SMC panel seeks govt approval to cut 181 trees

Tribune News Service

Shimla, November 20

The Tree Authority Committee (TAC) of the Shimla MC, headed by Mayor Kusum Sadret, has sought approval of the state government for lopping and removal of 181 trees that pose danger to residents. The TAC has sought action against the offenders who were found damaging the trees in 14 cases.

As there was no mention of the “approval for trees” in two official drafts released by the government after the Cabinet meeting today, the Mayor said she hoped the SMC would get permission.

According to the Mayor, the TAC found 181 cases, in which some trees were found to be risky, some were fallen while some were dried. These needed to be lopped or removed, she said.

The TAC found that local house owners had damaged 14 trees. It has recommended that the divisional forest officer (urban) will register the damage report against the offenders.

Sadret said the TAC carried out an inspection of the trees from October 23 to November 17 after the corporation received complaints from the residents. “We have submitted a report to the government for the Cabinet approval. These 181 trees need to removed,” she said.

Sadret said of these trees, not more than 10 per cent were found to be dangerous. “We are sorting out the details as to how many trees need to be cut or removed, but this number will be small,” she said.

Sadret said the Cabinet, at its meeting on November 5, had given approval for lopping and in some cases removal of trees in 63 cases. “We will assess all trees and take remedial measures to make them safe for residents,” she added.

DFO, Urban, Inder Kumar, who is also a member of the TAC, said the range officer had been asked to register a report in 14 cases. “We have yet to get the details as in how many cases the Cabinet has given its approval”, he added.