Forest Department clears DCF in tree-felling row, citizens disappointed

CH NEWS 

By Shyam Sundar Vattam 

MYSURU 

The Forest Department has given a clean chit to Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), who came under fire over the felling of 40 mature trees for road widening on Hyder Ali Road.

This action sparked public outrage, leading to a candlelight vigil by concerned citizens protesting the reckless cutting of trees. Hundreds gathered at the spot to pay homage to the felled trees and demanded strict action against those responsible. Taking serious note of the public sentiment, Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre directed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF) and Chief Wildlife Warden (CWW) to initiate an inquiry. The Chief Conservator of Forests was tasked with conducting a detailed investigation and submitting a report.

Citizens had hoped that the inquiry would hold the DCF accountable for granting permission to cut down the trees, especially since the road in question is not particularly congested and does not warrant widening.

As per the minister's directions, the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Territorial and Recruitment), Bengaluru, was assigned to conduct a field inspection. His review found that the Executive Engineer of the Horticulture Division, Mysuru City Corporation, had submitted an official request to the DCF seeking permission to fell 40 trees to widen a 360-meter stretch of the Mysuru–Hebbal road—from Kalikamba Temple to the SP Office Circle, from its existing width to 30 meters.

Following this, the DCF directed the Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) to conduct a site inspection and prepare a tree marking list. The list identified the 40 trees marked for felling, comprising species like Peltophorum pterocarpum, Samanea saman (Rain Tree), and Vachellia nilotica (Gobbli).

Meanwhile, on January 22, the Development Officer of Zone-7, Mysuru City Corporation, submitted a project sketch for the road-widening plan. Since the number of trees marked for felling was below 50, there was no legal requirement to invite public objections under Section 8(3) (vii) of the Karnataka Tree Preservation Act, 1976.

The trees were felled on April 13, and relocated to the dumping yard near the Sewage Farm the following day.

In the final report, PCCF and Chief Wildlife Warden Meenakshi Negi concluded that there was no violation of the Act, and the Forest Department had lawfully granted permission under Section 8(3). Although the notification did not explicitly mention the clause, the procedure followed was found to be legally sound.

The report of Principal Conservator of Forests. Meenakshi Negi is a mere whitewash justifying the cutting of the 40 trees on Hyder Ali road in collusion with the timber mafia. It does not go into the moot point of whether widening of the road itself is necessary given the low traffic density on the road. It also does not speak on why laning of the road, protecting the trees and even translocation or transplanting of the trees was not explored. We are being taken for a ride by the Government justifying the murder of trees simply because they numbered less than 50 and hence cut down without any proper citizen hearing or study to sanction its necessity. The report merely colludes with the criminals who cut the trees and covers up dereliction of duty of officials who were hand in glove with them, Kamal Gopinath, President PUCL and Member, Action Committee for Conservation of Environment.