Shimla, July 12 -- In a major operation carried out under tight security, the Special Operation Procedure (SOP) team today cut down over 750 apple and pear trees in the Kotkhai region of Shimla district as part of the ongoing court-monitored drive to clear illegal encroachments from forest land.
The operation began with the felling of 93 apple trees illegally planted by Dinesh Tajta, followed by the removal of 664 apple and pear trees belonging to Pratap Chauhan, officials confirmed.
The Revenue Department has reported that Pratap Chauhan has allegedly encroached upon nearly 20 bighas of forest land in the area. The remaining trees on this encroached stretch are scheduled to be removed on Sunday.
The action is part of the enforcement of...