Two of the five trees that were cut without leaving any branch at Aparna bus stop at Kuniyamuthur on Palakkad Road in Coimbatore.

| Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Warning stern action for illegal felling of trees, the Revenue Department slapped a fine of ₹1.04 lakh on a person for cutting five trees on the side of Palakkad Road at Kuniyamuthur in Coimbatore.The action was initiated against T.R. Mohamed Rafiq, a resident of Madinah Avenue near Podanur, who is reportedly developing a restaurant at Aparna bus stop, Kuniyamuthur, said Revenue Department sources.According to the Revenue Department, Mr. Rafiq applied for cutting trees in front of the building where the restaurant is coming up. Kuniyamuthur Revenue Inspector (RI) and Village Administrative Officer (VAO) inspected the spot and sent their reports to the Tahsildar, Perur on July 13. The Tahsildar issued an order on July 18, permitting pruning of the branches of three neem trees and one may flower tree. However, workers employed by Mr. Rafiq cut all the branches of five trees, sparing only the trunks and leaving least chance for their survival.The Tahsildar issued an order on July 25, directing a fine on Mr. Rafiq for the violation. Sources added that the person paid the fine of ₹1.04 lakh on July 27.“The trees offered shade for roadside vendors and pedestrians during summer. The branches were cut indiscriminately as they blocked the view of the upcoming restaurant,” said a person from Kuniyamuthur, who had alerted authorities about the incident.K. Syed of non-governmental organisation Green Care, who also intervened to take the incident to the attention of the authorities, said imposing of fines alone would not curb illegal cutting of trees.“Authorities should also lodge complaints with the police and get violators booked. In this case, the violator has gone free after paying the fine and chances of the survival of the trees are slim. The District Green Committee should not remain a mere spectator to rampant illegal tree felling taking place in Coimbatore,” he said. Published - July 30, 2026 06:23 pm IST