Kanpur NSI Director Among Five Booked for Alleged Illegal Tree Felling

Authorities in Kanpur have registered an FIR against five individuals, including the director of the National Sugar Institute (NSI), for the alleged illegal felling and uprooting of over 600 trees on the institute’s campus, according to a report by Hindustan Times.

Details of the FIR

The case involves NSI Director Seema Paroha, private security commander Uday Pratap Singh Rathore, estate officer Vinay Kumar, farm manager Ashok Kumar and M/s Tiwari Wood Merchant of Anwarganj, along with unidentified individuals. The FIR was filed following a complaint from Regional Forest Officer Rakesh Pandey, who alleged large-scale tree felling without proper permission near Gate No. 5 of the NSI campus.

The alleged illegal activity came to light after employee organizations raised complaints. A forest department team visited the campus on May 27 but was denied entry by security personnel without the director’s approval. A subsequent inspection on June 2, conducted in the presence of the director, reportedly found evidence of trees being cut over several months and timber removed at night.

Findings and Evidence

According to the FIR, 655 full-grown trees and 67 dwarf oleander plants were felled. The species involved included neem, shisham, eucalyptus, gulmohar, gular, siris, and bottle brush trees. Officials also noted 377 tree stumps, believed to be around six months old, and evidence of 250 trees uprooted using JCB machines. Stored wood on the campus was estimated to be eight to ten months old.

Ashutosh Kumar, Kalyanpur assistant commissioner of police, confirmed the FIR registration and stated the case is under investigation. “All facts and aspects related to the case will be examined impartially, and further legal action will be taken based on the evidence that emerges during the investigation,” he said.

Restrictions and Aftermath

Following the controversy, the entry of outsiders into the NSI campus has been restricted. The case has sparked concerns about environmental violations and accountability within institutional premises.

The incident highlights ongoing challenges in balancing development with environmental conservation, particularly in educational and research institutions.