District Collector N. Padmakumar has asked the Revenue Divisional Officers, tehsildars and other departmental heads to arrange to cut trees and branches that pose a threat to life and property or are found obstructing transport along roads. Addressing the District Development Council meeting here on Saturday, he said departmental heads should get the permission of RDOs or executive magistrates to remove such trees.
Trees on private property which pose danger to public life and property should be removed by the owners at their own expense. If the trees have to be removed as part of disaster management activity, the expenses incurred by the authorities would have to be borne by the individuals concerned. Ten trees should be planted for every tree being removed as part of the disaster management programme. Trees planted under social forestry scheme would be protected.
The Collector directed the Suchitwa Mission to step up sanitation activities. He said steps would be taken to expedite tendering process to enable local bodies to spend their plan funds.
Fisheries Department officials said raids were conducted in Kuttanad area to prevent the use of fishing nets that destroy fingerlings. Action would be taken against those who use fishnets that cause damage to fish wealth.
The Collector also gave instructions to fill up holes on national highway. Public Works Department officials said road works on the Alappuzh-Thiruvalla route were under way. The road had been damaged due to the laying of pipes for the Alappuzha drinking water scheme.
