400 trees axed, officials’ role under scanner

Bhanu P Lohumi

Tribune News Service

Shimla, January 14

The illicit felling of 400 trees of different species like baan (quercus incana), deodar (cedar), chir (pine trees) in the Koti forest range adjoining Shimla has raised serious questions. The role of forest officials is under the scanner as reports suggest that the felling of trees and its conversion into coal had been done over a period of time.

The Forest Department woke up late in the day and a case was registered under Sections 32, 33, 41, 42 of the Indian Forest Act and 379 of the IPC at the Dhalli police station on the complaint of Range Forest Officer, Koti forest range, Anu Thakur.

The trees were axed on government and private land at Bhalwog Beat in Koti. As many as 400 trees of different species were seen on the spot. The FIR named Bhoop Ram as the prime accused.

The police recovered about 300 stems of the felled trees, timber and 33 bags of coal from the accused. Forest Minister Govind Singh Thakur inspected the forest, where trees had been felled. He said the state government was committed to eradicating forest, drug, liquor and mining mafias and strict action would be taken against the accused.

The minister, who interacted with locals, was told that the felling had been taking place for the past three years. He directed the forest officials to submit a report on the illegal felling of trees within a week and also appealed to the locals to cooperate with the officials.

He said officials doing good work and taking prompt action in such cases would be rewarded and also patted the forest guard and the range officer for filing the complaint.

“The government will encourage officials working in sensitive areas and taking action against offenders,” he said.

The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests has also ordered an inquiry into the matter, but no arrest has been made so far. The felling of trees without the permission of the competent authority and any violation attract action under various sections of the Indian Forest Act and the IPC.