Coimbatore: While the Coimbatore Police are jinxed with the continuous tree felling incidents all across the district in both residential areas and forest fringes, the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) has been battling the sandalwood mafia for a long time here.
Coimbatore: While the Coimbatore Police are jinxed with the continuous tree felling incidents all across the district in both residential areas and forest fringes, the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) has been battling the sandalwood mafia for a long time here.
The centre located deep inside the reserve at Moongil Pallam in the Anaikatti Hills has been facing the brunt for many years, as more than ten incidents of sandalwood tree felling have been reported in their campus.
In a recent incident, eight trees have either been cut or attempted to be cut since December 27 of this month. Of the eight trees, four trees were fully cut and taken away by the culprits.
According to sources, the miscreants have entered the campus on the night of Friday and cut two sandalwood trees. They had attempted to cut more trees, but since security personnel countered them, they escaped with the bounty from two trees.
The miscreants had reportedly cut a few more trees on Monday night and took away the bark of the trees, leaving out the remains.
“As our campus is located in the middle of the forest, it has been a prime target for the culprits. We have noticed several incidents over the years and it has stopped only in the last few years,” said a staff of Sacon, who wished to be anonymous.
He further stated that despite giving numerous complaints, no protection had been given by the forest staff, though their 55 acre plot is home for wild animals like elephants, wild dogs, deer and leopards.
The official further suspect that local people could be involved in the incident, as the tree fellings happened at night in pitch dark.
“This is a forested landscape and it would not be easy for outsiders to track the route. Local people could either be involved or assist the culprits,” he opined.
A few trees that were attempted to be cut had been rescued by SACON personnel who had provided support to the park of the sandalwood trees by fitting it with clamps and wooden blocks.
Meanwhile, a case has been registered with the Thadagam Police regarding the issue and a team from the police department is to soon inspect the place.
The centre located deep inside the reserve at Moongil Pallam in the Anaikatti Hills has been facing the brunt for many years, as more than ten incidents of sandalwood tree felling have been reported in their campus.
In a recent incident, eight trees have either been cut or attempted to be cut since December 27 of this month. Of the eight trees, four trees were fully cut and taken away by the culprits.
According to sources, the miscreants have entered the campus on the night of Friday and cut two sandalwood trees. They had attempted to cut more trees, but since security personnel countered them, they escaped with the bounty from two trees.
The miscreants had reportedly cut a few more trees on Monday night and took away the bark of the trees, leaving out the remains.
“As our campus is located in the middle of the forest, it has been a prime target for the culprits. We have noticed several incidents over the years and it has stopped only in the last few years,” said a staff of Sacon, who wished to be anonymous.
He further stated that despite giving numerous complaints, no protection had been given by the forest staff, though their 55 acre plot is home for wild animals like elephants, wild dogs, deer and leopards.
The official further suspect that local people could be involved in the incident, as the tree fellings happened at night in pitch dark.
“This is a forested landscape and it would not be easy for outsiders to track the route. Local people could either be involved or assist the culprits,” he opined.
A few trees that were attempted to be cut had been rescued by SACON personnel who had provided support to the park of the sandalwood trees by fitting it with clamps and wooden blocks.
Meanwhile, a case has been registered with the Thadagam Police regarding the issue and a team from the police department is to soon inspect the place.