Nagarkurnool farmers allege Electricity Department illegally felled 18 teak trees without notice

Farmers in Endabetla village of Nagarkurnool have accused the Electricity Department of felling 18 mature teak trees without prior notice, triggering outrage. The affected family has sought a Forest Department inquiry, compensation and action against those responsible.

Nagarkurnool: Farmers in Endabetla village of Nagarkurnool district are outraged after the electricity department felled 18 fully grown teak trees on agricultural land, citing obstruction to overhead power lines. The trees, planted nearly 20 years ago by farmer Gadi Buchanna in his agricultural field under Survey No. 46, were reportedly felled using an earthmover.

According to local farmers, the trees were felled on Wednesday night without any prior notice to the landowner. When the family visited the field on Friday morning, they were shocked to find all 18 teak trees lying on the ground.

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Prabhavatamma, wife of Gadi Buchanna, broke down on seeing the trees, which the family had nurtured for two decades, cut down.

Farmers alleged that the electricity department failed to follow the prescribed procedure. They said the landowner should have been informed in advance and, if required, only the branches obstructing the power lines should have been trimmed in the presence of the farmer.

Instead, they alleged that the trees were indiscriminately felled in the absence of departmental officials who were expected to supervise the operation, rendering the valuable timber largely unusable.

The affected family accused the officials of negligence, stating that their efforts over the past 20 years to raise the teak plantation had gone in vain. They further alleged that when they approached electricity department officials seeking an explanation, the officials disowned responsibility and claimed they had no role in the incident.

The farmers have lodged a complaint with Forest Department officials, seeking an inquiry into the matter. Villagers and farmers have demanded a thorough investigation and stern action against all those responsible for the felling, including the earthmover owner who allegedly cut down the teak trees despite being aware of their value. They also sought adequate compensation and justice for the affected farmer.