Hyderabad, Apr 12 (Agency) Telangana Forest Department has imposed heavy fine of Rs 20 lakhs on real estate companies for cutting down trees on a large scale without any permits. Ten days back, the real estate company Green Leaf cut down several trees as part of its Venture expansion at Bommaraspet, Kesara Mandal in Medchal Malkajgiri district.
Based on a complaint, the district forest official Venkateswarlu has conducted enquiry and imposed penalty of Rs 20 lakh for cutting down of trees without any permission. The Forest officials who booked the case under WALTA ACT, assured to take steps to planting more saplings with the real estate company, according to a statement issued here on Monday.
PCCF R Shobha clarified that there is no right to cut down trees in their own land. Keeping in view of giving importance on greenery under Telangana Ku Haritha Haram programme, Ms Shobha said If necessary they should take permission through online.