Forest Department stops illegal felling of avenue trees by BMP

Forest Department stops illegal felling of avenue trees by BMP
Volunteers on vigil all night to ensure trees protected

Representatives of various organisations and individuals collectively worked
two days ago to stop the felling of avenue trees along prominent streets of
Bangalore. Following this pressure, the felling was stopped.

However, in the wee hours of this morning, BMP contractors began felling of
another old Mango tree on Residency Road. Over 30 individuals, students and
representatives of Environment Support Group, Greenpeace, Alternative Law
Forum and Mountaineers immediately gathered, and stopped the felling of this
tree. Many hugged and climbed trees to stop the felling. Even as this
action was underway, BMP contractors began felling of trees along Bull
Temple Road and Vani Vilas Road. Volunteers rushed to similar protect these
trees, but by then four trees had already been felled.

This felling is being undertaken under the express and highly questionable
directions of the Commissioner, Bangalore Mahanagara Palike, who has
unilaterally acted to violate provisions of the Karnataka Tree Preservation
Act. A copy of our letter to the Commissioner protesting his illegal act is
attached, with detailed explanations of the nature of illegality.

Following representations and police complaints against BMPs actions, the
Forest Department was pressed to intervene and stop the felling.

Consequently, the Deputy Conservator of Forests, Bangalore Urban, Karnataka
Forest Department, has written to the Commissioner, BMP that such felling
must stop forthwith and until further orders. Details of this can be
obtained from the Forest Department at 23343464 or from the Range Forest
Officer (Tree Unit), Bangalore, No: 9845634712.

It must be highlighted that tens of citizens, especially students, have
volunteered to be on vigil over the next few days to ensure no further
destruction takes place. It is extremely important that people everywhere
must take action in their neighbourhoods, and can contact ESG for advise and
support.




Leo F. Saldanha
Coordinator
Environment Support Group