Madhya Pradesh to fell 1.4 lakh trees to combat beetle infestation in sal forests

Madhya Pradesh authorities have approved a plan to fell approximately 1.4 lakh trees across the state's sal forests to combat an outbreak of sal beetle infestation. The forest department aims to prevent the pest from spreading further and damaging healthy woodland areas.

The sal beetle is a major threat to sal forests, which are economically and ecologically significant in central India. By removing infested trees, officials hope to contain the infestation and protect the broader forest ecosystem from escalating damage.