IMPHAL, Sept 29 - Felling a tree in the heart of Imphal without obtaining prior approval from the authorities, even as the government is following guidelines under the Chief Minister�s Green Mission Manipur, forced the forest department to issue an order directing the Public Works Department (PWD) to plant 20 saplings.
The forest department issued the order after a tree standing along the road near Johnstone School in Imphal was felled and uprooted while taking up construction work of a footbridge on September 27.
In its order, the forest department directed the PWD or its representative, whichever was applicable, to plant 20 saplings at appropriate locations, preferably in the greater Imphal area, along the road with proper tree guards to protect the saplings.
It also directed the PWD to submit a report along with photographs after the completion of the plantation on or before October 5, 2019.
A senior official of the state PWD, when contacted, said they will look into the matter and assured that they will do the needful.
In Manipur, felling of a tree without proper permit is against the provisions of the �Guidelines for felling of trees from non-forest area of Manipur�. The Wildlife and Biodiversity Conservation Committee Manipur had also expressed serious concern over a report of felling a tree in the state capital.
A nine-year-old girl, who was seen crying after two trees she had planted were cut down, was even named brand ambassador of the Chief Minister�s Green Mission Manipur last month.
