Amid growing concern over the ongoing felling of apple trees on forest land across the state, the Himachal Seb Utpadak Sangh on Monday appealed to the state government to file a petition in the Himachal Pradesh High Court to halt the drive.
Speaking to the media on behalf of the Sangh, former MLA and CPI(M) leader Rakesh Singha said the sangh has sought immediate government intervention and has also called for an urgent meeting of apple growers on Tuesday to discuss the issue.
The plea comes in response to a recent High Court directive that directed the Forest Department to remove apple trees and orchards allegedly planted illegally on forest land. The order also called for the replantation of native forest species in those areas.
This forest land was allegedly being encroached upon by apple growers.
"Without disrespect to the High Court, we have a right to register our dissent and disagreement to the orders of evictions being passed since January, 8, 2025," he said and added that apple rootstock has developed from Malus Sylvestris, popularly known as crab apple, and therefore it is a forest species.
Follow us
