PALAKKAD: Rackets working in Malampuzha forest areas have been suspected to be buying tree barks in large quantities and putting the forest trees on a risk of drying up, reports said on Thursday.
Authorities have not been able to locate who were involved in this act.
They could be camping at Elivaal, Kava, Chembana, Parachathi or Aanakal, according to reports.The Forest Department has not renewed licences of the Scheduled Tribe Co-operative societies, which, until now, have been involved in buying the tree barks, and authorised them to carry on the trade since April this year, the reports said.Vana Samrakshana Samithis (VSS) were reported to be collecting the bark in place of ST societies as they have been pulled out for the time being.
Olavakkode Divisional Forest Officer P Shashikumar, however, said that the VSS were not engaged in purchasing the bark as it would only help more trees to dry up. The Express reporter, who went into the Malampuzha forest interiors, was shocked to find the trees like Itchi, Peraal, Kanikonna, Naththapuram, Tamarind and Athipazham have had their barks removed upto 4 to 5 feet from the trunks.
Malampuzha Dam Samrakshana Samithi president Dr P S Panicker said the removal of bark, chiefly for its medicinal value, contributed to ecological destruction. It is probably the private ayurvedic medical houses who are indulged in this, he said.
Inquiry Required
However, an inquiry needs to be conducted into whether the activity is being carried out with the knowledge of the Forest officials, he said.
Malampuzha Scheduled Tribe Co-operative Society secretary P Unnikrishnan said they used to buy only medicinal herbs and honey among the forest produce.
Orilla, Moovila, Kurunthotti, Aadalodakam, Puthirchunan, Karumkurunji, Kaatu padavalam, Chinnika, Uruvanchi, Pollakuru, Padakizhangu, Honey and Honey wax were the main items, he said.
When agents are involved in such sensitive issues all such mischief would surface, said Unnikrishnan.