After backlash, Keralam Forest dept withdraws controversial order permitting tree-felling on assigned land

representational image | Photo Credit: The Hindu

Following widespread criticism, the Keralam Forest Department has withdrawn, within seven days, a circular permitting felling of trees planted by title holders on the holdings assigned to them before January 1, 1977.

Many even compared the order to the infamous Muttil illegal tree-felling case where a large number of valuable trees were reportedly cut down based on a government order, which was withdrawn in three months. Several NGOs had written to the State government seeking withdrawal of the order.