History

Travancore’s forestry story unfolded in the early 19th century, when explorers like Mr. Edyve set foot in South India, their keen eyes searching for potential teak timber to bolster the British shipbuilding industry. Lieutenant Ward and Coner followed suit in 1816, surveying Travancore and Cochin, meticulously documenting the region’s diverse forest resources.

By 1820, timber extraction, primarily focused on the valuable teak, was underway. A dedicated timber depot was established in Alapuzha, expertly overseen by Captain Robert Gordon. Recognising the need for responsible management, Travancore appointed its first Forest Conservator, Mr. U.V. Munroe, in a crucial move towards safeguarding its precious forests. This progressive step also declared all forests government property, solidifying a sense of ownership and responsibility. Furthermore, 1844 saw the inclusion of rosewood and anjily (ironwood) as “royal trees,” further emphasising the growing awareness of their significance.

In the early 19th century, Mr. Edyve embarked on a journey to South India to explore the potential of exploiting teak timber for shipbuilding. Subsequently, in 1816, Lieutenants Ward and Coner conducted a survey of Travancore and Cochin, resulting in the creation of “The Memoir of Travancore Survey,” which provided valuable insights into the region’s forests during that period.

In 1820, the government commenced direct timber exploitation, establishing a timber depot at Alapuzha. Captain Robert Gordon, who also held the position of Forest Conservator, was tasked with the collection and provision of timber and cardamom from the forest areas for shipment to Great Britain.

The first Forest Conservator, Mr. U.V. Munroe, was appointed, marking a pivotal moment in forest management history. During this era, timber extraction was restricted to teak, with an annual rate of 1500 logs. In 1844, rosewood and anjily were designated as royal trees, and the collection of cardamom and wax was monopolized by the government.
Mr. Vest succeeded Mr. Munroe in 1844, and in 1864, Mr. Kunholf assumed the role of Conservator. Until 1853, teak had been supplied free of charge to temples, churches, illams, and palaces.

In 1864, Dr. Brandis was appointed as the Inspector General of Forests in India, leading to the inception of the first Forest Act in 1865. This act codified scientific forest management and forest protection across all provinces under British rule in India. To train foresters, a Forest School was established in Dehra Dun in 1878. The first National Forest Policy was implemented in 1894.

In 1865, Mr. J.S. Vemela was appointed as the Assistant Conservator of Malayatoor. During this period, Sir T. Madhava Rao, the Diwan of King ‘Ayilyam Thirunal,’ took the initiative to establish a teak plantation in Travancore. Vemburam Island near Malayattoor was chosen as the site for teak seed sowing, although this endeavor proved unsuccessful. Subsequently, Sir Thomas, who was overseeing the teak plantation in Nilambur, was appointed as the Assistant Conservator in Konni. From 1866 to 1867, teak planting was initiated on a small scale in Konni and Malayattoor, continuing as a common practice.

The Travancore Forest Act was enacted in 1887, leading to the declaration of Konni as the first Reserve Forest in 1888. More areas were designated as Reserve Forests in 1889.
In 1891, Mr. Bourdillon was appointed as the Conservator, and he is recognized as a pioneering figure in the field of forestry in Travancore. He prepared the ‘Report of the Forests of Travancore’ in 1892, marking the beginning of large-scale teak planting. Mr. Bourdillon developed a successful technique of stump planting for teak. His book, “Forest Trees of Travancore,” remains an authoritative work on the tree flora of the state, offering valuable insight into the history and conservation of these trees.
In 1893, a comprehensive Forest Act was passed, and rules based on the Act were framed in 1894. The Forest Department underwent a complete reorganization in 1896, aligning its structure with the British Forest Administration. This led to the division of the state into Divisions and Ranges, with further divisional expansions in 1913.
In 1906, Sri. V.K. Govinda Menon was tasked with preparing a report on the management of teak plantations, emphasizing the thinning regime for the initial 10 years. The system of sale coupe was introduced in 1907 to prepare more areas for teak planting, and the extent of teak plantation expanded. The taungya system was introduced in Konni in 1910, despite its later failure. Studies conducted at the Forest Research Institute revealed that this system was a significant contributor to soil erosion and forest land degradation.

Following Mr. Bourdillon, Mr. Rama Rao took over and published “Flowering Plants of Travancore” in 1911. However, only 1104 out of 3535 plants described in the book could be identified in the Travancore area.

In 1923, wastelands were divided and sold in portions of 200 hectares to individuals and companies for coffee and tea cultivation. Teak, rosewood, sandalwood, and ebony were considered government property and could only be cultivated by the government. The need for wildlife conservation was recognized in the 1930s. Mr. S.C.H. Robinson was appointed as the first Game Warden in 1933, responsible for wildlife protection. The Periyar Lake Reserve was declared as Nellikkampetty Game Sanctuary, later becoming the Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary.

As early as 1905, agroforestry practices combining agriculture with forestry were initiated. Forest areas were leased for cardamom cultivation, with modifications to the rules in 1935. Forest areas were also provided to tribals at no cost, offering 1.2 hectares per family.

In 1942, forest areas totalling 9,600 hectares were leased for paddy cultivation, which resulted in significant damage to forest land. Nevertheless, the leasing process continued, leading to growing pressure from lessees for permanent ownership (Patta) of the land.

In the 1940s, plantation forestry was systematically established based on carefully prepared working plans. The first Working Plan for Quilon, covering the period from 1944 to 1958, was formulated to plant teak, Thembavu, Venteak, Anjily, Elavu, Bamboo, Cinchona, and other economically valuable trees. Rubber plantation experiments were conducted in various locations.

The government also invested in forest-based industries, with the establishment of Punalur Paper Mill (formerly Meenakshy Paper Mill) in 1940, in which the government held one-third of the shares. The government ensured the supply of raw materials, primarily bamboo and reeds, to the mill at reduced rates.

As the practice of scientific forestry intensified, there was a growing need for trained personnel. To meet this demand, a Forest School was initiated in 1923 in Naduvathumoozhy, aimed at training forest guards. However, this school was later closed.

Forest administration underwent further streamlining with the creation of a forest manual. The first part of the Forest Manual was published by Sri. Narayana Iyengar in 1933, with the second part authored by Sri L.A. Krishna Iyer in 1947. Part I covered forest laws, while Part II focused on administration. The Forest Manual served as a guide for administrative procedures, the sale of forest products, tree auctions, and various other activities related to forest management.

While Travancore established a system for managing its forests, Cochin, its neighbour state, faced a different initial challenge. Its forest lands were initially leased to private individuals for timber collection, a system that unfortunately led to uncontrolled exploitation. Recognising the unsustainable practices, Cochin appointed its first conservator, Mr. J.A. Kolholf, in 1835. This marked a crucial step towards bringing order to the forestry sector, as Mr. Kolholf introduced much-needed regulations for the collection of forest produce.

However, the period from 1855 to 1875 saw a significant setback. Over-exploitation of trees continued, and large areas of forest land were converted for agricultural purposes. This period highlighted the need for more comprehensive and effective measures to protect the remaining forest resources.

Finally, in 1905, a turning point arrived with the introduction of the Cochin Forest Act. This act, modelled after the Madras Forest Act of 1882, aimed to strike a delicate balance between protecting and utilising the forest resources. With regulations in place, Cochin embarked on a new chapter in its forestry journey, one that emphasized both conservation and responsible use.

Forest lands were historically leased to private individuals for timber collection without limitations, leading to forest depletion. Colonel Munroe stopped this practice in 1812. In 1813, a Forest official named ‘MalamelVicharippu’ was appointed with supporting staff to collect timber, with a focus on teak. Other trees were available to private individuals for a fee.

In 1880, Lieutenant Leth Bridge took over the Forest Department, exploiting forests to improve the state’s finances. Efforts were made to grow more teak by sowing large quantities of teak seeds. In 1835, Mr. J.A. Kolholf became the first conservator of Cochin, introducing rules for the collection of forest products. Royal trees like rosewood and ebony were collected by the department, while miscellaneous trees were permitted and minor forest produce contracted.

This period witnessed the overexploitation of trees, leading to vast deforestation. Additionally, large forest areas were converted into agricultural land between 1855 and 1875. In 1873, teak plantation initiatives began along the ParakkadavuPuzha riverbanks in Cochin, continuing until 1891. Despite raising over 200 hectares of plantations, various factors led to their failure. An attempt was made to establish sandalwood plantations in 1893.

In 1897, Sri. Alvar Chetty from Madras became the advisor to the Maharaja and imposed restrictions on timber collection. The Cochin Forest Act, based on the Madras Forest Act of 1882, was enforced in 1905. Rules were established to protect and exploit forests, introducing the ‘Coppice with standards’ system for collecting firewood.

The construction of a Forest tramway commenced in 1901 and was completed in 1908, facilitating the transport of timber from Orukomban areas to Chalakudy. The tramway transported approximately 10,000 cubic meters of timber annually and allowed for the exploitation of around 32,000 hectares of forest areas. During this period, Cochin’s total forest area was approximately 50,000 hectares.

In 1908, the Forest Department adopted the range system, dividing forests into ranges and sub-ranges. The division system was established in 1944. Regular teak plantations began in 1915, with artificial regeneration of other species. The monopoly on royal trees ended in 1923. In 1944, the Machad Range and Trichur Range were converted into divisions. Sri. S. Venkiteswaran served as the Conservator during this period. A Forest Development Division under the supervision of an ACF was created to construct roads for the colonization of ex-servicemen. Extensive forest areas were leased for various crop cultivation.

Malabar, with the exception of Wayanad, transitioned to British rule in 1792. Unlike Travancore and Cochin, forests in this region were considered private property, presenting a unique challenge in managing the resource.

However, recognising the importance of sustainable forest management, Mr. Canolly, the Collector in 1880, envisioned the potential of teak plantations. His foresight led to the establishment of the first-ever teak plantation in the world, not only marking a significant historical milestone but also laying the groundwork for future generations.
These pioneering efforts in Nilambur, starting in 1844, employed innovative “artificial regeneration” techniques, further solidifying Malabar’s contributions to the broader field of forestry. The success of these plantations stands as a testament to the region’s commitment to sustainable forestry practices.
Finally, in 1882, the implementation of the Madras Forest Act extended its reach to Malabar. This legislative framework paved the way for declaring specific areas as “Reserved Forests,” signifying a shift towards more centralised control and protection of these valuable resources.

By exploring the distinct narratives of Travancore, Cochin, and Malabar, we gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted history of forestry in Kerala. Each region’s unique story, with its triumphs and challenges, contributes to the rich tapestry of Kerala’s forestry journey.

In 1792, the agreement brought the entire Malabar Area, including Wayanad, under British rule. In contrast to Travancore and Cochin, forests in Malabar were considered private property. Unclaimed areas remained under government control.

During this time, teakwood was collected for the Naval Dockyard in Bombay, leading to excessive tree felling, including immature trees. In 1880, under Collector Canolly, significant steps were taken to address the issue. Recognizing the potential for forest regeneration, Canolly proposed raising plantations to meet timber requirements for shipbuilding. He estimated a need for 2,230 cubic meters of timber annually for one ship’s construction and envisioned planting 1,20,000 teak trees in phases over 60 years. The government accepted his proposal, marking the beginning of the world’s first teak plantation.

Under Canolly’s initiative, forest land was leased from private owners, including ThrikalayurDevasom, Nilambur Thirumulpad, and the Zamorin of Kozhikode in 1841 and 1843. Forest leasing ceased in 1843 when extensive teak areas were discovered in Kanara.

To artificially regenerate teak, Mr. Smith began the work in 1841. After initial failures, Mr. Graham took over in 1842, with various seed germination trials. Sub-Conservator Sri. Chathu Menon succeeded in raising seedlings in the nursery using pre-treated seeds, introducing a silviculture technique involving seed pre-burning. In 1844, seedlings, 10-20 cm tall, were planted with a spacing of 1.8 m x 1.8 m quincunx in 30 cm cube pits. Chathu Menon diligently maintained the plantations, implementing thinning from 1854 onwards.

A sample plot of 100 teak trees from the 1844 plantation still stands, preserved as an experimental plot. To commemorate this historic achievement, the Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI), in collaboration with the Kerala Forest Department, established a teak museum in Nilambur.

The Madras Forest Act came into force in 1882. Reserved Forests like Karimpuzha New Amarambalam, Silent Valley, Valayar, and Chennath Nair Reserve were declared from 1883 to 1887, with further expansions. Major Campbell, the Conservator, recommended continuing teak planting in 1886, which had been halted from 1877 to 1885, although these plantations were largely unsuccessful due to poor site quality.

Mahogany and other exotic trees, such as Jack and Angily, were planted in Nilambur, while the first working plan for Nilambur division was prepared in 1894, signifying early forest management efforts in Malabar. In 1898, Mr. Ribbon Troup, the Inspector General of Forests, visited the teak plantations in Nilambur. Mr. Rodez Morgan conducted a study of the flora and fauna of Malabar, featured in Mr. William Logan’s book in 1887.

During the ‘Mappila Lahala’, forest officials were harassed, and many forest buildings were burned in 1921-22. Some of the oldest collections of books and authoritative forestry records were destroyed during this period. In 1924, many teak plantations were affected by floods. To facilitate timber transportation, the Nilambur–Shoranur railway line was laid in 1927.

In the early 1900s, private forests were overexploited and mismanaged. Many people from Central Travancore colonized Malabar, converting large forest areas into agricultural land. The Madras Preservation of Private Forest Act, 1949, came into force to bring all private forest holdings exceeding 40 hectares under government control. However, it could not fully prevent forest destruction.

Kerala, as we know it today, was formed on November 1, 1956, by merging Travancore, Cochin, and Malabar areas. Mr. E.A. Lazredo was the first Chief Conservator of Forests. The Kerala Forest Department was reorganized into three circles (Quilon, Chalakudy, and Kozhikode) and 14 divisions, with working plans prepared for each division. The extent of virgin forests at the time of reorganization was 8635.11 sq.km, excluding forest plantations. Administrative reforms were introduced, such as the Kerala Forest Act of 1961 and the Private Forest Vesting and Assignment Act. This act allowed the government to take over all private forests in the Malabar area exceeding 40 hectares.
Despite the department’s efforts to maintain forest cover, it has faced challenges, and the forested area has decreased for various reasons.