LPG shortage raises fears of illegal tree felling; Minister Eshwar Khandre directs officials to remain vigilant in forest areas

In view of the shortage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), Minister for Forest, Ecology, and Environment Eshwar B. Khandre has directed forest officials to remain vigilant and prevent illegal felling of trees across the State.

In a written directive to the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, the Minister noted that the impact of the LPG shortage has begun to be felt in Karnataka. With several hotels, resorts and homestays facing difficulties in procuring commercial LPG cylinders and disruptions also being reported in the supply of domestic cooking gas, the demand for firewood has increased in many areas.

Expressing concern over the possibility of illegal tree cutting to meet the rising demand for firewood, Mr. Khandre instructed the officials to intensify patrolling and surveillance in forest areas, forest fringes, and government lands.

He directed the officials to monitor all forest circles and ranges across the State and take adequate precautionary measures to prevent any illegal felling of trees.

The Minister also warned that strict accountability would be enforced. “If any instances of illegal tree felling are reported in forest areas or government lands, the officials and staff of the respective forest range would be held responsible,” he said.