Rejoinder by the Joint Committee to the objections filed by the applicant on the report of the Joint Committee in Original Application 29/2020 (SZ) in the matter of Sajimon Salim Vs Union of India & Others dated 21/01/2021. The matter related to the allegation of illegal construction of a football ground in Periyar Tiger Reserve.

The Joint Committee has thoroughly verified the maps, cross checked imageries over various years, examined files and documents and cross verified all these with the final GOs. It is established beyond any doubt that the said area falls in the Buffer Zone of Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Moreover, the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the Forest Rights Act, 2006, the Government Order delineating the Buffer Zone of Periyar Tiger Reserve and the Micro Plan of Vanchivayal Eco-Development Committee (EDC) have provided for the tribals to conduct cultural, customary and common gathering activities within the Buffer Zone, the report said. 

The Deputy Director, Periyar Tiger Reserve stated that the said ground is part and parcel of the Vanchivayal Tribal Settlement and it has been included in the Buffer Area of the Tiger Reserve in the notification of the Government of Kerala dated April 6, 2011.