CHENNAI: More than 500 commercially valuable sandalwood and teak trees have allegedly been felled and taken away from the sprawling Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (Tanuvas) research station in Kattuppakkam near Guduvanchery. This has exposed a glaring security lapse at a state-run campus.According to Tanuvas sources, the felled trees, around 200 sandalwood trees and 300 teak trees, were more than 40 years old. The theft came to light when officials at the research station noticed the missing trees during a routine inspection. The felling is believed to have taken place over the past 20 days.The 600-plus-acre campus, once known for rearing ostriches and emus that were later sold in the market, has a large number of trees, including the prized sandalwood and teak.A resident of the area had earlier written to the TANUVAS registrar complaining about the illegal felling. The university reportedly asked him to depose before it in person regarding the complaint.Sandalwood and teak fetch high prices in the market, particularly trees of this age. Forest officials said the finest quality sandalwood, called Jajpokal, is priced at Rs 3.03 crore per tonne, while billets fetch Rs 2.27 crore a tonne.Even sawdust from the cut logs is valued at Rs 37 lakh per tonne.Taking serious note, the university has ordered an enquiry to determine how the trees were felled and transported without detection, and to fix responsibility for the lapse.M Murugan, director of the research station, however, downplayed the extent of the loss, saying there were not many sandalwood trees in the area, though there may have been a few teak trees. He said trees felled by strong gusts had been removed and sold, with receipts issued to buyers.Animal Husbandry secretary Anu George said a proper registry of trees on the campus should be maintained and that the matter would be examined.
