Ecological Crisis: Pineapple Cultivation Controversy at Athirappilly

A petition in the Kerala High Court seeks to stop pineapple cultivation at Athirappilly due to ecological risks. Wildlife activist Angels Nair claims the Plantation Corporation of Kerala continues cultivation despite objections, risking soil erosion, pesticide contamination, and harm to the Chalakudy river's ecosystem.

The Kerala High Court is currently reviewing a petition that calls for an immediate halt to pineapple cultivation at Athirappilly and Kallal plantation estates, citing significant ecological hazards.

Filed by wildlife activist Angels Nair, the public interest litigation argues that the Plantation Corporation of Kerala continues its operations despite a stop memo issued by the Forest Department. Nair highlights that the lease agreement between the Forest Department and the Plantation Corporation expired six years ago.

The petition stresses the adverse impact of pineapple monoculture, including soil erosion, wildlife conflicts, and chemical contamination of the Chalakudy river, threatening millions of human and ecological lives.

(With inputs from agencies.)