₹1.20 crore fine imposed on tribal man for cutting 2 trees in MP’s Raisen

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₹1.20 crore fine imposed on tribal man for cutting 2 trees in MP's Raisen

A Madhya Pradesh forest department officer has imposed a fine of ₹1.20 crore on a member of an indigenous forest tribe for allegedly cutting two trees in the forest of Raisen district, calculating the cost on basis of measurable and immeasurable benefits provided by trees, forest officials said.

The fine was imposed on Chhote Lal Bhilala, 30, a resident of Silwani village of Raisen district, who was spotted cutting two sagaon (or sagwan; teak) trees at Singori Sanctuary on January 5. He was arrested on April 26.

Bamhori forest ranger Mahendra Singh said, "According to study of the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education, a tree provides intangible benefits of ₹52 lakh for 50 years. This includes oxygen supply of ₹11.97 lakh, ₹23.68 lakh for controlling air pollution, 19 lakh for soil erosion and soil filtration and ₹4 lakh for water filtration. The trees gives tangible benefits of ₹2 lakh. Therefore, a tree gives benefits of about ₹60 lakhs during its life span to people."

Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/120-crore-fine-imposed-on-tribal-man-for-cutting-2-trees-in-mp-s-raisen-101619642338028.html