NGO seeks probe into tree-felling circular

Kochi: ANEC Trust (Animals and Nature Ethics Community Trust), Ernakulam, an NGO, has sought an independent, time-bound investigation, including a CBI inquiry, into the controversial tree-felling circular issued by D K Vinodkumar, IFS, chief conservator of forests, high range circle, Kottayam, on Oct 8, and its subsequent withdrawal reportedly on Oct 16.The Trust has submitted a detailed legal representation to the chief minister, forests and wildlife minister, chief secretary, the forests and wildlife department, vigilance and anti-corruption bureau and other competent authorities, seeking an independent special investigation team (SIT), digital forensic examination of official records and a comprehensive audit of tree-felling permissions and timber transportation during the intervening eight-day period.ANEC’s principal concern is whether an administrative instruction that potentially affected statutory restrictions on tree felling and timber transportation was issued, acted upon and subsequently withdrawn without a transparent examination of the consequences.The trust has also raised serious questions regarding the chronology of the cancellation order. According to the information available to ANEC, there is a discrepancy between the date attributed to the cancellation in the relevant records and the date on which the cancellation was reportedly actually issued. The trust has therefore demanded an independent forensic examination of the original files, electronic office-system logs, document metadata, approval records, digital signatures, dispatch registers and communications to establish the actual sequence of events.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kochi | Silver Rate in Kochi | Bank Holidays in Kochi | Public Holidays in KochiStay updated with the latest Kochi news. Download the TOI App.