JOIN USConstitute task force to curb tree theft, says Nanaiah
Releasing a letter written to Forest Minister, to the media, he said that the Task Force should look into the already registered cases against theft of trees. All those cases, which were closed owing to political pressure should be re-investigated, he added.
He said in some cases, cases have not been registered despite the FIR. The Task Force should convene a district-level officers’ meeting.
He said “Kodagu district is known for its rich natural resources in the form of forest. It is a tragedy that trees worth crores of rupees are being illegally transported from the reserve forest and private estates.In fact, police and forest department officials are hand in glove with some of the politicians of the district. Hence, wooden logs are being transported across the border without any check, he alleged.
Nanaiah said “thieves are involved in felling valuable trees in Thithimathi, Kutta, Nagarahole Reserve Forest limits and the wooden logs are being transported illegally without any check. Both the police and the forest officials are aware of the illegal transportation of wooden logs. However, they are acting as puppets in the hands of politicians, allowing the illegal transportation of wooden logs. As a result, the rich forest resources of Kodagu is being destroyed,” he added.
He said “the wooden logs are being transported through Anechowkoor, Maldare, Makutta, Kodlipete, Shanivarasanthe check post to Hassan and Sakleshpur. Logs are being transported to Kerala with co-operation of forest and police personnel, the letter said. Several theft cases have been reported in Virajpet taluk during last one year.
However, police and forest department officials have failed in initiating any action against the culprits.