After the decision, DFO has already approved 89 applications seeking permission for cutting down Simal trees. According to the DFO, other 200 applications are still awaiting approval. [break]
Locals and DFO had been engaged in a debate over the issue for years as the Simal trees are natural habitats of the engendered vultures. A few months ago, DFO had decided not to permit felling Simal trees following protests by conservationists.
But the DFO has now started issuing permission for felling the trees. “The DFO has agreed to issue permission for felling Simal trees in our land,” said a local.
District Forest Officer Narayan Singh had been accused of issuing permits for felling Simal trees in the district without consulting the matter with DFCC. “Singh had issued permits after being bribed by the locals,” said a source.
Refuting the allegations, Singh said no existing law of the country restricts felling of Simal trees. “I can not impose a ban on felling Simal trees when all the authorities have been allowing it,” said Singh, adding, “I understand that Simal trees are a natural habitat of vultures but no law forbids cutting them.”
However, the authorities in the neighboring Kailali district have banned felling of Simal trees.
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