Pulppalli: The indigenous communities of Chekadi, an agrarian hamlet on the banks of the Kabani River, have intensified their agitation against the construction of a stud farm on 20 acres of paddy land.

In what is being viewed as an attempt to suppress dissent and discourage officials opposing the destruction of paddy fields, the state government has transferred Anu George, the agriculture officer of Pulppalli, who first reported the illegal paddy land reclamation to the district administration.

Anu George’s report detailed the irregularities committed by the stud farm's proponents, which led to the revenue department issuing a stop memo to halt the project. The controversial transfer has added to the outrage among local farmers and tribal communities.

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Sulthan Bathery MLA IC Balakrishnan told Onmanorama that the stud farm poses a serious threat to the environment and the livelihood of tribal farmers. “Without the support of the revenue department, such violations could not have been executed, especially in the face of opposition from local residents and reports from various officials,” he said.

The stud farm project, which claims to promote horse training and rearing, has caused irreparable damage to surrounding paddy fields. Despite widespread protests, the business group behind the project—allegedly backed by the ruling regime—has continued its activities, flouting regulations.

On September 25, the Pulppalli village officer issued a stop memo for the project following public outcry from paddy farmers and members of the tribal community. However, subsequent inaction has fuelled suspicions of political interference.

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Though the Kerala State Karshaka Thozhilali Union, the CPM’s farm workers’ wing, initially launched a protest march against the project, they later withdrew their support under unclear circumstances.

Acting on media reports, the district administration and Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) sought a detailed report on the violations. Anu George’s investigation revealed massive breaches in land conversion and construction practices. Yet, the revenue department’s lack of enforcement has left local farmers deeply frustrated.

“Our livelihoods are under threat as large tracts of paddy land have been converted,” said Chandran Chekadi, a tribal farmer. “It’s clear now that those behind this project have the blessings of those in power.” He added that pollution of water sources has become another pressing issue since the stud farm’s induction.

Surrounded by forests on three sides and the Kabani River on the fourth, Chekadi is home to 165 acres of unique agrarian land, including 30 acres dedicated to the aromatic rice variety Gandhakasala.

The village boasts the largest production of Gandhakasala rice in the state, with 215 traditional farmers, including 55 tribal families, actively engaged in farming. The village has more than 90 per cent tribal population.

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