200 trees felled, CRly fails to act

Nagpur: The Bhusawal division of Central Railway is shielding officials allegedly hand in glove with timber mafia involved in illicit felling of more than 200 trees along both sides of the tracks between Kurum and Mandura, 165km from Badnera.
According to papers with TOI, the large-scale illicit felling was first reported by a trackman NP Borkar on night patrolling on December 20, 2014.Borkar saw a gang of 8-10 people felling trees along the tracks using a machine.
When Borkar objected and tried to stop them, one of the gang members whipped out a sword and threatened Borkar saying railway officials knew about it and asked him to keep quiet.
As per railway rules, only those trees which obstruct smooth movement of trains or prove to be a hurdle for signals can be cut without permission from local authorities. Shockingly, the trees that were cut between Kurum and Mandura were away from the tracks and were not posing any hurdle.
As permanent way inspector (PWI) at Badnera PD Wadekar and railway police ignored the incident and did not lodge a complaint, the matter was reported to vigilance department in Mumbai in January 2015 following which a probe was conducted in March.
Wadekar denied his role in tree felling. He said the trees were felled by local villagers. The culprits were arrested and a case is being fought in Bhusawal railway court.
Wadekar also disapproved that 200 trees were cut, but admitted that the figure may be around 40-50 trees. “It is purely a theft case,” he added.
The PWI cannot shirk responsibility as he also plays the role of estate officer who should know assets under the railway jurisdiction including trees.
According to sources, during vigilance inquiry felling of over 200 big trees was recorded. Statements of all officials concerned and action was recommended by the headquarters.
Even if the tree felling pertains to 2014, two officials Rameshwar Singh, a junior engineer, and Wadekar were issued SF11 & SF5 charge sheets, respectively, in February 2016. However, even after 4 months there is no action.
While Singh has been shifted out, Wadekar, who belongs to a recognized railway union, continues to be posted at Badnera since 2007. Railway Establishment Rules say that no official can stay on a sensitive post like PWI for more than four years.
Bhusawal’s senior divisional engineer (coordination) AK Singh failed to tell action taken against Wadekar. “I took over in June 2015 and don’t know about the matter,” said Singh.
Singh’s subordinate and senior DEN (East) Rajesh Chikhale, who is also the disciplinary authority, did not respond to repeated calls.
Chikhale has issued charge sheets but no decision is being taken. Being a railway union leader, officials seem to be dithering to take action.
Sources said timber mafia seems to be working with the blessings of local railway officials. On June 24, TOI had reported how over 25 big trees were felled in similar manner at Dhamangaon and Pulgaon stations under Nagpur division.