Family waits for 17 years to cut 4 trees

BANGALORE: Two siblings from Shimoga district have been dreaming of a decent dwelling, but their plan is stuck for 17 years, 6 months, 8 days and counting.
The construction plan involves felling of four trees. The brothers' application seeking permission to cut the trees - two teak, one each of jackfruit and mango - has been moving from one desk to another for 17 years, and the recent spree of file clearance hasn't brought them relief.
In 1997, HT Sampath Kumar and Manjunath, from Hunchadakatte village, realized their house was falling apart and decided to build a new one. Loads of bricks dumped in a corner of their property have gathered moss. Torrential rain year after year is threatening whatever remains of their house. The family seeks refuge under the rickety roof.
On March 4, 1997, the family applied for permission from the forest department to bring down the four trees. The saga continues with no resolution.
The Karnataka Preservation of Trees Act, 1976 mandates permission from tree officer (usually the range forest officer) before felling a tree. Officials must inspect the spot, prepare a site plan, survey sketch and ascertain the kind and girth of a tree, and reasons to cut it. Permission is granted only after this procedure is followed.
On receiving the application, field-level officials conduct spot inspection in 20 days, after which they recommend permission. It takes another nine months for the file to travel to the tahsildar's office for verification on whether it's revenue or forestland. And then begins the wait.
Since January 1998, the file has been on an endless journey. Gram panchayat, executive officer of taluk panchayat, tahsildar, assistant commissioner, zonal forest office, range forest office, district forest office and deputy commissioner's office - it has been moving back and forth.
Efforts by BJP MLC SG Siddaramanna and Thirthahalli taluk panchayat member and the applicant's neighbor HR Venkatesh to fast-track the process have failed. Siddaramanna raised the issue during the recently concluded legislative council session. Net result: the file moved from the DFO's office to the DC's office.
Venkatesh said: "I have been following up the case, but to no avail. The only reason they haven't got the permission is because the applicants didn't pay the bribe." Added Siddaramanna, "This reflects official apathy. Such incidents discourage people from following rules."