VASCO: Environment Minister Alina Saldanha has warned that those involved in illegal felling of trees are severely penalised to serve as a deterrent to others.

At a tree plantation drive at Fishery Survey of India, Mormugao, on Thursday, Saldanha was informed that culprits generally go scot-free with a paltry fine for illegal felling of trees. She assured to bring it to the notice of the forest department and ensure that those involved in illegal felling of trees are fined heavily to serve as a deterrent to others.