Trees axed at neta’s whim

Trees axed at neta’s whim
TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bangalore: Don’t blame industries alone for hurting the greenery. Blame the industries minister, too, who axed trees just to get a “clear view” of his upcoming swanky bungalow.
The construction of minister Katta Subramanya Naidu’s house in Sadashivanagar has spelt doom to two trees, which were felled within a span of 12 hours from Friday night. One tree was left untouched after irate residents explained to the authorities that the trees were never a problem on the stretch.
The residents are feeling the heat of having a minister as neighbour — even before the house is ready. The lane, 6th ‘A’ Cross, is filled with construction debris, but residents kept mum fearing the minister. But they couldn’t take it lying down when the BBMP forest cell personnel landed on the spot with axes on Friday evening.
“We miss the floral carpet these trees provided. The area was turning into a thick vegetated area and axing trees hampers the cause,’’ says Anjali, a resident. Another resident, Anand, said the trees were nowhere near the minister’s house compound. “Trees were on the footpath. There was no need to remove them.’’ Incidentally, permission had been obtained recently from BBMP forest cell to fell trees. The request letter stated that two trees — one in the drain and the other badly pruned by Bescom — should be removed. “Another tree, which is in the middle of the pavement, should also be removed,’’ the letter stated.
The minister’s act has made greens see red. Urban ecologist Suresh Heblikar said: “Every tree in Bangalore is important, and responsible persons like cabinet ministers should set an example for others by taking up tree-saving initiatives.’’ Rohan D’Souza, member of Hasiru Usiru, blamed the BBMP forest cell for not conducting an inspection before permitting the tree felling.
Naidu initially blamed the forest department but later acquiesced: “We’ve taken necessary permission. We’ll, however, plant new saplings for the loss of these trees.’’