Expressing concern, HP minister questions timing of cutting trees

SHIMLA: Expressing concerns over encroachment on forest land and the ongoing cutting of the apple trees, education minister Rohit Thakur urged for a humanitarian perspective while questioning the timing of the cutting down of the apple trees.

- Shailee Dogra

"The clearing of the forest land is being done in compliance with the high court orders, but the intention of the government is sensitive towards the poor and landless sections," said Thakur while saying that he will take up the matter with chief minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.

Thakur was interacting with the media on Wednesday after returning from Ladakh where he participated in an important meeting regarding the education system in border and tribal areas.

In compliance with the high court orders to clear forest land of all encroachments about 3,600 trees, mostly apple trees, are being axed, due to which there is great dissatisfaction among the farmers and gardeners. Kisan Sabha and apple growers organizations have announced to gherao the secretariat on July 29.