Demand to curb unchecked bamboo harvesting in Wayanad

The Wayanad Prakrithi Samrakshana Samithi has demanded that the Forest department and the grama panchayats of Vythiri, Meppadi, and Thondernad put an end to unchecked bamboo harvesting in the areas.

The Samithi has alleged that a bamboo mafia operating in the district has been smuggling several metric tonnes of bamboo with the support of forest and panchayat officials. Bamboo forests, found along the banks of rivers originating in the Western Ghats, play a vital role in preventing surrounding areas from severe soil erosion.

They also help preserve the river ecosystem, as well as the coolness and quality of the water. Harvesting bamboo for industrial purposes requires the approval of the Kerala Biodiversity Board, but this rule is reportedly widely violated in Wayanad.

Though the Vythiri panchayat has banned the cutting of bamboo, the ban is frequently violated within its limits, the Samithi alleged, urging senior officials in the department to take appropriate action.