India, July 22 -- Madhya Pradesh's Dindori Forest Department has sought central approval to fell 147,380 sal trees in Dindori district after a severe sal borer infestation.

Officials say more than 1.4 million insects have already been collected, with local tribal residents paid Rs 2 for each insect.

East Karanjia is the worst-affected range, accounting for about 90% of the insects caught so far.

The outbreak has also reached the Amarkantak region, where about 24,000 infested sal trees are at risk of being felled.

The Madhya Pradesh forest department has sought permission from the central government to fell nearly 150,000 sal trees in Dindori district after a severe infestation of sal borer insects. Officials say 147,380 trees have bee...