2 days ago
Tree Felling in Kaij Raises Fears of Drought
People in Kaij say many trees are being cut down and the wood is taken to sawmills.
They worry that fewer trees could mean less rain and less water.
Farmers in the area are already dealing with smaller harvests and fewer livestock.
The report also mentions an increase in farmer suicides.
Local nature supporters want officials to stop the cutting.
Forest officials say farmers can cut Subabul and Nilgiri trees without asking permission first.
The report does not say whether officials have confirmed that other rules were broken.
Widespread tree felling and timber transport have been reported in villages across Kaij tehsil.
Residents fear the loss of forest cover could reduce rainfall and worsen drought and water scarcity.
The report says timber is being transported to sawmills without apparent administrative oversight.
Residents face declining crop yields, rising farmer suicides, and shrinking livestock numbers.
Forest officials say farmers may fell Subabul and Nilgiri trees without prior permission.
- Who
- Residents, local nature supporters and tree activists, and forest officials.
- What
- Reported tree felling and timber transport have prompted drought concerns; officials say felling of Subabul and Nilgiri is permitted without prior permission.
- Where
- Kaij tehsil and surrounding areas in Beed.
- When
- Not specified.
- Why
- Residents fear that declining tree cover is reducing rainfall and worsening drought and water scarcity.
Residents and activists
Forest officials
Whether tree felling warrants intervention
Residents and activists
Residents and activists describe widespread cutting and timber transport as an environmental threat and demand an immediate clampdown.
Forest officials
Forest officials say the reported felling concerns Subabul and Nilgiri trees, which farmers may cut without prior permission.
Oversight of timber transport
Residents and activists
The report says timber is going to sawmills without apparent administrative oversight and alleges authorities are turning a blind eye.
Forest officials
Officials' response addresses the permitted tree varieties; the article does not report a direct response from them about timber transport oversight.
Key facts
- Reported area
- Several villages in Kaij tehsil and surrounding areas
- Reported activity
- Tree felling and transport of timber to sawmills
- Community concerns
- Reduced rainfall, chronic drought, and severe water scarcity
- Agricultural pressures cited
- Declining crop yields, rising farmer suicides, and shrinking livestock numbers
- Local demand
- Nature supporters and tree activists called for an immediate clampdown on logging
- Forest officials' position
- Farmers may fell Subabul and Nilgiri trees without prior permission
Quotes
Range Forest Officer, Dharur
Forest official who responded to allegations about tree felling in Kaij.
“Farmers are permitted to fell Subabul (river tamarind) and Nilgiri (eucalyptus) trees without requiring prior official permission. Therefore, the tree cutting that has taken place pertains only to these specific varieties”
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