district revenue officials in the sultan bathery taluk office said there has been a huge increase in the number of cutting permits granted for felling trees we are now issuing cutting permits for 1520 loads daily from the taluk office and this is an all time record but double that quantity would be felled illegally by the timber mafia an official at the office said somasundaran president of the saw mill owners association at sultan bathery said timber prices have nosedived following the huge surge in tree felling we have no choice but to clear off even the small trees as people are insisting he said adding that many new players from across the state have come to the district to exploit the fear of the people we will welcome any government move to enforce ban on felling of trees below 60 cm in girth as otherwise there wouldnt be any trees left after some time he said