SC notices to Himachal, Uttaranchal on resin tapping

New Delhi, Nov 25 (UNI) The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Uttaranchal and Himachal Pardesh governments on a PIL seeking directions to stop resin tapping from pine trees there.

According to the petitioner, Mr J P Dabral of Himalaya Chipko Foundation, the import of turpentine oil and rosin is cheaper than the cost of extraction of these components through exploitation of resins from pine trees. Besides, it is not economically viable.

A Bench comprising Chief Justice Y K Sabharwal, Justice Arijit Pasayat and Justice S H Kapadia on Thursday issued notices returnable in four weeks after hearing the petitioner in person.

Mr Dabral contended that the contractors in collusion with forest officials were also causing heavy loss to the state exchequer through corrupt means and illegal resin tapping. When blazes of pine trees are cut, the practice jeorpadises the very suvival of the tree itself, he added.

UNI AKS/SC MSJ BS1525