Himachal Pradesh High Court has issued notice to state government over allegations of green felling of hundreds of trees by an influential person in Shillai area of Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh.

A High Court Bench headed by Chief Justice GS Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin C Negi issued a notice to the state government on a public interest litigation filed by  a few students of the area alleging large scale illegal felling of green trees. The students have also attached photographs of the green trees felled sometime back.

Issuing a notice to the state government through Additional Advocate General Varun Chandel appearing for the state government, the HP Court Bench directed to file a reply “to justify such action and give reasons why felling has taken place and whether necessary permission was granted for the said act.”

The issue of  felling of hundred of green trees was first raised by former Shillai BJP MLA  Baldev Singh Tomar , who in a press conference a few days back alleged , “ Hundreds of pine trees were cut in broad daylight in the area and accused certain influential Congress functionaries for flouting norms and cutting 307 pine trees .”

Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan, who represents Shillai Assembly constituency had denied the charge of involvement of Congress leaders and said strict action would be taken against the culprits.

The person accused of illicit tree felling Ranjit Singh Negi has been claiming, “I had sought permission to fell 25 trees on my personal land and the contractor had cut more trees without my knowledge.”

 Divisional Forest Officer Renuka stated “The department had given permission to cut 25 trees on the private land of Ranjit Singh but 307 trees were reportedly felled and we have filed a complaint with Police.” 

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