A Wildlife Wing, forest stations modelled on police stations and three special forest courts

Background

Kerala was formed on November 1, 1956 by merging Travancore, Cochin and Malabar areas, and Mr. E.A. Lazredo was the first Chief Conservator of Forests. The Kerala Forest Act was promulgated in 1961 and the State adopted the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 in 1973. The Social Forestry Wing was formed in 1982, backed by the World Bank, to supply seedlings to farmers and raise plantations in public areas. A dedicated Wildlife Wing was established in 1985, spearheaded by the Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden, and aligned with the national goal of maintaining at least 10% of the state's land area as protected areas. In 1986 the head of the Kerala Forest Department was designated as Principal Chief Conservator of Forests. The Forest Station System, modelled after police stations, was introduced in 1988 and 94 Forest Stations are operational. Special Forest Courts were established in 1994 at Manjeri, Punalur, and Thodupuzha to expedite the trial of forest-related offences. Mr. S.C.H. Robinson was appointed as the first Game Warden in 1933, responsible for wildlife protection.