Kerala Forest Minister vows stringent actions against illegal tree fellers

Thiruvananthapuram: In the first major political controversy faced by the recently re-elected Pinarayi Vijayan-led LDF over the alleged felling of centuries-old trees in Kerala's Wayanad and other districts, State Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran on Monday said there would be multi-pronged action against the violators.

Saseendran told the media that Vigilance, Police and Forest have started the probe and added that they are expecting a preliminary report from them very soon.

"All such trees that have been illegally felled will be confiscated and the government will take the custody of it," said Saseendran.

The state government has set up a special investigation team to probe the illegal felling of protected trees by timber traders, with the connivance of some officials.

It was on Thursday that a timber dealer named Rojy Augustine, presently in the dock, after forest officials alleged that he had felled expensive rosewood trees in Wayanad, claimed that he had cut the trees as per the rules and to get the necessary papers, he had paid Rs 25 lakh as bribe to the forest officials.

Incidentally, the issue was raised in the Kerala Assembly by the Congress-led Opposition last week, while the same case surfaced in the Kerala High Court also.

What has now raised eyebrows was an order from the Revenue department for this had come last October and after lapses were found on February 2, 2021, the order was cancelled.

Incidentally, the October order permitted to cut trees except for sandalwood trees in the land of those who have title deeds and though the then State Revenue Minister E. Chandrasekaran agreed that it was done after numerous requests came from various farmers organisations.

Moreover, reports have now surfaced there were three meetings held between Chandrasekheran and his party colleague K. Raju -- the then Forest Minister on this issue.

Incidentally, reports have now surfaced that the now controversial order mentions that the Forest department officials should in no way create problems for those who fell trees based on this order and if done, strict action will be taken against such officials.

Meanwhile, questions are now being raised if this was the reason why Kanam Rajendran became silent after the Forest portfolio was taken from the CPI and has been given to Saseendran who is from the NCP.

On Monday, various state BJP leaders have formed different teams and are visiting the various districts where trees were felled based on this controversial order and on Wednesday they are organising a protest against this huge scam at 16,000 places in the state observing Covid protocols.