Post-cyclone tree felling rampant in Cuddalore

CUDDALORE: A new racket has emerged in Thane-hit areas as reports are emerging of healthy trees being cut down and sold by groups, under the pretence of cleaning debris after the cyclone. For instance, a group was caught trying to bring down a tree, using earth moving equipment, at a port officer’s residence at Devanampattinam on Monday. Based on a tip-off, superintendent of police Pakalavan sent a police team to the spot.Similar incidents of cutting down healthy trees have been reported at many places in the district. According to the district administration, about two crore trees were uprooted in the district by the cyclone. Contracts were handed out to clear the fallen trees. Under this guise, certain gangs have been mowing down healthy tree apart from clearing uprooted trees.Cuddalore Superintendent of Police Pakalavan told Express, “When I came to know about the incident, I sent a police team to the spot to prevent it. I also informed the port officer.” Teak trees in Sitharam Nagar and 50- to 100-year-old trees on Caper Hills in Cuddalore have been reportedly cut down and smuggled. A gang allegedly attempted to cut a tree at Panruti government hospital and trees at Lakshmipathynagar have been cut down. Such incidents also reported in Chidambaram taluk too. Sources said, “Many trees were cut down along the Panruti-Vadalur roadside. Certain officers are helping the miscreants in doing this. If the Chief Minister comes to know of this, the persons responsible for these unethical acts would be definitely punished.”