Thiruvananthapuram: Forest Principal Secretary Rajesh Kumar Sinha An explanation has been handed over to Forest Minister AK Sashindran. tree cutting line in Mullaperiyar.
It is learned that in his report, he had said that even though Tamil Nadu had sought permission to cut trees in September 2020 and had sent the file to the forest authorities for necessary action, no response was received from them by the authorities. He has claimed in the report that he did not give any order to cut the trees.
The Forest Minister had sought an explanation from him. forest secretary on orders issued for cutting trees In Mullaperiyar without his knowledge. It is learned that he has denied any role in allowing the felling of trees under the Baby Dam in Mullaperiyar.
Even though he attended meetings called to discuss the demand made by Tamil Nadu authorities, no decision was taken in those meetings. He has said that he has not even seen the minutes of these meetings. He also mentioned that all these meetings were not informed to the Forest Minister.
However, this clarification contradicts the report submitted by the suspended Chief Conservator of Forests Benichan Thomas. Benichan, in his report submitted to the minister, had said that the decision to cut the trees was taken at a meeting convened by the Additional Chief Secretary, Water Resources and Principal Secretary, Forest and Wildlife. He had said that on the basis of the decisions taken in the meetings convened by these officers, he had issued orders to cut trees. Benichan, in his report, said that the order was issued on November 5 and the last meeting to finalize it was held on November 1 in the office of the Additional Chief Secretary, Water Resources.
The Forest Minister claims that he was unaware of these meetings and the decision to cut trees in Mullaperiyar to strengthen the Baby Dam.
It is learned that in his report, he had said that even though Tamil Nadu had sought permission to cut trees in September 2020 and had sent the file to the forest authorities for necessary action, no response was received from them by the authorities. He has claimed in the report that he did not give any order to cut the trees.
The Forest Minister had sought an explanation from him. forest secretary on orders issued for cutting trees In Mullaperiyar without his knowledge. It is learned that he has denied any role in allowing the felling of trees under the Baby Dam in Mullaperiyar.
Even though he attended meetings called to discuss the demand made by Tamil Nadu authorities, no decision was taken in those meetings. He has said that he has not even seen the minutes of these meetings. He also mentioned that all these meetings were not informed to the Forest Minister.
However, this clarification contradicts the report submitted by the suspended Chief Conservator of Forests Benichan Thomas. Benichan, in his report submitted to the minister, had said that the decision to cut the trees was taken at a meeting convened by the Additional Chief Secretary, Water Resources and Principal Secretary, Forest and Wildlife. He had said that on the basis of the decisions taken in the meetings convened by these officers, he had issued orders to cut trees. Benichan, in his report, said that the order was issued on November 5 and the last meeting to finalize it was held on November 1 in the office of the Additional Chief Secretary, Water Resources.
The Forest Minister claims that he was unaware of these meetings and the decision to cut trees in Mullaperiyar to strengthen the Baby Dam.
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