Trees not safe even in state’s demarcated protected forests
Allegations of collusion of local authorities concerned surface
The Newz Radar
Mandi: It has come to light that around 50 trees have been illegally felled in the Kamalah Fort demarcated protected forests (DPF) in the Dharampur area of Himachal’s Mandi district, amid allegations of local authorities’ involvement.
Zila Parishad member and prominent BJP leader Vandana Guleria has accused the administration and forest department of turning a blind eye to the issue despite repeated complaints from citizens. The incident has prompted swift action, with an FIR set to be filed by her with the police.
The controversy centers around the Kamalahiya Mandir and Kamalah Fort areas in Dharampur, where the illegal tree-cutting occurred. Guleria personally inspected the felled trees and raised serious concerns about the lack of enforcement of environmental regulations. She criticized the administration for failing to take decisive action against the perpetrators.
It has been alleged that powerful individuals with vested interests have been shielded from accountability, exacerbating the situation. Guleria emphasized the need for stringent measures to prevent further environmental degradation and called for a thorough investigation into the matter.
She told TNR that the DFO Joginder Nagar was informed about the incident. She requested immediate action against the culprits.
In response to the scandal, authorities have issued orders for a comprehensive investigation led by the tehsildar of Dharampur, with immediate action mandated to address the issue. The gravity of the situation has prompted calls for intervention from higher authorities, including the Chief Minister, to ensure accountability and uphold environmental protection laws.
In the wake of media coverage of the illegal tree felling, the Forest Department is said to have filed a damage report of Rs 36,000 against a taxi driver. However, how a taxi driver was involved has not been made clear.
When the woodcutter engaged was questioned by Vandana Guleria about who ordered the cutting of the trees, he mentioned the name of a certain lawyer, but it is unclear whether permission was obtained for this. Vandana Guleria claims that an influential person orchestrated this entire incident, which should be investigated properly, and the Forest Department should also be held accountable in this matter.
