Kushalnagar: Allegations have emerged that seven large trees were cut down within the premises of the government post office in Kushalnagar, Kodagu district, despite the Forest Department reportedly granting permission to fell only two trees. Members of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike Swabhimani Sene have strongly criticised the alleged violation and demanded a thorough investigation.
Members of the organisation visited the post office premises and inspected the site after receiving information about the tree felling. They questioned how five additional trees could allegedly be cut and transported without the knowledge or supervision of the concerned authorities.
Permission reportedly granted for only two trees
According to the allegations, the Forest Department had granted permission to cut only two trees following a request from the Postal Department. A tender process was reportedly conducted in April 2025 for the work.
However, instead of the two trees covered by the permission, a total of seven large trees were allegedly felled. Local residents have also claimed that the cut timber was transported in three canter lorries.
The alleged difference between the number of trees authorised for felling and those actually cut has raised questions about the implementation and monitoring of the permission.
Forest official questioned over additional trees
During the inspection, members of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike Swabhimani Sene questioned Forest Department officer Madhu Kumar about the alleged felling of seven trees.
The officer reportedly stated that permission had been granted to cut only two trees and that he had no information about the remaining trees.
This response reportedly angered the organisation’s representatives, who questioned how five additional trees could be felled and transported without the knowledge of Forest Department personnel.
They sought clarification on the supervision arrangements and accountability of officials responsible for monitoring the work.
Postal officials reportedly unaware of tree-felling order
The organisation’s members also questioned the postmaster at the Kushalnagar post office. The postmaster reportedly stated that no official information or copy of an order authorising the tree-felling work had been provided to him.
A senior Postal Department official who visited the location also reportedly objected to the trees being cut without bringing the matter to the department’s attention.
These statements have raised further questions about communication between the Postal Department, the Forest Department and those responsible for carrying out the tendered work.
Organisation demands investigation and action
The Karnataka Rakshana Vedike Swabhimani Sene has demanded a comprehensive investigation into the alleged felling of five trees beyond the permitted number.
The organisation has called for legal action against the contractor responsible for the work, as well as officials found to have neglected their duties.
Its representatives warned that a large-scale protest would be organised in front of the Kushalnagar post office and Forest Department office if action was not taken against those found responsible.
Organisation’s office-bearers participate in inspection
Several office-bearers of the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike Swabhimani Sene were present during the inspection.
Those who participated included Kodagu district president Francis D’Souza, district vice-president Rajasekhar Gowda, women’s wing district president Jayashree Murugesh, district honorary president Nanjappa, general secretary Manikantha, organising secretary Qasim, Kushalnagar taluk president K.S. Shiva, women’s wing general secretary Bhavya, taluk honorary president Ravindra, city unit honorary president Wilson and women’s wing vice-president Divya D’Souza, along with other members.
The organisation has maintained that the alleged violation must be investigated and responsibility fixed. The key issue now is to establish whether the additional trees were felled without authorisation and who was responsible for overseeing the work.