COD to probe forest land encroachment

The minister said Jacob sought the Forest Department8217;s permission to cut the trees to facilitate rubber plantation growth, but it was refused. She then approached the Tree Authority.

The Authority president and the forest conservator visited the spot and found that trees on 60 acres of land were quot;missing8221;. However, the Authority permitted her to cut three trees on each acre ofland.

The Kodagu Coorg Circle Forest Conservator recommended to the Chief Conservator of Forests to recover Rs 1.77 crore from Jacob for illegal cutting of trees.

Karnataka Forest Development Corporation Managing Director Ramaprakash was appointed to inquire into the charges of encraochment and illegal cutting of trees. Based on the inquiry report and the Kodagu Circle forest conservator8217;s recommendations, 8220;The Government is convinced that the allegations are true8221;, said Manjunath, maintaining that the COD probe was necessary as the Government intended to file a criminal case against Jacob.

A COD team, led by Inspector Muthanna, has begun investigations, Manjunath added.