Kolkata: The Chetla police registered a case under section 11 (1) of the West Bengal Trees (Protection and Conservation in Non-Forest Areas) Act, 2006, after at least eight fully grown trees—two of which were allegedly mahogany trees—inside a vacant plot of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Port Trust (located opposite premises no. 100/18/1) on Alipore Road were cut down without prior approval from the KMC.The trees were reportedly cut by “contractors” on June 30 and Aug 1. The complaint was lodged by the executive engineer (civil) of the Parks & Square Department of KMC. When contacted by TOI through a phone call and message, SMPK authorities said they would get back after collecting all relevant information. The reply was awaited at the time this report went to press.At least two locals, on condition of anonymity, claimed that the first attempt to cut down the trees was made on June 28. “Initially, they left but returned on June 30. We tried to resist, but they continued to cut the trees from the base and load them into trucks. We also informed the local councillor and the local cops. There was no one from the locality involved,” claimed one protester on the condition of anonymity.A KMC official said it was the police whofirst alerted them. “We have, in turn, alerted even the forest department. As this falls in our jurisdiction, 2e decided to lodge a FIR with active support from Chetla Police,” said a civicofficial on Thursday. Environmental activists have condemned the action,as unauthorized tree felling is a punishable offence under the West Bengal Trees (Protection and Conservation in Non-Forest Areas) Act. The Act mandates prior permission from relevant authorities before cutting any trees within municipal limits.The KMC has also initiated its own investigation into the matter. Officials said that strict action would be taken against those responsible for the unauthorized felling. The incident has raised concerns about the protection of urban green cover in Kolkata, particularly in areas that are within the confines of boundary walls.Cops have launched a probe to identify all individuals involved in the illegal tree-cutting operation and have collected CCTV footage. Sources said they would contact SMPT authorities soon in this regard.(With inputs from Debobrata Shome)
