TEEDOR imposes restrictions in felling Jaffna trees

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 23 April 2003, 11:47 GMT]
Cutting down coconut, palmyrah, margosa, mango and jak fruit trees in private properties, excavation of stones and hauling large amounts of sand and clay will require special permission from the district co-ordinater on recommendation from village officer, said Gnanavel, head of Jaffna district Tamil Eelam Economic Development Organization (TEEDOR), addressing the meeting of Kayts agricultural society held at the Assistant Government Agent's office, according to local news reports.

"Felling trees is wasting our natural resources. Enforcing strict procedures to manage and control human activities that can damage our environment should be a high priority if we are to preserve our natural resources and maintain a healthy environment for our future generations," said Gnanavel.

When the agricultural representatives complained that high prices due the local taxes on tobacco like products are serving as a barrier to Jaffna traders to market these products in the South, Gnanavel gave assurances that there will be a review of the taxes soon.

There have been recent incidents of 'mite' decease attacking large number of palms in coconut plantations in Jaffna. Attempts are being made to apply appropriate biological disease prevention and control techniques promptly, Gnanavel said.

He also said that TEEDOR has requested the Ministry of Plantation Infrastructure to invest in an Agricultural Research Center for Jaffna.

Gnanavel added that money allocated for improvement of coconut plantations damaged due to war will be disbursed soon and district residents who qualify for the assistance must be alerted to approach the authorities concerned to obtain the details.