Kothamangalam: Kothamangalam Bishop Mar George Mathathikandathil has criticized the recent amendment to the Kerala Forest Act, warning that it grants the Forest Department unchecked authority and could lead to a rise in forest-related criminal activities, posing a direct challenge to both the public and the rule of law. The Bishop alleged that the Forest Department, in collaboration with administrators, is secretly executing a plan that will make life unbearable for the people through this amendment. He emphasized that this new law, which allows even junior forest officers the power to enter private homes, conduct inspections, and make arrests without restriction, could lead to widespread violations of human rights.

The amendment also includes a blanket ban on fishing in rivers near forest areas and extends the Forest Department’s control over riverbanks and forest borders, effectively stripping local communities of their rights and causing immense hardship for those who are the true guardians of nature. Additionally, the Bishop expressed concern over the provision granting police powers to forest officers, describing it as a covert move to impose the controversial "Vanam Raju" plan. He called on the government to immediately retract this amendment.

Mar George pointed out that the existing laws are already adequate for forest conservation, noting that Kerala’s forest area has been steadily increasing. However, the revised law fails to address urgent issues like wildlife attacks, which continue to affect local residents. He expressed dismay that despite the bill being circulated to all 140 Members of the Legislative Assembly before being gazetted, no MLA was able to issue even a single protest note, which, he said, reflects the anti-people stance of both the ruling and opposition parties.

The Bishop warned that if the government persists with this law, which harms the local communities while expanding forest areas, it will lose the support of the people. He cautioned that if the government’s intent is to harm the hill communities with oppressive laws, the people will lead a vigorous protest against it.