Kerala forest department to survey Athirappilly lease amid elephant corridor dispute

The <b>Kerala Forest Department</b> ordered a survey of the leased forest land at <b>Athirappilly</b> after the Plantation Corporation of Kerala sought to extend its lease and expand pineapple farming, which the department says breaches lease terms. The case highlights laxity that lets commercial projects creep onto protected ecosystems, turning a vital elephant corridor into a private plantation. Red‑tape delays keep enforcement weak, exposing a gap between policy and ground reality. A confirming survey could stop further encroachment and safeguard the corridor essential for elephant migration.