Title - A rather fell move at Ernakulam Junction

In gross violation of the norms laid down by the Railways and the Social Forestry Department, seven trees were felled without permission at the South railway station premises here. Ernakulam area manager P L Ashok Kumar said that the trees were felled by a railway staff without seeking permission from higher authorities.

“The incident took place nearly a week ago. However, it was brought to my attention only the other day. Seven trees,  including three mango trees and four ‘Kannikonna' (Laburnum) trees were axed in front of the railway quarters located close to the railway station. Strict action will be taken against the individual who committed the offense,” Ashok Kumar said.

The railway employee who lives at the quarters had cut the trees stating that it was causing discomfort to him and his family, the railway officials said.

"Also, he claimed that trees were blocking the sunlight to his house. But, since he had not sought the permission from us, we have registered it as an offense," the official said.

As per the Railway norms, no tree can be cut at the railway station premises unless it causes danger to the railway installments,  including railway tracks, railway buildings, signals etc. “Even then, we are supposed to carry out a lot of formalities,  such as seeking permission from the Forest Department. We have informed the Railway Police Force to study the issue and prepare reports,” the officials added.

Meanwhile, the officials clarified that no case would be filed against the individual because the wood from the trees has not been taken out of the Railway premises.

“Otherwise, we could have treated it as a case of theft. However, it is clear that the individual had no intention of stealing the wood for any other use. Department action,  including punishment and fine will be levied upon him instead,” Ashok Kumar added.

Recently, at a railway station in Palakkad, the Forest Department had given permission to cut down a few branches of the trees as these was posing hazards to the railway passengers.

Meanwhile, as per the reports with the Social Forestry wing of the Forest Department, more than 1,400 trees were felled in Ernakulam alone in a single year. For the Kochi Metro Rail project, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation was given permission to cut down as many as 48 trees at the eastern entry of the Ernakulam Junction station.