Raids Reveal Large-Scale Illegal Tree Felling
A raiding team of the Chief Minister's Flying Squad has uncovered large-scale illegal felling of trees at the Haryana Roadways workshop in Hisar depot. The team conducted a raid and found evidence of the felling of 86 trees and the uprooting of 141 newly planted saplings. A preliminary investigation revealed that timber from the felled trees had been misappropriated, causing financial loss to the government. The Flying Squad indicated that the trees were cut despite a complete ban imposed by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Tip-Off Leads to Inspection
The raid was conducted on a tip-off by a team headed by Hisar Range In-charge Sunaina. The team included Forest Range Officer Surya and other officials. Sunaina stated that the team had received information about large-scale tree cutting at the workshop despite the high court ban. During the inspection, 86 tree stumps were found inside the workshop premises, confirming the felling. Additionally, 141 pole-sized saplings planted on the premises were found uprooted.
Timber Misappropriation and Financial Loss
The raiding team could not find any record of the timber from the felled trees, indicating it may have been disposed of improperly. The contractor concerned had also not deposited the value of the timber into the Roadways Department's account, raising concerns of financial loss to the government, officials added.
Forest Department Denies Permission
Forest Department officials stated that, as per orders of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, cutting trees at any government or private site without competent permission remains completely prohibited until further orders. Therefore, the felling and uprooting appear to be a prima facie violation of the court's directions. When the Roadways General Manager was asked to produce permission for the tree cutting, he replied that the department had sought approval from the Forest Department. However, Forest Department officials denied granting any such permission.
Roadways Officials Claim Construction Activity
The General Manager further stated that the trees were cut by the company carrying out construction work at the workshop as part of the project. Despite this explanation, the Flying Squad maintained that the actions violated the high court ban.
Strict Action Warned
CM Flying Hisar Range In-charge Sunaina said that under the Punjab and Haryana High Court's directions, cutting trees without permission is strictly prohibited. Any government or private institution found violating these orders would face strict action as per law.
