2019

RANGE JOURNAL
OTTAPALAM RANGE

EASTERN CIRCLE

PALAKKAD FOREST
DIVISION
 1. Discription of the area and Extent-

Ottapalam is the core area of Valluvanad with glorified cultural back

ground. The jurisdiction of his range extends all over the Ottapalam and Pattambi
Taluks. Ottapalam Forest Range is having a territorial jurisdiction over the
erstwhile Ottapalam Talk. After the formation of the Pattambi Taluk, two Taluks
of Palakkad Districts, viz. Ottapalam Taluk and Pattambi Taluk are covered under
this Range.
The Range is having only vested forest distributed over 41 fragmented bits
from Pombramala sharing boundary with Mannarkkad Range and
Kotharamanakkad sharing the boundary with Wadakkanchery range. The total
notified extent of forest area under this Range is 3386.68 Ha.
 2. Administrative units
For protection and management of the forest area under the Range , the total
area is divided into three sections. 1. Thiruvazhiyode, 2. Kulappully, 3. Pattambi
sections. There are three Section Forest Officer posts and seven Beat Forest
Officers posts under this Range.

3. Distribution of Area in ottapalam Range

Forest Area Geographical

Head
Range Section Beat (Sq. km) Area
quarters
RF VF (Sq. km)

Thiruvazhiyode Thiruvazhiyode 4.89 181.12

Kulappully
Ottappalam

Kulappully Kulappully Nil 4.70 361.16

Pattambi Pattambi 24.01 296.67

Total - 33.60 838.95

4. Staff strength

Sl Section Forest
Section Beat Forest Officers
No Officers
1. Santhosh kumar
1 Thiruvazhiyode Purushothaman.N 2. Sudeep (OA court duty)
3. Sameer
1. Subramanian. N (OR court duty at
2 Kulappully Dileepkumar .P Ottapalam JFMC)
2. Krishnankutty.P.
1. KP Noushad (court duty at Pattambi
3 Pattambi Shaji T.S JFMC)
2. Sachidanandan
 5. Administrative Staff

Clerk – 2 posts, filled

Office Attendant – 1 Post, filled
Part time sweeper – 1 post, filled
1. Senior clerk – Sreeraman
2. Clerk - Sunilkumar. E
3. Office Attendent - Sureshkumar
4. Part time sweeper - Alphonsa leena

5. General description of the Forest Types

1. South Indian Moist Deciduous Forests

General description: This is the common type of forests met within the
tract. It consists of dominant trees, mostly deciduous in nature. Intimate
mixtures of species are seen. Epiphytes are rare but climbers are abundant.
Bamboos are common but canes are confined only to wet areas. The major
species becomes leafless during March-April. Depending on presence of
natural teak the forests can be classified as moist teak bearing forests and
when teak is absent as moist mixed deciduous forests. In many places the
forests have been cleared and in due course secondary vegetation has come
up such as in various malavaram.
Top canopy: Terminalia paniculata, Terminalia tomentosa, Bombax ceiba,
Largestroemia lanceolata, Vitex altissima, Terminalia bellerica, Dalbergia
latifolia, Xylia xylocarpa, Grewia tilaefolia, Albizia odoratissima, Adina
cordifolia, Peterocarpus marsupium, etc.
 Middle canopy: Schleichera oleosa, Mallotus phillippensis, Cinnamomum
zeylanicum, etc.
Climbers: Entada phaseoloides, Butea parviflora, Strychnos colubrina,
Dioscorea species, etc.
2. Grass lands: it includes areas are of rocky land, grass land and scrub of
savannah type forest.

6. Protection problems

i. Boundary disputes
There are many civil cases and disputes in various Courts about the
Vested Forest and EFL. All this make boundary consolidation incomplete.
ii. Sandal Smuggling
The sandal is common in most of the hills in Ottapalam region distributed
in private lands as well as forest lands. The sandal is locally called as Akil in
these regions. Even a sandal smuggling team is present in vallapuzha area.
iii. Poaching
Some cases of wild Boar poaching in some vested Forest bits
iv. Man animal Conflict
The increasing incident of man animal conflict is an outcome of
shrinkage, fragmentation and deterioration of habitats. One of the major
concerns is the rapid multiplication of wild pig, monkeys and pythons in
these areas. Their number has increased manifold and crop raiding of Wild
Boar and entry of Python and Monkeys into house and crop premises has
become a daily issue in all sections of the Range. This is a crucial
management issue, which needs to be addressed through innovative
approaches.
v. Forest Fire- Some extent of Forest fire occurs in some Forest bits in dry
season.
vi. Illicit Brewing.

8. Existing protection strategy.

i. Boundary consolidation – Jundas are constructed along the boundaries

wherever possible.
ii. Perambulation of the entire areas once in a month, in addition to th frequent
patrolling of the vulnerable areas.
iii. Night patrolling – Frequent night patrolling are conducted to sandal problem
areas and poaching detected vested Forest bits.
iv. Raids – Monthly raids are conducted to the vulnerable illicit brewing areas
v. Wide publicity and awareness is given to the public to reduce the man animal
conflict problems in addition to the timely rescue and release of conflict
animals.

9. Joint Forest Management

Association of people in the management of forests can play an important

role in the regeneration and protection of degraded forests. Govt. of India adopted
the strategy of Joint Forest Management to solve many of its problem related to
deforestation, environmental degradation, and rural poverty. The programmes are
implemented by Vana Samrakshana Samithy, (VSS) which is the user group. The
forest department will act as a facilitator.
10.VSS under the Range

1. Kotheramanakkad VSS: Pattambi Section

2. Ananganmala VSS: Thiruvazhiyode section
3. Kulakkadanmala VSS: Thiruvazhiyode section
4. Keezhur VSS: Thiruvazhiyode section
5. Palamala VSS: Thiruvazhiyode section

11. Eco-Tourism

“Ecotourism is a purposeful travel to natural areas to understand the cultural

and natural history of environment, taking care not to alter the integrity of the
ecosystem, while producing economic opportunities that make conservation of
natural resources beneficial to local people”. It is a nature based tourism that
involves education and interpretation of natural environment and is managed to be
ecologically sustainable.

OBJECTIVES OF MANAGEMENT
1. To promote and propagate awareness about forests and wildlife among the
public.
2. To improve the income of the local community by exploiting tourism
potential of the area
3. To protect the forests from fire and other illegal activities.
 ANANGANMALA
Ananganmala is one of the Vested Forests Malavaram of Ottappalam Forest
Range of Palakkad Division. The total area of this Malavaram comes to about 2500
Acres of land. The boundary of Ananganmala malavaram comes under the
jurisdiction of Ananganadi, Ambalappara, Thrikkateri, Pookkottukavu, Vellinezhi,
Sreekrishnapuram Grama Panchayats and Ottappalam Municipality and the entire
malavaram is under the possession of the Forest department. This Malavaram
consists of several species of fauna and flora especially medicinal plants. Rare and
endangered species of flora are available in this area. The Ananganmala
malavaram forms part of Western Ghats. The presence of Nila River is a unique
attraction. It is believed that in the days of Samoodhiri regime, the rice obtained
from the paddy fields of Ananganmala Plateau was used as his favourite food.
Ananganmala is threatened by fire, hunting, illicit brewing etc. Fire is a
serious problem during summer months between January to May. Anangamala will
be a heaven for tourists considering its uneven hills, unique landscape, fascinating
rock formation and steep cliffs.

ANANGANMALA ECOTOURISM PROJECT

An ecotourism project will be a permanent and viable solution for protecting
the Anangamala forests and will cater to the expectations of nature lovers and
tourists. Anangamala will be a haven for tourists considering its uneven hills,
unique landscape, fascinating rock formation and steep cliffs. The scenic beauty of
Ananganmala is evident from the facts that several Malayalam films like
‘Karunyam’, ‘Rappakal’, ‘Veendum Chila Veettukaryangal’, ‘Akashaganga’,
‘Aramthampuran’, etc. and Tamil hit films like ‘Muthu’ were shot in this locality.
At present several tourists visit this place. By improving the infrastructure of the
area, Anangamala can be a major tourist attraction of Palakkad district. For
ecotourism purpose the following sites are identified in Ananganmala as detailed
below:

A. Panickarkunnu
Located about 1 Km from Kizhur road lying between Ambalappara- Kizhoor
routes.
Extent: 100 Ha

Special features
 Waterfalls near to the road
 Rocky hills with clusters vegetation.
 Deciduous type of vegetation with grassy growth.
 Easy Accessibility
 Exciting Trekking opportunities
 Mixed plantation raised by the Vana Samrakshana Samithies at the top
with good scenic view.
B. Kizhoor area
Located about 2 Km from Kizhoor road along the route to Panickarkunnu
Extent: 75 Ha
Special features
 Excellent landscapes with green vegetation.
 Beautiful view spots.

Management issues
i. Trained Man power : One of the main thrust areas of ecotourism is
benefit to local people. In order to gain benefits from the emerging
economic opportunities, local people have to be empowered.
 Continuous training programmes on various aspects of guiding,
souvenir development & selling, providing local accommodation,
development of community-based ecotourism enterprises etc. is to be
undertaken.
ii. Infrastucture Development: All visitor managements and trekking
programmes are to be conducted through the VSS. Basic infrastructure
for the security and comfort of visitors need to be provided.
iii. Keep the ecotourism area plastic free an important challenge face in
Ecotourism sites. Plastics cause irreparable damage to the nature. It
remains in the soil without degradation for hundreds of years. It is
injurious to animals. Tourists should not be allowed to carry plastic
materials in the forest areas.

12. Buildings under Ottapalam Range

1. Range Office Building at Kulappully- located in vested forest
Anthimalankad bit II-Bldg No. 20/80 A, S G Press (P O), Kulappully,
Shoranur
2. Range Officer’s Quarters at Kulappully(Type II building)- located in vested
forest Anthimalankad bit II- Bldg No. 21/114 A, S G Press (P O),
Kulappully, Shoranur
3. Kulappully section Head quarters-located in Anthimalankad bit I- S G Press
(P O), Kulappully, Shoranur . Two other section head quarters are working
in rented buildings.
4. Type II quarters at Kulappully, S G Press (P O), Kulappully, Shoranur,
(completed during 2013-14) Located in vested forest Anthimalankad
bit II
 5. Type I quarters at Kulappully,S G Press (P O), Kulappully, Shoranur
(Completed during 2014-15), Located in vested forest Anthimalankad
bit II
6. Pattambi section Head quarters-located in Poilur
7. Thiruvazhoyode section Head quarters-
8. VSS building at Ananganmala
9. Ticket counter and amenity centre Buildings of Ananganmala Eco Tourism
10.Building cum meeting hall at Kotharamanakkad VSS
11.VSS building at Kulakkadanmala

13.List of Vehicles

1. Department Jeep (Thar) KL_01-BK-7789

2. Department Motor cycle (Hero Honda) KL-09 G 5672(With Kulappully
section )
3. Department Motor cycle ( Honda) KL-9 AQ- 4072 (With Thiruvazhiyode
section )

14. Communication facilities

Communication is mainly through mobile phone and no wireless

facilities available. Out of 11 staff including Range officer, 8 Forest
Department CUG SIM cards available and three more is necessary for
effective communication.

15. Arms and ammunition

No arms and ammunition is available in this Range
16.List of Plantations
1. 1992 Misc Plantation Ananganamala 12.34 Ha
2. 1993 Misc Palntation Ananganamal 40.00Ha
3. 1994Teak and Misc Palntation Ananganamal 40.00 Ha
4. 1994 Misc Palntation Ananganamal 10.00 Ha
5. 1994Teak and Misc Palntation Koonanmala 25.00 Ha
6. 1992 Misc Palntation Malachikkad 17.08 Ha
7. 1993 Nandavanam Palntation Kulappully 04.00 Ha
8. 1994Teak and Misc Palntation Randumalakkad 12.00 Ha
9. 1994Teak and Misc Palntation Karkkidachal Kulappully 14.00 Ha
10.1994Teak Palntation Kotharmanakkad 23.50 Ha
11.1994, 1995 Teak Palntation Anthimalankad
12.1995 Cashew Palntation Anthimalankad Bit 1 10.00 Ha
13.1995 Cashew Palntation Anthimalankad Bit 2 10.00 Ha
14.1995 Sandal aguamentation area Anthimalankad 05.00 Ha
15.1992 Acacia Palntation Ramagirikkotta 05.70 Ha
16.1999 Cashew Palntation Karivannurmanakkad 04.00 Ha
17.2004 Accacia Palntation Kulakkattukulam(Chirakkaliparambu) 10.00 Ha
18.2004 hardwood Palntation Kavungalmala 03.28 Ha
19.2004 hardwood Palntation Malabar-0.9 Ha 00.91 Ha

PALANTATION ACTIVITIES BY THE SOCIAL FORESTRY WING

As part of compensatory Afforestation, the Social Forestry Wing of the
Department carried out enrichment activities in the Vested Forests of
Koonanmala Malavaram of Ottappalam Range. The works carried out include
gap planting, weeding, soil working and fire protection works. The details of
area tackled are listed below. The areas were handed over back to the territorial
wing after the augmentation activities.

1. 1991 Misc. Plantation panamanna 34.40 Ha

2. 1991 Misc. Plantation Kulakkattukurussi 11.50 Ha
3. 1991 Chemparathimala Accacia Plantation 23.50 Ha
4. 1992 Melur Plantation Ananganmala 17.00 Ha
5. 1992 Chemparathimedu 16.00 Ha
6. 1992 Ottuparakkunnu Ananganmala 31.40 Ha
7. 1995 Malachipara Ananganmala 18.12 Ha
8. 1995 Munnurkode Plantation 29.02 Ha
9. 1995 Pombra Plantation 31.50 Ha
10.1995 Misc. Plantation Paruthipara 12.480 Ha
11.1995 Kizhu-Kalikave Plantation 24.50 Ha
12.1995 Plantation Kariyode 11.08 Ha
13.1996 Vazhurmala 12.56 Ha
14.1996 Kulakkad 10.20 Ha
15.1996 Karimpinthadam 11.24 Ha
16.1998 Marayamangalam Misc.Plantation 18.60 Ha
17.1998 Misc. Plantation Pombra bit-2 09.66 Ha

Palntations of 2005-06
1. Anthimalankad SN Trust Misc. Plantation 10.12 Ha
2. Cholakula Misc. Plantation 05.27 Ha
3. Kuttikkode Misc Plantation 07.15 Ha
4. Kattilepadam Plantation 05.00 Ha
5. Parakkulam Plantation
 6. Chovallurmanakkad 07.32 Ha
7. Ramagirikkotta 12.32 Ha
8. Thiruvazhiyode Pattimala 13.76 Ha

Plantation area under TRF

1. Randumalakkad Teak Plantation 17.73 Ha
2. Koonanmala bit I 17.44 Ha
3. Koonanmala bit 2 04.12 Ha

Plantations during 2006-07

1. RDF Porothrakkad 12.40 Ha
2. RDF Veetikkad 10.20 Ha
3. RDF Randumalakkad 10.00 Ha

Plantation during 2007-08

1. 1.Bamboo Plantation at Pattimala 07.50 Ha

17.Stores and Tools

Camping equipments
1. Sleeping bags 4 Nos (Old damaged)
2. Ruck sack 10 Nos (distributed as per the STP register)
3. Tent 01 Nos
4. Sony Digital camera 01 Nos

Computer accessories
1. All in one PC 1 Nos
2. Inverter 2 KV 1 Nos
 3. Ink tank printer 1 Nos
4. Laser printer 3 Nos (One No. Damaged)
5. CPU 3 Nos
6. Moniter 3 Nos
7. UPS 4 Nos (One No. Damaged)
8. Speaker 2 Nos
9. CD Drive 1 Nos
10.Pen drive 1 Nos

Furniture items

1. Computer table 6 Nos

2. Revolving chair 2 Nos (One with SFO Kulappully)
3. Steel rack set 6 Nos
4. Steel cabinet with locker 7 Nos(3 Nos issued to sections as per STP)
5. Steel table with frame 4Nos(3 Nos issued to sections as per STP)
6. Wooden cot 5 Nos(3 Nos issued to sections as per STP)
7. Mattress 4Nos(3 Nos issued to sections as per STP)

Survey equipments
1. GPS Garmin e-trex 2 Nos(distributed as per STP register)
2. Garmin ordinary 2 Nos(distributed as per STP register)

Miscellaneous Items
1. Fire blower
2. Platform balance with weight
3. Wireless antenna
4. Water dispenser 1 Nos at Ananganmala Ecotourism centre
5. Water purifier 2 Nos(distributed as per STP register)
18.List of registers and other book
1. STP register and articles as per the STP register
2. Expendable articles stock register
3. Vested Forest register (OA Registers)
4. Vested forest committee report
5. Plantation journals
6. Revenue cash book
7. Imprest cash book (No Forest advance)
8. Thondy register
9. Offence register
10.Permit register
11.Permits
12.Form No.III
13.Stone register
14.Attendance Register
15.Pay bill register
16.Incumbent Register
17.Casual Leave Register
18. Pension Register
19. Register of Service books
20. Wildlife Compensation Register
21. Lease rent register
24. Auction Register