The government has declared 364.39 hectares in Chinnakkanal village under the Devikulam forest range in Idukki a forest reserve, pending final notification.
According to officials, the proposed reserve forest includes blocks seven and eight in Chinnakkanal under Udumbanchola taluk. An order issued by the Principal Chief Forest Conservator (Forest Management) states that the land was declared a reserve under Section 4 of the Kerala Forest Act 1961.
The order states that the Chief Forest Conservator and the Idukki Collector should take steps to complete the proceedings and issue a final notification under Section 19 of the Kerala Forest Act. The officials should submit an action plan and update progress every three months.