Differences crop up on chopping trees

Differences crop up on chopping trees
Bangalore, dhns:

Differences among the members of the quasi-judicial committee on cutting trees for road widening work surfaced when the issue of road widening at Sheshadripuram Road came up for discussion here recently.

At least two members out of seven members present in the meeting, that was chaired by the retired bureaucrat Yellappa Reddy, were opposed to the tree-felling on Sheshadripuram Road whereas the others favoured it. As no consensus was built, the sources said, no decision was taken in this regard. The two members, who were against the tree-felling submitted that the road widening work is not going on in accordance with the Town and Country Planning rules.

As there had been difference of opinion among the members of the committee with regard to the widening of road at Sheshadripuram, the Environment Support Group (ESG) has asked the case to be referred to the Lok Adalat for ‘appropriate resolution.’

The ESG, which is playing a crucial role in saving trees in the city, alleged that the BBMP and the Department of Urban Development are acting in variance of the Karnataka High Court's directives. They urged the committee headed by Yellappa Reddy to take action against the two bodies to prevent any violation of rules. The Committee also reached upon a consensus to have a draft of the Terms of Reference (ToR). Once approved, the committee will act according to the ToR.