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

A solar fence on a cardamom plantation at Panthadikkalam in Idukki. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The Keralam government maintained in the State Legislative Assembly on Thursday (October 15, 2026) that the Forest department action in Chinnakkanal, Idukki district, was restricted to the dismantling of unauthorised and illegal fencing.

Forest Minister Shibu Baby John and Revenue Minister A.P. Anil Kumar explained the government stand after the Opposition CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) moved an adjournment motion to discuss the hardships faced by farmers and other residents of localities, including Chinnakkanal, Panthalikkalam and Shanthampara, on account of a September 23 order issued by the Idukki District Collector authorising the removal of fences, walls and other structures put up by them. Protesting against the government stand on the issue, the LDF staged a walkout after the motion was denied.