Kochi | The Kerala High Court has directed the Forest Department to prepare and submit a concrete proposal for the repair and maintenance of the 18 km forest road, the only accessible route to a tribal colony deep in the forests of Kuttampuzha panchayat of Ernakulam district, saying it should be treated as one of extreme urgency.

A bench of Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice Syam Kumar V M issued the direction on a PIL seeking a direction to the state government to convert the existing off-road from Pooyamkutty to Uriyempetty tribal colony, having a length of 18 kms to a concrete motorable road.

The bench said that the Forest Department appeared to be "insensitive to the problems faced by the tribal community residing inside the forest".

The court also noted that even the Forest Department requires a proper motorable road inside the forest for carrying out the duties under the Kerala Forest Act.

"It is the responsibility of the Forest Department to find a solution in consultation with the Tribal Development Department and all other stakeholders concerned for the aforesaid purpose.

"The Forest Department shall prepare and submit a concrete proposal for the repair and maintenance of the 18 km forest road on or before the adjourned date (August 5)," the bench said.

It further said that the matter should be treated as one of extreme urgency and that the court expects a concrete proposal to be placed before it by August 5.