Himachal: Environmental activists angry over illegal cutting of pine trees
Himachal Pradesh: Despite a blanket ban on felling of trees in Himachal Pradesh, the illegal felling of pine trees in the Shillai range of Renukaji forest division has sparked outrage among people, raising questions over the accountability and vigilance of the forest department. The illegal activity, which took place at Ronhat near Gujrot village, saw lush green pine trees on forest department land being felled by unidentified persons. Reports suggest that the trees were cut into small logs using axes and transported across the Bhangal ravine, all in broad daylight despite the state forest department issuing strict orders against such acts.
The Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Chief of Forest Force (HoFF) of Himachal Pradesh had recently imposed a statewide ban on felling of green trees, except khair (acacia catechu) to conserve forest resources. The directive was given after a review meeting led by the chief minister, which mandated strict compliance from all field officers. However, the large-scale manual felling of trees suggests that the activity had been going on for several days, highlighting a failure on the part of field staff, including beat guards, to notice the offenders or take action against them. Previously, trees such as eucalyptus and bamboo could be felled without special permission, but widespread abuse of this permission led to illegal felling of banned species such as deodar. In response, the administration has tightened regulations, with the forest department working towards issuing a formal notification to strengthen existing verbal instructions.
The Ronhat incident underlines the gap between official orders and their implementation on the ground. Local residents and environmentalists have expressed outrage, demanding accountability from forest officials and immediate action against those involved. Concerns have also been raised about the impact such activities have on biodiversity and climate stability, with fears of a serious decline in the area’s green cover. Sirmaur Conservator of Forests (CF) Vasant Kiran Babu has confirmed that an investigation has been initiated. He said the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Renukaji has been directed to conduct a detailed inquiry and submit the findings immediately. Environmentalists and locals are demanding strict monitoring systems and accountability measures to prevent further violations and ensure effective implementation of conservation efforts.
