Thiruvananthapuram: It has come to light that the Mullaperiyar tree felling order was issued after detailed discussions between Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The minutes of the meeting between both states show that granting permission for tree felling was part of the agenda. Additional chief secretary T K Jose submitted the minutes to Tamil Nadu. Mathrubhumi News received a copy of the minutes.

Chief Wildlife Warden Bennichan Thomas was suspended on Wednesday alleging that he took a unilateral decision regarding tree felling. However, the minutes proved that Bennichan was made a scapegoat so that the government could save face.

According to the documents, 25 officials of Kerala and Tamil Nadu held discussions on September 17 and the additional chief secretary and forest secretary were aware of the order. It has been mentioned in the minutes that felling of 15 trees on the premises of Baby Dam and granting permission for a road leading to Mullaperiyar were under consideration.

T K Jose forwarded the minutes to Tamil Nadu on November 2 for their review. Soon after this, the tree felling order was issued. When the order ended up in controversy, the government sought explanation from Chief Wildlife Warden Bennichan Thomas. Mathrubhumi News received a copy of his explanation note also.

Bennichan Thomas stated in the note that it was agreed to fell the trees in a meeting held on September 17. He also stated that the dam cannot be strengthened without constructing a road. However, he was suspended on Wednesday in connection with the controversial order.