In a strong message against illegal tree felling, revenue department authorities have imposed fines totalling ₹2.10 lakh in two separate cases in Coimbatore's Variety Hall and Kuniyamuthur. The action has been welcomed by environmentalists, who say stricter enforcement is essential to protect the city's green cover.
Coimbatore: In a significant step towards protecting the city’s green cover, revenue authorities in Coimbatore have imposed penalties totalling ₹2.10 lakh in two separate cases of illegal tree felling. The stringent action, taken in Variety Hall and Kuniyamuthur, has drawn appreciation from environmental groups and residents, who say tougher enforcement is crucial to deter violations and safeguard urban greenery.
In the first case, Sankarlal, a resident of Variety Hall, was found to have felled a Pungai tree standing on public land in front of his property without obtaining prior government permission. Following complaints lodged by members of Green Care and local residents, an inquiry was conducted by the Revenue Department.
Based on the findings, Coimbatore South Revenue Divisional Officer Maruthi Priya imposed a fine of ₹1,06,400 on the individual and directed him to plant and maintain 10 tree saplings on his premises as part of the corrective measures.
In another case, a shop owner in Kuniyamuthur, who had obtained permission only to prune the branches of five trees, was found to have exceeded the approved limits by cutting a substantial portion of the trees. The Perur Tahsildar subsequently imposed a penalty of ₹1,04,000 for the violation.
Environmentalists have welcomed the unprecedented penalties, noting that nominal fines in the past often failed to discourage illegal tree felling. They said stricter financial penalties are likely to serve as an effective deterrent and reinforce the importance of preserving trees, particularly in rapidly urbanising areas.
Speaking on the development, Syed, founder of Green Care, said stringent penalties would go a long way in curbing such violations. He also urged the police to register criminal cases against those who illegally fell trees in public spaces, in addition to imposing monetary penalties, to ensure stronger enforcement of environmental protection laws.
In the first case, Sankarlal, a resident of Variety Hall, was found to have felled a Pungai tree standing on public land in front of his property without obtaining prior government permission. Following complaints lodged by members of Green Care and local residents, an inquiry was conducted by the Revenue Department.
Based on the findings, Coimbatore South Revenue Divisional Officer Maruthi Priya imposed a fine of ₹1,06,400 on the individual and directed him to plant and maintain 10 tree saplings on his premises as part of the corrective measures.
In another case, a shop owner in Kuniyamuthur, who had obtained permission only to prune the branches of five trees, was found to have exceeded the approved limits by cutting a substantial portion of the trees. The Perur Tahsildar subsequently imposed a penalty of ₹1,04,000 for the violation.
Environmentalists have welcomed the unprecedented penalties, noting that nominal fines in the past often failed to discourage illegal tree felling. They said stricter financial penalties are likely to serve as an effective deterrent and reinforce the importance of preserving trees, particularly in rapidly urbanising areas.
Speaking on the development, Syed, founder of Green Care, said stringent penalties would go a long way in curbing such violations. He also urged the police to register criminal cases against those who illegally fell trees in public spaces, in addition to imposing monetary penalties, to ensure stronger enforcement of environmental protection laws.