Tree felling order in Mullaperiyar; Minutes of Kerala-Tamil Nadu officials meet out

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The vital document in the controversial tree felling case at Mullaperiyar is out. The minutes of the secretary-level meet had surfaced now. It is clear from the documents that the secretaries of the forest and water resources department and officials of Tamil Nadu had attended the meet. In the minutes given to Tamil Nadu by additional chief secretary T K Jose, it has been included that the permission for tree felling is under consideration.

Chief wildlife warden Bennichan Thomas was suspended the other day for taking a unilateral decision. The documents mentioned that 25 officials from Kerala and Tamil Nadu held discussions on August 17. It has been accurately registered that cutting 15 trees near the baby dam is under consideration. The forest secretary had assured this in his discussions with Tamil Nadu. It was also informed that permission for the road to Mullaperiyar is also being considered. T K Jose sent the minutes to Tamil Nadu for approval on November 2. Following that, permission was given for cutting trees.