Those who axed protected trees in Mandi to be fined: DFO

The illegal felling of trees by farmers on private land under the Dharampur subdivision of Mandi district has led to a major political controversy, triggering an investigation by the Forest Department and a political debate.

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The incident, which involves the illegal cutting of prohibited tree species, has become a focal point of political dispute with accusations of gross violations of forest conservation laws.

The case came to light when local BJP leaders raised the issue and complained to the Forest Department a few days ago.

The Forest Department conducted an investigation and discovered that certain tree species, whose cutting is prohibited under the Forest Conservation Act, were illegally felled by farmers on their private land.

According to BJP leaders, the trees, which had been cut down by farmers, were allegedly stockpiled on leased land that is reportedly linked to a political family in the area.

Kamal Bharti, Divisional Forest Officer of Jogindernagar, stated that the department’s initial findings suggest that approximately five trucks of illegally felled trees were involved. The trees had been cut by farmers on their private land.

The DFO explained that while farmers are permitted to cut trees on their private land, they are only allowed to axe species that are not protected. In this case, prohibited tree species were cut.

"We have issued licences to farmers to cut certain types of trees, but unfortunately, some of them cut prohibited species. We are assessing the loss and the offenders will be fined accordingly," the DFO stated.

Currently, the Forest Department has identified around 10 farmers involved in the illegal felling. The authorities believe that the number of offenders might increase as the investigation continues.

Meanwhile, the BJP has called for a high-level inquiry into the matter. The party has alleged involvement of political figures and the possible breach of forest conservation norms.

The Forest Department's ongoing assessment will determine the total loss caused by the illegal felling and the penalties to be imposed on the farmers involved.