Keralam Forest department in a quandary over permission to fell trees

Keralam Forest department has found itself in a quandary over allowing felling of trees on assigned forestland.

The department, which had booked cases against two persons for cutting down two jackfruit trees, a mango tree and Pathiri trees from a holding located in the Cardamom Hill Reserve in Idukki, subsequently withdrew the proceedings a few weeks ago.

The accused were booked under the Kerala Forest (Prohibition of Felling of Trees Standing on Land Temporarily or Permanently Assigned) Rules 1995, on August 29, 2026. The axed trees, which were located on the holding of the mother of the first accused, were valued at ₹15,607 and the loss to the government estimated at ₹4,000.

Contention

The first accused had contended that the trees were cut down to meet the medical expenses of his elder sister and for house repair. He also contended that he had nurtured the saplings, which did not belong to the protected species category.

The case was also filed before the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court, Idukki.