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