramaswami by the Special
Tahsildar (LA) Devikulam on 4.3.93 in respect of 3 acres 25 cents in Survey No. 19/1 of
KDH Village. This Pattas was issued on the basis of the Revenue Inspector's report that
he was in possession from 1970 onwards and residing there along with his mother, wife
and children and his 33 years. If the report of the Revenue Inspector is correct Sudha
Ramaswami would have been only 10 years old at the time of the encroachment.
As per the certificate issued by the Panchayat the mother of Sudha Ramaswami
is the owner of 13 buildings in Munnar Panchayat and which fetched rent of Rs. 56,6001-
annually. Sudha Ramaswami sold the said land by executing a registered sale deed
dated 09/07/1993. it may be sated that these leased lands cannot be sold by the lessee
without the prior sanction of the Collector as there is a specific condition under the lease
which prohibits any assignments. Besides, after the enactment of the Forest
(Conservation) Act, 1980 neither such lease nor any sale of forest land is permissible
without obtaining the prior approval of the Central Government under the said Act.
(c) Patta has been issued to one Mr. N. A. Anus on 04/08/95 for 3.13.acres
of land in Sy. No. 19/1 Special Tahsildar (LA) Devikulam in Pallivassal village on the basis
of Revenue Inspectors report showing his age as 27 years and that he is in occupation of
the said lands from 1970 onwards. If that is so his age at the time when the land was
encroached was four years. He sold this land immediately after obtaining the lease by
sale deed no. 721/93 dated 22/02/1994.
Copy of the order dated 03/01/1996 of the Cardamom Settlement Officer, copy of
the Patta no. 12732 issued on 4.3.1993 by the Special Tahsildar (LA) Devikulam and
copy of the Patta dated 4.8.95 and copies of the sale deeds dated 09/07/1993 and
22/02/1994 are collectively annexed hereto as ANNEXURE- B (Colly) to this report.
Modus operandi of encroachers
13. The lands in the Cardamom Hill Reserve in Idukki have been encroached upon
by a very large number of persons. The modus operandi used by the encroachers is
similar to that which prevails in the vested forest lands in Kerala. Cases are filed by the
encroachers in the civil courts and orders are obtained prohibiting the forest officers from
interfering in the non-forest operations carried out in such lands. The lands encroached
by them often is shown as non-forest land in the schedule to the plaint. After getting the
injunction against the entry of the forest officers into such lands the plaintiffs in the suits
and their men further encroach upon the forest land. The encroachers continue to misuse
the orders of the courts, with the connivance of the forest, revenue and survey authorities.
After the above stated modus operandi was detected, a circular dated 15.7.97 was issued
by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Kerala directing the concerned forest
officials to bring this Hon'ble Court's order dated 12/12/96 and other factual position to the
notice of Hon'ble Courts wherever litigations relating to the forest area were pending., A
copy of the circular of the Principal Chief conservator of Forests, Kerala is annexed
hereto at ANNXURE- C to this report.
Continued occupation of the forest land after cancellation of the illegal leases
14. On 20/09/2002, The Secretary, Revenue Department, Government of Kerala
issued an order canceling all the leases in the Mathikettan area in the CHR. But on
08/10/2002 an order was issued by the Revenue Divisional Officer, Devikulam allowing
the evicted persons to enter into the land and enjoy the same in accordance with the
provisions of the Cardamom Rules,1935. A copy of the order No. 86.4078/2002 dated
08/10/2002 issued by the Revenue Divisional Officer is annexed hereto as ANEXURE-D
to this report.
524
Police report on the encroachers by influential persons
15. It is seen that a report dated 01/04/2004 about the encroachments on revenue and
forest lands and issuance of forged pattayams (title deeds) was sent by the Additional
Director General of Police (Intelligence) Idukki Mr. Rajan K. Madhekar, a copy of which
was also sent to the District Collector, Idukki. The following excerpt of the report shows
that the encroachments on a massive scale on forest land and other government lands by
powerful and influential persons is still continuing:
“There is information that large scale encroachment of Revenue / Forest land and issue of
forged pattayams are going on in Idukki district specially in Munnar, Devikulam, Kannan
Devan Hills Village etc., with the actives support of the concerned Revenue officials. It is
known that about 3,000 forged pattayams were issued in Idukki district. Political parties /
Religious Organizations/ Government Employees / traders / business men are also
included among these illegal occupants. Some of these illegal occupants obtained huge
amounts from Banks / Financial Establishments, as loan, by producing these forged
pattayams. Though cases are being registered in this regard, the action is not being
continued allegedly due to political influence.
The list of the encroachers in the said report is said to include powerful and
influential persons. At serial no. 48 of the said list in the report is Mr. Vakkachan Mattathil,
Member of Parliament. Some persons in the list are reported to be related to a Cabinet
Minister in the State Government. The report also gives the names of 19 officers
responsible for issuance of forged pattayams (KDH Village Officer from 1992 to 2003).
Similarly, there is a list of names of 13 persons who worked as agents. A copy of the said
report along with the list of encroachers is annexed hereto as ANNEXURE-E to this
report.
Information provided by the District Collector, Idukki
16. During the meeting held with the concerned officials at Munnar on 28th May, 2004,
the Central Empowered Committee asked the Revenue officials to provide the information
/ details, about the land assignments and the encroachments in the CHR in response to
which the following part information has been filed by the Collector, Idukki District vide
letter dated 24/07/2004:
i) Joint verification has been completed in an extent of 1089.2226 ha. in the
Devikulam Taluk. In the Peermade Taluk joint verification has been completed in 130.77
ha. and in the Thodupuzha Taluk in an extent of 2559.0090 ha. It has not been done in
the Udumbanchola Taluk as no forest land is available here because all the lands are the
CHR lands the ownership of which vests with the Revenue Department and the Forest
Department only protects the trees;
ii) Survey and demarcation has not been done in the CHR area except in the
Peermade Taluk;
iii) details of the Pattas issued after 01/01/1977 are as under
Taluk Area (ha) No. of pattas issued
Devikulam 232.73 671

Udumbanchola 7,223.56 20,456
Peermade 130.77 223
Thodupuzha 1,780.87 5,287
iv) the pattas were given without conducting joint verification in the Udumbanchola
Taluk whereas it was done in the Devikulam, Peermade, and Thodupuzha ;
v) details of cases booked under the Kerala Land Conservancy Act, 1957 in Idukki
District are 684 in Devikulam, 15 in Peermade and 149 in Thodupuzha and none in in
Udumbanchola;
525
vi) copy of the Government Order dated 31/08/1989 permitting the assignment of
land including in the CHR after the year 1988 has been filed along with his aforesaid
letter.
Joint verification report
17. Pursuant to the Government Order dated 31/08/1989 joint survey by the officers of
the Revenue and the Forest Department was conducted to ascertain the occupation of
the forest land by the people prior to 01/04/1977 in Idukki and other Districts in Kerala.
The joint verification was conducted of each occupied holding on a field to field basis and
the details of the occupation were recorded in a specified format accompanied by a report
on each holding. An area of about 20,363 ha. was found to be under pre 01/01/1977
encroachments in the CHR forest reserve for which the approval was accorded by the
MoEF under Section - 2 of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 by letters dated
23/03/1993 and 31/01/1995 copy enclosed at ANNEXURE-F to this report. The legal
status of the CHR being a reserve forest is therefore undisputed as the State Government
admittedly after detailed survey and joint verification identified eligible encroachers on the
forest lands within the CHR and the said encroachments were regularized by the MoEF
under the FC Act, 1980.
Stand of the State of Kerala about the legal status of the CHR
18. In the Report of the Expert Committee constituted by the State of Kerala to identify
forests pursuant to this Hon'ble Court's order dated 12/12/1996 the area falling with the
CHR ha been included as ‘forest’ with the following observation:
“…. Cardamom Hill Reserve forests of Idukki District where the tree and land are under
the dual control of the forest and Revenue Departments respectively are include These
area were assigned and leased out during the last hundred years for cardamom
cultivation, and have lost the nature of true forests. They exist as forest in Govt.
records…”
19. In the Kerala Gazette Notification dated 14/05/1987 the entire CHR has been
notified under the Kerala Preservation of trees Act, 1986 which is actually applicable only
to the private lands with the following observation:
" ........ The Cardamom Hill Reserve with the Government has been an
area leased for cardamom cultivation. The forest land supports intense tree growth. The
cutting of trees in the area under the guise of shade regulation results in huge loss to the
Government, environmental stability including soil and land slides, and indiscriminate
forest destruction…..”
20. Earlier the State of Kerala has regularized 20,363 ha. of encroachments in the
CHR area after getting the approval from the MoEF under Section 2 of the FC Act. There
is, therefore, absolutely no justification for treating the CHR as a non-forest land.
21. During the site visit of the CEC it was seen in many places that the CHR still
holds dense and excellent forest cover as can be seen from the photographic report
being filed along with this report at ANNEXURE- G.
22. It will thus be seen that while on the one hand the State Kerala constantly held
that the area falling within the CHR is a reserved forest and accordingly has regularised
the encroachments after obtaining the requisite approval from the Central Government
under the Fe Act, on the other hand a large number of pattas are being granted under the
Cardamom Rules, 1961 without obtaining the prior approval of the Central Government
under the FC Act by treating them as non-forest land. This situation has allowed the
indiscriminate use of the CHR including the sale and purchase of the forest land for
commercial gains.
Site inspection by the CEC
23. The CEC undertook the site inspection between 26th _ 28th May, 2004 and visited the
Cardamom Hill Reserve areas of Vandanmedu, Pulianmala, Pampadumpara,
Nedumkandam, Palar etc, enrote to Munnar. At Munnar the CEC visited Kursipara,
526
Peechad, Mankulam Kannan Devan Hill lands and the encroachments in and around
Neriyamangalam. On 28th afternoon a meeting was held with the ·forest and revenue
officials. The Committee saw large scale encroachments in the above mentioned areas of
the CHR. It is indeed distressing to come across the forests on the steep slopes being
destroyed by the encroachers and who in the process are not only destroying the
exceedingly rich bio-diversity of the magnificent Western Ghats but are also destroying the
critical catchments areas of the enormous fresh water sources and which will have a
devastating impact in the long run on the very survival of the people. There is a virtual
free for all' the forest lands are being grabbed by hordes of people on a staggering scale.
The land prices are reported to have risen sharply and continue to increase because of
the mounting pressure of tourism in the area. The issue of forged and manufactured,
pattas is well known to the people in this area. Some of these forged pattas are called
Thankasi pattas. Thankasi is a small town just across the borders in Tamil Nadu and
where the pattas have been privately and illegally printed.
24. The CEC also visited the Pallivasal area where the forest land has been illegally
sold by the Secretary of the “Pallivasal Cooperative Cardamom Producing Society Ltd."
The CEC saw a large number of houses and illegal use of the forest land encroached by
the members of the said society.
Types of lands in the CHR
25. The area falling in the Cardamom Hill Reserves can broadly be classified in following
six categories:
i) Lands which have dense natural forest and which have not been
assigned to any person by way of pattas, net leased out, not encroached,
not yet handed over to the Kerala Forest Department and continues to
remain under the control of the revenue department;
ii) Lands which have been handed over to the Forest Department after
evicting the encroachers. A part of it measuring: 1281. 741 ha. has been
notified as the Mathikettan National Park and the remaining 1800 ha.
Also has good forest and which is referred to as the CHR Preservation
Area. The Kerala Forest Department is exercising complete control over
these lands;
iii) about 20,000 acres of land were given on pattas by the Revenue
Department under the Cardamom Rules (Travancore) 1935. These lands
may (a) in Some cases have the original tree cover and (b) also retain
the cardamom cultivation. In other cases the tree cover has been
removed and the new light demanding cardamom variety has been
cultivated. In many cases the Patta holders have sold the land to tourist
resorts, hotels, builders and developers where the tree growth has been
completely destroyed;
iv) About 50,000 acres of land have been given on lease by the Revenue
Department under the Rules for Cardamom Cultivation, 1961. Although
there is a restriction on the sale of such lands by the lease holders without
the prior permission of the District Collector and after 25/10/1980 without
obtaining the approval under the F.C. Act, yet these lands are freely
being sold. Besides, leases continue to be given in violation of the F. C.
Act,1980;
v) there were many villages within the CHR area at the time when the
original notification was issued in 1897 and they may have expanded in
area because of the increase in population; and
vi) lands which have been heavily encroached in the last 10 years or so and
which continues to be encroached even today often by the rich, the
powerful and the influential persons.
527
OBSERVATION AND CONCLUSIONS
26. The CEC after considering the above facts is making the following specific
observations about the multitude of problems plaguing this area:
i) Cardamom grows naturally in the undergrowth of the forests of Idukki
district and the adjoining areas. Since the cardamom is a shade
demanding plant, the forests under which it grew continued to be
protected till the new light demanding cardamom varieties were
developed. After the introduction of the new varieties, very large areas of
thick forests were cleared in the CHR for growing light demanding
cardamom varieties;
ii) the original area of the CHR as per the notification dated 24/08/1897 is
334 sq. miles. No effort has been made by the Revenue of the Forest
Department to properly survey and demarcates the actual boundary of
the CHR on the ground. As a result the encroachers continue to occupy
more and more forest lands and benefit fro the confusion prevailing about
is exact boundaries;
iii) though the CHR is Reserved Forest, it is presently being administered by
the Revenue Department;
iv) as per the cardamom Rules (Travancore), 1935 the actual control of the
CHR was with the Revenue Department which was empowered to assign
lands for cardamom cultivation to individuals applicants. The role of the
Forest Department was to approve or reject applications seeking
permissions to fell trees and this was a safeguard against indiscriminate
felling of trees. The protection of forests was ensured under the 1935
Rules as the felling of trees was regulated by the Forest Department;
v) the Cardamom Rules of 1935 were replaced by the Rules for Lease of
Cardamom Cultivation 1961, under which the Forest Department did not
have any role in the protection of trees in the CHR area. Under these
Rules even the lands possessed by the encroachers and who have
grown cardamom on these lands would still be entitled to grant of lease
for a period of 20 years;
vi) once the encroached land, which is under cardamom as an encroacher

the encroachment cases to exist and he is not treated as an encroacher.
Perhaps this is a unique rule which rewards a law breaker (encroachers)
by giving him lease hold rights over forest land;
vii) the 1961 Cardamom Rules further allowed alienation of the leased lands
with the prior permission of the ·Collector. These Rules are being
implemented in violation of the provisions of the Fe Act as after the
enactment of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 no assignment/lease of
the CHR lands could be legally granted without the prior approval of the
Central Government. However, the Revenue Department continued to do
so by taking a stand the CHR is not a forest land;
viii) after completing the joint verification pursuant to the Government Order
of 189 the list of all the eligible encroaches in the CHR was prepared and
all such encroachments were regularized after obtaining the approval
from the Central Government under the FC Act. In view of the above, all
the other except original grantees (having original ownership rights) are
ineligible encroachers and should have been evicted long back. In fact
this was one of the conditions for the grant of approval under the FC Act,
which has not been fulfilled. In addition the lessee whose lease/extended
period has expired or the grantees/lessees who have violated any of the
following condition should also be evicted.
528
(a) have transferred the ownership of the land without the
permission of the competent authority; or
(b) have changed the land use from cardamom' cultivation without
permission of the competent authority; or
(c) have felled trees without the permission of the competent
authority after 25/10/1980.
ix) large scale encroachments and conversion of forest lands into resorts,
hotels, luxury cottages I houses and other commercial activities have
taken place over large tracts of forest lands with elaborate road network.
As a result the land prices have shot up to an all time high and more and
more forest land continues to be encroached for commercial gains.
Conclusions
27. The CFC is of the considered view that in the Cardamom Hill Reserve, which still
holds dense forest, illegal assignment of lands I grant of Patta, illegal sales of land, large
scale encroachments, transfer and sale of land and consequent deforestation by the rich,
the powerful and the influential continues unabated In gross violation of the Forest
(Conservation) Act, 1980 and this Hon'ble Court's order dated 12/12/1996. This is causing
irretrievable and immense loss to the dense evergreen forest holding rich bio-diversity on
steep slopes and destroying the water sheds, water catchments and streams and rivers
which flay; through these forests.
Recommendations
28. After considering the facts and circumstances explained above and the site visit the
CEC recommends that:
i) the CHR being a notified reserve forest, no Patta /lease or renewal of lease
should be granted in the CHR area without obtaining the approval under the Forest
(Conservation) Act, 1980. All pattas, leases, renewal of leases, change of land use or
sale /transfer which has taken place in the CHR area after 25/10/1980 without the prior
approval of the Central Government should be cancelled and the lands restored to the
State Government
ii) all the the unauthorized occupants should be removed from the CHR in a time
bound manner; and
iii) the CHR being a Reserve Forest should be managed as per the Working Plan
duly approved by the Central Government under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 and the
orders of this Hon'ble Court should be strictly enforced something the State of Kerala has failed
to do during the last many years.
This Hon’ble Court may please consider the above report and may please pass
appropriate orders in the matter.
(M.K. Jiwrajka)
Member Secretary
Dated: 7th September, 2005
529
Appendix – LXII
POLITICS OF DEFORESTATION
Case Study of Cardamom Hills of Kerala

Marcus Moench
The causes of deforestation in the Cardamom Hills in the Idukki district of Kerala
can only be understood In the context of the relationship' between ethnic and religious
communities which greatly influenced migration, forest encroachment, and conflict over
control of land. In this article a brief historical review is followed by specific developments
in three periods, 1750 to 1860, 1860 to 1940 and 1940 to 1964. The author also focuses
on the debate over land control conducted within and between states and communities
which was a major force in shaping social relations in the High Ranges.
I. Introduction
THIS paper outlines the history of settlement and land control in Idukki district
Kerala. The relationship between ethnic and religious communities has greatly influenced
migration, forest encroachment, and conflict over land control in this area. A broad
historical overview of these relationships is essential to understanding the causes of
deforestation in the Cardamom Hills.
The history presented here focuses on the patterns of settlement and the factors
underlying migration at different times and by different groups. It also focuses on the
ongoing debate over land control conducted within and between states and communities.
This debate has been conducted on many levels-political, legislative and via direct action-
and has been a major force shaping social relations in the High Ranges.
A brief historical overview is presented first. Subsequent sections focus on the
periods from 1750 to 1860, 1&60 to 1940 and 1940 to 1964. Developments during each
of these periods had separable and distinct influences on social relations and land-use
patterns. The final section summarizes the influence of the communal and political history
on land-use changes in the study area.
HISTORICAL OVERVIEW
The history of the Cardamom Hills can be divided into three distinct periods. Until
1860, the hills were inhabited almost exclusively by tribal populations. The government
viewed the forests there primarily as a source of timber and other forest products [Ward
and Conner, 1827; Bourdillon, 1893]. A few plantations owned by Thmils from adjacent .
areas in the Madras presidency, primarily cardamom gardens, occupied a relatively minor
area. Between 1880 and World War II timber harvesting continued but plantation
agriculture grew rapidly and became an equally dominant activity shaping land-use. Teal
coffee, cardamom and forest tree plantations displaced the natural forest. Roads were
built for political purposes, forest harvesting, dam construction and to ease access to the
plantations. Population density, though growing at a much higher rate than in the
surrounding plains, remained low. Tribal groups retreated from plantation areas but
managed to continue their traditional methods of shifting agriculture in the diminishing
areas of natural forest. The Second World War II Indian independence, the process of
stat reformation in the 19505, and internal state politics since 1957 transformed the High
Ranges into a centre for landless migrants and wealthy land-grabbers. They came,
cleared the remaining forests and settled. Population density more than tripled;2 tribal
groups retreated to scattered pockets, and plantation style agriculture began a slow
decline. Today the hills are a patchwork of migrants' sma1lholdings surrounding plan-
tation areas.
530
II. Early Phase 1750-1860
QUESTION OF SOVEREIGNTY
The Cardamom Hills came under the nominal control of Travancore state in 1755
or 1756 when Travancore conquered the small principality of Changanacheri, the hills
rapidly became a major source of government revenue. The Maharaja monopolised all
the timber and the cardamom [Lovatt, 1972]. In their survey of Travartcore and Cochin
states between 1816 and 1820 Lieutenants. Vkld and Conner found that disagreements
over the collection of cardamom had caused boundary disputes between Travancore and
Cochin as early as 1808 [Ward and Conner, 1827, p 42]. There were other sovereignty
disputes as well.
The 'Poonjat {Rajah; a Thamil, claimed that most of the current Cardamom Hills
area had been his family's territory since the time of the Pandayan Kings (at least since
1537).4 The leaders of Travancore claimed instead that the Pooniat family had purchased
the land from Rajahs of Malayali ethnicity and that this purchase did not represent a
transfer of sovereignty. The Travancore government claimed that the sovereignty passed
to it when Travancore conquered Changanacheri (or the Thulckeukoor and
Waddakeukoor Rajahs).5 A period of British control over the area in the early 1800s
further confused the situation. Travancore regained control in 1822 following the decision
of a joint commission representing British and Travancore interests.6
The decision of the commission did not end sovereignty questions. In 1861, the
Pooniat rajah reasserted his claim to the area by granting lands to Europeans for planta-
tions. Travancore contested his right to do SO. 7 The rajah's evidence supporting his
claim included: the maintenance of paths, the collection of cardamom (a royal monopoly
in Travancore), the collection of ivory and other royalties, the collection of 'fees' (taxes),
and the maintenance of a ferry across the Periyar river.8 The Pooniat rajah gave up his
claim in 1866 in return for a large sum of money and an annual allowance. The rajah,
however, stated to an English participant in the negotiations that "it is not usual for the
chief to associate his heirs in the execution of deeds".10 Room for future disputes
remained. In 1877 the rajah gave a concession of roughly 200 Square miles of land to
several Englishmen. Travancore ratified the concession, while holding the rajah had no
right to make it:
'in order to be generous to a Foreign Chief who had lived under the protection of
Travancore for centuries and because Mr. Turner's clients would feel greatly disappointed
if called upon to purchase the land by auction and because of the chances of a law
suit'.11
As late as 1896 W Ree wrote:
The last Pandayan King of Madura died 359 years ago, but the east side of the
hills is still called his, and the Pooniat chief, jenmi or zemindar in asserting his claims talks
of the British occupation as a recent incident hardly to be looked on as a disturbing
element in the history of his tenure of a large tract now partly Travancore and partly
British India.12
Locals referred to the Chief as 'the Maharaja of Pooniat', and he claimed
'royalties through vast tracts'. 13
In sum, Travancore's claim to the Cardamom Hills region was tenuous throughout
the early period. The ethnically Tamil Pooniat rajah appears to have had significant de
facto control over large areas. The local population acknowledged this control despite
British support for Malayali claims.
TIMBER
In Travancore, forests belonged to the state. Key species, such as teak, were
classified as 'royal'. From the British perspective, only the government could harvest them
[Stebbing, 1922].14 In their 1820 survey, Ward and Conner noted that forests in the High
Ranges were already being depleted of valuable trees, particularly adjacent to streams
[Ward and Conner, 1827, p 43]. Teak was critical for construction and maintenance of the
531
British military and merchant fleets. By the I 830s, the forests adjacent to Travancore
were nearing exhaustion [Stebbing, E P, 1922, p 73]. In Travancore itself, the harvest of
teak was more carefully managed and replanting efforts were underway [Stebbing, E P,
1922, P 73]. 15 Management and replanting efforts were not entirely successful. Most
harvesting was done by contractors. In 1837, Munro, the conservator of Thavancore
forests reported that:
The system of throwing open teak forests to all who wish to cut, or giving them to
contractors, is in the highest degree ruinous. They cut indiscriminately all that comes in
their .way; any range of forests, however extensive, would be destroyed if left to their
tender mercies. 16 '
Timber smuggling was also a major governmental concern in the mid-1800s, and
various methods were tried to limit it. In 1866 the government offered, for the first time,
rewards for information on the cutting of trees and prohibited the felling of several
valuable species without royal permission [Bourdillon, 1893]. Initially, timber harvesting
had been permitted under a seigniorage system involving the purchase of permits from
the government at the rate of one rupee per tree. Watch stations along rivers and roads
formed the only control on smuggling. Bribery of the low-paid watchers and the re-use of
permits became such common practice that a governmental depot system was initiated.
The depots proved no more effective in limiting corruption, and in 1887 the government
reverted to the previous system [Bourdillon, 1893, p 166].
Corruption was also a major problem facing the government in its attempts to
assert control over forest areas. Thus, despite management efforts, key species in the
forests of the Travancore High Ranges were depleted by the end of the 1800s.
CARDAMOM AND TRANSPORT
In the 1820, streams formed the main avenues for extraction of timber and other
forest produce. Only sixteen routes of 'various character', at best bridle paths, crossed the
mountains from Travancore to the plains of Madras state [Bourdillon, 1893, p 54]. Access
to the Cardamom Hills was difficult, from the Travancore side but relatively easy from the
nearby plains of Madras. Much of the cardamom was collected from the wild by tribals
and others as a minor forest product. Even in the early 1800s numerous cardamom
gardens planted by ethnic Thmilians were scattered throughout the High Range areas
adjacent to towns in the Madras plains [Bourdillon, 1893, p 90]. These towns, particularly
Bodiniakanur and Cumbum, formed the primary cardamom markets and most trade
flowed to the east, away from Travancore. Given the Pooniat rajah's de facto control over
the area, much of this trade would have been under his sway. Early gardens were
generally areas where the forest undergrowth was cleared and cardamom allowed to
regenerate naturally or with slight help [Aiya, 1906, p 87.] Their owners would visit the
clearings at harvest time and for occasional weeding and thinning of trees, but did not live
on the site.
In 1823 a special Cardamom staff was attached to the recently formed
Travancore forest department in order to encourage cardamom cultivation and control its
transport and sale. A set price was paid to the ryots ('peasants') for cardamom, and the
government required it to be delivered to collection centres (known as Tavalams) for
shipment Alleppey for eventual auction. This system did not work well. In 1849, the
government stationed troops (a detachment of the Nayar Brigade) at cardamom collection
points and frontier stations to control smuggling into Madras state. In 1869, it created a
cardamom department separate from the forest department which rapidly proceeded to
develop a system of bridle paths throughout the hills to ease the transport of produce to
Alleppey [Aiya, 1906, pp 84-85]. The attention to smuggling, the stationing of troops, and
the development of a transportation network probably reflect Travancore's concerns
about sovereignty as well as its interest in controlling revenue flows. Throughout this
period, ownership of the cardamom gardens was ambiguous. As Bourdillon stated in
1893: 'the gardens are considered to be in a certain sense private property', but the
Travancore government retained actual ownership and the right to evict if the produce
was not delivered to it [Bourdillon, 1893, Appendix I, pi].
Throughout this early period, the tribal population of the hills was viewed at best
as a source of labour for forest-related activities and more generally as a prime cause of
532
forest destruction through shifting cultivation [Bourdillon, 1893, p 90]. Hill tribes had been
employed to collect forest produce and undertake other forest related activities even
before Travancore gained control over the Cardamom Hill region [Lovatt, 1972, p 10].
Bourdillon's comment concerning the use of tribals to collect wild cardamom in areas
leased out to contractors by the government reveals the prevailing attitudes at that time:
In order to collect the spice it is a recognized custom that the bidder shall order
the hillmen to collect for him without remuneration, he being a government contractor, a
certain quantity per head, the total being of course far in excess of his bid. The contractor
then delivers to us the amount agreed on, and retains the rest as his profit, while the hill-
men deliver their quota to the contractor, and exchange any further quantity they can
collect for salt, knives, and cloths, This is a bad system, as it breaks the continuity of the
monopoly, and permits a trade in the spice [Bourdillon, 1893, p187]
Bourdillon's concerns centred on governmental control over he spice trade, as did
those of most government officers. Tribals were, at best, simply a labour force Tor work in
the forests.
The period from 1800 to 1880 set the tone for the next phases. Travancore held
formal sovereignty of the High Range area but ethnic Tamils exercised de facto control.
The Pooniat rajah's claims could even form a legal basis for sovereignty challenges,
Cardamom plantation owners were mostly (if not all) absentee Tamils living in adjacent
towns in Madras. Travancore's grasp over the High Ranges was tenuous and Tamils
dominated the area's population, except for the increasingly marginal tribals.
The Travancore government viewed the High Range ,forests primarily as a
source of revenue. Government actions were designed to increase, control and protect
that revenue. Cardamom plantations were encouraged, but actual ownership was
ambiguous. Smuggling into Madras was a major governmental concern, and the
government tried to extend effective control over the High Range areas by developing a
communication network and through its military. Forest harvesting had already depleted
many areas of valuable species. The government responded by offering rewards, by
trying to control the transport of forest products, and by starting forest plantations. The
plantations succeeded, but efforts to control the harvesting of natural forests ran into pro-
blems due to the high value of forest produce in relation to prevailing wages. Corruption
was rampant.'
III. Plantation Era 1860/80-1940
The 'plantation era' was characterised by the widespread European development
of coffee and tea plantations as well as the continued development of cardamom planta-
tions. The first major coffee plantation in the Western Ghats was started around 1830
[Playne, 1914-1915]. In Travancore itself the plantation era started' later, in the early
186Os. In 1862 the first clearing for coffee was made [Aiya V N, 1906, p 71] and in 1865
the government published rules allowing the sale of lands for the purpose of cultivating
coffee and other crops [Bourdillon, 1893, p 160]. Much land was also given to influential
European families in the form of free (grants [Lovatt, 1972, p 9].17 By l893 roughly 40,000
acres of land in Travancore had been sold for the purpose of coffee cultivation
[Bourdillon, 1893, p 160]. Coffee was facing major problems, however. A lea wilt disease
began to affect the plantations in the 1870s, and by 1880 the disease, com bined with low
prices and foreign competition, had caused cultivation to be suspend on many plantations
[Tharian, G K, and Tharakan, P K M, 1985]. Planters then turned to tea. Most of the large
tea estates in the High Range area were started in the last two decades of the 1800s
[Playne, 1914-1915, pp 546-589].
Europeans dominated coffee and tea cultivation in the High Ranges. Two of the
main plantation areas were centred on Peermade and Munnar, just to the south and north
(respectively) of the main cardamom belt. In 1914 the Kanan Devan Hill Produce Com-
pany owned 26 estates and had 17,300 acres of tea, most of that near Munnar [Playne,
1914-1915, p 558].18 A variety of smaller European-owned estates, ranging from a few
hundred to several thousand acres, were centred in the Peermade area. The Tamil
dominated core cardamom area lay between these centres of European tea cultivation.
533
The development of plantations raised mixed feelings in Travancore. Heather
Lovatt a member of a British plantation family, states that: "The Travancore government
was well aware that plantation crops were a useful source' of revenue so there was little
difficulty in obtaining a grant of land; in fact the government was doing as much as pos-
sible to encourage development.” [Lovatt, 1972, p 9]: This support was not unequivocal
and opposition to land grants had a strong anti-colonial and nationalistic tinge. Given the
government's loose control over the High Range area (as evidenced by the Pooniat
rajah's ability to grant large land concessions), it is unlikely that the government could
have stopped the development of estates if it had wanted to. The British were also in
favour of large land grants for coffee cultivation. In 1874 the Travancore government
suspended land grants and in 1878 it proposed stopping all land grants above 500 feet in
elevation (i e, in the entire High Range area) and reserving the forests there. 19 The
concerns expressed as a basis for the proposal had primarily to do with revenue and
forest protection. The underlying concern was probably British control. The British
Resident in Travancore stated with regard to the government's memorandum: "I appre-
hend from a perusal of this memorandum that the object arrived at is to put a stop to
further European enterprises in the state,20 The British government in Madras did not
allow 'Travancore to proceed with the closure of forests above 500 feet in elevation.21
They also strongly communicated their objections to interference with European
enterprises.22 Similar conflicts came up again in 1926-27 when Brooke Bond company
proposed occupying 100,000 acres in the high ranges.23 At that time there was
widespread objection in the Travancore government to granting lands to a 'foreign
company'. The British response is probably best summed up in a statement by the
(British) dewan to the objections of a Malayali member of the Travancore Popular
Assembly:
... there. is no proposal to register lands to foreigners. Happily, Travancore was grafted
onto the British Empire some hundred years and more ago and the same political ties
cannot produce two varieties of political citizenship.24
Brooke Bond and Company eventually withdrew its proposal due, primarily, to
'the antagonistic attitude' of the Travancore press.25 Later, in 1934, the Travancore
government acted against Tamilians as well as Europeans when it ruled that lands could
be. granted only to '1ravancoreans' for cardamom cultivation.26 This ruling may never
have become law but the attitude was clear. 27 In sum, despite the rapid development of
plantations, there seems to have been resistance on the part of many in Travancore to
foreigners'-Europeans, Tamilians or others-occupying portions of the High Ranges.
SETTLEMENTS AND COMMUNITIES OF PLANTATION PERIOD

Throughout the plantation period, ownership of tea and coffee plantations was
concentrated in the hands of the Europeans, while cardamom remained Tamil-dominated.
Easy access and traditional connections with the plains of Madras coupled with poor
access to Travancore resulted in most plantation labour being Tamilian.
Malayalis were less common than Tamils in theregion. It is probable that some of
the plantation labour was drawn from the lower caste Malayali communities, particularly in
Peermade district which had relatively good communications with the plains [Pillai, 1940,
Vol III, p 87]. Syrian Catholics from Travancore were the most visible Malayali group.
They dominated the mid-level, artisan, clerical and supervisory positions in many estates,
a situation which enabled them to learn the techniques of plantation cropping [Jeffrey,
1976; Kurian,1986, p 37]. Wealthy Syrian Christians were also among the first Malayalis
to try plantation crops around the turn of the century [Lovatt, 1972, p 43].28
The Syrian Christian community was (and is) concentrated in central Travancore
near Kottayam and Changanacheri. By the early 1900s they had occupied many of the
lower hills immediately above Kottayam and were planting a wide variety of tree crops. As
plantations grew in the highland regions near Peermade, Syrian Christian smallholders
and estate owners slowly occupied lower areas along the Peermade-Kottayam road up
towards Mundakayam [Jeffrey, 1976].29
534
The Syrian Christian community was strong in Travancore during the early 1900s.
Syrian Christians are 'high caste' Christians. They observe many caste rules and to this
day play an important role in some Hindu (Nair) ceremonies [Kurian, 1986].30 In the
1930s Syrian Christians had the highest average per capita income of any group in the
stateY Excluding Brahmins, they owned the most irrigated and dry land per capita. They
were in banking and commerce. Syrian Christians formed some of the earliest credit
institutions in the state and later founded major banks [Varghese, 1970, pp 111-14]. They
controlled major newspapers throughout the state. Finally, they had the Christian Church
which introduced modern education and founded numerous educational institutions and
hospitals.
The Syrian Christians and .early European settlers -m the High Ranges brought
the church with them. Most of the early European settlers in the High Ranges who were
not involved in establishing plantations were missionaries. Many of the plantation owners
were the sons of missionaries, As early as 1888, the Church Missionary Society
encouraged a Tamil pastor to settle in the Peermade area and run a-mission for Tamil
laborers [Lovatt, 1972 p.12]. The Syrian Christians· were less mission-oriented, but
wherever they settled they soon built churches, schools and hospitals to meet their
needs.
LAND CONTROL ISSUES: EMERGING ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE
Throughout the early portion of the plantation era, the Travancore government,
despite its hesitancy to grant land to outsiders, was legislatively acting in support of
plantation development. As previously noted, it frequently sold and gave land to
Europeans for the cultivation of coffee and tea. It also revised its approach to cardamom
several times.
Cardamom was initially a government monopoly, but the government had difficult
time controlling the spice trade in the context of wide price fluctuation Cardamom prices
declined steadily through the 1850s and early 1860s. Prior to 1865 cultivators were paid
'an arbitrary sum selected at the discretion of the govetnll1ent and constantly changing'
[Bourdillon, 1896, p 166J. In 1865, the failure of this approach became evident and
cultivators were paid at a fixed rate equal to one-third of the sale price [Bourdillon. 1893,
p 166]. Prices were relatively high between 1880 and 1885, but new production in Ceylon
(now Sri Lanka) caused them to crash again. By 1887 low prices forced the government
to increase the share it gave cardamom cultivators and to debate abandonment of the
monopoly system. Corruption and delays in payment resulted in the cultivators rarely
receiving anything approaching the share they were due. Consequently, there was large-
scale smuggling of cardamom into Madras in order to avoid government controls
[Bourdillon, 1893, p 187 and Appendix I, p ii]. Despite the debate, the monopoly was
abolished in 1897 and replaced by a uniform land assessment [Aiya, 1906, Vol III, P 86].
Replacement of the monopoly by a land assessment had far-reaching
consequences. It concentrated most-trade in the hands of a few hundred Tamilian
traders. Cardamom now flowed legally into the adjacent plains cities of Madras
[Sivanandan, et al, 1986]. More importantly, in order for the land assessment to function,
occupancy rights for cardamom gardens had to be specified. Forests in the Cardamom
Hills (Periyar and Cardamom Hills Reserves) were reserved and under the control of the
forest department [Joshi, 1987), but the cardamom department which was in charge of
cultivated areas, could also grant forest lands for cardamom [Aiya, 1906, p 85).32 The
government did not want to lose its ultimate control over the lands or trees, but needed to
give cultivators clearly defined occupancy rights in order to collect taxes.
Traditionally most taxes had been based on trees. The government retained its
rights over land. When land was cleared, a low tax was assessed at first which then
merged with the tree tax as permanent improvements were made.33 The Travancore
government complained in a memorandum to the British Resident that:
... when tea or coffee is planted, this change can never take place, as the tax paying trees
of the country are limited to coconut, areca, palmyra, jack, and in some districts tamarind
and laurel. Coffee and tea, not being of the durable nature of the trees above
enumerated, cannot bear a tax on the plant '. 34
535
The same problem of defining tenure in order to collect taxes also applied to
cardamom once the royal monopoly was replaced by a uniform land assessment.
The government's response, at least in the case of cardamom, was to turn
cardamom lands over to the land revenue department, This presumably happened in
1909 when the cardamom department was made a part of the land revenue department
[Pillai, 1940, Ii 270). Since the revenue department was in charge of collecting taxes, the
control· of lands allotted for cardamom cultivation was placed under it. The forest
department remained in charge of the 'forests!-the trees and lands not suitable for
cardamom cultivation [Pillai, 1940, p 270). The regulations promulgated in 1900 clearly
display the contradictory position in which the forest department was placed.
The forests in the Cardamom Hills and Periyar Reserves are reserved under the
Forest Regulation. Any interference with them except for the' purposes permitted by these
rules shall be dealt with under the above regulation. Notwithstanding the fact that the
forests in the Cardamom Hills' and the Periyar Reserves are reserved, ryots are permitted
to fell trees as hitherto (royal trees excepted) and clear the undergrowth for the purpose
of opening new or improving old gardens provided they first obtain written permission
from the superintendent of the Cardamom Hills to do so'.35
The position of superintendent fell under the cardamom and later land revenue
departments, not the' forest department. As a result, the forest department had little
power to limit authorized tree felling, or even to respond to illegal felling,36 Other forest
activities, such as firewood collection and the burning of undergrowth, could also be
undertaken with permission of the superintendent. 37 A primary purpose of reserving
forests was to limit forest cutting except under forest department sanction and super-
vision. The new rules greatly limited the power of the forest department to control
cardamom growers activities.
Occupancy rights for cardamom lands were first granted in 1896 on an indefinite
basis within a surveyed area known as the cardamom tract.38 Later versions permitted
the allocation of lands throughout the Periyar and Cardamom Hills reserved forests,
rather than just 'in the surveyed cardamom tract. Some distinctions were retained
between the occupancy rights in the cardamom tract and those outside it; a type of
temporary patta (title) was granted outside the tract, while the lands inside were given on
lease. In both areas occupancy was limited to twelve years before renewal of the right or
land resumption by the government.39
In addition to granting occupation rights for cardamom cultivation, the government
in 1898 granted the holders of cardamom land the right to open 'waste lands' (i e,
grasslands and swamps) for cereal cultivation.4O Initially cultivators were limited to a
maximum 25 acres granted under lease for a period of three years, with the government.
specifically retaining all rights to the land.41 Eventually the limit on area opened was
removed, and permanent tenure was granted subject only to revisions in the assessment
rate every thirty years.42
Granting of lands for the purpose of grain cultivation was probably initiated as a
response to the area's remote location. Plantations were isolated and food transportation
for the large labour forces was expensive if not impractical. Owners had long been in the
habit of allowing labourers to cultivate food on small patches of land adjacent to the main
plantations. Granting explicit cultivation rights 'regularised' (to use the common local term)
a situation which the government had little power to oppose and permitted the collection
of small amounts of revenue. Lands granted in this manner fell under the supervision of
the superintendent of the Cardamom Hills and were not under forest department control.
The grants also represented the first official opening of the High Ranges to the cultivation
of food crops and settlement by small farmers.
ENCROACHMENTS
Although the government was concerned with limiting encroachments and forest
clearing an equal and often greater objective was to obtain full revenue from the lands.
These incompatible objectives each held sway during different periods. Encroachments
were common. In 1896 W Ree, a British political agent traveling through Devicolam,
commented that one planter: 'complains of delay in getting patta (title) for land near
536
Mettu, but that seems to be due to his having taken more than the extent for which he
applies;43 In 1899, the govern" ment issued a notification complaining that its revenue
officers could not distinguish lands granted to coffee' estates from encroachments
because estates were not maintaining the original survey marks and boundary stones
properly. Plantation owners were required to maintain the boundary marks; if they didn't,
revenue officers would do it for them and recover the costs from the owners.44 Similarly,
in 1903 the government promulgated rules permitting the confiscation of cardamom
holdings or fines of up to five times the annual tax in cases where land was opened prior
to the issue of title.45 From 1909 to 1924 concern over forest protection held sway, and
registration of cardamom lands was prohibited. This prohibition was relaxed somewhat in
1924 to allow the registry of encroachments occupied prior to a cut-off date in 1920.46 A
boom of registration and encroachment followed from 1928 to 1932; the 'encroachers in-
variably contended that they occupied "them (the lands) and made improvements before
1096' (1920 in the European calendar)Y In 1934 the government's primary concern with
revenue became more evident when it decided to regularise encroachments subject to
the payment of a penalty of Rs 100 per acre and a yearly assessment of Rs 3/acre/year
retroactive to the date of occupation. This was a huge sum for those days and payment
was referred to by the chief secretary to the government as 'one of the essential condi-
tions …. laid down for the assignment of encroachments:48
The government was also concerned at this time about the ethnicity of cardamom
cultivators. At the time it regularised encroachments, it decided to assign all suitable
remaining lands in the Cardamom Hills reserve to individuals for cardamom cultivation.
The primary condition debated was whether lands should be assigned only to
'Travancore' (i e, to Malayalis) not to the ethnic Tamilians who constituted the bulk of
cardamom cultivators.49 The eventual decision is not completely clear. Ten thousand
acres were set aside for assignment only to people from Travancore [Pillai, 1940, P 270).
Preference was also given to people from Travancore with regard to registry of
grasslands used for both plantation and minor crops in the Cardamom Hills. 50
Travancore's attempts to assert its sovereignty over the High Range area and the
advent of European plantations underlay the development of a road network.
Topographically, the High Range area was much more accessible from the Madras side,
and most transport routes were in that direction. Travancore was intent on improving
access from its side. Writing in 1896 W Ree, a British political agent, noted that roads
from the Madras side would be much easier to build and more convenient for planters in
Devicolam, but concluded:
But in fact the direction in which aid-should be given towards opening out this
isolated part of Travancore should be determined chiefly by administrative and political
consideration. 51
On the basis of the above report the dewan agreed to finance a road from
Devicolam to the Travancore low country, to increase the police force in the hills and to
various administrative measures which included the stationing additional European
officers in the High Ranges 'to sort out the political and administrative claims. 52
One of the first roads started by the newly formed Travancore public works
department in 1863 was the Ghaut road from Kottayam to the state frontier near Gudalur
via Peermade. This cart track was completed to Peermade in 187l (72) and to the frontier
in 1884. By 1906 bridle paths and cart tracks, often constructed by the planters, also
connected Munnar with the plains of Madras and, to a lesser extent, Travancore [Aiya,
1906, p 222). A variety of other roads, constructed to provide access (I) to plantations; (2)
to inaccessible portions of the forest which were less overworked and (3) for dam con-
struction were also built in the same period and during the first few decades of the
1900s.53 Still, the High Range area remained relatively inaccessible from the Travancore
side until late in the plantation era. Velu Pillai quotes the 1931 Census of Travancore as
stating:
The inaccessibility of the tea and cardamom gardens to the people of the state
has been one of the reasons for the employment of foreign labour in these estates. Till
1930 there was practicaUy no proper road communication between the plains and the
High Range. It was chiefly want of communication which hindered the migration of labour
537
from the plains. Pirmade taluk which has long been connected with the plains by a good
metalled road contains a much larger proportion of local labour than Devicolam.54
Communication with Madras remained relatively easy. Topographic maps from
the 1920s indicate numerous trails leading up from, the Madras Plains. 55 They also
show roads in the centre of the cardamom area leading from Ramakal on the border deep
into Travancore.
More roads were built toward the end of the plantation era with the initiation of
large scale hydro-electric power projects: The first dam in the High Ranges was
constructed in the late 1800snear Kumily to provide irrigation for areas in the Madras
presidency. Major dam construction started toward the end of the plantation period with
the initiation of the PalIivasal hydro-electric project (commissioned in 1939) in the
northern portion of the cardamom belt near Devicolam (Government of Kerala, 1982);
This led to the improvement of the main road toward Devicolam at the northern end of the
cardamom belt.
By the end of the plantation era the High Range area was still isolated but good
transportation routes had been established between the centres of European-owned
cultivation and the plains to the east and west. Malayali settlements tended to form where
roads or major dam projects provided access. Malayalis were a minority in the area,
Although bridle paths between Munnar and Kumily along the crest of the High Ranges
connected the central cardamom area with Travancore, transport and communications
and the general population were heavily oriented towards Madras.56
Patterns established in the plantation era provided key elements that moulded
later migrations to the High Ranges. These elements included: (I) an underlying concern
with sovereignty which took the form of a bias against non-Malayali settlement and some
governmental actions to discourage 'foreign' investment; (2) the presence of Syrian
Christians as the dominant Malayali group in the High Ranges; (3) continuing depletion of
forests in remote locations; (4) the development of an initial road network; (5) the first
major hydro-electric projects; (6) governmental regulatory ambiguities regarding the
specific responsibilities of different departments-the split in control of land and trees
between revenue and forest departments; (7) the first opening of sites for food crop
production; (8) encroachments on forest lands by both landless settlers and wealthy
individuals; and (9) government regularisation of encroachments.
Throughout the plantation period, the development of permanent settlements in
large areas of the High Ranges was minor. The large cardamom estates were owned
primarily by Tamils whose homes were in the Madras Presidency. Much of the Tamil
labour force was also seasonal. The settled agricultural population was relatively small.
Access was limited, at least for landless settlers, by the fores't and revenue departments'
attempts to control encroachment and by the lack of roads to remote locations. The
growth rate of population in the High Ranges was high, but population density remained
low.
IV. Settlement Phase 1940-1965
During the early 1940s extensive food shortages occurred throughout
Travancore. As a result, the government opened forest lands on an emergency basis for
food cultivation. Large migrations particularly by Syrian Christians also occurred
[Shivaswamy et al 1945 and Shivaswamy, 1945].
In 1941 the government first granted exclusive cultivation rights (known as
'kuthakapattam') in state forest areas [Chandrasekharan, 1973).57 Under these rules up
to five acres of land could be distributed to individuals for food cultivation on a short-term
lease (kuthakapattam) basis. Food shortages and famine in 1941-44 led to regular
demands for the opening of large forest areas to food cultivation. 58 In response the
government released land under the so-called kuthakapattam rules. All grants were
temporary leases, and no permanent improvements were allowed. How much land
eventually was taken up is unclear. In 1944, the conservator of forests reported that
roughly 13,600 acres of reserved forests throughout the state (1,100 acres in the
Cardamom Hill reserves) were offered for cultivation in 1942-43 but only 8,000 acres of
these were actually taken up and even less brought under cultivation. In 1943-44 addi-
538
tional areas were offered, but, according to the conservator, there was little public
response. 59 The accuracy of these figures is open to question. According to a retired
forest official -then working in the High Range area, much of the forest land was given out
without proper survey and demarcation due to shortages of man power. 60
Land grants for cardamom cultivation in the Cardamom Hills reserve continued
throughout this time. In 1940 a limit of 60 acres was placed on the amount of land an
individual could be allotted, and in 1942 the government stopped all registries of carda-
mom lands but continued to allow occupation (as with grow-more-food lands) on a short-
term lease basis. The lease term was revised regularly and finally fixed in 1959 at 20
years.61 Throughout the war years and post-independence period there was great
demand for cardamom lands, and a large area was occupied.
Encroachments on forest land were also growing more frequent at this time. The
typical situation associated with leases under the grow-more-food programmes involved
something along the following lines:
First the allottees would expand their lands at the margins. If five acres was given
it was made into ten acres. Then other people would come in and live with the people
who are already there. See they have got some licence to settle. They would say, 'see I
am the relative of so-and-so, see I am the son in-law of so-and-so' then after some time
they would build a small hut somewhere in the neighbourhood and go on extending the
land. People made money out of it also. That is the original people, original settlers. They
used to surround some land, put some boundary. Say that 'This is under my occupation,
you give me five hundred rupees and take It away'. Then the fellow settles there. After
some time he says 'I am here from time immemorial; see my jack tree is there, my
coconut is therei ... And government could not evict these people because government
had no record or evidence on the ground to show which was allotted and which was not.
The people could say 'I was allotted the land, this is the land allotted to me'. You have, no
evidence. There is no survey, there is' no demarcation, there is no sketch ... Nothing was
there. Everything done in a hurry. 62
Similar situations occurred with cardamom lands. There were numerous
allegations that the rich were the main ones benefiting from land distribution in the grow-
more-food campaigns rather than the poOr.63 Corruption was a factor. The rich or
powerful 'adjusted' matters with the forest and revenue officials, then cleared large tracts
of forest and sold it to landless settlers.
The grow-more-food campaigns continued into the post-war years and period of
Indian independence. Land grants were suspended in 1952, restarted in 1953, and finally
stopped in 1954 when the government decided not to grant further forest lands for other
purposes. 64 The total area occupied in the course of the grow-more-food campaigns is
difficult to estimate. Malaria and destruction of crops by wild animals, according to
discussions in the legislative assembly, greatly limited cultivation of lands offered.65 Still,
large amounts of land in the High Range area came under cultivation. Initially, the lands
were either leased or' encroached. Later, when re-possession of the land was found to be
impractical, permanent settlement rights replaced leases.
MIGRATIONS OF SYRIAN CHRISTIANS
The first major migration by Malayalis into high sections of the western Ghats
occurred in the 194Os. Between 1930 and 1951 as many as 70,000 Malayalis may have
migrated from Travancore to forest areas in the western Ghats of Malabar [Tharakan,
1978). Most of this migration occurred in the period from 1940-1950 and most migrants
were Syrian Christians from near Kottayam and Thodupuzha [Tharakan, 1978). The
majority of the migrants were small cultivators who settled, planted paddy, tapioca, rubber
and spice crops. A number of more wealthy Syrian Christians also established
plantations, but often not as permanent settlers.
Food shortages were the immediate cause of the migrations [Shivaswamy et ai,
1945; and Shivaswamy, 1945). Population growth, land fragmentation and heavy
dependence on cash crops, which experienced wide price fluctuations, may also have
been underlying factors. More wealthy cultivators were probably attracted by the
availability of large land areas suitable for plantations [rharakan, 1978). Whatever its
539
causes, the migration was undertaken with great difficulty. Large numbers of migrants lost
their lives' to malaria and their crops to wild animals (Shivaswamy et al, 19451].
By the time of l)'ldian Independence in 1949, the stage was set for widespread
settlement of the High Range areas. All that was needed was a catalyst to open the
areas. Postindependence politics provided this catalyst.
The grow-more-food campaigns and the migrations of Syrian Christians to
Malabar had exposed a. wide section of the smallholder population to the idea that
cultivation in the High Ranges, if not easy, was at least possible. There was also a base
of Malayalis, particularly Syrian Christians, who through their association with Euro- pean
plantations, knew the Travancore High Ranges well. At the same time, the population
density was extremely high in the plains of Keraia; land was often fragmented into
extremely small holdings, and unemployment was widespread.
Institutional and physical barriers to settlement were also weakening. The forest
department's control over t he resources in its custody was not strong, particularly in the
Cardamom Hills where authority was split between the forest and revenue departments.
Encroachments on forest land had occurred regularly in the course of the war and earlier.
Encroachments had also been 'regularised' in the past, at least for many plantation
owners, and there were clear indications that they would continue to be 'regularised' in
the future,
Where physical barriers were concerned, road construction over the years-for
political purposes, to provide access to plantations, for dam construction and for forest
harvesting had greatly reduced the physical inaccessibility of many areas. In addition,
dam construction was proceeding apace. Two major additions to the Pallivasal project
(near Munnar) were commissioned between 1963 and 1965. Road construction related to
them had opened sites in the northern portion of the cardamom belt. Construction of the
huge Idukki hydroelectric project, commissioned in 1975, was also proceeding throughout
the 1960s [Government of Kerala, 1982). These projects brought numerous workers into
the region and exposed them to the possibilities for settlement.
Within this context, post independence politics at the state level catalysed
settlement of the High Ranges in two ways: (1) by actively encouraging the settlement of
forest areas as a method of ensuring state sovereignty and (2) by eliminating the power of
any department or party to oppose or evict encroachers on government land.
STATE REORGANISATION : TAMIL - MALAYALI SPLIT
Soon after independence, India decided to re-organise state boundaries on a
linguistic basis. Travancore had combined with Cochin in 1948, but this represented only
a portion of the Malayali linguistic area. The large area of Malabar to the north of
Travancore-Cochin, which had been part of the Madras presidency, was ethnically and
linguistically Malayali. At the same time, Travancore-Cochin contained a number of Tamil-
dominated regions including the High Range taluks' of Peermade and Devicolam (which
included the Cardamom Hills' Reserve) and much of the southern-most section of the
principality. In the first few years of the 1950s it was clear that if decisions were made' on
a purely linguistic basis these Thamil-dominated areas were likely to be included in a
future Tamil state rather than one based on Travancore-Cochin.
The process of state reorganisation led to widespread Tamil- Malayali unrest in
the High Range area. In addition, Travancore Cochin initiated the High Range Colonisa-
tion schemes in response to the threatened loss of the Devicolam and Peermade taluks.
The official purpose of these schemes was to provide land for poor people from the
plains. The underlying purpose was to shift the linguistic balance in the High Ranges.
Active colonisation projects were started, attempts to evict earlier encroachers were
stopped, and there was an underlying unofficial encouragement of Malayali migration to
the High Ranges and the settlement of forest lands there.
Memoranda were submitted to the state reornanisation commission in early May,
1954.66 On the Tamil side, statements concerned the mistreatment of Tamilians in
Travancore-Cochin and their cultural differences from Malayalis.67 On the Malayali side,
statements concerned the economic importance of Tamil-dominated areas to Travancore-
540
Cochin and stressed cultural unity.68 By July, agitations for the separation of the High
Range taluks of Devicolam and Peermade from Travancore-Cochin and their inclusion in
Madras state had grown violent. Clashes between Malayali and Tamil-dominated trade
unions and political party members ended in the imposition of curfew in Devicolam.69
Tamil members of the Travancore-Cochin legislative assembly accused government
officials of creating the tension and taking actions against Tamil workers. MalayaIi
members down-played any politics behind the agitations.70 Throughout, Tamil politicians
emphasised the historical and linguistic connections of the High Range area with Madras,
while Malayalis emphasised the economic importance of the area to Travancore-Cochin
and the non-resident nature of most of the Tamil population (i e, as labourers on large
estates).
Agitations and unrest over Tamil areas in Travancore-Cochin continued
sporadically throughout 1954 and 1955. In August, 1954, widespread violence and
shooting erupted in southern Travancore-Cochin.71 Minor agitations also occurred in the
High Range area in August 1955.72 The state reorganisation commission submitted its
report toward the end of September, 1955. This led to a flurry in the press, but agitations
really came to a head again in' January 1956 when the government made its decisions on
the recommendations of the States Reorganisation Commission.73 Most of these
agitations had a distinctive communal character with slogans such as 'Malayali Ozhi Kai'
('Malayali go back').74 The state reorganisation bill was introduced in parliament on
March 16, 1956 and passed soon afterwards. A number of Tamil-dominated taluks in
southern Travancore-Cochin were merged with Madras. The new state of Kerala retained
the High Range taluks and gained the Malayali-dominated Malabar area from Madras.
The High Range colonisation scheme was initiated in the context of the state
reoranisation debate. In October, 1954, months after the agitations and curfew
Devicolam, it was announced that the colonisation scheme would be implemented
soon.75· The major colony of the scheme at Kallar near the Travancore-Madras border
was inaugurated on January 20, 1955. 76 Other colonisation sites were opened soon
after.
The political nature of the High Range colonisation scheme was common know-
ledge among Malayalis and Tamils in the High Ranges. 77 It also came out in press
reports at the time. 78 When the recommendations of the States Reorganisation Come
mission were released, Pattom Thanu Pillai (the former chief minister of Travancore-
Cochin who had started the colonisation schemes) made clear that, in his view, the
colonisation schemes were a major reason why the High Range area was to remain in
Kerala. He also suggested that, if similar schemes had been initiated in other Tamil
dominated parts of, Travancore-Cochin which the commission was shifting into; Madras,
they would have remained with Kerala. 79 The report of the States Reorganisation
Commission mentioned the presence of the colonjsation schemes and they may have
played a role in the decision on boundary [Government of India, 1955, p 88, para 317].
The goal of the High Range colonisation scheme was to settle 8,000 families on
50,000 acres of land at four sites in the lands adjacent to what is now Tamil Nadu
[Government of Kerala, 1982]. Each family was to be given financial assistance plus five
acres; the remaining land was for common use. The total settlement goal was never
reached. Despite the scheme's incompleteness, distribution of settlement blocks was
stopped in1956. This was done before the official formation of Kerala state, but
after the recommendations, of the States Reorganisation Commission were released. [80]
At present, the Kallar Pattom Colony near Nedumkandam is the largest settlement and
contains roughly 1,300 families. The remaining colonies contain less than 100 families,
each [Government of Kerala, 1982, p 167].
Although the number of families proposed for settlement in the colonisation
scheme was not large compared to the population in Kerala, it was huge in relation to the
population living in the High Ranges at the time. Assuming that each household would
have contained on average 8.22 people (average for the district at that time), the 8,000
households proposed for settlement would have contained roughly 66,000 people.81
About 10,500 people were actually settled. The population of the entire High Range area
in I951 was roughly 1,90,000.82 In the core area where most settlement occurred, (now
Udumbanchola Taluk) population was around 20,000.83 Settlement due to the scheme
541
itself probably increased population by 50 per cent, and this does not hdllde those who
came along with the scheme and encroached adjacent forest lands.
ENCROACHMENT AND EVICTIONS
As in the case of the grow-more-food campaigns, large-scale forest
encroachment accompanied the High Range colonisation schemes. Farmers living near
the Kallar colony say that for every family who came on the schemes, a much larger
number (at least four-five times) encroached lands in adjacent areas. These people were
often relatives or friends of the colonists, but many others came as well. As before, cor-
ruption played a role. A large area relatively near the Kallar colonisation scheme was
encroached by a well known politician and sold off to settlers in small blocks. This man
was arrested much later during the Emergency (a period of strong central government
control under Indira Gandhi and the Congress Party) for encroaching other forest areas
and selling the land. Similar cases of powerful individuals encroaching large areas for
sale or to build their own estates were common.
A permissive atmosphere towards Malayali settlers facilitated forest encroach-
ment during the state re-organisation period. In 1952-53 at the end of the grow-more-food
campaigns there was widespread concern over the abuses and encroachments which
had accompanied them. Soil erosion and forest conservation were major topics. In July,
1950, the government formed a committee to look into forest encroachments and the
leased land: This became known as the 'Anti-Erosion Committee. The committee strongly
r recommended that, except for paddy in low-lying marshy areas, no permanent
cultivation of forest lands in the. Cardamom Hills Reserve on either side of the Periyar
should be allowed [Karunakaran, 1975, p 153]. Evictions were carried out in some areas,
including places where the short term leases granted during the grow-more food
campaign had expired, throughout 1952 and early 1953.84 In March, 1953, a few months
before the public debate over state reorganisation began, the Travancore Cochin
legislative assembly passed a bill staying evictions from leased lands.85 When, in 1954,
the government officially put an end to the grow-more-food campaigns, the press note
issued stressed that henceforth land would be given only for colonisation and settlement
schemes. It also classified occupied forest lands revertable and nonrevertable and
announced that evictions from revertableareas (including those where leases had
expired) would be speeded Up.86
Despite the threat, there is almost no mention of encroachments or evictions in
the Malayali press between that press note and April, 1956,81 When forest officials
attempted evictions at this time, they were often stopped at the ministerial or lower
levels.8s Finally, a conference was held in December. 1955 at which it was decided to
extend forest leases up to March, 1956 [Karunakaran, f975, p 157J. The State
Reorganisation bill was submitted in parliament during 'March, 1956.
During late April, 1956, Malayala Rajyam ran strong editorials on forest
encroachment, evictions and conservation.89 The general lone was that encroachment
must stop and evictions were necessary. The government decided that evictions would
occur in all occupied lands scattered within the reserved forest including those adjacent to
the Kallar and other colonies [Karunakaran, 1975, p 158J. It was also proposing to grant
permanent settlement rights to some occupants of forest lands, particularly those which
had been occupied under, these arrangements, and to settle evicted farmers in colonies (i
e, to grant them some land).90
Deepika, the oldest Malayalam newspaper, responded to the threat of evictions
by publishing an article entitled Anadhikritamennu Parayappedunna Vanabhoomi Kalile
Kaiyettangal, roughly 'The so-called Encroachments into Forest Lands'.91 This article
listed a number of ways in which (it was claimed) the government had given tacit approval
to forest encroachments. Although articles such as this may have been influenced by the
prevailing politics over encroachments at the time they were written. the ,gist of its
message has been supported by numerous interviews.92 The government and major
Malayali political parties, while not always actively encouraging encroachment by
Malayalis, had at least turned a blind eye until after the state reorganisation process was
completed.
542
The state reorganisation process had a much greater impact on the total extent of land
encroached in the High Ranges than did the grow-more-food campaigns. Census figures
suggest that most of the immigration to the High Ranges occurred after the grow more-
food campaigns (See Tables 1 and 2). Between 1941 and 1951 the population in
Udumbanchola Thluk grew 40.6 per cent, between 1951 and 1961 it grew by 675.7 per
cent [Census of India, 1971, p 6]. Peermade and Devicolam Taluks also grew at a higher
rate in the 1951-61 period than in the preceding decade, but came nowhere near the
growth rates found where the main colonisation schemes were in Udumbanchola Taluk.
Table 1 : Population Growth Rates 1921-1971
Taluk 1921-31 1931-41 1941-51 1951-61 1961-71
Devicolam 7.50 10.14 32.02 48.38 9.09
Udumbanchola 84.43 21.74 40.61 675.75 70.21
Peermade 91.56 41.01 48.37 54.61 9.88
Source : Census of India (1971)
Darn construction is unlikely to have caused most of the settlement in the core of
the cardamom belt. The Idukki hydro-electric project (by far the largest in the district) was
constructed in the 1960s and early 1970s. The population growth rate in Udumbanchola
taluk was much lower in the 1961-71 period than it had been in the 1951-61 period (See
Table I). If the high rate of population growth in the cardamom belt during 1951-61 was
primarily related to the darn construction underway at the time, it should have remained
high or increased in the 1961-71 period with the construction of the much larger Idukki
project. Furthermore, evictions of settlers from darn project areas were one of the major
political issues of the 1960s and 1970s. Many of the settlers were there" before work was
started on the dams.
Finally, the split in land control between the forest and revenue departments
cannot be seen as a fundamental factor underlying. The history and politics of forest
encroachment and eviction since the formation the spurt of settlement and forest clearing.
This split existed at least as early as 1900. It complicated efforts to control settlement
through much of the plantation era, well before the major spurt of settlement occurred.
In sum, the politics of the state recorganisation period underlay large-scale
migration to the High Ranges. The grow-more-food schemes brought a first wave of
migrants to the area. Dam building and road construction opened access to remote
locations and introduction potential settlers into the area. The division of official control
between forest and revenue departments made enforcement of restrictions on settlement
difficult. Colonization schemes and, more importantly, the prevailing governmental
attitude toward encroachment enabled individuals to clear land and settle.
The process of state reorganisation opened the flood gates to Malayali settlement
in the High Ranges and caused a deep rift between Tamils and Malayalis in the area.
This rift had its roots in the debate over sovereignty and resistance to 'foreigners' in the
High Ranges, which had been going on since the early British period. As far as can be
determined, this rift had never greatly affected individuals. State reorganisation hanged
that. Although most Tamils and Malayalis get along reasonably well on a personal level,
as groups there is an underlying difference. Many Tamils feel persecuted by Malayali
officials arid unions. Malayalis acknowledge this persecution. It can be overt, but it often
takes subtle forms. Official corruption, which played a significant role in individual Malayali
settlers obtaining lands, is not as available to Tamils. When Malayali politicians distribute
encroached lands (as in the case near Kallar) they are unlikely to encourage their poten-
tial opponents to settle. Risky 'favours' are done for one's friends or community first.
'Tamils' are unable to 'adjust' things with officials or the Malayali trade unions. Where a
Malayali may be able to 'adjust' a tax, forest, labour or land dispute with the concerned
official for a nominal fee, a Tamil will have to pay more or may not be able to resolve the
matter at all. In short, many Tamils end up paying a premium on their business in the
High Range area. This premium, along with a variety of other factors has greatly affected
the development of land-use patterns since the state reorganisation 'period.
543
EVICTIONS, ENCROACHMENTS, POLITICS AND REGULARISATION
The history and politics of forest encroachment and eviction since the formation
of Kerala state in 1956 are linked to politics at the state level. Since the formation of
Kerala, political power has shifted frequently between coalition of Communist and left
leaning parties and more centre-right coalitions. Rarely has any single party controlled a
majority in the legislature. Small political parties and the constituents they represent have
wielded great power, governments have often fallen in Kerala due losing the support of
minor parties or factions. In addition, Kerala politics have underlying division that follow
community lines. Shifting alliances in the world of coalition politics often involve the
wooing of one community or another (Nayar, 1986; Chander, 1986].
The approach taken in this section is first to present a brief introduction to
encroachment patterns and governmental responses in the period since state
reorganization. The history and context of the few major eviction attempts will then be
presented to link state level politics with forest occupation.
Forest encroachment has occurred continuously from the formation of Kerala as
a state to the present. The Governmental response has followed a regular sequence. A
series of strong statement and eviction at tempts are blocked by popular outcry;
commission are formed to evaluate the problem; encroachments prior to certain date are
regularized, accompanied by strong statements concerning the fate of subsequent
encroachers (see appendix I). The cycle then starts again. The occupation of forest areas
has been ‘regularised’ (the term used in Kerala) four times since the formation. Kerala
state. The decisions regularised occupations which occurred before January 4, 1957,
January 1,1960, January I, 1968,and now the final official cut-off date decided on is
January 1,1977 [Sivanandan, et aI, 1986]. This cycle may have been broken by the
provisions requiring central government concurrence for changes in reserved forest use
contained in the Forest Conservation Act of 1980, but otherwise it has been a major
feature since 1957.93
Table 21 : Population Growth Rates 1921-1971
Taluk 1921 1931 1941 1951 1961 1971
Devicolam 18 32 35 47 69 76
Udumbanchola 6 11 13 19 145 247
Peermade 16 32 45 66 102 112
Source : Census of India (1971)
Two major eviction attempts shaped much of the context in which regularisation
of forest occupation occurred. The first major attempt was in 1961 and centred on
Ayyappancoil (a site in the High Ranges); the second occurred in Churuli and Keerithode
(Ernakulam District) in 1964. The history of these eviction attempts displays: (I) the
political impossibility of conducting large evictions from forest lands in Kerala and; (2) the
communally-based political power of settlers in the High Ranges.
Ayyappancoil Evictions: Evictions were started in the Ayyappancoil forest range
in 1958, but did not ,get very far before protests mounted and the government was forced
to suspend them (Appendix I). After several years of review and a change of governments
in 1959-60 from Communist to Congress, large-scale evictions were restarted in May of
1961. The timing probably could not have been worse. It was the end of the dry season
just at harvest time. Many settlers lost most of that season's crops. Furthermore, the
monsoon started just as evicted settlers were moved to a temporary site with little housing
or other facilities. As a result, there was widespread public sympathy for the plight of the
settlers. A K Gopalan, a popular communist leader and member of parliament along with
EMS Namboodiripad, the communist ex-chief minister of Kerala, took up the cause of the
settlers. They were joined and supported by Father Vadakkan, a Catholic priest who had
been a leader 'of the Vimochana Samaram a state-wide struggle to remove the
communist government from power in 1959 [Gopalan, 1973]. A. K. Gopalan went on a
hunger strike, and the government was forced to end the evictions and promise the
granting of alternate lands and other support to those already evicted.
544
Settlers evicted from the Ayyappancoil area were mostly Catholics. The church
had been in the forefront of the fight to remove the communists from power in 1959
[Thomas, 1986]. The communist actions supporting the settlers were seen, in some
sections, as an attempt to woo that portion of the electorate which had contributed to their
downfall.94 That t1).e communists had been in power when the previous batch of
evictions in Ayyappancoil took place strengthened this view.95 Elections to the Lok
Sabha were coming up in early 1962.' When joined by a Christian leader from the
Vimochana Samaram, the moves of the communist leaders, made the position of the
Congress party in the forthcoming elections delicate [fhomas, 1986]. At this point,
Deepika ran an article criticising the church, for doing little to help the settlers and in
plying that, via inaction, it had provided the communists with a role. 96 The Congress still
managed to win most seats from Christian areas but the potential state-level power of the
small, mostly Christian, settlers in the High Ranges was made clear for the first time.
M usual, the evictions lead to the appointment of a commission (in this case
headed by K P Radha Krishna Mennon) to evaluate the situation. Forestry professionals
dominated the commission and it recommended strong enforcement of existing laws
toward encroachers. Non-professionals on the" commission emphasised that the political
aspects Of encroachment should be acknowledged. Some suggested that the
government should provide more compensation and be generally less harsh toward
settlers [Karunakaran, 1975, pp 203-205].
Numerous allegations of communalism were raised throughout the period
between the halt of evictions in Ayyappancoil and the report of the Mennon commission.
Threatened evictions of Christian farmers from Hindu (Nair controlled) temple lands in
Malabar complicated the communal situ action. Evictions from temple lands became
intertwined with the evictions of settlers from government forest lands and served to
deepen the communal undertones of the situation. Communal issues reached the point
where Pattom Thanu Pillai, R Shankar, and P T Chacko (government ministers from
cabinet level assurances that the government would not split over the issue. 97
The communal issue grew throughout the last month~ of 1961 and into 1962. In July
1962 the Minorities Rights Protection Committee of the Kerala Catholic leaders
Conference submitted a memorandum to an observer from the central government (Lal
Bahadur Shastn) accusing Nairs .of dominating the Kerala government, penansing other
communities and attempting evictions on a communal basis.98 Similar communal
accusations Were made shortly thereafter about P T Chacko (the home 'minister, a
Christian) by Pattom Thanu Pillai (the chief minister, a Nair).99
The Mennon committee made its strongly pro-eviction recommendations in this
highly charged communal atmosphere. The commission recommendations provoked
many agitations and led to few immediate actions. Soon after, Pattorn Thanu Pillai was
made, governor of Punjab and R Sankar became the new chief minister 'of Kerala. R
Paulose, the forest minister, assured the public that the Mennon report was under study
and no immediate evictions were plapned.loo
Churuli-Keerlthode Evictions: No major evictions except those clearly related to
hydro –projects occurred between July 1962, when the commission gave its report, and
February, 1964. Large-scale evictions started at the end of February in Churuli and
Keeriithode townships, part of the Ayyappancoil range. These evictions continued over
period of two weeks and caused great outcry. They started five days after P. T. Chacko,
the home minister and a prominent Christian leader, had been forced to resign from his
position in the Congress government led by R Sankar. IOI
Chacko had supported the eviction of set tiers from Ayyappancoil in 1961. He had
also allowed the eviction of 439 families from the Panniyar project area in September
1963.102 After Ayyappancoil he had given assurances that no evictions would occur
except where required for hydro-projects. 103 Chief minister R Sankar, wanting to remove
P .T Chacko from his post, had described him to the party high command as resistant to
evictions and as a major, force behind encroachments.104 Forest conservation was the
main reason put forward when evictions were started in. Churuli and Keerithode
[Karunakaran, 1975, p 210]. In an editorial published before the evictions began and just
following Chacko's resignation, Deepika stated that the moves for forest protection were
545
nothing more than disguised com munalism.105 When the evictions came many viewed
them as directed at the Christian community in general and the sup porters of Chacko in
particular. Evictions from the Churuli and Keerithode area started on February 26 and
continued into mid-March. The Malanadu Karshaka Union organised opposition to the
evictions in advance. When the evictions 'started, the leader of the union was arrested,
aild there were charges of police brutality, shooting and even killings. The Kerala
legislative assembly held heated debates, over the evictions on February 27 and March
2.106 On March 2 a Congress member of Kerala Assembly threatened to resign over
evictions, and on March 3 a group of Christian Congress men threatened to withdraw
their support from the government unless it started a judicial probe into police actions.107
This could have brought down the Congress government, but a compromise was reached
and the government survived a no confidence motion on March 4. Despite, the chief
minister's offer of a judicial probe, a small group of O1ristian dissidents in the Congress
were still not satisfied and walked out of the assembly on March 9. In addition internal
dissidence, the Congress government faced opposition from the communists. A K
Gopalan the communist MP from' Kerala, started a tour of the evicted area on March 4.
0n March 9 he decided, once again, to go on a fast in support of the settlers.
The evictions from Churuli and Keerithode involved roughly 600 families and
ended on March 10.108 On March 11 a judicial inquiry into police actions during the
eviction was ordered, and the All-Kerala Catholic-Congress called on the government to
suspend all evictions from the High Ral}ges.109 A. K. Gopalan ended his fast the next
day.
Although evictions were, for the moment, on hold, dissidence in the Christian
section of the Congress Party (primarily supporters of Chacko) grew over the spring and
summer of 1964. Chacko died suddenly of a heart attack in early August. On September
6, fifteen Congress members, mostly Christians, refused to support the government; it fell
and president's rule was declared. The rebel MLAs were rapidly expelled from the
Congress Party and, on October 9, they formed the Kerala congress Party. 110 Evictions
were not the immediate cause of the Congress government's downfall, but they were a
major underlying factor. III Since then the Kerala Congress has been a major feature of
Kerala politics. It draws its base primarily from the Christian (Catholic) community and has
championed the issues important to them.
The final direct outcome of the Churuli Keerithode evictions was the appointment
of a parliamentary sub-committee (parliamentary because Kerala was under president's
rule) to look into the question of evictions and encroachments. Mathew Maniangdan, a
Christian MP from Kottayam headed this sub-committee which did not have the pro-
fessional composition of the previous Mennon Commission. The sub-committee report
recognised past government support to settlement and, while not questioning the need to
protect forests; emphasised settler needs for land. The report eventually provided the
basis for another regularisation of past encroachments (as of 1-1-68) and the initiation of
another round of forest land grants. 112
ROLE OF CHURCH
The role of the Catholic Church in the shifting game of encroachments and evic-
tions is difficult to identify. Given the number of Christian and Catholic sects in Kerala,
'the' Church does not generally present as unified a front as most political parties. The
Syrian Catholic Churches, the· largest and most influential in Kerala, were not front line
political players. The ·priests could, however, exercise great, though subtle, power
through their congregations .and the religious minority status of Christians.
The church did not advocate or encourage encroachment and settlement in
government forest lands. It did protect the interests of settlers once occupation had
occurred. This worked in many ways. At a local level the mere presence of a church
provided some protection. In the words of a long time observer of the Catholics in the
High Ranges, when settlers were threatened with eviction from their land:
To protect it, there the church played a role. They (the settlers) established a
church. When there are twenty people, encroachers, there they have a small shed, a
cross is fixed, church. So the government comes, you cannot touch the church. The
priests were also happy because a new avenue is open to them. If the forest officers
546
come they can evict the people but they can't evict the church. Oh, here is the minority
right of worship being tampered with by the government. It creates a big problem. The en-
croacher always went with a cross. It was not the 'priest who led them. They wanted the
priest to come and protect them. 113
On a higher level, the All Kerala Catholic Congress (the orgailisation of Catholic
laity) at least twice in 1961 publicly advocated resistance to government evictions. It also
called on the government to stop evictions and formed a commission to look into the
evictions in 1964 (See Appendix).
The Catholic Church hierarchy had played a very active role in the fall of the
Communist government in 1960. It continued to influence voting in elections and later
Communist governments even approached it for help [Thomas, 1986]. Calls by the All
Kerala Catholic Congress to end evictions would, in this context, have carried great
political weight. The Hindu communities have organisations (notably the SNDP and the
NSS) which advocate their interests but; on the state level, according to N Jose Chander:
The ecclesiastical hierarchy of the Christian Churches represents another
organised interest group in Kerala. Although this is not an organisation of the type of the
NSS and the SNDP, it has greater control over the masses of their community and can
wield more political influence ... The ecclesiastical hierarchy functions like a pressure
group whenever the interests of the Christian community are involved [Chander, 1986: p
22]. In sum, the Syrian Catholic Church has great, though veiled, power to protect small-
holder's access to lands throughout the High Ranges.
Settlers, particularly Catholics, established their political power in the High
Ranges from 1957 through 1964. After the events in Ayyappancoil and Churuli-
Keerithode, large-scale evictions of encroachers became politically impossible. Grants of
lands and title to settlers. clearly became ways to generate political support. Between
1964 and 1988, the Congress Party came to power only once without the support of the
Kerala Congress.114 The Kerala Congress has also joined' coalitions with the
communists on several occasions. In a coalition government, the Kerala Congress is
'traditionally' allotted the post of revenue minister. 115 The revenue ministry controls land
grants and the issuing of title. Even when the Kerala Congress does not have a position
in the ruling coalition, the interests of small settlers are represented. As evidenced by
their actions at Ayyappancoil and Churuli-Keerithode, the communists are equally
interested in the small settlers and recognise their political power. Furthermore, since the
Christian and Nair led 'liberation struggle' brought down the first communist government,
subsequent communist governments have avoided offending these communities [Nayar,
1986, p 9J. As settler interests often match those of the Catholic community, the
communists have a dual reason for supporting settlement and not evictions. As a result,
since 1964 settler interests have generally been represented in the highest power
positions in the state government, regardless of the specific party in power.
Large-scale evictions are impossible and land and title grants are desirable in the
political climate of Kerala. Forest protection is a recognised need, but has no constituency
to support it. Forest areas have declined dramatically over the state as a whole. In 1940
there were roughly 12,850 sq km of forest. By 1970 that had become 9,400 sq km,
including 'forest' under cardamom cultivation [Chandrasekharan, 1973]. Kottayam district,
which at that time included the High Range area, lost 897 sq km, not including areas
converted to cardamom cultivation. This was the largest loss of any district in Kerala. Of
the 897 sq km lost, 768 sq km went to agriculture via encroachment plus assignment, 86
sq km to reservoirs, and 43 sq km to official settlements [Chandrasekharan, 1973, pp
51·52].
The above figures represent the legal loss of forest cover (ie, areas no longer
official" Iy under forest department control). Actual losses were probably higher. Based on
map and satellite image analysis, Chattopadhyay [1984] estimates that Idukki district lost
22 per cent of its forest area between 1905 and 1965 and a further 32 per cent between
1965 and 1973 [Chattopadhyay, 1984, p 9]. This loss does 'not include the area under
cardamom which appears as forest on both maps and satellite images: Most farmers
state that almost all the forest lands in the core of the cardamom hills were occupied in
547
one way or another by the late 1960s. Final forest removal may have come later, but the
stage was set once occupation occurred.
V. Summary
Current settlement patterns and the ethnic composition of the High Ranges have
their roots in the political relations between communities in adjoining areas. Early settlers
were drawn by opportunity to develop cardamom, coffee and tea plantations on the rich
forest soils. Most of the early settlers were Tamils or Europeans. Successive Malayali
governments built roads and paths both to assert sovereignty over the area and to
enforce their control over the forest, water and plantation wealth of the region.
By the early 1940s the region's physical isolation had decreased substantially.
Most of the Indian population was Tamil, but a few Malayalis, particularly Syrian Chris-
tians, held mid-level jobs on European plantations. Food shortages during the war years
led to the first widespread grants of land to settlers for food cultivation. Many of these
lands were granted without survey. In addition numerous migrants came and encroached
lands. Responsibility for forest areas was divided between the forest and revenue
departments, making control of encroachment difficult and subject to bureaucratic turf
wars. By the early 1950s, widespread confusion reigned regarding the authorisation of
occupation rights for many of the settlers on government forest lands.
The post-independence state reorganisation period brought with it a revival of the
old Tamil-Malayali tussle for control of the High Range. The government of Travancore-
Cochin initiated settlement programmes in the High Range area in order to shift the
regional linguistic balance. The division of control between forest and revenue
departments complicated monitoring and control of encroachment. More importantly, the
government and politicians encouraged or, at least, turned a blind eye to Malayali
encroachments until the process of state reorganisation was completed. Politicians and
officials profited from illegal land distribution. Government departments could do little to
control encroachment in this context, even when inclined to do so. The High Range area
was included in the new state of Kerala but, in the process, huge areas of forest land
were occupied and brought under cultivation.
The majority of the settlers who came both in the grow-more-food campaigns and
during the process of state reorganisation were Catholics. Centres of the Catholic com-
munity adjoined High Range areas. Catholics were a strong, well organised and educated
community familiar with cultivation in hilly areas. Other communities did not have these
advantages. Syrian Catholics now form the dominant community in the High Ranges.
.
As soon as state reorganisation had been completed the government attempted
to evict unauthorised settlers and those whose leases had expired. Widespread evictions
proved impossible in the political context of the new state of Kerala. As Catholics
dominated the settler communities, evictions could be interpreted as having a communal
element. Furthermore, because in Kerala politics no single party has ever had a fully
commanding position, minorities have substantial power. Attempts at evictions "led to the
gradual recognition at the state level of the political power of the settlers in the High
Ranges. This culminated in the fall of the Congress government in 1964 and the for-
mation of the Kerala Congress Party.
Since 4,964, despite splits and disagreements within the Kerala Congress, the
right of the settlers to occupy lands in the High Ranges has never been seriously
threatened. Title has been granted to some settlers; others occupy lands under a lease
arrangement (kuthakapattam) and others have no legal right to lands. Few settlers greatly
fear eviction. Encroachments have been regularised through 1976 and, except in a few
blatant cases of encroachment, few evictions have occurred. As late as December 1988,
the government was still attempting to regularise settlements up to January 1,1977 and
hoping to grant title, despite the requirement for central concurrence contained in the
Forest Conservation Act of 1980.116
The long history of encroachment and settlement in the High Ranges has left
tenure rights in a highly confused situation. The forest department officially owns the
trees, in many areas, while the revenue department owns the land. Cultivators occupy
548
much of this land. Some of these cultivators 'own' large cardamom estates. The land may
be encroached and without official occupation rights; it may be under a long-term car-
damom lease, or it may have some form of more permanent title. Estate owners often
have land in all three categories.
The situation for small holders and recent migrants is more complex. The land, or
portions of it, may have been initially granted under a short-term lease for food produc-
tion; it may have been granted as a cardamom lease to an estate and illegally sold to the
small holder; it may have been encroached, or it may have a clear title deed. There are
numerous variations from no title to clear title.
Notes
1. In 1941, the population density in Udumbanchola Taluk was 13 persons/sq km. In
contrast, the density in Thodupuzha (an adjacent Taluk in the Kerala plains) was
112 persons/sq km. [Census of India, 1971, Table 10].
2. In 1931 the population density in the High' Range area (Devicolam,
Udumbanchola, and Peermade Taluks) averaged 25 persons/sq km. By 1961, after
state reorganisation the average was 105 persons/sq km. [Census of India, 1971,
Table 10].
3. Pooniat Chief's Claims to Certain lands in .Travancore, India Office Library and
Records (hereaftei, IOLR), Disposal No I4IP, special file, 1821, R2/365.
4. See, W Ree's Travel to Devicolam. and his notes on the High Range Road, IOLR
disposal No 39 of 1896, File RI2(879/40, and Pooniat Chief's Claims to Certain
Lands in Travancore IOLR, Disposal No 14/P, special file, 1821, R2!365.
5. Pooniat Chief's Claims to Certain Lands in Travancore IOLR, Disposal No 14/P, .
special file, 1821, R2/365.
6. Ibid.
7. Letter to Ma/sby Esq Resident in Travancore, March 15,1861 from William Claxton
IOLR Disposal No 14/P, Special File, 1821, R2/365.
8. Letter to Fisher, British Resident in Travancore, March 9, 1864 from the Dewan of
Travancore IOLR Disposal No 14/P, Special File, 1821, R2/365.
9. An agreement eXecuted between Sir T. Madhava Row, Dewan, on behalf of the
Travancore Sirkar on the one hand, and Godavurmah Rajah the present Chief of
Pooniat, on the other on the 3rd day of December 1866 corresponding with the 19th
of Kartiga1042, IOLR Disposal No. I4IP, Special File, 1821, R2/365.
10. Letter·to H. Newill Esquire, British Resident of Travancore, Dated December 29,
1866, IOLR Disposal No 14/P, Special File, 1821, R2/365.
11. W Ree's Travel to Devicolam and his notes on the High Range Road, IOLR
disposal No 39 of 1896, File R/2(879/41).
12. Ibid, p I.
I3. Ibid.
14. Many of these monopolies were established by British foresters appointed to work
for the Travancore government. For example, sandalwood and ebony were
declared as government monopolies in 1865, one year after the appointment of a
new British Conservator. [BordiIlion, 1983]
15. Stebbing comments that 'Of every ten trees fit· to cut two were left standing for
seed; and for every tree felled ten young trees were planted' (p 73).
16. The Travancore Report (August, 1837) from Munro, the Conservator of the Travancore
Forests, to the Resident, Colonel Fraser, quoted in Stebbing (1922): p 73.
17. According to Lovatt(1972, p 9), two families, both well connected in Travancore and
related to Munro (the Conservator of Forests), started many of the early plantations
and received land for them as free grants.
549
18. Tea was by far the largest crop. The company controlled a total of 137,413 acres
some of which was used as a fuel plantation to meet tea drying requirements, but
extensive areas were left uncultivated. [Playne, 1914-1915, p 558].
19. Memorandum (To the British Resident in Travancore and Cochin) 'Grant of waste
lands below 500 feet in elevation for coffee cultivation', in sale of Waste Landsfor
Coffee Cultivation in Travancore IOLR File No R/2 (879/14) Confidential File 1878.
20. Confidential letter from the Resident to J C Hannyngton, Madras Government,
October 21,1878, in Sale of Waste Lands for Coffee Cultivation· in Travancore
IOLR File No R/2 (879/14) Confidential File 1878.
21. Political Department, Proceedings of the Madras Government: Reply to the Resident in
Travancore's letter dated 21st October 1878. No 92. in Sale of Waste Lands for Coffee
Cultivation in Travancore IOLR File No R/2 (879/14) Confidential File 1878.
22. Letter: 'Peermade 22nd January 1879 from the Resident to the Dewan in Sale of
Waste Lands for Coffee Cultivation in Travancore IOLR File No R/2 (879/14) Con-
fidential File 1878.
23. Broo-ke Bond Concession, Junior Maharanis' protest, etc. IOLR Confidential . File
"No 27, 1927 Madras States Agency, Trivandrum.
24. Extract from the Proceedings of the Travancore Legislative Council, November 24,
1926. 'Cooperative growing of Tea. Motion for the Adjournment of the Debate in
Brooke Bond Concession, Junior Maharanis' protest, etc IOlR Confidential File No
27, 1927 Madras States Agency, Trivandrum'.
25. Letter from Brooke Bond and Company, Limited, June 9, 1927 to M E Watts Esquire,
The Dewan of Travancore in Brooke Bond Concession, Junior Maharanis' protest, etc,
IOLR Confidential File No 27, 1927 Madras States Agency, Trivandrum'.
26. Press note issued November 30, 1934 by N Kunjan Pillai, Chief Secretary to the
Government', p 60, in Travancore Land Revenue Manual, 1942, vol 2, Government
of Travancore, Trivandrum (hereafter referred to as TLRM (date».
27. TLRM (1942, p 102), Letter written on January 10, 1935 by N Kunjan Pillai, Chief
Secretary to the Government, to the Land Revenue and Income Tax
Commissioner.
28. Lovatt mentions a number of Indian estate owners. Almost all have Christian names
and some belong to wealthy families now prominent in the area [Lovatt, 1972. p 43].
29. Lamenting the unadventurousness of other communities, a correspondent of the
Madras Mail wrote in 1903 that a forest of fruit trees has grown up on 'the high
lands occupied by Syrians east of Kottayam'. [Jeffrey 1976, p 202].
30. According to Vijay Sankar (a Nair member of this project), Syrian Christians are still
key participants in Hindu rituals his home area.
31. Except where otherwise noted the folbwing material in this paragraph is based on
Kurian (1986, pp 37-52).
32. The process of forest reservation was started by the Forest Act of 1887-88 and
continued at least until the mid 1930s [Joshi 1987, p 43]. Forests in the cardamom area
are referred to as reserved in official records as early as 1896 ('Rules Regarding the
system of land tax on Cardamom Gardens ….. (TLRM, 1916; p 1057)
33. Memorandum (To the British Resident in Travancore and Cochin) Grant of waste lands
below 500 feet in elevation for coffee cultivation, p9 in Sale of Waste Lands for Coffee
Cultivation -in Travancore IOLR File No R/2 (8.79/14) Confidential File 1878.
34. Ibid, p 9
35. Government of Travancore (1916): 'Revised Rules Regarding the System of
Cardamom Land Tax…..TLRM p 1109.
36. Government of Travancore (1935), 'Communication' No 1374, dated July 19, 1930,
from the Head Sirkar Vakil', TLRM p 2421.
550
37. Government of Travancore (1916): 'Rules Regarding the System of Cardamom
Land Tax .. and revisions 1896, 1899, and 1900, TLRM pp 1056-1057, 1094-1097
and 1107-1111.
38. Ibid, pp 1056-1057. The area _covered included·. the divisions of 'Pupara,
OodamenshoJa, Elayakado and Vandameyyoo'.
39. Ibid, pp 1056-1057, 1094-1097 and 1107-1111. Revised rules between 1896 and 1900.
40. Ibid, pp 1074-1075. Rules promulgated May 4, 1898.
41. Ibid, pp 1074-1075. Rules promulgated May 4, 1898.
42. Ibid, pp 1119-1120, Rules promulgated May 26, 1901.
43. W Ree's Travel to Devicolam and his notes on the High Range Road, P I IOLR
disposal N. 39 of 1896, Confidential Dispatch Abstract. File R/2 (879/41)
44. Government of Travancore (1916) TLRM p 1097, Notification dated July 17, 1899.
45. Ibid, pp 1119-1121, Notification dated June 17, 1903.
46. Government of Travancore (1942); Communication to ‘The Land Revenue and
income Tax Commissioner’ TLRM Vol 2, p 55.
47. Ibid Vol 2, P60. Press note issued November 30 1934 by N. Kunjan Pillai, Chief
Secretary to the Government.
48. Ibid, Vol 2, p 102, Letter written on January 10, 1935 by N. Kunjan Pillai, Chief
Secretary to the Government. To the Land Revenue and Income Tax
Commissioner.
49. Ibid, p 60, Press note issued November 30, 1934 by N. Kunjan Pillai, Chief
Secretary to the Government and p 102, Letter written on January 10, 1935 by N.
Kunjan Pillai, Chief Secretary to the Government, to the Land Revenue and Income
Tax Commissioner. See also p 60 ‘press note’ of October 30 1934.
50. Government of Travancore (1942) TLRM, Vol 2, p 10 letter written to the Land
Revenue and Income Tax Commissioner on February 12, 1935 by V. R. Sankara
Narayana Pillai for the Chief Secretary to the Government.
51. W. Ree’s Travel to Devicolam and his notes on the High Range Road, IOLR
disposal No. 39 of 1896, File R/2 (879/41), p5.
52. Ibid, hand-written notes in margin of report.
53. Regarding plantation access see Pillai, V (1940): Vol 111, p 468. Regarding forest
access see Joshi (1987): p 53.
54. Pillai V (1940) Vol 111, pp 49-50 Quoting Travancore Census Report, 1931, Vol 1, p 87.
55. Survey of India (1925): Madras and Madras state; Madura and Ramand Districts
Travancore, Topographic map No. 58G/N W scale 1:126,720.
56. As late as 1952 road projects in the core of the High Range area were being initiated in
order to enable the collection of taxes and prevent smuggling into Tamil Nadu. See
Malayalas Rajyam, February, 15, 1952; Sathanppara Vandanmedu Road Ulkhadanam’
(Santhanppara Vandanmeedu Road inauguration) Vol 24, No. 215, p2.
57. There are three main categories of land control in Nedumkandam – patta (the
formal equivalent of full title), Kuthagapattam (Occupation rights but not ownership),
and ‘encroached’ lands (de facto occupation with no formal rights). In addition,
cardamom lands are held under a number of lease and ownership arrangements
with the legal stipulation that only cardamom ca be grown.
58. Proceedings of the Travancore Shri Mulam Assembly: Vol xvii No. 1, July 28, 1941,
‘Demand Forests’ pp 399-425; Vo.l xx, No. 1-12, 1117 M E (1942), July 24, 1942, ‘
Demand Forests’ pp 494-525; August 25, 1944, ‘Demand Forests; pp 642-671 and,
August 30, 1944, ‘Resolution Re: Dis afforestation for Paddy Cultivation; pp 920-976.
551
59. ‘Resolution Re: Disafforestation for Paddy Cultivation; Rao Bharadir T V
Venkiteswara Aiyar speaking pp 966-968.
60. Interview, District Forest Officer (Retired) February 12, 1988. Also Karunakaran, C.
K. (1975): Kerathile Vanagal nootandukaliloode (Kerala Forest through Centuries),
State Institute of Languages, Trivandrum, pp 270.
61. Koya N. K et al (1975): Report of the Committee Constituted for examining the
Feasibility of Resumption of Cardamom Lands in the Cardamom of Cardamom
Lands in the Cardamom Hills Reserve. Report to Government of Kerala,
Trivandrum, Mimeo.
62. Interview, District Forest Officer (Retired) February 12, 1988. Similar comments
were made in numerous other interviews by both officials and farmers.
63. Proceeding of the Travancore Shri Mulam Assembly: Vol xxiv, No. 1, August 30,
1944, ‘Resolution Re: Disafforeststion for Paddy cultivation;, comments by Rao
Bahardir T. V. Venkiteswara Aiyar (Conservator of Forests) p 969 and the
Assembly President p 964 See also Malaya Rajyam, July 24, 1952, reporting on
statements by the revenue minister.
64. Malayala Rajayam, April 29, 1952. The final decision to end the grow – more-food
campaigns came in June 1954 but the door was left open for colonization and settlement
schemes. Deepika, June 22, 1954. See also, Karunakaran [1975], pp 155-157.
65. Proceedings of the Travancore Shri. Mulam Assembly: Vol xviii No. 1, July 28,
1941, ‘Demand Forests’ pp 399-425; Vol xx, No. 1-12, 1117 M E (1942), July 24,
1942, ‘ Demand Forests; pp 494-525; August 25, 1944. ‘Demand Forests; pp 642-
671 and August 30, 1944. ‘Resolution Re: Disafforestation for Paddy Cultivation; pp
920-976. Note: it was difficult to control malaria due to shortages of quinine in the
war years. See statement by S. Krishna Aiyar p 940.
66. Deepika, April 26, 1954; The Hindu, May 7, 1954 and Malayala Rajaym, may 7, 1954.
67. The Hindu, May 22 and 26, 1954
68. The Hindu, May 10, 1954. Deepika, June 1, 1954.
69. Deepika July 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14 1954; Malayala Rajayam, July 13, 15, 20,
1954. The High Range Workers Union was Malayali dominated and the South
Indian Planters Union was Tamil dominated (Malayala Rajyam, July 20, 1954).
70. Malayala Rajyam, July 14, and 15 1954.
71. Deepika , August 12, 13, 22, 23, 26, 1954.
72. Malayala Rajyam, August 20, 28, 30, 1955
73. See The Hindu, January 10, 18, 19, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 1956 Malayala
Rajiyam, January 8, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25 1956.
74. Malayala Rajiyam, January 25, 1956.
75. Deepika, January 22, 1955.
76. Deepika, January 22, 1955.
77. The politics underlying the scheme were regularly attested in interviews with
settlers in the area, former Governmental officials then working in the area, and
former political leaders.
78. Deepika, November 1, 1955; Deepika, March 23, 1956; Malayala Rajiyam January
24, 1956.
79. Malayala Rajiyam, January 18, 1956.
80. Interview with ex-village officer, Nedumkandam, who had worked for colonization
scheme. June 7, 1988.
552
81. Census of India [1971] Series 9, Part X, District Census Handbook Idukki District.
Household size was estimated on the basis of total population (Table 6, p 5) and
occupied residential houses 1951 (Table 3, p 4).
82. Ibid. Based on taluk population densities (Table 2, p 4) for Devicolam,
Udumbanchola and Peermade.
83. Ibid. As above for Udumbanchola. Udumbanchola was a part of Devicolam and
Peermade taluks in 1951.
84. Malayala Rajyam Report on discussion of evictions, illegal encroachment, soil
erosion and forest conservation on June 28, July 23, 24, September 14, 26,
November 2, and December 4, 1952, and on February 15, 1953.
85. Malayala Rajyam, March 24, 1953.
86. Deepika, June 22, 1954.
87. Karunakaran [1975] states that in December 1954, the Government ordered all
revertible lands to be evicted and that this caused great public outcry, p 157. In any
case, no major evictions were carried out at this time.
88. Specific instances recounted in an interview with an ex-forest official stationed in
the area on February 12. 1988.
89. Malayala Rajyam, April 26 and 30 1956.
90. Malayala Rajyam, April 26 and 30, May 3, 27 and 29; June 20, 1956.
91. Deepika, May 8, 1956.
92. These statements, among others, came up in interviews with: I) the then Treasurer
of the United Kerala Congress Committee, July 27, 1988; 2) Editor of ‘Hossana’
July 28, 1988; 3) a widely respect forest officer sanctioned in the area at that time,
December 2, 1988, 4) Ex-leader in the Kerala Congress, October 22, 1988;5) ex-
president Nedumkandam panchayat (which includes the Kallar colony); June 13,
1988;6) two officials (retired) who hand been in charge of the colonization scheme
at Kallar, June 7, 1988. The Statement by the ex-forest officer from the area is
revealing. He indicated that the was no over pressure on forest officials no to evict
encroachers but there was an understanding also – these people (referring to the
revenue department officials) used to say ‘you know this area will go to Tamil Nadu’
He goes on to recount a number of times in the state reorganization period when he
either had to close his eyes to evictions or was presented from carrying them out by
individuals further up the political or bureaucratic hierarchy.
93. Indian Express, December 7, 1988.
94. Deepika, July 13, 1961.
97. Deepika, September 9, 1961.
98. Deepika, July 18 and 19, 1962.
99. Deepika, July 24, 1962.
100. Deepika, September 26 and October 5, 1962.
101. The resignation was due to an automobile accident in which Chacko was found to be
traveling with a woman Congress worker. It was probably unrelated to forest issues
although they may have contributed to the Government‘s desire for Chacko’s resignation
(interview with ex-leader in the Kerala Congress, September 22, 1988).
102. 439 families were evicted from the Panniyar project area in September 1963.
Deepika, September 11, 1963. See also Karunakaran, 1975, p 212.
103. Deepika, August 31, 1963. Also interview with ex-leader in the Kerala Congress,
September 22, 1988.
553
104. Interview ex-leader in the Kerala Congress September 22, 1988.
105. Deepika, February 2, 1964.
106. Proceedings of the Kerala Legislative Assembly, Vol xviii, No 1;4 and 16.
107. The Hindu, March 3, 1964. Indian Express, March 5, 1964.
108. Deepika, March 10, 1964.
109. Indian Express, March 12, 1964. 110 Deepika, November 10, 1964.
111. The government's lack of action in cases of church desecration, charges of corruption
against the chief minister, and the legislative assembly speaker refusing to allow a
tribute to P T Chacko in the· assembly were three reasons given by the dissidents for
supporting the no confidence motion (Deepika, September 3 and The Hindu,
September 4, 1964). The dissidents had also just lost internal party elections to
important posts. (The Hindu, August 17,1%4). The importance of the eviction issue
was, however, emphasised both at the time (Deepika, November 9, 1964) and since
(C Thomas, 1986; Interview with ex-Kerala Congress Leader, September 22, 1988).
112. This next round was known as the Arable Land scheme. The area evicted around
Churuli and Keerithode was eventually included in this land grant scheme and
given out to farmers [Karunakaran, 1975, pp 223-224]
113. Interview with the editor of Hossana’, a Catholic news letter, on July 28, 1988. A
similar process was described in an interview with Fr. Vadakkan (July 29, 1988). In
Nedumkandam panchayat, where the field study associated with this project took
place, there are at least two churches which local farmers describe as having been
established as a way of solidifying their claim to land.
114. Interview with ex-Kerala Congress Leader, October 12, 1988.
115. A common statement by Syrian Christians.
116. Statement by the Kerala forest minister, Indian Express, December 7, 1988.
References
Aiya, N (1906): Travancore State Manual, Vollll, pt i.
Bourdillon (1893): Report on the Forests of Travancore,
Travancore Government Press, Trivandrum, p 1611.
Census of India, 1971, Series 9, Part X, District.
Census Handbook Idukki District.
Chander, N J (1986): 'Political Culture', pp 13-30 in Chander N J (ed) Dynamics of State

Politics: Kerala, Sterling Publishers, New Delhi, PP vi' + 224.
Chandrasekharan, C (1973): Forest Resources of Keralo: A Qualitative Assessment, Kerala

Forest Department, Trivandrum, pp xiv + 254.
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History, Manohar, New Delhi.
Gopalan, A K (1973); In the cause of the People, Orient-Longman, New Delhi, p 299.
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554
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Centuries), State Institute of Languages, llivandrum, p 270, Malayalam.
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Lovatt, 'H (1972): A Short History of the Peermade and Vandiperiyar District, unpublished
mimeo, p 21.
Nayar, V K S (1986); 'Political Development' pp 1-12 in Chander N J (ed), Dynamics of State

Politics: Kerala, Sterling Publishers, New Delhi, pp vi + 224.
Pillai, V (1940), The 1hzvancore State Manua' Government of lhlvancort, nivandrum.
Playne, S (1914-1915): Southern India: Its History, People, Commerce and Industrial
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Shivaswamy, KG (1945); The Exodus from Kottayam Division of Trovancore State to Malabar
(1943 and 1944). Servindia Kerala Relief Centre, Coimbatore ix + 40.
Shivaswamy. K G. et al (1945): Food Famine and Nutritional Diseases in Travancore (1933-

44) Servindia Kerala Relief Centre, Coimbatore + 254.
Sivanandan, P Narayana, and D Nair K N (1986): 'Land Hunger and Deforestation Case
Study of Cardamom Hills in Kerala' Economic and Political Weekly, vox xxi, No 13. pp 546-50.
Stebbing, E P (1922): The Forests of India, the Mayflower Press, Plymouth. Vol I, pp xv +
548.
Tharakan, M (1978): 'Dimensions and Characteristics of the Migration of Farmers from

lhlvancore to Malabar, 1930-1950' Journal of Kerala Studies, Vol V. part II, pp 287-305.
Tharian, G K and Tharakan, P K M (1985): Development of Tea Plantations in Kerala: A

Historical Perspective, Cerntre for Development Studies Working Paper No 204.
Thomas, C (1986); 'The Church and Elections', pp 87-104 in Chander N J (ed), Dynamics of
State Politics: Kerala, Sterling Publishers. New Delhi. pp vi + 224.
TLRM (1942): Travancore Land Revenue Manual, 1942, Vol 2, Government of Travancore,
Trivandrum.
Varghese, T C (1970); Agrarian Change and Economic Consequences: Land Tenures in

Kerala 1880-1960, Allied Publisliers, Bombay, pp 111-14.
Ward and Conner (1827): Geographical and Statistical Memoir of the Survey of Travancore
and Cochin States Executed under Superintendence of Lieutenants Ward and Conner from
July of 1816 to the End of the Year 1820. Surveyor Generals Office, Madras, December 12,
1827, Vol I. Reprinted Travancore State Press 1863.
(Appendix on page PE-60)
555
Appendix
Chronology of Forest Issue Related 'Events' 1957-1964
4/57 Eviction stay order issued by government.
6/57 Government press note indicating that all encroachments after 4/1/57 would be
subject to eviction.
7/57 Popular committees formed to identify landless poor who had occupied lands prior
to the stay of eviction (April 1957).
7/57 Government order staying evictions on all lands classified as revertable in 1955 but
permitting evictions of lands occupied since April 1957.
4/58 Government order to evict all unauthorised forest land occupants regardless of
orifnal date of occupation. Evictions started in Ayyappancoil.
4/58 High Range Karshaka Sangham (the High Range farmers' organisation) pickets
collectorate in Kottayam to protest evictions fromforests.
4/58 Conference in Kottayam in response to farmers' agitation. Atrangement to appoint
an officer to examine validity of eviction cases. End of farmers' agitation.
6/58 Chandu Menon (officer appointed to examine evictions) funds that 59 families (out
of 369) were evicted unfairly. Each of these 59 is given 0.8 ha.
4/59 Government orders further eviction of lands but few, if any, evictions actually occur.
7/31/59 Communist led government of EMS Namboodiripad falls due, primarily, to the
combined opposition of the Nair and Christian communities. and is replaced, after a
brief period of president's rule by a Congress coalition in February 1960 headed by
Pattom Thanu Pillai.
7/60 Conference of ministers suggests that status of lands occupied prior to 9/59 should
be evaluated and those occupied since should be evicted.
4/61 Revenue Minister announces government decision to evict forest encroachers.
4/61 All-Kerala-Catholic-Congress annual meeting on April 14 advocates popular
resistance to government eviction plans and states that most encroachment
occurred with the tacit approval of previous governments and politicians.
4/61 Government orders evictions of roughly 6950 households from key forest lands on
April 1:7. Area around Ayyappancoil chosen starting point.
5/61 Evictions start on May 2 in Ayyappancoil area. IS By the 21st of May 1029 families
have been evicted and about .1466 homes burned by the evicting officers. There is
a huge outcry in the press from roughly mid-May onwards.
6/6/61 A K Gopalan, a popular communist leader, goes on fast to demand an end to
evictions and resettlement of those already evicted. He is arrested on 14th. Fr
Vadakkan, one of the Christian leaders who had worked to remove the communists
from power in 1959 joins with A K Gopa1al1 in support of the settlers.
6/16/61 The Government concedes the main demands of the settlers and announces the
end of evictions. It also promises to give land and other support to all those evicted.
A K Gopalan ends his fast on June 17.18
8/61 Catholic Congress meeting strongly protests government evictions of farmers in hilly
regions and resolves to take effective steps to resist evictions wherever they occur.
1/62 Lok Sabha Elections.
9/1/62 Formation of governmental commission (Radhakrisnan Mennen) to look into
problems of encroachment and lease areas, demarcate forest boundaries, etc.
9/62 Congress coalition Government headed by Pattom Thanu Pillai replaced by
Congress government headed by R Sankar (Pillai was made governor of Punjab).
556
1/63 Report of Mennon commission. Supports evictions. Suggests demarcation of forest
boundaries and not allowing settlement within 10 chains of water projects. Suggests
compensation and land for those occupying forest areas prior to 4/1/57. Stresses
that those who encroached forests after 4/1/57 deserve no compensation.
-Dissenting voices on committee all emphasised the government's role in
encroachments. Two dissenters (Makkapuzha Vasudevan Pillai and M M Ishmail)
mention voting rights as a weapon in the hands of the encroachers.
2/63 Government decision to prepare a list of encroachers and evict those who occupied
forest and project lands prior to 1/1/60.23 No major evictions occur until 1964.
9/63 Eviction of 439 families from Panniyar hydroproject area.
2/21/64 P T Chacko the Revenue Minister resigns due to an unrelated scandal.
2/26/64 Major evictions start in Churuli and Keerithode (Ernakulam District) near end of
February.
3/4/64 A group of Congress MLAs (mostly Christian) led by K M George threaten non-
cooperation with government (an action which could bring down the government)
over evictions and demand judicial enquiry into police actions during evictions. A K
Gopalan goes to eviction area.
3/5/64 Congress Government survives a vote without giving in to party rebels.
3/9/64 A K Gopalan goes on fast to protest evictions. Three Congress MLAs walk out of
assembly despite CMs offer of a judicial enquiry.
3/10/64 Evictions completed.
3/11/64 Judicial enquiry into police actions during evictions ordered. All- Kerala Catholic
Congress urges Kerala government to stay all evictions and appoints commission to
look into evictions.
3/12/64 A K Gopalan ends his fast.
3/64-9/64 Growing dissidence in the Congress Party in Kerala particularly from the Christian
faction lead by P T Chacko.
8/1/64 P T Chacko dies.
9/6/64 Congress government falls due to 15 dissidents (mostly Christian) supporting no-
confidence motion. President's Rule declared.
10/10/64 Dissident MLAs who have been suspended from the Congress party, form the
Kerala Congress Party. K M George, is the leader of the new party.
10/65 Consultative Committee looking into Kerala legislation recommends formation of
sub-committee to investigate problems of encroachment. Chairman of sub-
committee is Matthew Maniangdan a Christian M P from Kottayam. The commis-
sion's eventual recommendations are highly sympathetic to settlers.
Notes
1 Malayala Rqjyam, 27/4/57; Karunakaran (1975).
2 Sivanandan Petal (1986).
3 Ibid.
4 Ibid.
5 Karunakaran (1975) p 160.
6 The Hindu, April 12 and 20, 1958.
7 The Hindu, April 20, 1958; also Karunakaran (1975) pI6O. 8 Karunakaran (1975) p
160.
9 Ibid.
557
10 Christians were primarily opposed to education reforms being undertaken by the
communists (the reforms were perceived as a threat to the large private Christian
school system) and Nairs were opposed to land reforms (Nayar, V K S, 1986).
11 Sivanandan Petal (1986)
12 Malayala Rqjyam, April 18, 1961. (Authors note: The article is datelined April 16
but given the fact that the Catholic Congress was responding to the threat of
evictions on April 14 the decision must have been known in advance.)
13 Malayala Rqjyam, April 18, 1961.
14 Sivanandan Petal (1986); Karunakaran (1975) p 160.
15 Gopalan A K (1973).
16 Malayala Rqjyam, May 21, 1961.
17 Gopalan, A K (1973).
18 The Hindu, June 17 and 18. 19 Deepilca, August 8, 1961:
20 Karunakaran (1975) p 177.
21 Ibid, pp 177~201.
22 Ibid pp 202-204.
23 Malayala Rqjyam, February 2, 1963.
24 Deepika, September 9, 1963;
25 The Hindu, February 27, 1964.
26 The Indian Express, March 5, 1964.
27 The Indian Express, March 6, 1964.
28 The Hindu, March 9 and 10, 1964.
29 The Hindu, March 11, 1964.
30 The Hindu, March 12, 1964.
31 The Indiann Express, March 12, 1964.
32 Karunakaran (1975).
558
Appendix – LXIII
WILDLIFE CENSUS MUNNAR (1997)
Nelliyampathi Region Indirect

Munnar Division
Evidence
Sl. Name of
No Animal No. of Density No. of No. of Density Density
Animals (no. C. V troops/ Animals (no. C. V (no. C. V
sighted Km2) herds sighted Km2) Km2)
Bonnet
1 46 4.7418 18.2 - 393 2.37 58.78 - -
Macaque
Nilgiri
2 56 2.9018 16.53 - 44 0.27 31.77 - -
Langur
Common
3 - - - 12 66 0.4 40.69 - -
Langur
4 Elephant - - - 44 0.27 33.09 - -
5 Gaur 24 1.4681 25.47 14 116 0.7 29.59 - -
Sambar
6 - - - 18 32 0.19 28.86 - -
deer
Spotted
7 15 14.0641 33.19 6 56 0.45 44.44 - -
deer
Barking
8 25 0.2819 25.16 - 37 0.22 17.37 - -
deer
9 Wild boar - - - 13 72 0.43 29.2 - -
Malabar
10 Giant 106 6.0758 16.93 - 66 0.4 25.39 - -
squirrel
Indian
11 - - - - - - - 824.49 27.81
porcupine
Toddy
12 - - - - - - - 6.92 80.17
Cat
Sloth
13 - - - - - - - 1568.31 53.67
bear
14 Wild dog - - - - - - - 378.05 44.65
Munnar Census During - 2002
Bonnet
1 46 11.407 23.35 33 405 0.5658 - - -
Macaque
Nilgiri
2 61 4.996 22.23 44 351 0.4903 31.77 - -
Langur
Common
3 - - - 1 1 0.0014 - - -
Langur
4 Elephant 53 2.473 22.9 - 137 0.1914 - - -
5 Gaur 33 1.8832 24.48 25 162 0.2263 - - -
Sambar
6 79 2.6903 66.62 - 168 0.2347 - - -
deer
Spotted
7 29 3.2545 38.21 - 9 0.0126 - - -
deer
Barking
8 39 2.315 24.65 - 161 - - - -
deer
Mouse
9 - - - - 9 147251 -
deer
10 Wild boar 46 6.5109 26.57 33 371 0.5183 - - -
Malabar
11 Giant 147 8.2047 12.6 - 129 0.1802 - - -
squirrel
Indian
12 - - - - 86 1161.32 51.61 - -
porcupine
Indian
13 - - - - - 206.4 33.32
Sivet
Toddy
14 - - - - - 563.44 5.04 - -
Cat
15 Wild dog - - - - 170 487.64 45.57 - -
559
Appendix – LXIV
ABSTRACT
Forest & Wildlife Department – The Kerala Rules for payment of compensation to the
victims of attack by wild animals 1980 – Amended – Order issued
FOREST AND WILDLIFE (F) DEPARTMENT
G.O (RT NO. 283/2009/F&WLD Thiruvananthapuram, Dated 16/06/2009
Read:- 1. G.O (Rt) No. 1062/81/Forest dated 10/04/1981

2. G.O (Rt) No. 542/88/F & WLD dated 15/12/1988
5. Letter No. WL 4- 4829/03 dated 09/05/07 from the CCF (Wildlife), Trivandrum
Government are pleased to order that Rule 2 (a), 3 (a) (1) and 3 (a) (3) of the
Rules for the Payment of Compensation to the Victims of Attack by Wild Animals issued
as per Government orders read above be amended as follows:-
AMENDMENT
1. Rule 2 (a) “Wild Animal” means such species of wild animals listed in any of the
schedule I, II, III or IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1979 (53) of 1972).
2. Rule 3 (a) (1) Loss to Human Life:- An amount of Rs. 1,00,000/- (Rupees one lakh
only) shall be paid to the legal heirs of the deceased, if human life is lost on account
of attack by wild animals.
3. Rule 3 (a) (3): Loss of cattle, crops, damages to houses, huts etc:- The
Compensation for the loss or damage to properly such as houses/huts, crops, cattle
etc. shall be limited to 75% of the loss, subject to a maximum of Rs. 50,000/-
(Rupees fifty thousand only)
This will take effect from the date of this order
The order issued in the Government Orders read above stand modified to the
above extent.

Sd/-
K. RAMACHANDRAN
Addl. Secretary
To
The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Thiruvananthapuram.
The Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Thiruvananthapuram.
The Accountant General (A&E/Audit), Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram.
The Finance Department (vide 33206/AW C2/09/Fin dated 23/05/09)
The PS to Minister (Forest and Housing)
SF/OC
Forwarded by order
Section Officer
560
Appendix – LXV
DETAILS OF VSS IN MUNNAR DIVISION
Sl Forest Date of
Name Reg.No. Revenue Village SC ST Others Total Population
No. Area regn
ADIMALY RANGE
1 Kurathikudy AVSS 4.2.2.1/00A 400Ha Mannankandam 04.10.01 173 173 625
2 Kudakallu VSS 4.2.2.5/01 300 Ha Mannankandam 22.10.01 67 67 257
3 Choorakkattan VSS 4.2.2.2/01 300 Ha Mannankandam 12.10.01 29 81 5 115 399
NERIAMANGALAM
1 5th Mile A VSS 4.2.1.2/01A 980 Ha Mannankandam 4.10.01 92 92 324
2 Kanjiravely VSS 4.2.1.7/01 180 Ha Mannankandam 22.10.01 74 19 190 283 1040
3 Elamblussery VSS 4.2.1.1/01A 800 Ha Mannankandam 15.12.01 132 132 433
4 Neendapara VSS 4.2.1.5/01 260 Ha Neriamangalam 22.10.01 57 23 46 126 998
5 Pinavoorkudy AVSS 4.2.1.4/01A 1200 Ha Kuttampuzha 289 289 1051
MUNNAR RANGE
1 Edamalakudy AVSS 4.2.3.1/01A 1200 Ha K.D.H Village 4.10.01 450 450 2026
2 Meenkuthu AVSS K.D.H Village
3 Edalipara AVSS K.D.H Village
4 Mulakkuthara AVSS K.D.H Village
561
Appnedix – LXVI
APPROVED A 107 WORK PROGRAMME FOR 10TH PLAN (2003-04 TO 2006-07

CENTRAL SECTOR SCHEME "NATIONAL AFFORESTATION PROGRAMME" (NAP)
State: Kerala District : Idukki FDA : Munnar

Appoved Wage rate : Rs. 179.94/- Division : Munnar Rs. In Lakh
Area in Ha.
Year-wise physical and financial target/outlay Breaking
Sl. Rate in Total
Item of work 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07
No. Rs.
Phy. Fin. Phy. Fin. Phy. Fin. Phy. Fin. Phy. Fin.
1 Aided Natural regeneration 9750.0
Admissible Rate 23379.
a) Advance work 1325.0 100 1.33 50 0.66 50 0.66 0 0 200 2.65
b) Creation 7326.0 100 7.33 50 3.66 50 3.66 200 14.65
c) Maintenance 1 Year 6280.0 100 6.28 50 3.14 150 9.42
II Year 4190.0 100 4.19 100 4.19
III Year 2515.0
IV Year 1044.0
Sub Total 100 1.33 100 7.99 50 10.6 50 10.99 200 30.91
2 Artificial regeneration 17100.
a) Advance work 3850.0 50 1.93 50 1.93 50 1.93 0 0 150 5.79
b) Creation 12550. 50 6.28 50 6.28 50 6.28 150 18.84
II Year 7300.0 50 3.65 50 3.65
III Year 4100.0
IV Year 3803.0
Sub Total 50 1.93 50 8.21 50 12.91 50 14.63 200 37.68
3 Bamboo plantation 9300.0
a) Advance work 1370.0 30 0.41 20 0.27 0 0 0 0 50 0.68
562
Sl. Rate in Total
Item of work 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07
No. Rs.
b) Creation 7325.0 30 2.2 20 1.47 0 0 50 3.67
II Year 4185.0 30 1.26 30 1.26
III Year 2090.0
IV Year 1050.0
Sub Total 30 0.41 20 2.47 20 3.35 0 2.52 50 8.75
4 Cane plantation 11100.
a) Advance work 2800.0 50 0.41 50 1.4 0 0 0 0 100 2.80
b) Creation 8380.0 50 4.19 50 4.19 0 0 100 8.38
II Year 4185.0 50 2.09 40 2.00
III Year 3140.0
IV Year 1831.0
Sub Total 50 0.41 50 5.59 20 7.33 0 5.23 100 19.46
5 Pasiure Development 11100.
a) Advance work 1780.0 50 0.89 50 0.89 0 0 0 0 100 1.78
b) Creation 8900.0 50 4.45 50 4.45 0 0 100 8.90
II Year 5230.0 50 2.82 30 2.62
III Year 3140.0
IV Year 1048.0
Sub Total 50 0.89 50 5.34 50 7.59 0 5.96 100 19.58
6 Mixed Plantation of trees having
17100.
MFP & Medicinal value
a) Advance work 3850.0 50 1.93 50 1.93 50 1.93 0 0 150 5.79
b) Creation 12550. 50 6.28 50 6.28 50 6.28 150 18.84
II Year 7300.0 0 50 3.65 50 3.85
563
Sl. Rate in Total
Item of work 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07
No. Rs.
III Year 4100.0
IV Year 1050.0
Sub Total 50 1.93 50 8.21 50 12.91 150 14.63 100 37.88
7 Regeneration of Perenial Herbs
20400.
& Shrubs of Medicinal value
a) Advance work 2870.0 50 1.44 50 1.44 50 1.44 0 0 150 4.32
b) Creation 15700. 50 7.85 50 7.85 50 7.85 150 23.55
c) Maintenance 1 Year 13600. 50 6.8 50 6.8 100 13.60
II Year 8372.0 50 4.19 50 4.19
III Year 5234.0
IV Year 3140.0
Sub Total 50 1.44 50 9.29 50 16.09 150 18.84 100 45.66
Total Works 380 9.33 380 47.1 320 70.78 200 72.8 900 199.8
8 Soil & Moistrue Conservation
11.00 10.00 7.00 1.97 29.97
(15% of the plantation cost)
9 Entry point Activities 12.00 10.00 10.00 4.00 36.00
10 Awareness raising (1% of
0.74 0.50 0.50 0.26 2.00
plantation cost)
11 Microplanning (2% of plantation
2.00 1.50 0.50 0.00 4.00
cost)
12 Fencing (upto 5% of plantation
4.00 3.00 2.00 0.99 9.99
cost)
13 Monitoring and Evaluation @ 2% 0.00 1.00 1.50 1.50 4.00
14 Overheads @ 10% of plantation
0.93 4.71 7.08 7.26 19.98
cost
GRAND TOTAL 380 40 380 77.31 320 89.36 200 88.58 900 305.8
564
Proposed Work Programme
Central Sector Scheme "National Afforestation Programme" (NAP)
State: District : Appoved Wage rate : Division : Total cost :

Kerala Idukki Rs. 163 Munnar 46.86 Lakh
Work Advance or 2008-09 Maintenance cost of 2008-09 Total requirement

Sl. of 2008-09
Item of work Rate in Rs.
No.
Phy. Fin. Phy. Fin. Fin
1 Aided Natural regeneration 9750.00
Admissible Rate 21190.00
a) Advance work 2331.00 50 1.17 1.17
b) Creation 6569.00 0 0 0
c) Maintenance 1 Year 5721.00 33.8 7.66 7.66
II Year 3602.00 12.1 4.36 4.3
III Year 2967.00 240 7.12 7.12
Sub Total 21190.00 60 AW 1.17 494.8 19.14 20.31
2 Artificial regeneration 17100.00
a) Advance work 3345.00 50 1.67 1.67
b) Creation 17467.00 0 0 0
c) Maintenance 1 Year 7061.00 0 0 0
II Year 5203.00 25 1.3 1.3
III Year 4088.00 0 0 0
Sub Total 37164.00 100 AW 1.67 25 1.3 2.97
3 Patore 9300.00
a) Advance work 1517.00 10 0.16 0 0 0.16
b) Creation 6872.00 0 0 0 0 0
565
Sl. of 2008-09
No.
II Year 4042.00 0
III Year 2021.00 0
Sub Total 20212.00 0 0.16 0 0 0.16
4 Bamboo 9300.00
a) Advance work 1617.00 15 0.24 0 0 0.24
b) Creation 6872.00 0 0 0
c) Maintenance 1 Year 5659.00 15.2 0.86 0.85
II Year 4042.00 20 0.81 0.81
III Year 2021.00 20 0.4 0.4
Sub Total 20213.00 50 0 65.9 2.07 2.31
5 Planting cane 11100.00
a) Advance work 3136.00 25 0.78 0 0.78
b) Creation 7961.00 0 0 0 0
c) Maintenance 1 Year 5307.00 50 2.65 2.65
II Year 4342.00 73 3.17 3.17
III Year 3377.00 50 1.69 1.69
Sub Total 24124.00 0 0.78 173 7.51 8.29
6 Serbs & Shrubs 20400.00
a) Advance work 11084.00 10 1.11 0 1.11
b) Creation 10197.00 0 0 0 0 0
II Year 8424.00 0 0 0
566
Sl. of 2008-09
No.
III Year 4877.00 20 0.98 0
Sub Total 44336.00 200 AW 1.11 20 0.98 0.98
7 Mixed plantation 17100.00
a) Advance work 3345.00 0 0 0 0
b) Creation 17467.00 0 0 0 0 0
c) Maintenance 1 Year 7061.00 10 0.71 0.71
II Year 5203.00 54.4 2.83 2.83
III Year 4068.00 0 0 0
Sub Total 37164.00 0 0 64.4 3.54 3.54
Total Works 160 AW 5.13 832 34.54 39.67
Soil & Moistrue Conservation (15% of
8 0.77 0.00 0.77
the plantation cost)
9 Entry point Activities 1.60 0.00 1.00
Awareness raising (1% of plantation
10 0.50 0.35 0.40
cost)
11 Microplanning (2% of plantation cost) 0.10 0.00 0.10
12 Fencing (upto 5% of plantation cost) 0.26 0.00 0.26
13 Monitoring and Evaluation @ 2% 0.10 0.00 0.10
14 Overheads @ 10% of plantation cost 0.51 3.45 3.97
GRAND TOTAL 160 AW 8.52 380 38.34 46.86
567
Appendix – LXVII
PLANTATION DETAILS OF MUNNAR FOREST DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
2004-05 2005-06 2006-2007 2007-2008

Range Name of VSS Creation Creation Creation Creation
Type ha Type ha Type ha Type ha
ANR 10 Cane 10 Cane 12.8
Kurathikudy ANR 11.9
Pereniel 10 ANR 25 Cane 10.2
ANR 10.1 ANR 10.6
Adimaly Choorakkatan ANR 10 ANR 10
Bamboo 5.2 Pereniel 1
ANR 5 Bamboo 5
Kodakallu ANR 10.9 ANR 10.5
AR 10 ANR 25
Cane 10
Neendapara AR 8.5 Cane 50 - -
Bamboo 5
Mixed 14.4
Kanjiravely ANR 25 ANR 50 ANR 20
Bamboo 5
Cane 10 Mixed 20 Mixed 10
5th Mile ANR 20 Pereniel 20
Bamboo 15 ANR 55
Neriyamangalam Bamboo 5
Cane 10 ANR 50
Elamblaserry ANR 30 ANR 50 Bamboo 20
Mixed 20
Bamboo 5
Mixed 10 ANR 30 Cane 50
Pinavoorkudy Pereniel 10 - -
Cane 10 ANR 50
ANR 15
Munnar Edamalakudy Mixed 9 ANR 50 AR 25 ANR 25.8
Total 172.5 330 348.6 164.8
568
Appendix – LXVIII
DETAILS OF SOCIAL WELFARE ACTIVITIES DONE BY VSS UNDER MUNNAR FDA
Amount
Range Name of VSS/AVSS EPA Done
utilized
Maintenance and purchase of plastic
Edamalakudy 35200
chairs for a single school
Munnar
Purchase of land and construction of
Kanjiravely 95600
office
Construction of 20 latrines and
Pinavoorkudy 107000
utensils to tribal school
Purchase of land and construction of
Neriamangalam Fifthmile 80000
office
Neendapara Purchased land for office 12200
Kodakallu Construction of latrines 46000
Maintenance of checkdam and
Choorakattan 40000
donated study materials
Community hall cum office and
Adimaly Kurathikkudy 70000
provisional store
EPA 2007-08
Kurathikudy Latrin (40 nos) 2000000
Munnar Edamalakudy Providing solar lanteen (50 Nos) 3000000
EPA 2008-09
Kodakallu Office Building 75000
Adimaly Kurathikudy Latrin (20 Nos) 150000
Choorakattan Community hall 100000
Latrin, Office building, Driving
5th Mile 200000
practice
Neriyamangalam Pinavoorkudy Office building 70000

Elamblassery Office building 76700
Kanjiravely Latrin, Office building 100000
569
Appendix – LXIX
ABSTRACT
Forest and Wildlife Department – Participatory Forest Management in Cardamom Hills
Reserves- Constitution of Committee for proper implementation of the programmes –
Sanctioned Order issued.
FOREST AND WILDLIFE (B) DEPARTMENT
G.O (MS) No. 31/2001/F&WLD Dated, Thiruvananthapuram, 21/04/2001
Read:- Letter No. C2-23540/98 Dated 22/03/2001 from Chief Conservator of Forest
(Eco development and Tribal Welfare)
ORDER
A discussion was held by Minister (Forests) with the representatives of the

Cardamom Growers Association on 08/11/2000 regarding the problem of Cardamom
Growers. It was decided to implement the Participatory Forest Management for proper
management of the areas by conserving and preserving the forest and ecology of the
Cardamom Hill Reserves. It was felt that the programme can be successfully implemented
only through the combined effort of the Cardamom Growers and the Forest Department.
Hence consensus was arrived at to constitute committees at Circle, Division, Range and
Section levels for proper implementation of the programmes and to form squads with the
representatives of the farmers for the protection of the forests as well as the crops.
The above partnering organizations need common forum at different levels to taken
important decisions and the Chief Conservator of Forests (Eco-Development and Tribal
Welfare) after deliberations with the representatives of Cardamom Growers has forwarded to
Government, as per letter read above, a proposal to have a two tier organizational
arrangement to effectively tackle the problems of Cardamom Hills Reserves. (1) Unit level and
(2) High Level Committees. The proposal contains an introduction to the context of
participatory Forest Management in the Cardamom Hills, the Structure of the Organization,
functions and responsibilities at various levels of the implementing agency and the process of
micro planning and approval.
Government have examined the proposal in detail and found that the complex tenure
relationships and administrative control over the area demand a noval approach to achieve
the objectives. The proposal contains enough provisions to create an organizational
infrastructure to address the problem from different angles.
In the above circumstances, the proposal of the Chief Conservator of Forests (Eco-
development and Tribal Welfare) for the Management of Cardamom Hills Reserve as a
participatory programme is approved by Government.
The Participatory Forest Management in Cardamom Hill Reserve is designated for

convenience as the Cardamom for Rain Forest Conservation (CRC). It shall address the
following aspects.
1. Shade for Cardamom
2. Fuel for Cardamom processing
570
3. Landscaping, which includes retention of forests and reforestation in
ecologically critical location such as steep slopes, stream banks etc.
4. Mulching for soil enrichment in the cardamom plantations.
5. Promotion of biodiversity and watershed value
The Cardamom for Rain Forest Conservation will be operationalised through the
following 2 tier management levels.
1. Unit Level Organization (ULO) (Execution Level)
2. High Level Monitoring Committee (HLMC) (Policy)
The organization, functions and responsibilities at these two levels are appended
herewith.
P. CHERIAN PHILIP
Joint Secretary to Government
To
The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Thiruvananthapuram.

The Chief Conservator of Forests (Eco-Development and Tribal Wildlife)
The Accountant General (Audit), Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram.
Stock File/Office Copy
Forwarded by order
Section Officer
571
Annexure – LXX
©
tIcf k¿°m¿ KL/TV(N)/12/2006-2008
2007
KERALA GAZETTE
tIcf Kk‰v
EXTRA ORDINARY
Akm-[m-cWw
Thiruvananthapuram 16th May 2007

Vol. XLVIII Wednesday 2007 sabv 26 No.
910
hmeyw 52 Xncp-h-\-¥-]pcw 5th Vaisakha 1929 \º¿
_p[≥ 1929 sshimJw 5
Forest and Wildlife (C) Department
NOTIFICATION
G. O. (P) No. 25/2007/F&WLD. Dated Thiruvananthapuram, 16th May, 2007.
S. R. O. No. 439/2007- In exercise of the powers conferred by section 4 of the
Kerala Forest (Act 4 of 1962), the Government of Kerala hereby declare that it is
proposed to constitute the lands, the situation and limits of which are specified in the
schedule below as a reserved forest and appoint the Revenue Divisional Officer, Idukki,
as the Forest Settlement Officer to enquire into and determine the existence, nature and
extent of any right claimed by or alleged to exist in favour of any person in or over any
land comprised within the limits of the proposed reserve forest or to any forest produce of
such land and to deal with the same as provided in the said Act.
The Government of Kerala hereby also appoint the Divisional Forest Officer,
Munnar as the officer to attend, on behalf of the Government at the enquiry held by the
forest settlement officer as per the provisions of the said Act.
SCHEDULE
Description of the land :
District : Idukki
Taluk : Devikulam
Name of the Forest Division : Mankulam Special Division
Range : Mankulam & Anakulam
Village : Mankulam
Panchayath : Mankulam
Locality : Mankulam Resumed Land
Survey No. : 75 part and 77 part
Extent of land : 9005.75 Ha. (22253.37 acres) (excluding the assigned lands)
572
Boundaries
North:- The northern boundary of the proposed Reserve Forest runs along the southern
boundary of the Munnar Range of Munnar Division towards east starting from
Anakulam River at Oosimala along the boundary of Mankulam Village till
Pampadumpara, then along the southern boundary of Eravikulam National Park
till the boundary of Kadalar Tea Estate of M/s. Tata Tea Limited.
East:- The eastern boundary runs along the southern boundary Kadalar, Cholamala,
Nallathanni, Kallar and Latchmi Tea estates owned by M/s. Tata Tea Limited in
KDH concession land.
South:- The southern boundary runs along the northern boundary of Latchmi Tea Estate
and Kainagiri estate towards west till it reaches the eastern boundary of Adimaly
range of Munnar Division.
West:- The western boundary runs along the eastern boundary of Adimaly Range of
Munnar Division touching the boundary of Palamalakudy to Perumbankuthu and
reaches Anakulam along the boundary of Malayattur Division and the along
Anakulam river till it reaches Oosimala.

L. RADHAKRISHNAN
Secretary to Government
Explanatory Note
(This does not form part of the notification, but is intended to indicate its general
purport)
As per letter No. C4-37166/77 dated 11/04/1980 of the District Collector, Idukki
addressed to Divisional Forest Officer, Munnar Division an area of 9005.72 ha. (2225.37
acres) comprised in survey No. 75/Part and 77/Part of Kannan Devan Tea Village was
handed over to the Forest Department for protection. This area is part of the resumed
land as per the Kannan Devan Hills (Resumption of Lands) Act, 1971. The area supports
evergreen and semi evergreen forests and is a repository of rich bio-diversity. Though the
area is being protected by the Forest Department from 11/04/1980 constituting the same
as Mankulam Forest Division, the status of the land continued to be revenue land.
Therefore, the forest laws are not applicable to the area at present and the department is
finding it difficult to protect the area from encroachment and smuggling. To properly
protect and manage the area, it is absolutely necessary to bring the area under the status
of a reserve forest. Government therefore decided to declare the area as a reserved
forest as per section 4 of the Kerala Forest Act 1961 (Act 4 of 1962).
The notification is intended to achieve the above object.
573
Appendix – LXXI
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574
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575

Munnar Division Working Plan 2010-20

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GOVERNMENT OF KERALA

FORESTS & WILDLIFE DEPARTMENT

Under the guidance of

Dr. B. SHIVARAJU, IFS

As per the GO (MS) No.1011/62/Agri. Dated 05..06..1962, the Munnar

Regeneration survey, collection of field data etc were completed by the

MoEF vide their letter No.F(C)A/11.6/283/KER/WP/8751 dated 16th

I am indebted to Shri. Bennichan Thomas, the then Conservator of

Archaean Rocks Broadly, rocks of Pre-Cambrian age, the term is sometimes

Local Name English Name Scientific Name

Local Name English Name Scientific Name

Sl Common Name Scientific Name

86 Blue-headed Rock-Thrush (1723) Monticola cinclorhynchus (Vigors, 1832)

87 Malabar Whistling-Thrush (1728) Myiophonus horsfieldii (Vigors, 1831)

88 White-throated Ground Thrush (1734) Zoothera citrina cyanotue (Jardine &

89 Eurasian Blackbird (1751-1757) Turdus merula Linnaeus, 1758

90 White-bellied Shortwing (1638) Brachypteryx major albiventris (Jerdon,

91 Indian Blue Robin (1650, 1651) Luscinia brunnea (Hodgson, 1837)

92 Pied Bushchat (1700-1703) Saxicola caprata (Linnaeus, 1766)

93 Oriental Magpie-Robin (1661-1664) Copsychus saularis (Linnaeus, 1758)

SUMMARY OF FACTS ON WHICH PROPOSALS ARE BASED

1 Administrative Unit and sub unit 2

I Government Order regarding Formation of Munnar Division 309

II Government Order regarding Formation of Marayoor Division 315

III Rainfall, Temperature and relative humidity 320

IV Govt. Order regarding Formation of Mathikettan Shola National Parks 324

V Govt. Order regarding Formation of Pampadum Shola National Parks 326

VI Govt. Order regarding Formation of Anamudi Shola National Parks 328

VII Government Order regarding Formation of Forest Stations 330

VIII Notification of Anamudi Reserve 333

IX Notification of Malayattoor Reserve 335

X Notification of Nagrampara Reserve 336

XI Notification of Fuel Reserve 337

XII Letter from Dewan of Kerala regarding Unreserves 339

XIII Government Order Connected with Trees preservation Act 340

XIV Notification of Vested Forest 342

XV List of EFL land 343

XVI & 346

XVII Kannan Devan Hill (Resumption of land) Act 350

XVIII Details of lease land 391

XX List of HNL Captive Plantation in Munnar Division 394

XXI Details of NWFP Collection 395

XXII Cost of extraction of Forest produce in ordinary area 398

XXIII Price trent of timber in various auctions 399

XXIV Fixation of Selling price 403

XXV Officers held in charge of Munnar Division 404

XXVI Fixation of wage rate for different category of mazdoors 406

XXVIII List of vehicle in Munnar division 409

XXIX List of modern equipments in Munnar Division 410

XXX List of treatment area under KFP 412

XXXI List of Plantations raised under compensatory afforestation scheme 415

XXXII Government order pertaining revolving fund 416

XXXIII Allotment and expenditure 421

XXXIV Projected growing stock of teak plantation based on 5% enumeration 423

XXXV Projected growing stock of miscellaneous plantation 424

XXXVI Projected growing stock of Wattle plantations based on 5% enumeration 426

XXXVII Projected growing stock of Pine plantations based on 5% enumeration 428

Projected growing stock of Eucalyptus plantations based on 5% 429

Projected growing stock of Nagarampara Reserve based on 2% 430

XL Projected growing stock of Malayattoor Reserve based on 2% enumeration 432

XLI Projected growing stock of Anamudi Reserve based on 2% enumeration 434

XLII Regeneration survey in Malayattor Reserve 437

XLIII Detail of regeneration survey in Nagarampara Reserve 439

XLIV Detail of regeneration survey in Anamudi Reserve 440