KOCHI: Latest reports suggest that tree felling has also occurred in Ernakulam similar to the ‘Muttil model.’ Reports suggest that atleast Rs three crore worth of trees were removed from the Neriamangalam forest range. The trees transferred from the Ellam reserve were captured from Kattappana.

Forest officials say that the passes to chop down trees were given after relentless pressure exerted by revenue officials. Under the garb of the controversial order, trees worth crores were transferred from the Neriamangalam range.

Sources indicate that most of the chopped trees were Sandalwood trees. More than 60 passes were allowed to chop down trees in the Neriamangalam range which comes under the Munnar forests division. The forest department has been taking cases after classifying forests land into various regions.