Tree Felling in Rajgurunagar Forest Office Sparks Controversy, Questions Raised Over Rule Compliance

Rajgurunagar (Pune): A large-scale tree-felling operation inside the Forest Department’s old office premises in Rajgurunagar has triggered controversy after allegations surfaced that mature teak and other tree species were cut despite the annual seasonal restrictions on tree felling.

The operation, carried out on July 12, has drawn criticism from local residents, who claim that the Forest Department itself violated regulations that prohibit tree felling during the monsoon months of June, July, and August, except under specific circumstances.

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According to forest regulations, dangerous trees can only be removed after a formal inspection, preparation of a panchanama, assessment by experts, and written approval from competent authorities. The timber is also required to be documented and disposed of through a transparent public auction, with the proceeds deposited into the government treasury.

Residents have questioned whether these mandatory procedures were followed, alleging that no visible documentation or auction process was carried out. There are also claims that officials hurriedly prepared paperwork after learning that the incident was likely to receive media attention.

Responding to the controversy, Forest Range Officer Santosh Biradar said the trees were removed because they posed a risk to the Forest Department building and the old Tehsildar’s office. He stated that the action was taken based on verbal approval from senior officials and with prior permission from the municipal council. According to him, the trees had also been marked with municipal identification numbers before they were cut.

However, local residents argue that if the Forest Department itself fails to strictly follow environmental regulations, it weakens its authority to enforce similar rules on citizens. They have also expressed concern over the impact of the tree felling on birds, wildlife, and local biodiversity.

Authorities have not yet released detailed information regarding the number of trees felled, the species involved, the estimated value of the timber, or the proposed auction process. Citizens have demanded that the written approvals issued by the municipal council and the complete records related to the operation be made public.

The incident has drawn comparisons with previous tree-felling controversies in Pune district and has intensified calls for an independent inquiry. Environmental activists and residents are urging senior forest officials to conduct a transparent investigation and determine whether all legal procedures under forest conservation regulations were followed.

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