Committee Formed to Investigate Tree Felling Controversy

Shyam Sundar Vattam

CH NEWS

Responding positively to the acts of nature lovers and the citizens of Mysuru, the deputy commissioner has constituted a three-member committee headed by commissioner, Mysore Urban Development Authority to mainly look into whether there was any need for widening of that particular stretch of road.

The panel has been asked to submit its findings within a week.

According to Deputy Commissioner Laxmikanth Reddy, there has been protests and widespread anger over the felling of 42 trees off Hyder Ali Road in Mysore ten days ago. The citizens of Mysore also held a candle vigil and silent protest against the felling of trees saying that it was unwarranted and unnecessary.

The committee member is Deputy Conservator of Forests of Hunsur Sub-division and Executive engineer, District Urban Development cell will be a member-secretary. The panel must visit the spot to study whether there was any need for the widening of that stretch of road. The three-member panel must study whether the prescribed rules were followed before issuing orders for the axing of 42 matured trees. The committee must submit its report within a week.

 This is the second committee to be formed for  this purpose as the forest minister has issued directions to Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden to ask Chief Conservator of Forests to enquire whether the cutting of 42 trees were necessary to widen the road which didn't have much traffic. The minister has sought to know whether Deputy Conservator of Forests, Mysore has dult followed the procedure while granting permission to axe 42 trees.

Meanwhile, Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has signed an online petition seeking restoration of the axed trees and to drop the proposed road widening plan.