Forest Dept starts removing apple trees from its land

The Forest Department today started a drive to cut down apple trees grown illegally on its land at Chaithla village in Kotkhai tehsil. A team of the department reached the village and started cutting down the trees under the police supervision. The department also initiated similar action in some other villages.

Earlier, the Shimla district administration issued an order prohibiting the possession and use of firearms at Chaithla village. This was done to ensure the safe and effective implementation of the Himachal Pradesh High Court orders regarding the removal of illegal apple orchards from forest land.

In the order issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap directed people to deposit their licenced firearms in the Kotkhai police station with an immediate effect. The firearms will remain deposited till July 18.

No person, organisation or NGO in the village will be allowed to carry firearms. However, the order will not be applicable to the police, paramilitary forces, security forces, government or semi-government or authorised security personnel on duty, including security persons of banks.

The DC stated that Kotkhai Subdivisional Magistrate (SDM) had informed that there was a potential presence of firearms among the residents of Chaithla village, particularly those affected by the court order. The administration fears that such individuals may attempt to obstruct government officials during the eviction operation, posing a serious threat to public safety and law enforcement personnel.

He mentioned that the Shimla Superintendent of Police has also reported past incidents during which the encroachers have obstructed government officials during similar eviction drives.

"Given the sensitive nature and history of obstruction, there is a strong apprehension of law and order situation arising," he added.