PANCHKULA: Even as a probe has been ordered into the removal of at least four saal (Shorea robusta) trees from the Kalesar National Park in Yamunanagar, the forest authorities have suspended three officials, including the range officer.
Conservator of Forests (North) Pankaj Goel told HT the suspended officials were Range Officer Deepak Nanda, Forester Gurnam Singh and Forest Guard Krishan Kumar.
He said the trees could have fallen because of soil erosion or other natural factors. However it was suspected the logs were removed from the forest on directions of the range officer, which is a violation of the law as lay down by the Supreme Court.
According to the apex court, any form of felling and removal of trees is banned in national parks.
The inquiry report would be submitted within two weeks.
SOURCE-HT
