Sivaganga villagers complain of illegal felling of trees
Residents of Melavellanjampatti village in Sivaganga district have petitioned local authorities regarding the illegal felling and smuggling of decades-old trees. Despite filing a complaint with the Village Administrative Officer and police, the villagers report that no action has been taken to recover the timber or investigate the culprits.
Why it matters
The incident underscores concerns regarding environmental protection and the perceived lack of accountability in local law enforcement responses to resource theft.
Residents of Melavellanjampatti village in Sivaganga district petitioned the district administration over illegal felling and smuggling of decades-old trees valued at several lakhs of rupees.
The petitioners said, “There were more than 70 old trees of various varieties, including neem, acacia, tamarind, and veli, grown on the bunds of our village tank, water inflow channel, and government lands.”
Some individuals illegally cut and smuggled them, the petitioners said, adding that they lodged a complaint with the Village Administrative Officer in this regard.
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