Tata Tea 'grabbed' Munnar forest land: Govt

The Kerala government today informed the high court that Tata Tea had 'grabbed' the forest land at Munnar.

This submission was made by the government in a counter affidavit filed by Assistant Conservator of Forest, Munnar, a day after the government launched eviction proceedings against Tata Tea.

The department claimed that their action was well within the act and rules for conservation of nature and its resources.

According to the Land Board Award of March 29, 1974, about 57,359.14 acres of land was given on lease to Tata Tea. The forest department wanted to find out the data regarding the current extent of the area, over and above the one alloted to the company, he said.

The government alleged that Tata Tea had converted 3,000 acres of land, and that the department wanted to prevent the 'grabbing' of forest land.

The department also claimed that five forest offences were registered against the company for destruction of trees from the 'Shola forest area.' It was also pointed out that an excess of 2,573.32 acre of fuel plantation was held by the company at Munnar.

Justice K M Joseph granted Tata Tea time until July 12 to file a reply.