Kerala opposition walks out over tree-felling issue

TThiruvananthapuram, March 8 : The Congress-led opposition Monday walked out of the Kerala assembly after the presiding officer turned down their adjournment motion on the issue of 2,000 rubber trees being felled by criminals in the states Thiruvalla town.

The trees were felled early Friday - hours before presentation of the budget, which announced setting up a Rs.1,000 crore Green Fund for green activities, especially protecting trees and other environmental activities.

Kerala Congree-Mani legislator Joseph M.Puthuserry sought an adjournment motion to discuss the felling of more than 2,000 rubber trees from a 10-acre plot of land near Thiruvalla town.

Today it is four days since this ghastly incident occurred and so far, none has been taken into custody. What is even more surprising is that the plot next to where this incident occurred is owned by a CPI-M (Communist Party of India-Marxist) leader and his trees have been left untouched, said Puthuserry.

The trees were planted by a group of 11 poor families, who engaged in rubber cultivation after taking loans. It takes seven years for a rubber tree to yield sap and till then it has to be constantly looked after.

In his reply, Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan said that police have registered a case and are investigating.