Guwahati, July 15 -- In a move that has stirred widespread debate, the Himachal Pradesh High Court recently ordered the removal of over 3,000 apple trees that officials say were planted illegally on forest land.

Forest department teams, accompanied by police personnel, carried out the felling operations, cutting down trees heavy with ripening fruit as local farmers looked on, many in disbelief and distress, according to a report by The Wire.

Photos and videos of the trees, laden with shiny red apples, being axed to the ground have gone viral on social media, igniting strong public reactions.

Environmentalists, citizens, and farming communities have questioned the intent and impact of this action, describing it as ecologically and moral...