In a groundbreaking decision, the Telangana High Court has ordered the Railway Department to deposit ₹1 crore for a 100-year-old red sandalwood tree on farmer Keshav Shinde’s land in Kharsi village. Shinde had filed a case after the railway line construction on his land failed to compensate for the precious tree and other assets.
While Shinde was compensated for his land, the red sandalwood tree and other trees were overlooked. Despite eight years of attempts to resolve the matter with authorities, Shinde sought justice through the court.
The court has now instructed the Railway Department to deposit ₹1 crore ahead of determining the full value of the tree, which could be worth up to ₹5 crore. A committee will be set up to finalize the valuation.
Shinde remains hopeful that he’ll get the compensation he deserves, and the case continues to unfold!