Dozens of Pine Trees Cut in Shillai, Forest Department Launches Investigation
A case of dozens of pine trees being cut has come to light in the grasslands near a petrol pump under the Shillai forest range in Sirmaur district of Himachal Pradesh. After receiving information about the incident, the Forest Department has initiated an investigation. The large-scale cutting of trees has raised several questions in the area.
According to sources, the Forest Department had granted permission to the concerned landowner to cut around 25 pine trees. As per procedure, departmental officials and staff were required to visit the site, inspect the trees, and mark them with a hammer before the cutting process could begin. However, it is being reported that dozens of trees were cut before the departmental team reached the site. The department has not yet clarified the exact situation, and the truth will emerge only after the investigation.
Local residents claim that there have been allegations in the past regarding illegal encroachments on valuable land in the area. During the ongoing land settlement process in Shillai, complaints have also surfaced about tampering with settlement markers, leading to boundary disputes and land being recorded under the names of different individuals.
Shillai Forest Range Officer Vishwanath said that he has received information about the incident and has reached the DFO office in Renukaji with the staff. He added that the site will be inspected on Friday to determine how many trees were cut, who cut them, whether proper permission was granted, and who owns the land.
DFO Renukaji, GBR Kandeta, stated that one person had obtained permission to cut 25 trees from his private land, but information suggests that more trees may have been cut. He said that an inquiry has been ordered and he will personally visit the site on Friday to investigate the matter.
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