Jabalpur JNKVV Tree Scandal: 450 Trees Axed at Agricultural University Research Center

Top Summary

• What happened: Around 450 trees, including valuable timber and fruit-bearing species, were cut down at Jabalpur's JNKVV Fruit Research Center.
• Why it matters: The 55-acre campus serves as a vital environmental oxygen bank for the surrounding area and supports active agricultural research.
• What changes: Local ecological balance is threatened as mature trees like mango, jamun, and amla were cleared instead of undergoing routine seasonal pruning.
• Who is affected: The academic community of Jawaharlal Nehru Agricultural University and local residents who rely on the region's environmental health.

The Tree Felling Controversy in Imlai

A major controversy has erupted at the 55-acre Fruit Research Center in Imlai village, managed by Jawaharlal Nehru Agricultural University (JNKVV).

While the university claims only seasonal pruning was authorized, physical inspections revealed that 450 trees were completely felled and their valuable wood cleared from the site.

The contractor, identified as a local firm named Sameer, reportedly deployed laborers to cut down a mix of fruit-bearing and timber-rich trees, leaving only stumps in several rows.

A Lucrative Tender Under Scrutiny

The center’s in-charge, Dr. Umesh Chanderia, revealed that a tender worth Rs 1.5 lakh was finalized in February to clear dense, non-fruiting trees.

According to Dr. Chanderia, the dense foliage allowed local villagers to enter stealthily and steal wood, prompting the cutting contract executed between February 4 and February 24.

Under the agreement, the contractor paid the specified amount to cut 450 unproductive trees and transport the timber, but post-work assessments in May revealed unauthorized felling.

University Admits Unauthorized Root Cutting

While university staff initially defended the action as pre-monsoon pruning, senior officials later admitted to deviations from the approved contract terms.

Registrar of JNKVV, Dr. AK Jain, addressed the issue, confirming that the initial mandate was only for standard trimming.

"Pruning and trimming are done so that the trees grow well before the rains, and permission for this was also given. It has now come to light that some fruit-bearing trees located in the center were cut down from their roots."

Species affected by this extensive clearance include:

• Ber and Jamun
• Mango and Amla
• Eucalyptus

What to Watch Next

The JNKVV administration has officially formed an inquiry committee to thoroughly investigate the unauthorized destruction of the 52-year-old research garden. Investigators are analyzing the exact quantity of valuable timber removed from the site, and strict disciplinary action is expected to be taken once the final inquiry report is submitted.