KANNUR: The special branch has begun investigations into Karnataka’s action to include land in Kerala as part of buffer zone of its forest area. Kannur district Collector had ordered Rural Police Chief to investigate the matter.

Last day, it seems officials from Karnataka entered Ayankunnu panchayat in Kannur and began marking environmental sensitive areas. Two wards in Ayankunnu panchayat were marked as belonging in the buffer zone.

The buffer zone of Karnataka’s Brahmagiri wildlife sanctuary includes two kilometers of populated area in Kalithatumpara and one and a half kilometer past the forested area in Kerala. In the nine kilometer stretch of boundary with Karnataka from Palathinkadavu to Kalithatumpara, markings have been made at six places.

However, the Kodagu district Collector and Madikeri DFO made it clear that they do not have any knowledge of the markings in these areas. It was after this that an investigation was ordered.

Around three hundred families living in this area is under fear after they saw the markings. The locals are concerned that populated areas, panchayat roads, a hydro-electric project and powerhouse, KSTP road all will be included in the buffer zone.

For four days officials came and marked the areas without being noticed by the people living there. In 2017, Karnataka had marked some places in Kerala, including private property, as environmentally sensitive area.