Thiruvananthapuram: State Chief Wildlife Warden Bennichan Thomas, who was suspended for giving permission to cut down 15 trees near the Mullaperiyar Baby Dam, has been reinstated. The cabinet had earlier canceled the order to cut down the trees. The suspension review committee decided that the suspension should not continue because the trees had not been cut down and disciplinary action had been taken.
The Chief Forest Officer will now have the power to decide on all matters relating to the Mullaperiyar Dam. On November 10, the cabinet decided to suspend Bannichan Thomas and revoke the woodcarving order. The Chief Secretary was also tasked with investigating official interference. The Chief Secretary had submitted a report in this regard to the Chief Minister yesterday.
It was alleged that Benichan Thomas had given permission to cut down 15 trees near the Mullaperiyar Baby Dam without the knowledge of the government. However he acknowledged that their numbers were not enough to defeat Benigno Aquino’s government. Evidence of this had also come out. The speedy withdrawal validates the claim that the government suspended Benichan to save face.
English Summary: Mullaperiyar: Suspension of Bennichan Thomas Withdraws
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