India, Sept. 28 -- Felling has begun in Madhya Pradesh's Dindori forest division after permission was granted to cut nearly 150,000 sal borer-affected trees.

Officials said about 2,000 trees have been felled so far, with the Forest Department planning to complete the operation by March next year.

Retired PCCF Ram Prasad has questioned the basis of the decision, saying experts and stakeholders should have been consulted before permission was granted.

He said the infestation should be studied as an ecosystem issue, including forest structure, fires, overgrazing, soil erosion and declining natural regeneration.

Felling has begun in Madhya Pradesh's Dindori forest division after permission was granted to cut nearly 150,000 sal trees affec...