Bilaspur: Builder faces probe over illegal tree felling

Bilaspur | Correspondent: Workers cut eucalyptus trees at a construction site on the road from Mangla Chowk to Uslapur Railway Station in Bilaspur. Residents recorded the tree cutting and shared a video on social media.

Following a complaint, Collector Sanjay Agrawal ordered an investigation. SDM Akanksha Tripathi said a notice has been issued to the builder for cutting the trees without permission. Further action will be taken after the builder responds.

Locals alleged that green netting was put up to hide the tree cutting. However, residents recorded the incident and shared the video on social media. They also claimed that the construction does not follow the approved building plan. Officials are seeking information from the Municipal Corporation, Town and Country Planning Department, and Forest Department. 

According to SDM Akanksha Tripathi, a complaint regarding the felling of eucalyptus trees was received two days ago. A Revenue Inspector (RI) was subsequently dispatched to the site, where it was confirmed that two trees had already been cut down. The felling was immediately halted.

The SDM noted that a notice has been issued to the builder for unauthorized tree felling. Once the builder’s response is received, further action including the imposition of a monetary penalty, will be taken. She also clarified that no permission for cutting down the trees had been granted by her office.

Forest Department officials said the land falls under the revenue department. Allegations have also been made that the authorities were not informed before the trees were cut.

The investigation will check whether permission was obtained to cut the trees and whether the construction follows the rules. Officials are also looking into complaints that the complex is being built against the approved building plan.