THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Revenue Department has sought a detailed report from the district collectors to ascertain the extent of looting, including protected trees in several districts. The report should specify the type of trees that were cut down and the types of assigned lands on which the tree felling took place.

The Land Registration Rules, 1964, which prohibits the felling of trees under the scheduled category under any circumstances, was applicable to the order issued by the Revenue Department on October 24. Both the CPI and the revenue department have observed that this fact was misinterpreted and misused.

The order dated October 24 states that under the Land Registration Act, 1964, which is based on the Land Registration Act, 1960, the farmers have the right to all the trees except the sandalwood. Four royal trees were included in the scheduled category as per the Land Registration Act, 1964. According to the same rules, 65 species of trees in category A can be acquired by the licensed farmer by reserving it through payment. 11 species of trees in category B will be acquired voluntarily after getting the title deed.

Crops that will be voluntarily acquired include coconut, palm, rubber, coffee, tea, pepper, jackfruit, mango and tamarind. However, the royal trees do not come under any of these categories.