The fellow with broken arm and many teeth missing is apparently
some sort of a demi-village official. He casually mentioned that every family
is entitled to fell a Pine tree for the purpose of construction of a house. He said you can pick a tree and he will sanction
its felling, even suggested choose a hefty one as if you will not know! I
have serious doubt at the veracity of his claim. Although there is rationale for
such a scheme approved by the government, after all villagers by their proximity
to forest hold first right to its wealth, there will be several ifs and buts in
any such scheme inviting official approval therefore payment of bribes.
When discussed with Manyawar Diwakar, he was skeptical
about the scheme. He said perhaps there is such a scheme but he hasn’t seen
anyone felling a tree. The Government – public interface in India is notorious
for engendering corruption so Manyawar Diwakar is possibly right. So everyone
out there having a family and plan to build a house can fell a pine tree but
only on paper. Pay no attention to this demi-village official who might pompously
approve felling of a tree but may as well open door to prison else be ready
with a hefty bribe…….
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