137 teak tree in Narkhed APMC cut down without permission

Nagpur, Oct 16

An incident of cutting down of 137 teak trees without permission in Narkhed APMC’s sub-centre located in Bharsingi has come to fore. The forest department has seized teak trees.

Teak plantation was done in Survey No. 26 in Bharsingi some years ago. Permission from forest department has to be obtained if teak trees are to be cut down. However, Narkhed Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee cut down around 137 teak trees without permission of forest department.

The forest department came to know about this tree felling on October 2. The concerned forest officer immediately conducted panchnama and seized teak trees. Round officer Rajesh Pillewar investigated the case and made seizure under the guidance of officiating range forest officer Azmi.

Quote

‘Workers cut down trees’

It is necessary to obtain permission of forest department to fell down teak trees. There was need of logs for making shed in Narkhed. It was decided in the meeting that shed should be made by using own trees instead of purchasing logs from outside. On the basis of this, the chairperson of APMC spoke with some workers to fell down trees. However, the workers got confused and they directly cut down trees.

Satish Yeole, secretary, Narkhed APMC

‘Teak trees seized’

On getting information, forest department swung into action. A panchnama was conducted and cut down trees were seized. The teak trees will be returned to APMC after penal action is taken in this case.

F R Azmi, officiating RFO, Narkhed

‘Glaring example’

This is a glaring example about how Narkhed APMC is functioning. Many works have been done in violation of rules. The penalty to be imposed on APMC should be recovered from concerned office-bearer or employee.

Amol Arghode, director, APMC