Keralam Assembly: Opposition walks out over removal of fences in Chinnakkanal; Forest Minister says only illegal ones are dismantled

On Thursday, October 15, 2026, the Keralam government defended its Forest department's actions in Chinnakkanal, Idukki district, during a State Legislative Assembly session. The opposition, represented by the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF), walked out of the assembly after the motion on the issue was denied. The Forest Minister, Shibu Baby John, clarified that the department's focus was on dismantling unauthorized and illegal fencing, not all fences.

The controversy arose after the Idukki District Collector authorized the removal of fences, walls, and structures on September 23, prompted by three deaths over a 25-day period from August 27 to September 23. The decision was also influenced by a demand from tribal residents following the elephant attack on September 23, which resulted in a tribal man's death. The Forest Minister assured the tribal community that their demands would be met, with legal structures not to be removed.

Chinnakkanal, which houses only a few hectares of forest land and no designated elephant corridor, is inhabited by 30,000 humans and 18 elephants. Forest Minister Baby John highlighted the presence of two resorts in the area that hinder elephant movement. Revenue Minister A.P. Anil Kumar affirmed the government's commitment to removing illegal fencing erected by encroachers, with the initial demand coming from the president of the Chinnakkanal panchayat.

The CPI(M) leader, K.U. Jenish Kumar, who proposed the adjournment motion, demanded the cancellation of the orders issued by the District Collector, alleging violations of human rights and constitutional principles. He accused the Forest Minister of misleading the Assembly and suggested a conspiracy to redesignate Cardamom Hill Reserve land as forest land. Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan announced the walkout, criticizing the government for ignoring the concerns of farmers.