TNR News Network
Indora
Former MLA of Indora constituency, Manohar Dhiman, has strongly condemned the illegal cutting of a 100-year-old Rumbal tree and several mango trees in front of the SDM office in Indora. The trees were felled by the Public Works Department (PWD) to prepare the venue for the closing ceremony of the Indora Festival scheduled for December 19, where Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu will be the chief guest.
Dhiman alleged that this act blatantly violates government regulations, as the Forest Department had not granted any permission for the felling. The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Nurpur range confirmed that no approval was issued, making the incident a clear breach of law.
The former MLA accused the Congress government of double standards, pointing out that while the Chief Minister repeatedly promises to make Himachal a “Green State,” century-old trees are being sacrificed for his own program. He emphasized that the government has imposed strict bans on tree cutting, especially fruit-bearing trees like mango, yet its own departments are flouting these rules.
Dhiman linked this incident to a larger pattern of administrative failure. In November 2025, he had written to the Director General of Police (DGP) expressing concern over rising criminal and unethical activities in Indora. Earlier this month, he also highlighted the shocking case where a local NGO allegedly fed a live cow to stray dogs, calling it a reflection of the administration’s incompetence.
“These trees were not just part of the environment but a source of shade, fruit, and biodiversity for the local community. Their destruction will worsen climate change impacts, soil erosion, and flood risks,” Dhiman said, adding that the government’s hypocrisy on environmental protection stands exposed.
He demanded an immediate high-level inquiry, strict action against PWD officials responsible, and compensatory plantation of twice the number of trees cut. He also urged that future events like the Indora Festival must strictly adhere to environmental norms.
Calling on the media to highlight the issue, Dhiman declared:
“We will not allow this government to act with impunity. The people deserve accountability and genuine protection of their environment.”
