Kerala Officials Behind Tree Felling Order At Mullaperiyar To Face Action

Forest Minister AK Saseendran told the media that the order was an 'unusual one' and there was a serious lapse on the part of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden, who had issued the order.

The Kerala government on Sunday froze an order by the Forest Department, granting permission to Tamil Nadu for felling 15 trees downstream of Baby Dam at Mullaperiyar reservoir and decided to take action against the officials who had issued it, a day after the neighbouring state's Chief Minister MK Stalin thanked his counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan for the decision.

Forest Minister AK Saseendran told the media that the order was an 'unusual one' and there was a serious lapse on the part of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden, who had issued the order. The Minister had earlier in the day said the order was passed without the knowledge of his office, or that of the Irrigation minister or the Chief Minister's Office. MK Stalin had on Saturday thanked Vijayan for "granting permission" for felling 15 trees downstream of the Baby Dam at Mullaperiyar reservoir and said he was informed by his officers of the Water Resources Department that the requisite permission was granted by the Forest Department of Kerala.

"There was a serious lapse on behalf of the Chief Conservator of Forests. The said order has been frozen. This was due to the lapses on behalf of the officials and we have decided to take further action in this regard. Under whatever circumstances, such important decisions cannot be made at the bureaucratic level. It's an unusual order. We will conduct a probe into the issuance of such an order and take necessary action," Mr Saseendran told the media.

In his message expressing gratitude, Mr Stalin reiterated Tamil Nadu's commitment to "undertake all steps needed to further strengthen the Mullaperiyar Dam" and ensure the safety of the people living downstream in Kerala.