V.S. Achuthanandan: The Unlikely Champion of Green Causes

Quick Summary

• In 2002, the Mathikettan Shola forest in Kerala, rich in biodiversity and part of the Western Ghats ecosystem, faced severe encroachment supported by political backing.
• V.S. Achuthanandan, then 78 and Leader of the Opposition in kerala, took a challenging trek into the area to highlight illegal activities like deforestation and farming.
• His visit inspired action that resulted in Mathikettan Shola being declared a national park by November 21, 2003.
• The intervention transformed Mr. Achuthanandan’s public image into an environmental advocate as he later fought other encroachments across Kerala (e.g., Pooyamkutty, Thattekkad).
• Environmentalists like Jomy Augustine credit him for bringing national attention to forest encroachment issues. His bold actions also led others to describe him as an “environmental crusader.”
• Today, Mathikettan Shola national Park spans 12.82 sq km and is vital for local water sources and tribal communities near Munnar.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The Mathikettan Shola intervention shows how individual leadership can drive policy change on pressing environmental issues.V.S. Achuthanandan’s symbolic yet decisive act underscores the significant impact political figures can have when they prioritize ecological welfare over convenience or vested interests.

The declaration of this region as a national park not only secured its biodiversity but also provided tangible benefits such as water security for nearby panchayats and tribal settlements-a model worth broader emulation across India’s ecologically sensitive zones. Still, it reflects ongoing struggles where political will is frequently enough required to confront entrenched networks enabling illegal land use practices.

Achuthanandan’s leadership trajectory from conventional politics to advocacy highlights growing public expectations for proactive governance against environmental exploitation-making this case both inspirational and instructive. Future challenges hinge on maintaining such protected areas while balancing growth needs responsibly.read more: Link