Malingaraya Pujar
CH NEWS
A plan to remove more than 600 mature trees along the Mundargi-Yeklasapura road has sparked strong opposition from environmentalists, farmers, and local residents.
The trees, planted around 12 years ago, have grown into a valuable green cover along the seven-kilometre road. Residents say the trees provide shade, improve the local environment, and offer relief from the region’s rising temperatures. They fear their removal will cause lasting environmental damage.
The proposed tree cutting is linked to electricity work for drip irrigation facilities under Package 5 of the Singatalur Lift Irrigation Project. The project aims to supply power to irrigation works in the Alur section. Large electricity poles are now being installed along the roadside. Officials have reportedly planned to remove the trees because their branches and trunks could interfere with the proposed power lines.
Residents have made it clear that they support irrigation facilities for farmers and do not oppose development projects. However, they question whether hundreds of healthy trees should be sacrificed when other options may be available. They say the power lines could possibly be shifted to the opposite side of the road or installed along another route. Such changes, they argue, could protect the trees while allowing the electricity work to continue.
Environmentalists have criticised the departments for choosing what they describe as the easiest solution. They point out that the government spends large amounts encouraging tree planting and protecting greenery, while another project could destroy trees that have taken more than a decade to mature. Locals say the loss would be especially serious in Gadag, where hot weather and rising temperatures are already a concern. Farmer groups have also warned that they will strongly oppose the cutting.
The issue has now created anger among people who want development to continue without damaging the environment. Environmentalists and residents are demanding that HESCOM and the Irrigation Department reconsider the proposed route and explore safer alternatives. They believe protecting the trees should be treated as part of development, not as an obstacle to it. For locals, the coming decision will test whether development can move forward while preserving the greenery that communities have carefully nurtured for years.