Teak trees illegally felled in Chalakudy forest division, sold to private firm, says report

AI Summary

Illegal felling of 273 teak trees in Chalakudy forest division in India was reported, with trees sold at below assessed value to a private wood industry firm. Some trees were over 60 years old and felled on private holdings and assigned land for state highway works.

273 trees, some over 60 years old, were sold to a Thiruvananthapuram-based wood industries firm for ₹8.52 lakh against its assessed value of ₹41.55 lakh, as per an initial probe by the Divisional Forest Officer of Flying Squad. Report says real value could be higher. Trees on private holdings and assigned land were illegally felled for the State hill highway works, says the report