Hyderabad, July 3: Farmers in Endabetla village of Nagarkurnool district have alleged that electricity department personnel cut down 18 fully grown teak trees on private agricultural land without prior notice, triggering protests and demands for an inquiry.
The trees, planted nearly 20 years ago by farmer Gadi Buchanna in his field under Survey No. 46, were reportedly felled on Wednesday night using an earthmover after being identified as obstructing overhead power lines.
Illegal Felling of 18 Teak Trees
According to the affected family and local farmers, no prior notice was served before the trees were cut. The family discovered the felled trees on Friday morning when they visited the field.
Prabhavatamma, wife of Gadi Buchanna, expressed grief over the loss of the plantation, which the family had nurtured for two decades.
Farmers alleged that the electricity department failed to follow the prescribed procedure. They said officials should have informed the landowner in advance and trimmed only the branches obstructing the power lines instead of cutting down the entire trees.
They also claimed that departmental officials were not present to supervise the operation, resulting in the teak timber being damaged and losing much of its value.
The family alleged that electricity department officials denied responsibility when approached for an explanation.
Meanwhile, the affected farmers have submitted a complaint to the Forest Department, seeking an inquiry into the incident. Villagers have demanded strict action against those responsible, including the earthmover operator, besides adequate compensation for the farmer.
The electricity department had not issued an official response to the allegations at the time of publication.
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