Illegal tree felling going on unabated

Vikarabad: Illegal felling of trees has been going on unabated in the forests of the district. The wood smugglers are cutting off the trees near outskirts of Athelli village and transporting the logs to different locations.

These activities are not happening in dark and wee hours, but in broad day light. People are awestruck with the negligent attitude of the officials concerned. They question why the officials are being restricted to their air-conditioned rooms, rather than performing their duties and taking action against the smugglers.

There is already a lot of change in the atmosphere because of lack of sufficient trees. Lack of trees is leading to excessive temperatures and scanty rains. It's high time that the forest officials conducted raids and protected the forests.

The smugglers are grabbing lands from the farmers stating that they belong to the Forest Department. People urge officials to take steps to ensure there is no more illegal felling of trees.

By E Mogulaiah