Conservationists have criticised the district administration and the Forest Department for sanctioning the cutting of 166 jackfruit trees, in fruiting stage, at a private estate in Mamaram village near Kotagiri, a prime habitat for elephants.
The Glenburn Estate in Mamaram, had approached the district administration for permission to cut down 166 jackfruit trees inside the estate, which was granted on July 30, after field inspections by Forest Department staff.
When contacted, District Forest Officer (Nilgiris Division) S. Gowtham said the jackfruit trees belong to the Artocarpus heterophyllus species. “These trees have been planted by the estate and there is no ban on cutting these trees. Only wild jackfruit trees (Artocarpus hirsutus) cannot be cut,” said Mr. Gowtham, adding that the estate owners had stated that they wanted to cut the trees as they were having trouble with elephants entering the area.
