Kochi: The Forest Department has released a draft notification proposing amendments to the Kerala Forest Act, originally enacted in 1961 and subsequently revised multiple times. The proposed changes are among the most significant and controversial to date. At a time when public criticism of the Forest Act as being anti-people is growing, the new bill introduces provisions that have sparked widespread concern.

Key amendments, such as the sharp increase in fines, expanded authority granted to Beat Forest Officers, a ban on fishing, and penalties for waste entering forest areas or rivers, pose severe challenges to the communities living near forest borders. These changes are seen as making the law even more anti-people and creating greater potential for misuse. Such provisions risk penalizing innocent individuals based on suspicion or misinterpretation, effectively turning the Act into a tool for oppression. The proposed amendments, which extend excessive powers to forest officials, are deeply troubling and should be reconsidered.

While forest conservation is undeniably essential, the current scenario of escalating wildlife encroachments calls for balanced reforms. The Forest Department must prioritize addressing this issue without enacting laws that disrupt the lives of people living near forests. The Act should include provisions that hold officials accountable for managing wildlife within forest boundaries. Instances of wild animals straying into residential areas should be treated as administrative failures, with measures ensuring officials take responsibility for such lapses.

Additionally, the government must revise existing laws to better align with the needs of local communities and enable necessary regional development. Reforms should aim to protect both forests and people, fostering coexistence rather than conflict.