The Hindu         22.09.2014  

Civic chief, Engineering official in soup over tree felling

In a significant judgment that would boost the morale of
environmentalists, the High Court has ordered action against
Nandikotkur Municipal Commissioner and the Deputy Executive Engineer for
allowing felling of 374 babul trees from the bank of a municipal water
tank.

Local Advocate Ch John Barnabas petitioned the
court, alleging wilful misappropriation of timber wealth of public
institution and damage to environment. Upon hearing the counsel for the
petitioner and the respondents, the court ordered the Municipal
Commissioner and the Deputy Executive Engineer to pay penalty of Rs.
15,000 and Rs. 10,000 respectively.

The petitioner
alleged that the municipal officials planned to widen and deepen the
tank bed located 10 km away from the town by removing bushes. Also, the
officials allowed felling of 374 babul trees, aged five to 30 years,
under the guise of bush clearance, which were sold illegally in market.

After
the issue sparked a row, the municipal officials recovered a portion of
the timber and stocked those on the municipal premises, saying that the
stock would be put to auction.

The court accepted
the version of the petitioner that the trees were felled under the guise
of bush clearance even though there was an opportunity to protect them.
The municipal authorities contended that bush clearance was needed to
widen the tank and increase its capacity to ensure water supply to
growing population of the town. The court felt that the municipal
officials should have followed the proper procedure while clearing
bushes, notify if any trees required felling and taken permission from
the appropriate authority for it.

The High Court imposes fine and orders actions against the officials

The officials allowed felling of 374 babul trees under the pretext of bush clearance