According to R. Mohammed Saleem, president of Environment Conservation Group, residents of Race Course area had informed them that some persons were attempting to fell a green rain tree during the early hours of the day. N.I. Jalaludeen, president of Nature Conservation Society, said that the tree must be around 70 years old.

On questioning, the persons claimed that they had obtained permission from the Corporation to cut down the tree. However, an inquiry with the Revenue Divisional Officer V. Gunasekaran had revealed that the Corporation had permitted only the trimming of the tree. An association had requested permission to trim down the dry branches that abutted the road. However, the persons were trying to cut down the entire tree. Following this, Corporation and Revenue officials came to the spot and halted the felling of the tree.Mr. Jalaludeen said that some people belonging to a restaurant had cut down a tree on Tiruchi Road that was blocking the view of their premises.

"In spite of all the environmental awareness, sections of the public are still not concerned about nature," he added. He urged the public to alert the non-governmental organisations about any attempts to cut down trees. The authorities need to depute an officer to supervise the trimming of trees. It was high time Coimbatore had a functioning environmental committee to look into such matters, Mr. Saleem added.

Training

A two-day training programme in handling firearms began here on Thursday for the Forest Protection and Vigilance wing personnel, which gathers intelligence on forest offences such as poaching and theft. A total of 40 Forest Guards, Foresters, Forest Range Officers and Assistant Conservators of Forest from Chennai, Vellore, Dharmapuri, Salem, Erode, Coimbatore and the Nilgiris are taking part.

According to G. Chandrasekaran, Assistant Conservator of Forests, the Forest Protection and Vigilance wing faced substantial risks of coming under fire from poachers and anti-social elements taking refuge in the forests. This training was intended to prepare them to face these risks and respond efficiently. The training will cover weapons such as 9 mm pistols, double barrel guns, 0.315 calibre rifles and .303 calibre rifles.

G. Prabhakaran, Assistant Principal Chief Conservator of Forestsis supervising the programme.