Mysuru: The Mysuru Territorial Division of the Forest Department has ordered an inquiry after 63 trees were allegedly chopped illegally on the banks of the River Kapila in Hejjige village of Nanjangud taluk in Mysuru district.
Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) K Paramesha has directed Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Sumithra and Range Forest Officer (RFO) Nithin Kumar to conduct an investigation into the incident, which reportedly occurred on March 7.
Officials said the trees were felled on land classified as ‘Hole Karaabu’, which refers to riverbank land along water bodies.
Incident suspected to be organised act
Speaking about the case, DCF Paramesha said the large number of trees cut suggests that the incident was not carried out by a single individual.
According to him, nearly 46 trees could not have been felled suddenly by one person, indicating the possibility of organised involvement.
Forest officials are now investigating whether multiple individuals were involved in the illegal tree cutting.
Authorities are also examining whether the felling was carried out to facilitate encroachment on the riverbank or whether the trees were cut primarily for sale.
Revenue department asked to verify land details
The Forest Department has sought assistance from the revenue authorities to clarify the status of the land where the trees were cut.
DCF Paramesha said the Tahsildar of Nanjangud has been requested to provide the relevant land map of the area.
The map will help officials determine whether nearby landowners attempted to encroach upon the riverbank land or if the incident was limited to illegal tree felling.
Officials said the verification will play a key role in identifying the motive behind the act.
Joint inspection planned along riverbank
To prevent similar incidents, the Forest Department has also planned a joint inspection along the Kapila riverbank in Nanjangud taluk.
The inspection will involve officials from the Forest Department, the Irrigation Department, the Revenue Department, and local panchayat development officers (PDOs).
Authorities said the joint team will examine whether illegal tree felling has taken place at other locations along the riverbank stretch.
Environmental groups raise concern
Environmental activists have strongly condemned the incident and demanded strict action against those responsible.
Members of the environmental organisation Parisarakkaagi Naavu visited the spot on March 10 after learning about the incident.
The group, led by activists including Parashuramegowda and Ravi Bale, urged the Forest Department to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.
Parashuramegowda also met DCF K Paramesha and demanded a probe into the illegal cutting of trees.
M Ravikumar, State Coordinating Secretary of the Karnataka Rashtra Samithi Party, has also written to the Deputy Commissioner and the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) seeking a high-level inquiry.
‘Shraddhanjali’ planned for felled trees
Environmentalists have announced plans to organise a symbolic ‘Shraddhanjali’ (tribute) for the trees that were cut.
Activists said the programme is intended to highlight the importance of protecting trees, especially in the context of climate change and rising temperatures.
Parashuramegowda stated that conserving every tree is vital at a time when global warming and environmental degradation are becoming major concerns.
He emphasised that different government departments must collectively ensure the protection of natural resources and prevent such incidents in the future.
Case registered under forest laws
Forest officials have registered a case against Ayaz Ahmed (41), identified as a tree feller, for allegedly cutting the trees illegally.
The case has been booked under Section 2(2) and Section 62 of the Karnataka Forest Act, 1963, along with Rule 25 of the Karnataka Forest Rules, 1969.
According to RFO Nithin Kumar of Nanjangud, the accused is currently absconding and efforts are underway to trace him.
Officials also confirmed that two chainsaws used in the tree cutting have been seized as part of the investigation.
Details of trees cut
According to the FIR, a total of 63 trees were felled in the incident. These include:
- 17 Terminalia Arjuna trees
- 37 Java plum trees
- Two Pongamia glabra (Honge) trees
- Five Banyan trees
- One Rain tree
Forest officials said the illegal felling of such a large number of trees has caused serious ecological concern in the area.
Conclusion
Authorities have assured that a detailed investigation is underway and that strict action will be taken against those responsible for the illegal tree cutting.
Environmental groups have urged the government to strengthen monitoring along riverbanks and forest areas to prevent similar incidents in the future.