Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 28 June 2022
The residents of Katchal have been demanding to fell dangerous trees located all throughout the Island near Govt. Offices, Schools, Roads and Homes at both settler and tribal villages. As per the residents, the Range Office, Department of Environment & Forests, Katchal has already identified around 300 dangerous trees which pose threat to life and property.
Residents allege that even after the identification of dangerous trees by the Range Office, the concerned authorities are not taking immediate action and are transferring responsibility upon one another.
Residents also informed that during inclement weather people are unable to sleep peacefully as they are always in fear of a tree falling on their house.
In response to a letter regarding the felling of dangerous trees by Katchal Settler Welfare Association, the Deputy Conservator of Forests (Planning and Monitoring) requested the Divisional Forest Officer (Nicobar Division) to refer the matter to the concerned SDM for the issue of permission U/s 133 Cr.PC. for felling of trees, if the trees in question are found to be dangerous to life and property of nearby residents, upon inspection.
In response, the Divisional Forest Officer instructed the Range Officer, Katchal Range to issue necessary guidance to the agency/party concerned to deal with dangerous trees in accordance with the minutes of the meeting held under the Chairmanship of Chief Secretary, Andaman and Nicobar Islands in September 2013.
Residents informed that have not received any further update regarding the status of their request for the felling of dangerous trees.
The Administration should immediately act and issue necessary directions for the feeling of dangerous trees to save the lives and property of the residents.