Govt orders review of ‘dry trees’

The decision to review has been taken after considering that on many occasions in the past,private building owners are known to ‘deliberately’ dry up trees in vicinity of their property and later send an application to the SMC for removing such trees in “lawful way”. This practice,which has led to fast depletion of green cover in Shimla,has become an easy way to get rid of trees as felling of green trees is banned across the state. The 40 trees,in the applications,were been shown as ‘dry but still standing’,following which the corporation approved their felling. In its August meeting,the SMC had recommended the state cabinet to give them a permission to fell the trees. The government has now asked the MC to review these applications so that appropriate action can be taken against the guilty.

Divisional Forest Officer Rajesh Kumar,member secretary of the Tree Committee,said the case has been referred for review by the government. “Of these applications,majority were by residents across the town,who requested to remove dry trees that have become dangerous for their properties. Some applications also pertain to the Central Public Works Department,” he added.