Kochi - India:  July 05, 2007 (Thursday) – As per the Land Board Award of 29 March, 1974, about 57,359.14 acres of land was given to Tata Tea on lease. But the Kerala government has taken a different stand.

The Govt. has filed a counter affidavit in the high court saying that Tata Tea had 'grabbed' forest land at Munnar. Howere, on the previous day the state government launched eviction proceedings against Tata Tea.

The Govt. had early taken the stand that Tata Tea had converted 3,000 acres of land, and that the department wanted to prevent the 'grabbing' of forestland.

The department also claimed that five forest offences were registered against the company for destruction of trees from the 'shola forest area.' It was also pointed out that the company held an excess of 2,573.32 acre of fuel plantation at Munnar.

The department claimed that its action was well within the act and rules for conservation of nature and its resources.

Tata Tea has been asked to submit their reply by 12 July, 2007.