The area is being cleared using backhoes for a farm, the ECT says.

Although one person engaged in clearing the forest area was arrested with a backhoe, he was released without being produced before courts on the intervention of the minister's son and after a phone call by the minister, who was said to be abroad during that time.

Illegally entering, remaining in a forest reserve, causing destruction to it or establishing a farm in reserve areas are punishable under the Forest (Amendment) Act, No. 65 of 2009.

Those who are engaged in such acts as well those aiding and abetting them can be punished.

Any individual found guilty of this would face a maximum sentence of 5 years and/or a fine between 100,000 - 01 million rupees. In addition, the judiciary can impose a fine with regard to the damage inflicted on the forest area.