Mysuru
Even as the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) moves ahead with plans to improve infrastructure in the city, including a proposed flyover near Manipal Hospital and road widening towards Nanjangud and T. Narasipur, environmental concerns have been raised by civil society representatives.
Bhamy V. Shenoy, founding president of Mysore Grahakara Parishat (MGP), has welcomed the intent to address traffic congestion but stressed that development must not come at the cost of the environment. Notably, he had suggested the construction of a flyover near Manipal Hospital months ago to ease traffic flow in the area.
Clarifying the stand of activists, Shenoy said they are not opposed to development projects per se, but insist that such initiatives must be implemented only after thorough studies ensuring minimal or no environmental impact. In the current context of global climate change and rising temperatures, there is a pressing need to adopt a more cautious and responsible approach to development.
“Nations across the world are witnessing the consequences of environmental degradation. It appears as if nature itself is reacting to the damage caused in the name of development. This is the time for humanity to rethink and act responsibly,” he stated.
Raising two key questions, Shenoy urged authorities to examine whether alternatives to large-scale tree felling had been adequately explored. He cited the example of Lalit Mahal Road, where in 2010 a proposal to cut 32 trees for road widening was opposed by MGP through a tree-hugging protest. The then Deputy Conservator of Forests, Saswati Mishra, had refused permission, and the stretch today remains green and well-preserved.
Shenoy also questioned whether NHAI had assessed the economic value of the trees proposed to be felled. According to him, the planned projects may require cutting down 541 trees, leading to an estimated ecological loss of at least ₹5,000 crore. This estimate is based on a study published in 1979 by Dr. Das, which valued a fully grown 50-year-old tree at around ₹9 crore. “While infrastructure projects undoubtedly bring benefits, it is essential to weigh them against the environmental and economic costs involved. The question is whether the returns from such projects can justify the loss of natural wealth and the expenditure incurred,” he said.
He emphasized that such concerns should not be seen as opposition to development, but as an effort to ensure that growth is both sustainable and socially beneficial.
The activists support projects that strike a balance between development needs and environmental protection, and called for greater scrutiny and dialogue before proceeding with large-scale tree felling in the city.