Shimla: Education Minister Rohit Thakur Expresses Displeasure Over Apple Tree Cutting, To Raise Issue with CM

Shimla, July 16: The ongoing operation to cut down apple trees planted on encroached forest land in the upper regions of Shimla has sparked discontent. While the fruit growers’ associations have already announced their opposition to the move, Education Minister and Jubbal-Kotkhai MLA Rohit Thakur has also expressed his dissatisfaction with the action being taken under court orders and has said he will take up the matter with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu.

Speaking to the media, Thakur said that the current action is being carried out based on court directives. He recalled a similar situation in 2015, when the Congress government under Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh had adopted a policy of not taking action against land holdings up to five bighas. However, that policy was not continued after the change in government in 2017.

“As a representative of the region and a voice for the orchardists, I find this situation painful. Small orchardists with limited landholdings deserve relief. Cutting down trees during the monsoon, which is the season for plantation, is not ideal—especially when these trees are currently bearing fruit and ready for the market,” Thakur said.

He emphasized the need to consider the issue from a humanitarian perspective, noting that the timing of this action is insensitive given that the apple crop is at its peak. He added that he would speak directly to Chief Minister Sukhu to seek relief for small farmers who own less than five bighas of land.

In a separate statement, Thakur also spoke about the Education Department’s decision to completely ban the construction of school buildings near rivers and streams in the wake of recent natural disasters in Himachal Pradesh. “Given the increased frequency of cloudbursts and resulting damage along riverbanks, the Education Department has prohibited any future school buildings from being constructed in such vulnerable areas,” he said, urging other departments to adopt the same precautionary measures.

Thakur also criticized the central government for delayed disaster aid. “When Himachal faced a major disaster in 2023, immediate assistance was needed. But support is only being extended now in 2025. Aid must be timely if it is to be meaningful,” he said.

He added that many government schools were damaged in the disasters and confirmed that he would soon visit the Siraj area. Around ten schools were completely destroyed, and arrangements are being made to temporarily operate them from rented private buildings until reconstruction is completed.