17,000 trees cut during Jat reservation protests in Haryana, officials say

Chandigarh: Around 17,000 trees were felled by protesters to block highways, city roads and railway tracks during the 10-day agitation in Haryana by Jat protesters asking for reservation, a senior state Forest Department official said today.

"About 17,000 trees were cut during Jat agitation which were used to put blockades," he told the Press Trust of India.

Most of the trees were cut in Jat-dominated areas. The highest number of trees, around 5,100, were felled in Jind district, about 3,300 in Bhiwani district, 2,400 in Hissar district, 1,200 in Jhajjar district, 1,391 in Sonepat district, 1,020 in Kaithal district and 968 in Rohtak district, the officer said.

Various types of trees, including 'Eucalyptus' and 'Kikar' fell to the Jat stir, setting back the state government's initiative of encouraging afforestation.

Asked whether the department could take any action against those who felled the trees, the official said it was very difficult to identify people in a mob against whom action could be initiated.

There were reports that arsonists had even taken trees along with themselves after lifting the blockades from roads and railway tracks.

At least 28 people were killed as protests by Jat groups demanding reservation in government jobs and education turned violent last week. Mobs burnt buildings, blocked highways, damaged cars and even attacked canals, cutting off water supply to Delhi.