Was the Colonial Mentality of Forest Officials Responsible for the Loss of 23 Tourists’ Lives in the Kottagudi Forest Fire in Theni District? – An Analysis

TFPPS is a Tamil Nadu-level federation working with pastoral communities on issues concerning pastoral rights, grazing lands, commons, traditional livelihoods, mobility, and indigenous livestock breeds. We also document and share the traditional knowledge and practices of pastoral communities and their relationship with forests and common landscapes.

As part of this work and in connection with IYRP 2026, TFPPS has published a book in both Tamil and English titled: “Was the Colonial Mentality of Forest Officials Responsible for the Loss of 23 Tourists’ Lives in the Kottagudi Forest Fire in Theni District? – An Analysis”

The title itself is framed as an analytical question. The publication examines the historical relationship between local communities and forests, including traditional knowledge, customary forest use, and pastoral grazing practices, in the context of the Kottagudi forest fire.

The publication is not intended to make allegations against the Forest Department or any individual. Rather, it seeks to bring the perspectives and traditional knowledge of local communities into discussion and to encourage constructive dialogue on forest management, community knowledge, pastoral practices, and the relationship between people and forests.