Assembly Panel Moves to Limit Forest Watchers’ Powers

Quick Summary

• The Kerala Forest (Amendment) Bill, 2025 was reviewed by the Assembly Subject Committee on Forest, Environment and Tourism.
• The Bill proposes to curtail powers vested in forest watchers as 1961 to arrest persons involved in forest-related crimes.
• The original provision empowering forest watchers had been enacted during the tenure of then chief Minister Pattom A. Thanu pillai.
• Forest Minister A.K. saseendran acknowledged opposition from Forest department officials who argue that the move could weaken frontline enforcement in protecting forests.
• Concerns were also raised by certain Opposition legislators regarding both potential misuse and effectiveness of the current powers held by forest watchers.
• Other provisions in the Bill aim to update designations of department officials to reflect structural changes made over time.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The kerala government’s decision to limit arrest powers of forest watchers reflects a balancing act between addressing allegations of power misuse and maintaining effective law enforcement against forest crimes. On one hand, curbing excessive authority can prevent potential abuse, acknowledging concerns from legislators about accountability; though, this may inadvertently weaken frontline efforts essential for protecting vulnerable ecosystems and wildlife habitats-an argument highlighted by dissenting voices within the Forest Department itself.The inclusion of updated designations within the Bill suggests that broader administrative restructuring might be at play alongside policy adjustments specific to enforcement roles. Moving forward,ensuring transparent mechanisms for resolving disputes concerning both authority misuse and operational efficiency would be key for aligning conservation goals with fair governance practices while avoiding bureaucratic bottlenecks.

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