National Telangana

Rs 20 lakh fine against real estate firm for cutting trees

Hyderabad: Medchal district forest officials on Monday imposed a fine of Rs 20 lakh on a real estate firm for large scale tree felling.

According to forest department officials, Vasavi Green Leaf Ventures, a real estate firm, in Bommaraspet in Kisar Mandal, Medchal-Malkajgiri district had cut down trees to expand its venture.

Following a complaint, District Forest Officer Venkateswarlu investigated the incident.

During questioning, it was found that the management of the firm had axed hundreds of trees without prior permission.

A case was registered under the Water, Land and Trees Act (WALTA) and the officials were fined Rs 20 lakh to compensate for the loss of greenery.

In addition, real estate firms will have to plant trees on a large scale.

Forest officials said that it is mandatory to get prior permission even if someone wants to cut trees in their land.

He said that permission can be obtained by applying online from the Forest Department.

Permissions will be granted after inquiry and as per rules. The officer said that for the reduced number of trees, people can apply for the permission to the District Forest Officer and if there is a large number of trees, permission will have to be obtain.
State PCCF R Sobha asked the people to stop the felling of trees against the backdrop of the state government giving top priority to increase green cover in the state under the Haritha Haram program.

If it is necessary to cut the trees, she asked the department to obtain prior permission before cutting the trees.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *