8-member committee to probe ‘illegal felling’ in Chamba forest

The Himachal Pradesh Forest Department has constituted a committee to investigate the alleged illegal tree felling in Mani beat of Masroond Forest Range in Chamba district. Order to form a committee was issued by DR Kaushal, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Monitoring and Evaluation).

The eight-member team would be led by Himachal Pradesh Forest Service (HPFS) Rahul Sharma, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Flying Squad, Dharamsala. The team also has seven other officers, including the Range Officer (RO), Deputy RO and Forest Guards from the Flying Squad.

Investigating committee will thoroughly inspect the Mani Beat area, examining the site for evidence and irregularities. The committee is tasked with submitting a detailed report to the government within 20 days. Meanwhile, the Chief Conservator of Forests, Chamba, has been instructed to assist the committee by providing any necessary information during the investigation.

The development came after Bhuvneshwar Sharma, a social activist, alleged large-scale illegal logging in the Mani Beat, claiming that green trees were felled and the stumps were subsequently burnt to eliminate evidence. Sharma also accused the department of failing to take appropriate action despite being informed about the issue.

He had also raised concerns about the functioning of the Forest Department alleging that only a few individuals have been penalised while suggesting possible collusion between some officials and the timber mafia. Though, the forest department had denied any illegal felling. Chamba Conservator of Forests Abhilash Damodaran said the photos and videos circulated in the media appear to be that of old incident in which action had already been taken.

The department is seriously investigating this case and if negligence or complicity at the departmental level is found, strict action could be taken against the responsible officials, he had said. Damodaran had also warned of a legal action if the allegations were found to be false.

It is noteworthy that apart from the issue of illegal felling, a complaint was filed with State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau against alleging large scale extraction of Kashmal (Berberis aristate).

A vigilance team is currently holding inquiries in Himgiri area of Churah subdivision to ascertain the facts while the forest department had temporarily put extraction of Kashmal roots on hold pending probe.

Meanwhile, the Conservator of Forest has now written to all the Divisional Forest Officers and other concerned officials making that the extraction of Kashmal roots is banned as per the government notification issue on January 4.

The government, through notification no. FFE-B-A(3)-5/2020 dated January 4 has strictly prohibited the cutting and removal of trees and timber, with exceptions only for three specified species, states the memo.

Clarifying doubts raised by Divisional Forest Officers (DFOs) regarding the applicability of this notification to the extraction of Berberis roots, the Forest Department has confirmed that the Genus Berberis, including species such as Berberis aristata, B. chitra, and B. lyceum, falls under the definition of “tree” as per Indian Forests Act.

This makes the extraction of Berberis roots from private lands or forest areas prohibited under the notification, it state adding that DFOs in the Chamba Forest Circle must ensure strict compliance of the notification, with increased patrolling and checks to prevent any violations.