Residents of Melavellanjampatti village in Sivaganga district petitioned the district administration over illegal felling and smuggling of decades-old trees valued at several lakhs of rupees.
The petitioners said, “There were more than 70 old trees of various varieties, including neem, acacia, tamarind, and veli, grown on the bunds of our village tank, water inflow channel, and government lands.”
Some individuals illegally cut and smuggled them, the petitioners said, adding that they lodged a complaint with the Village Administrative Officer in this regard.
“The VAO inspected the spots and filed a complaint with the Madagupatti police. However, even after more than a week, the police have not taken any action, nor have they recovered the smuggled trees. An inquiry should be conducted and action taken against those who smuggled the trees,” they stated.
When asked about this, Tahsildar Rajalakshmi said, “We have filed a complaint at the police station through the VAO. Now the police have to take action.”
Published – September 29, 2026 08:17 pm IST
