The Hastampatti police in Salem have opened an investigation following the illegal cutting and sale of a 25-year-old tree belonging to the city's municipal corporation. The incident, which occurred on Monday, has raised serious questions about the protection of public property and environmental oversight.
Complaint Alleges Unauthorized Action by Business Owner
According to a formal complaint filed on Wednesday, the tree was located on Shankar Nagar Main Road in Udayappa Colony, directly in front of Amman Mess. Poomozhi, the state president of the Tamil Nadu Makkal Urimai Katchi, accused the mess owner, Jyothi, of orchestrating the felling without obtaining any necessary permission from the Salem Municipal Corporation authorities.
"When I inquired about it, Jyothi admitted to me that she didn’t obtain permission to fell the tree from the corporation officials," Poomozhi stated in his complaint. He further alleged that despite being alerted on the same day of the incident, the local corporation officials failed to take any immediate action against the violator.
Official Inaction and Demand for Accountability
Expressing frustration over the perceived negligence, the complainant has sought stringent action not only against the mess owner but also against officials for their failure to prevent the environmental violation. Poomozhi specifically named Salem corporation commissioner M Elangovan and officials from the Hastampatti zonal corporation office, holding them accountable for their inaction.
The complaint underscores a growing concern among citizens and activists regarding the illegal encroachment and destruction of public green cover, which is vital for urban ecosystems.
Police Response and Next Steps
Sub-inspector M Ravi of the Hastampatti police station confirmed receiving the complaint and issuing a Community Service Register (CSR) number to the petitioner. Outlining the procedural course, the SI said he had informed the local Village Administrative Officer (VAO) to conduct a preliminary inquiry into the allegations.
"We will initiate further action based on the VAO's report," stated SI Ravi, indicating that the police probe is currently in its initial stages and awaits the administrative findings before proceeding with potential legal measures.
The case highlights the critical need for vigilant monitoring of public assets and swift administrative response to prevent such unauthorized activities that deplete the city's green heritage.
