SC moved for nod to fell sandalwood, khair trees

Tribune News Service

Shimla, September 10

The Himachal Government has moved Supreme Court, seeking permission for felling and sale of sandalwood and khair trees.

This was stated by Forest Minister Rakesh Pathania while replying to a private member resolution. “The Himachal Government has filed a petition in Supreme Court on September 7, seeking permission to allow felling of khair and sandalwood,” he said. He said the state would effectively plead its case. He also added that the state government is preparing a policy for commercial sale of sandalwood and 60,000 saplings had been raised in the Forest Department nurseries.

Pathania said the case pertaining to allowing felling of khair trees is also pending in the apex court. “Public sentiments are closely attached to the issue of allowing felling of khair trees in the state and we have requested the 15 Finance Commission to provide 15 per cent grant to Himachal for the complete moratorium of green felling,” he remarked.

He added that 62 check posts had been set in 226 beats to check wood smuggling.

Moving the resolution, Ramesh Dhawala said there was complete moratorium on felling of green trees and it was only on experimental basis that it had been allowed in three blocks of Nurpur, Paonta Sahib and Khair sub-divisions for a period of two years.

“The Himachal Government has moved court and in case permission is granted to fell khair trees, the state stands to earn Rs 6.22 crore annually. This will also prevent theft and help in natural regeneration,” said Dhawala.

Satisfied with the reply of the minister, Dhawla withdrew his resolution.