Forest officials in Karnataka's Hirekerur taluk have registered a case against a medical officer for allegedly cutting down three trees illegally on the premises of a government hospital. The incident came to light during a routine inspection by the forest department.
Hidden Logs Discovered in Oxygen Unit Room
According to forest officials, the logs and branches of the felled trees were concealed inside the oxygen unit room of the hospital. The discovery was made when a team led by the Range Forest Officer (RFO) conducted a surprise check on July 9, 2026. The medical officer, whose name has not been disclosed, is accused of orchestrating the illegal felling without obtaining prior permission from the forest department.
The trees, identified as native species, were reportedly cut down to clear space for an expansion project. However, no environmental clearance or tree-cutting permit was obtained, violating the Karnataka Tree Preservation Act.
Legal Action and Investigation
The forest department has filed a First Information Report (FIR) under relevant sections of the Indian Forest Act and the Karnataka Tree Preservation Act. The medical officer faces charges including illegal tree felling, concealing evidence, and causing environmental damage. Officials said the investigation is ongoing, and further arrests are possible.
“We have registered a case against the medical officer for cutting trees without permission. The logs were hidden in the oxygen room to avoid detection,” a forest official told DHNS.
Impact on Hospital Operations
The incident has raised concerns about environmental compliance in government institutions. The hospital administration has been asked to cooperate with the investigation. Meanwhile, the oxygen unit room, which was used to store the logs, has been cleared, and normal operations have resumed.
Forest officials have also warned that strict action will be taken against anyone found violating tree protection laws. The case highlights the need for better oversight of tree-cutting activities on government premises.
