Mon Jun 30 12:38:03 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The Nilgiri Documentation Center (NDC) is urging the Tamil Nadu government to reconsider its decision to not renew the Tamil Nadu Rosewood Trees (Conservation) Act. The NDC argues that this decision endangers the vulnerable rosewood trees, Dalbergia latifolia, native to the Nilgiris and Western Ghats, and could encourage illegal logging. The 1995 Act, a pioneering conservation effort, protected these trees on private land. The NDC believes the act’s annulment demonstrates insensitivity from officials and threatens the remaining ancient rosewood trees, which hold ecological and cultural significance.

**News Article:**

**Tamil Nadu Faces Backlash Over Rosewood Conservation Act Renewal**

**UDHAGAMANDALAM, June 30, 2025** – The Tamil Nadu government is facing criticism from the Nilgiri Documentation Center (NDC) and environmentalists after the Forest Department’s decision not to renew the Tamil Nadu Rosewood Trees (Conservation) Act. The NDC warns that this decision jeopardizes the future of the vulnerable rosewood tree population in the region.

“This decision not only goes against all norms of conservation but could be a major embarrassment to the government in the coming elections,” stated Venugopal Dharmalingam, honorary director of the NDC.

The 1995 act, enacted to combat illegal logging of the endangered rosewood species, protected the trees even on private land. Critics fear its withdrawal will embolden illegal timber smugglers, putting trees within reserve forests at risk.

Rosewood trees (Dalbergia latifolia), listed as “vulnerable” by the IUCN, are found in the Nilgiris and Western Ghats. These trees, valued for their timber and ecological importance, are a significant part of the Nilgiri Biosphere.

“Withdrawing the act will be a clear licence for the illegal felling of the last of the ancient trees,” Dharmalingam added. The NDC is urging the Chief Minister to intervene and reconsider the decision, emphasizing the importance of preserving these ecologically and culturally significant trees.

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