The Keralam Forest Department has withdrawn a controversial circular that permitted the felling of trees planted by land title holders on assigned land granted before January 1, 1977. The decision came within a week of the order being issued following criticism from environmental groups and concerns that it could lead to large scale tree felling.
The circular was issued on October 8, 2026, by D.K. Vinod Kumar Chief Conservator of Forests (High Range Circle). It instructed forest officials to consider applications from landholders seeking permission to cut trees they had planted on their assigned properties.
The move followed complaints submitted by title holders to the State Forest Minister, claiming they were not being allowed to fell trees planted by them on their land.
Under the circular officials were required to verify the status of the holdings while examining applications. They were also directed to ensure that applicants did not face unnecessary hardship and to prevent large scale tree felling that could harm the local ecology.
However, the order triggered widespread concern that it could open the door to extensive cutting of trees on assigned land. Several non-governmental organisations urged the State government to withdraw the circular.
Critics also compared the move with the Muttil illegal tree felling case in which valuable trees were reportedly cut down following a government order that was subsequently withdrawn.
Responding to the criticism the Forest Department issued a second circular cancelling the original order. Vinod Kumar said the withdrawal was prompted by legal ambiguity surrounding ownership of trees on assigned land.
He also clarified that the department had not approved any applications for tree felling during the period between the issuance and withdrawal of the circular.
The withdrawal highlights the legal and environmental challenges involved in determining tree ownership on assigned land. It also underscores concerns that changes in tree felling permissions could have wider consequences for forest cover and ecological protection.