Mangaluru
The Mangaluru Forest Department announced plans to prioritize tree planting over the next two to four years. Assistant Conservator of Forests and tree officer Clifford Lobo made this statement during a public hearing regarding the planned felling of 99 trees for Vehicle Over Passes (VOP) construction at Nanthoor and KPT Junctions on NH-66.
It was noted that Mangaluru’s current green cover stands at 6.2 percent, far below the recommended 40 percent for urban areas. The goal to increase the green cover by at least 2 percent was emphasized, with a call for local residents to help identify suitable planting sites.
Lobo assured that efforts would be made to protect existing trees, including considering translocation options. Trees with nesting birds would not be disturbed until the nesting season is over. The urgent need to identify suitable locations for the tree planting initiative was highlighted.
Concerns about the environmental impact of the VOP project were raised. It was mentioned that Mangaluru’s green cover is significantly lower than Singapore’s 44 percent, underlining the need for sustainable urban planning that preserves green spaces.The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) site engineer outlined the project’s plans, including the construction of a service road and drainage system. Assurances were given that all technical studies, including hydrology assessments, had been completed to avoid delays like those seen in previous projects.
