Timber Traders Move Sc To Review Order

Timber traders, plywood manufacturers and miners in the north-eastern states have moved the Supreme Court seeking modification of its order suspending their activities in forests.

In their order on December 12, the division bench consisting of Justice J S Verma and Justice B N Kirpal had ordered that all on-going activity in any forest in any state without the prior approval of the central government must cease immediately.

The court had specifically banned the running of saw mills of any kind including veneer or plywood mills, and mining of any mineral. In Arunachal Pradesh, there would be a complete ban on felling of any kind of trees because of the ecological biodiversity of that region. The governments of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam were directed to ensure compliance of the court order.

 

The traders, who have moved some 20 applications to be considered by the same bench in the coming week, have complained that the order has affected their moving the timber already cut and lying in the forests. According to the order, there shall be a complete ban on the movement of cut trees and timber from any of the seven north-eastern states to any other state either by rail, road or waterways. Applications have been moved to give a liberal interpretation of this order.

Another harsh part of the order is that notwithstanding the closure of any saw mills or other wood-based industry, the workers employed in such units will continue to be paid their full emoluments due and shall not be retrenched or removed from service. Some traders have sought clarification on this also.