Farmers Movement Archive

When in dire need farmers cut trees, restore order: HRSS

Idukki: High Range Samrakshana Samithy (HRSS), a farmers’ forum in Idukki, has demanded the reinstatement of the controversial order issued on October 24 last year allowing felling of trees in assigned lands. All India Kisan Sabha, Kerala, the farmers' wing of CPI, had also said two days ago that the government should restore the order which was cancelled on February 2 following reports that the order was being used as a cover for rampant tree-felling across the state. High Range Samrakshana Samithy general convener Fr Kochupurackal said on Wednesday that the tree-cutting order was issued based on a long-term demand from farmers and farmers groups. “Timber mafia and plantations benefitted from the government order that allowed the cutting of trees on title deed lands. Small and medium scale farmers did not benefit from the order and it needs to be restored. Farmers usually sell timber during emergency situations for purposes like marrying off their daughters or for hospital needs,” said Kochupurakal. "The curbs on tree felling will have a severe impact on the lives of the poor and the farmers will have to suffer in future. If the government finds someone smuggling timber from plantations and government lands it should deal with it sternly. Most of the landholdings owned by farmers in Idukki district are below five acres. These holdings will have just about two or three matured trees and the timber is sold when the farmers require ready cash in emergency situations. If curbs are imposed on cutting down the trees, it will hit them hard," he said. "Before issuing title deeds to the farmers, the title deed holder pays tax for the trees on the patta land and the farmers have the ownership of such trees. The government should take steps to do away with the permits required from revenue and forest departments to cut trees from assigned lands," said Kochupurakal.

The Times of India

2021-06-17

Kochi