News for 'Kerala Forest Department'

Two Kerala Forest Officials Held In Bribery Case

Two Kerala Forest Officials Held In Bribery Case

Rediff.com15 May 2026

Two forest officials in Kerala were arrested for allegedly accepting a bribe to exclude individuals from a case involving the killing of a monitor lizard.

Actor Mohanlal discloses 10 elephant tusks, 13 idols amid legal battle

Actor Mohanlal discloses 10 elephant tusks, 13 idols amid legal battle

Rediff.com6 Jul 2026

Actor Mohanlal has declared possession of 10 elephant tusks and 13 ivory idols to the Kerala Forest Department under an amnesty scheme. This new disclosure comes as he continues to face trial for alleged illegal possession of wildlife articles, a case that originated in 2011 and has seen the Kerala High Court direct the continuation of legal proceedings against him.

Search On After Cow Killed, Suspected Leopard Attack In Kerala

Search On After Cow Killed, Suspected Leopard Attack In Kerala

Rediff.com3 May 2026

The Forest Department in Palakkad, Kerala, has launched a search operation following the suspected killing of a cow by a leopard in Kanjikode. The incident occurred near forest land, prompting officials to investigate and consider further measures like camera traps and cage traps.

Wild Elephant Attacks Injure Three In Kerala; State Forms Special Reserve Force

Wild Elephant Attacks Injure Three In Kerala; State Forms Special Reserve Force

Rediff.com11 Jun 2026

Three people were injured in two suspected wild elephant attacks in Palakkad, Kerala. These incidents follow two recent fatalities in Wayanad and Idukki. In response, the Kerala government has decided to establish a 500-member Special Reserve Force to mitigate human-wildlife conflict.

Wild Elephant Kills Forest Watcher in Palakkad, Kerala

Wild Elephant Kills Forest Watcher in Palakkad, Kerala

Rediff.com10 Mar 2026

A forest watcher was killed in a wild elephant attack in Kerala's Palakkad district while attempting to drive the animal away from a populated area.

Wayanad landslide: Families evacuated, search on for missing

Wayanad landslide: Families evacuated, search on for missing

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

Following a landslide near the Kalladi tunnel project in Wayanad, Kerala, district authorities have begun evacuating families and intensified rescue operations to find seven missing persons. Heavy rains are complicating efforts, while project engineers clarify the landslide did not originate from the active construction zone.

Kerala forest dept's Thrissur Pooram circular sparks controversy

Kerala forest dept's Thrissur Pooram circular sparks controversy

Rediff.com13 Apr 2024

The temple authorities and jumbo owners even suspected that the conditions of the circular with regard to parading of the domestic elephants during festivals were part of a conspiracy to sabotage the Pooram.

Man Attacked by Wild Elephant in Kulathupuzha, Kerala

Man Attacked by Wild Elephant in Kulathupuzha, Kerala

Rediff.com5 Mar 2026

A man in Kulathupuzha, Kerala, sustained serious injuries after being attacked by a wild elephant while returning from work. He is currently in critical condition in hospital.

Wayanad landslide: Missing construction manager's body recovered, toll rises to 8

Wayanad landslide: Missing construction manager's body recovered, toll rises to 8

Rediff.com12 Jul 2026

The body of Vikram Rana, the last person missing after the July 7 landslide at the Anakkampoyil-Meppadi tunnel project site in Kalladi, Wayanad, Kerala, has been recovered. This brings the death toll to eight. A massive search operation involving multiple agencies led to the discovery of the construction manager's body, concluding the search efforts.

Mumbai Resort Booked for Allegedly Keeping Exotic Animals Illegally

Mumbai Resort Booked for Allegedly Keeping Exotic Animals Illegally

Rediff.com26 Feb 2026

A popular resort in Mumbai is under investigation after a joint raid by Customs and forest department officials revealed the alleged unauthorized possession of exotic animals, including marmoset monkeys and macaw parrots.

SC orders eviction plan for 118 govt servants encroaching on TN's Agasthyamalai

SC orders eviction plan for 118 govt servants encroaching on TN's Agasthyamalai

Rediff.com2 Jun 2026

The Supreme Court has directed the preparation and implementation of a time-bound eviction plan to address encroachments within the protected areas of the Agasthyamalai ecological landscape in Tamil Nadu, also ordering action against government servants involved.

3 killed, 5 missing in massive landslide at Wayanad tunnel site

3 killed, 5 missing in massive landslide at Wayanad tunnel site

Rediff.com7 Jul 2026

A devastating landslide at Kalladi near Meppady in Wayanad, Kerala, has resulted in one death and seven missing individuals at a crucial tunnel road project site, with Chief Minister V D Satheesan attributing the tragedy to contractors' failure to heed warnings about accumulated mud.

Drone Unveiled to Tranquilise Violent Elephants

Drone Unveiled to Tranquilise Violent Elephants

Rediff.com3 Mar 2026

A drone designed to tranquilise violent elephants without close human contact has been unveiled, marking a significant advancement in using indigenous UAV technology for mitigating human-wildlife conflict.

Court nod for President Murmu's 4WD convoy to Sabarimala

Court nod for President Murmu's 4WD convoy to Sabarimala

Rediff.com17 Oct 2025

President Droupadi Murmu will visit the Sabarimala temple on October 22. The Kerala High Court has granted permission for the VVIP convoy movement, and security rehearsals are underway.

'Dr Gadgil Understood Environment's Impact On Mankind's Future'

'Dr Gadgil Understood Environment's Impact On Mankind's Future'

Rediff.com12 Jan 2026

'His report created a lot of negative reaction in Kerala and in a way, he was crucified for writing such a report.' 'I asked him, "Don't you feel frustrated?"' 'His reply was, "Have you read Bhagavad Gita Chapter2"?' 'He particularly mentioned verse 47, where Sri Krishna tells Arjuna, "Your duty is to work without thinking of the fruits you get".' "He said, "similarly, my duty was to do what best I could do without hoping for any rewards".'

The Woman Behind The Fiery Theyyam Picture

The Woman Behind The Fiery Theyyam Picture

Rediff.com20 Feb 2026

Chennai-based photographer Ramya Sriram explains how she captured the fiery and hypnotic Theyyam image that won her the National Geographic India Contest

Kerala's maneater tiger dead, remains of woman found in its stomach

Kerala's maneater tiger dead, remains of woman found in its stomach

Rediff.com28 Jan 2025

A 'man-eater' tiger that killed a woman two days ago was found dead in Kerala's high-range district of Wayanad on Monday and an autopsy on the dead cat revealed the presence of the victim's hair, dress, and a pair of earrings in its stomach, forest officials said.

1 arrested in killing of pregnant elephant case

1 arrested in killing of pregnant elephant case

Rediff.com5 Jun 2020

The 15-year-old elephant is suspected to have consumed a pineapple filled with powerful fire crackers, which exploded in its mouth in the Silent Valley forest.

Heavy rains lash Kerala, 1 killed in tree fall incident

Heavy rains lash Kerala, 1 killed in tree fall incident

Rediff.com25 May 2025

Intense rains lashed Kerala on Sunday, uprooting trees across the state, including one that fell on a moving train in Thrissur and another that caused a fatality in Kozhikode. Houses were damaged, rivers were in spate, and shutters of some dams were raised as the southwest monsoon gained strength. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) placed five northern districts - Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod - under a 'red alert' for the day, predicting extremely heavy rainfall there.

Sabarimala stampede: 'Tourist vehicles a reason'

Sabarimala stampede: 'Tourist vehicles a reason'

Rediff.com18 Jan 2011

The Kerala forest department is of the view that unrestricted entry of vehicles for ferrying pilgrims into the Pullumedu trekking path was one of the factors that paved the way for the January 14 stampede that claimed the lives of 102 Sabarimala pilgrims.

Not Indian culture: Govt on elephant's killing in Kerala

Not Indian culture: Govt on elephant's killing in Kerala

Rediff.com4 Jun 2020

The elephant had died on May 27 after she ate the pineapple stuffed with crackers and forest officials said that it died standing in river Velliyar after it suffered an injury in its lower jaw.

Row after ex-priest trespasses into Ponnambalamedu near Sabarimala for rituals

Row after ex-priest trespasses into Ponnambalamedu near Sabarimala for rituals

Rediff.com16 May 2023

In a purported video which surfaced on social media, the accused man, reportedly a Tamil Nadu native, could be seen sitting on a platform atop the Ponnambalamedu Hills, located about four km from the Sabarimala temple, and chanting mantras and doing some rituals.

Wayanad landslide-hit start getting official documents

Wayanad landslide-hit start getting official documents

Rediff.com12 Aug 2024

A total of 1,162 essential documents have been distributed among 872 persons at the camp, the district administration in Wayanad said.

'Climate Change Is The Main Villain'

'Climate Change Is The Main Villain'

Rediff.com2 Aug 2024

'Since there is no photo-op, or quick fix solutions, politicians do not want to address climate change. It is very unfashionable.'

Why are tigers in Maharashtra dying?

Why are tigers in Maharashtra dying?

Rediff.com18 Mar 2025

'The true measure of Project Tiger's success is not just rising tiger numbers, but our ability to ensure harmonious human-wildlife coexistence'

Will Pinarayi Vijayan Survive Ally Anvar's Attack?

Will Pinarayi Vijayan Survive Ally Anvar's Attack?

Rediff.com5 Oct 2024

At a time when none in Kerala's Left politics questioned the chief minister's authority, MLA P V Anvar hurled a series of accusations against Pinarayi Vijayan's government, notes Shyam G Menon.

Forest offices, KFC outlet attacked by Maoists in Kerala

Forest offices, KFC outlet attacked by Maoists in Kerala

Rediff.com22 Dec 2014

Two weeks after Maoists and police exchanged fire in Wayanad, a Kentucky Fried Chicken outlet and two offices of the Forest department were on Monday attacked by suspected Maoists in Palakkad and Wayanad districts.

Flash floods claim 5 lives in Himachal, 3 in Jammu; red alert in Kerala

Flash floods claim 5 lives in Himachal, 3 in Jammu; red alert in Kerala

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

While two bodies were recovered on Wednesday, the death toll climbed to four on Thursday after the recovery of two more bodies from the Indira Priyadarshini Hydroelectric project site in Kangra district.

Nipah Death Puts Kerala On Alert

Nipah Death Puts Kerala On Alert

Rediff.com22 Jul 2024

The scare of communicable diseases seems to be gripping the country with Maharashtra reporting 28 Zika cases this year, the highest since 2021.

Polling officials trek 18 km through dense forest for elderly tribal's vote

Polling officials trek 18 km through dense forest for elderly tribal's vote

Rediff.com19 Apr 2024

In the tribal village of Edamalakkudy, nestled deep within this hill district's lush forests, lives 92-year-old Sivalingam. Despite his age and being bedridden, Sivalingam's determination to vote remains strong.

This is how Kerala brought Nipah under control in no time

This is how Kerala brought Nipah under control in no time

Rediff.com20 Sep 2023

Kerala is the only state, other than West Bengal (2001 and 2007), in India to have reported Nipah virus cases. Kerala is the only state, other than West Bengal (2001 and 2007), in India to have reported Nipah virus cases. The previous outbreaks in the state were in May 2018, June 2019 and September 2021. This explains the anticipation and readiness this year, reports Shine Jacob.

The Elephant Who's A TV & SM Star

The Elephant Who's A TV & SM Star

Rediff.com8 Jun 2023

As media phenomenon, Arikomban is in a different league. Efforts to capture the elephant were telecast live. Local three-wheeler drivers started a fans association for the pachyderm. A film has now been announced based on Arikomban's life.

Death of Kerala elephant: CM says 3 suspects under scanner

Death of Kerala elephant: CM says 3 suspects under scanner

Rediff.com4 Jun 2020

Personnel of Kerala police and the forest department's Crime Investigation Team, probing the incident which triggered widespread outrage especially on social media, visited the spot and collected evidence, he said, assuring that all concerns raised will not go in vain and justice will prevail and the culprits brought to book.

Irwin's widow sends notice to Kerala govt

Irwin's widow sends notice to Kerala govt

Rediff.com27 Feb 2009

In an major embarrassment to the Kerala government, the widow of famous conservationist 'crocodile hunter' Steve Irwin has sent a legal notice to the state Wildlife Department, for naming a crocodile park near Thiruvananthapuram after him without her permission. Kerala Forest Minister Binoy Viswam had announced naming the crocodile park at Neyyar in Steve's 'honour', shortly after his death in 2006 in a stingray attack, while shooting a film off the Australian coast.

British scouring Kerala for teakwood

British scouring Kerala for teakwood

Rediff.com21 Nov 2003

Priyanka Gandhi has assets worth Rs 12 cr; faces cheating case in MP

Priyanka Gandhi has assets worth Rs 12 cr; faces cheating case in MP

Rediff.com23 Oct 2024

Her immovable assets are worth over Rs 7.74 crore, which includes two inherited half shares of agricultural land in Mehrauli area of New Delhi and a half share in a farmhouse building located therein, all of which together are now worth over Rs 2.10 crore.

Wayanad rescue will take a few more days: Kerala CM

Wayanad rescue will take a few more days: Kerala CM

Rediff.com1 Aug 2024

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday said the rescue mission in the landslide-hit Mundakkai region of Wayanad could take a few more days, and appointed a cabinet sub-committee of four ministers to coordinate the rescue efforts.

Is Makara Jyoti man-made? Kerala HC wants to know

Is Makara Jyoti man-made? Kerala HC wants to know

Rediff.com20 Jan 2011

In the backdrop of the Pulmedu tragedy, which claimed lives of 102 Sabarimala pilgrims, the Kerala high court on Thursday asked the Tranvacore Devaswom Board that manages the hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa, if 'Makara Jyoti' (celestial light) was man-made.

'Declare Vizhinjam Shipwreck A National Disaster'

'Declare Vizhinjam Shipwreck A National Disaster'

Rediff.com6 Jun 2025

'It concerns the sea and the security of the nation. What has happened is a big tragedy.'

Kerala looks at early rehabilitation of Wayanad's disaster-hit

Kerala looks at early rehabilitation of Wayanad's disaster-hit

Rediff.com5 Aug 2024

Land, houses and other infrastructure facilities required for the rehabilitation procedure would be constructed at the earliest, the authorities said.