The Hill Highway project in Thrissur is facing scrutiny over alleged irregularities in forest-land assignments, title-deed cancellations and statutory approvals, after NGO ANEC Trust sought an independent vigilance investigation from senior forest authorities.
The complaint concerns the highway corridor from Randukai to Chaayippankuzhi via Veeranchira, as well as the stretch between Chaayippankuzhi and Vettillappara. ANEC Trust has asked authorities to examine whether land classified as forest was assigned to private individuals and whether construction and widening works are being carried out with the required clearances.
One of the key issues raised by the organisation is the cancellation of pattayams, or title deeds, belonging to about 50 families in the Veeranchira area. The land is reportedly recorded as forest land under current official records. The Trust has sought an examination of the original assignment documents, cancellation orders, revenue records, forest notifications and survey records to establish the legal status of the properties.
ANEC Trust has also alleged that land classified as reserve forest between Chaayippankuzhi and Vettillappara may have been assigned to private individuals without following mandatory dereservation procedures. The complaint has sought scrutiny under the Kerala Forest Act, 1961, and other applicable laws. These allegations have not been independently established in the report.
The organisation has questioned the legality of proposed and ongoing Hill Highway construction and widening works in areas whose classification and ownership may be disputed. It has asked authorities to verify whether mandatory central government approvals under Section 2 of the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980, were obtained for any use of forest land for non-forest activity.
The complaint has been forwarded to the Central Empowered Committee, the secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the deputy inspector general of forests (wildlife). ANEC Trust has requested a field inspection and a time-bound vigilance inquiry to determine whether administrative irregularities, negligence or collusion occurred.
Until the land status and statutory approvals are verified, the Trust has called for a halt to any unauthorised non-forest activity or irreversible alteration of the disputed areas. It has also sought legal action wherever violations are established. The authorities named in the complaint are expected to determine the next steps, including any inspection or investigation, based on the records and approvals under review.
