Thiruvananthapuram: Uncertainity still remains in the government order which decided to freeze the order by the Forest Department granting permission for felling trees downstream of Mullaperiyar dam. The order says nothing about freezing the old order but just mentions of temporarily withholding it.

The Chief Conservator of Forest had passed an order on November 5 granting permission for felling 15 trees near the Baby dam. After it became controversial, the government's announcement on Sunday was to freeze the order. The government also made it clear that the order will be released on Monday. However, there is no clarity regarding freezing the forest department order. The order only states that the order by forest department is set aside temporarily. Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Additional Chief Secretary of Kerala Forest and Wildlife Department released the order stating that the old order will be temporarily withheld. 

The baby dam is located in the area included in the Periyar Tiger Reserve. The permission of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Tiger reserve is required to fell trees surrounding it. It is not clear in the order released earlier whether such things were inspected before giving nod. That has been stated as the reason for setting aside the old order. 

Minister for Forest AK Saseendran claimed that he was unaware of the permission granted to cut trees in the vicinity of the Mullaperiyar dam to facilitate the strengthening of the baby dam. He informed that the Chief Minister and the related department came to know about this only after receiving a letter from the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin.

Saseendran pointed out that the Mullaperiyar dam and baby dams had always been subjected to political discussions. Hence, the decisions over the issue shall not be taken solely by the bureaucrats. Thereby, the minister directed the chief forest officer to submit a report detailing all developments relating to this. Further proceedings will be followed after receiving the report, the minister added.

Stalin had informed that Kerala permitted to fell 15 trees downstream of the baby dam which is crucial to strengthen it. He announced this through a Twitter post.