Telangana Forest Department issues notice for illegal tree cutting in Manikonda
Manikonda: The Government of Telangana Forest Department issued notices to Ahmed Iqbal Khan, the person responsible for cutting a 10-year-old Gulmohar tree at Road no 7, Tirumala Hills, Manikonda. The notices were instructed by the higher official, the Divisional Forest Officer.
Avinash, a doctor and president of the Tirumala Hills Owners’ Welfare Association, said that a notice was issued to Ahmed Iqbal Khan, but no action was taken by the authorities. He requested immediate action to be taken.
It was learned that on May 17th, a 10-year-old tree was cut down in a public area on Road No. 7, Tirumala Hills Colony, Manikonda Municipality, Gandipet. Subsequently, a personal transformer was installed in the same spot, causing anger and frustration among the residents. The residents are urging the authorities to take strict action against the individual responsible for cutting down the tree and installing the personal transformer.
While speaking to the Hyderabad Mail, Avinash, a doctor and president of the Tirumala Hills Owners’ Welfare Association, said, “The tree-cutting incident occurred on May 17th. The accused, who resides beside the colony, illegally constructed a building on the third and fourth floors. The case is currently in court. He chopped down the entire tree and installed a transformer in its place.”
Avinash mentioned that neither the Manikonda Municipality Authorities nor the electricity in-charge has responded to the issue. He also noted that the government is urging people to protect all the trees and plant more to increase green cover.
“I took this issue to the Regional Officer, Prathima, and she assured us that she would bring it to the attention of the higher officials, the District/Divisional Forest Officer (DFO). However, despite our persistent efforts, no action has been taken yet. The authorities have been responsive but have not taken any action against the person,” said Avinash, reiterating the community’s unwavering determination to seek justice for this environmental violation.
“We urgently request that the transformer located in a public place be removed and relocated to the individual’s personal premises. We want immediate action to rectify this environmental injustice. Additionally, Manikonda Municipality should plant more trees in that area as part of the Telangana Ku Haritha Haram scheme,” expressed Avinash, underlining the community’s pressing need for a swift resolution to this issue.
