Hundreds of pine trees ‘axed’ in Sirmaur's Shillai, political row erupts

Allegations of a large-scale felling of pine trees in Shillai town of Sirmaur district have triggered a political controversy, with leaders of the BJP and Congress trading charges even as the Forest Department has initiated a probe into the matter.

Addressing a press conference in Paonta Sahib, former Shillai MLA and state BJP spokesperson Baldev Singh Tomar alleged that hundreds of pine trees were cut in broad daylight in the area. He alleged that Congress functionaries had misused their political influence to bypass established rules and regulations.

Tomar said while governments spend crores of rupees on plantation drives to maintain ecological balance, the alleged large-scale green felling reflected a blatant misuse of power. He further alleged that certain local Congress leaders had themselves acknowledged the cutting of trees on social media, claiming they had the permission to cut some trees while an approval for others was awaited.

Calling the situation “absurd”, Tomar alleged that such claims exposed how forest wealth was being exploited under political patronage. He also accused Shillai MLA and Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan of shielding those involved in illegal activities. He said the issue would be raised during the Budget Session of the Assembly by the Leader of Opposition.

Meanwhile, Ranjit Singh Negi, on whose private land the pine trees were located, said he had obtained permission from the Forest Department to cut 25 trees on his land. He added that the work was assigned to local workers, but more trees than permitted were cut in his absence.

Negi acknowledged the excess green felling and stated that he was ready to face any action as per the law.

However, he accused the former MLA of politicising the matter, alleging that Tomar’s family had illegally occupied his land and even set up a petrol pump on it by misusing his political power.

Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan, when contacted, said strict action should be taken against anyone found involved in illegal activities, irrespective of their political affiliation or ideology.

He maintained that he had never supported any wrongdoing during his political career and would not do so in the future.

Chauhan also criticised Tomar for what he described as misleading statements and said the individual accused of cutting the trees belonged to the BJP and was a supporter of Baldev Singh Tomar.

Divisional Forest Officer of Renuka Ji, Baldev Raj Kandeta, confirmed that the department had taken cognisance of the matter. He said the Range Officer and field staff were immediately directed to seal the site after the information was received.

According to the DFO, permission had been granted to the applicant Ranjit Singh Negi to cut 25 trees on private land, but the field staff found around 307 trees already felled during inspection. A complaint has been lodged with the police and further probe is underway.