Tree-felling orders issued as per 2005 Act: Minister

He says order aimed at protecting interests of high range farmers

No instructions have been issued to the Revenue Secretary to issue orders allowing felling of trees on pataya land bypassing the stance taken by revenue and forest officials, Revenue Minister K.Rajan told the Assembly on Monday. He said orders were issued as per the Kerala Promotion of Tree Growth in Non-Forest Areas Act of 2005 to allow cutting of trees which the farmers had planted on their pataya land assigned as per the Kerala Land Assignment Rules, 1964 or which had naturally grown, except protected trees such as sandalwood. He said there was no need for a legal advice in this matter as it was done as per the 2005 Act. Several organisations of farmers and political parties had submitted memorandums requesting permission for farmers to cut trees they had planted.