The charge of some Van Gujjars having felled Eucalyptus trees in Sabalgarh area of Chidiyapur range of Haridwar forest division has prompted the forest department to order a probe. Notably, Peoples for Animals had informed the forest department of the matter.
Mention worthy, the Van Gujjars living in the Kalagarh area had been given plots of land in Sabalgarh area under Chidiyapur range of the forest division for purposes of plantation and agriculture. In 2011, the State Government had planted saplings of Eucalyptus trees worth crores of rupees with the assistance of the forest department. Over the past years, the saplings had been growing. Now, the charge of a section of the Van Gujjars having felled many of them before they attained full maturity sans permission has created ripples in the forest department while it angered the wild life lovers.
It is alleged that Van Gujjars have felled such trees to use them as firewood for domestic purposes and for constructing huts. It is also alleged that they are selling them in the markets. Felling trees before they are mature enough amounts to flouting the laws as the forest department alone enjoys the right to fell and sell trees.
Speaking to The Pioneer, Aditya Sharma who is associated with Peoples for Animals said, “Things are disgusting as the Van Gujjars are felling trees and selling them in the markets with impunity with a section of the forest department officials seemingly conniving with them. When informed of the matter, some forest officials defended the Van Gujjars, saying that they have right to cut trees by way of making their living. They refuse to take note of the fact that they are cutting trees much before they sufficiently grow up.”
Quizzed, SDO Sant Ram said, “The state government has allotted nearly 160 hectares of land to 197 Van Gujjar families from the Kalagarh forest division. As per the government order, they are free to use the land for living. But since the trees which were cut were not fully mature we sent show- cause notice to two range officers of Chidiyapur and Sabalgarh range. If their replies fail to satisfy us action might be taken against them.”