THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A recent report claimed that Forest Minister AK Saseendran was unaware that Tamil Nadu was given permission to cut down 15 trees downstream of the baby dam at Mullaperiyar. Saseendran has sought an urgent report from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden on the matter.

It was only after the release of a press release by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin thanking Kerala that the news came out that Kerala had given permission for the felling of trees. The order stated that the permission was granted by Chief Principal Conservator of Forests Bennichan Thomas. The minister demanded an immediate report soon after the news came out. Tamil Nadu had demanded that the trees should be cut down to strengthen the dam.