Forest Department Launches Investigation into Illegal Tree Felling in Konni
The Forest Department has initiated a thorough investigation into the illegal felling of trees in the Naduvathumuzhi range within the Konni Division. Two cases have been registered at Padam Forest Station regarding this incident. Konni range officer Sanjeev is leading the investigation under the supervision of Konni DFO Ayush Kumar Khori.
The illegal tree felling involved the cutting of 108 trees from an ecologically sensitive area within the Naduvathumuzhi Forest Range Office’s jurisdiction. Two individuals obtained a pass from the forest department to cut trees on their land; however, the fraud occurred under the guise of this permit. The illicit activity took place on lands in Aruvappulam village, with 93 trees cut from revenue land and 15 trees from forest land inhabited by tribals. Allegedly, a wood smuggling gang, in collusion with certain forest officials in the Naduvathumuzhi range, orchestrated the operation.
The Forest Department’s vigilance department and the police are also conducting inquiries into the matter. Although no written complaints have been received yet, forest officials are diligently pursuing the case. Meanwhile, Muhammad Bilal, the beat forest officer of Padam station, who reported the wood theft in the Natuvathumoozhi range, has been transferred to Gavi station. This transfer, the eighth in Bilal’s career within five years, has raised concerns as it seems to contravene standard service norms. Additionally, there are allegations that individuals previously subjected to disciplinary actions in various forest stations are now operating within the intelligence wing of the Konni Forest Division, indicating a potential internal issue within the department.
