Protecting forests

The Supreme Court of India has directed the chief secretaries of the seven north-eastern states to file reports about the action taken against officials responsible for illegal felling of trees and transportation of timber outside the region. Large-scale felling of trees has destroyed many forests of the region. The court asked the chief secretaries to submit their reports within two months. The apex court also asked them to review actions already taken against such officials. The court said that the states cannot be permitted to cut trees unless they regenerate deforested areas.