Haryana High Court Imposes Interim Ban on Tree Cutting Amid Khair Wood Felling Scandal

Khair Tree Felling in Haryana: Uncovering the Commercial Motive

Summary Box: Two separate inquiry reports have confirmed the illegal felling of nearly 4,400 khair trees in Haryana's wildlife sanctuaries, with evidence suggesting a commercial motive behind the operation. The reports have led to calls for stricter disciplinary action and amendments to the Indian Forest Act, 1927.

The khair tree, scientifically known as Acacia catechu, is a highly valued species in India due to its heartwood, which is boiled to make 'kattha', a dark brown extract used in making paan. The tree is native to the Indian subcontinent and is found in various parts of the country, including Haryana.

How It Works: The Felling Operation

The felling operation was highly selective, with 99.9% of the trees being khair. The reports suggest that the operation was ongoing when interrupted, with fresh axe marks on standing trees indicating the use of mechanised tools. The deliberate efforts to suppress evidence, including the removal of stumps in certain areas, suggest a commercial motive behind the operation.

• ▸The reports found evidence of recent illegal felling of 1,473 trees, while another 1,780 had been cut over the past couple of years.
• ▸The felling was highly selective, with 99.9% of the trees being khair.
• ▸The reports suggest that the operation was ongoing when interrupted, with fresh axe marks on standing trees indicating the use of mechanised tools.

India's Position: Forest Cover and Conservation Efforts

Haryana's forest cover stands at just 3.65%, compared to Punjab's 3.67%. The state has been working to increase its forest cover through various conservation efforts, including the establishment of wildlife sanctuaries and protected areas.

• ▸Haryana's forest cover stands at just 3.65%.
• ▸The state has been working to increase its forest cover through various conservation efforts.
• ▸The Punjab and Haryana High Court has imposed an interim ban on tree cutting.

Key Provisions: The Indian Forest Act, 1927

The Indian Forest Act, 1927, has been amended several times since its enactment. However, the Act has seen only minor changes in Haryana, with the latest amendment proposed in response to the revelations of illegal felling.

• ▸The Indian Forest Act, 1927, has been amended several times since its enactment.
• ▸The Act has seen only minor changes in Haryana.
• ▸The proposed amendment seeks to raise the maximum jail term for offenders from six months to three years.

Challenges on the Ground: Enforcement and Implementation

The reports highlight the need for stricter enforcement and implementation of forest conservation laws in Haryana. The state government has proposed amendments to the Indian Forest Act, 1927, to increase the penalties for offenders.

• ▸The reports highlight the need for stricter enforcement and implementation of forest conservation laws in Haryana.
• ▸The state government has proposed amendments to the Indian Forest Act, 1927, to increase the penalties for offenders.

Significance and What Changes Now

The revelations of illegal felling of khair trees in Haryana's wildlife sanctuaries have significant implications for the state's forest conservation efforts. The proposed amendments to the Indian Forest Act, 1927, aim to strengthen the laws and increase the penalties for offenders.

• ▸The revelations of illegal felling of khair trees in Haryana's wildlife sanctuaries have significant implications for the state's forest conservation efforts.
• ▸The proposed amendments to the Indian Forest Act, 1927, aim to strengthen the laws and increase the penalties for offenders.

CATEGORY: national TAGS: forest-conservation, wildlife-sanctuaries, khair-tree, haryana, illegal-felling, indian-forest-act SOURCE: Indian Express