Retired Forest Officer Penalised for Illegally Approving Felling of 800 Trees in Kodagu

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Madikeri: Five years after the illegal felling of nearly 800 trees in the ecologically sensitive Madikeri division, the Karnataka government has taken action against the deputy conservator of forests (DCF) responsible for issuing the controversial felling permit.

M. L. Manjunath, who served as the DCF of the Madikeri division from February 2018 to June 2019, was suspended after he authorised the felling of 808 trees across various survey numbers in K Nidugane village, in Madikeri taluk.

In November 2019, the Forest Department issued a show-cause notice and a charge sheet against Manjunath. Despite being given the opportunity to explain his actions, the official failed to respond, leading to an inquiry being ordered in July 2021. The inquiry report, submitted to the government in November 2023, confirmed the charges against him.

On August 20, 2024, the government issued an order imposing a penalty for Manjunath's dereliction of duty. The order stated, "As the charges are proven, the government shall deduct 5 percent of the pension for two years from M. L. Manjunath, deputy conservator of forests (retired)."

According to the DH report, the controversy began when the Karnataka Housing Board sought to develop a residential complex in the area. Activists alleged that forest land had been illegally diverted for the construction of a resort. Although the chief conservator of forests at the time intervened and halted the felling, 738 trees had already been cut down by then.

The government clarified that the land in question was classified as ‘Bane’ land, which is recognized as statutory forest. According to existing regulations, the use of such land for non-forest purposes requires approval from the Union government. Despite these clear guidelines, DCF M. L. Manjunath permitted the felling of trees without the necessary clearance.

Additionally, the government found that Manjunath failed to object to the conversion of the land for commercial purposes. He also neglected to call for a joint survey to accurately determine the land's status before issuing the felling permit. Instead of following the standard procedure, the permission was granted through a letter rather than the customary formal order.

During the inquiry, Manjunath attempted to defend his actions by arguing that the land was private property. However, the government dismissed this claim, stating, "The statement is unacceptable."

This case highlights the importance of adhering to environmental regulations, especially in ecologically sensitive areas, and demonstrates the consequences of failing to do so.

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