Forest Department refutes reports on tree felling

The Forest Department has refuted reports, which alleged that trees specified arsenic teak and roseate wood were felled from the limits of Pollachi wood scope of the Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR) connected the pretext of removing invasive species.

ATR authorities clarified that Dhammampathi wood successful the Sethumadai country of Pollachi scope is heavy populated with exotic works Prosopis juliflora (Seemai Karuvelam) and the Madras High Court had already ordered the removal of these trees. In accordance with that order, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests has granted support to uproot Prosopis juliflora, said an official.

The authoritative stated that the bid was to region each Prosopis juliflora trees astatine the complaint of 50 hectares per period and the enactment is presently being carried retired astatine Dhammampathi. According to the official, Prosopis juliflora trees were contiguous successful lone 15 hectares successful the locality. After removing the invasive trees, steps volition beryllium taken to turn autochthonal plants.

Sources from the Department stated a vernacular tv newsman demanded wealth from the person, who had been awarded the declaration to wide invasive trees. This was being investigated.

Meanwhile, quality enthusiasts wanted a committee comprising members of non-governmental organisations, Revenue Department and the constabulary formed to cheque the clearing of invasive taxon from forests and to forestall felling of different trees.