HYDERABAD: The Telangana state forest department slapped a fine of Rs 62,075 on a man for felling a 40-year-old neem tree near his house in Saidabad on Monday.
The officials swung into action after being alerted by an eighth standard student who noticed that the huge tree in his locality went missing overnight.
“The man, G Santosh Reddy had cut the tree, saying it was obstructing construction of his new house”, a forest department official said. “The boy called the forest department’s toll-free number (1800 425 5364) after he noticed that a huge tree was cut. He identified himself as a ‘Green Brigadier’ and requested that action be taken against those responsible for cutting the tree,” said Hyderabad district forest officer M Joji.
Officials informed that Reddy, who paid the fine amount, also tried to destroy the evidence by trying to burn the branches and the entire trunk of the tree in the night to avoid any suspicion.
The forest department officials congratulated the boy for acting responsibly.
There are two categories of trees that fall under exempted and non-exempted category. For both the categories, one must apply for permission before felling them via the Telangana forest management information system (TGFMIS) website.