Encroachment of tropical rain forests in Kerala State had become rampant, allegedly with the backing of those wielding power, with complete disregard for the environmental importance of these forests. Large-scale felling of old and high value trees has been going on in the renowned 'shola' forest. Deforestation and forcible occupation of forest land has been a long-time phenomenon in the State's other forest districts such as Wayanad and Palakkad.