There is a likelihood of increased demand for firewood due to shortage of LPG. | Photo credit: PTI
Forest and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre has banned illegal felling of trees in forests, forest edges, government plantations, government land and roadside plantations. This is due to the likelihood of increased demand for firewood as a result of the US-Israeli and Iran wars.
He asked the officials to carry out inspection and start vigilance activities to prevent felling of trees. In a note released on Thursday, the minister said that in case of such violations, the officer concerned will be held accountable.
On Wednesday, conservationist Giridhar Kulkarni from Belagavi urged the state government to prevent illegal felling of trees due to increased demand for firewood due to shortage of LPG.
“Under such circumstances, there is a possibility that some households, especially in rural and forested areas, may temporarily resort to using firewood for cooking, which may lead to increased collection of firewood from nearby forest areas. At the same time, there is also a risk that some elements may use the situation as a pretext to illegally cut down trees under the pretext of collecting firewood,” he said.
“Such increased human movement in forest areas can also result in several ecological problems, including the encroachment of sensitive habitats, the setting of fires to facilitate firewood collection or the clearing of dry biomass, and increased chances of human-wildlife conflict. In some cases, such encroachment into forests can also create opportunities for illegal hunting or other illegal activities. There is also the possibility of deliberate fire, which could coincide with the summer season, and fires that could cause additional the worsening of forest fires in the summer fire season.” he said.
Mr. Kulkarni urged the police officers to direct the concerned workers to remain vigilant and prevent any increase in firewood extraction, illegal felling or other related disturbance of forest ecosystems.
He also called for necessary measures to be taken wherever possible to meet the statutory firewood requirements of local communities through appropriate regulated mechanisms to avoid undue pressure on natural forests.
Published – 12 March 2026 20:52 IST
