Tree felling kicks up a row

Tree felling kicks up a row
Sandeep Moudgal, Bangalore, DH News Service:
“We are willing to plant two saplings for every tree we cut,” said a confident BBMP Commissioner Dr S Subramanya. But the environmentalists are clearly not pleased with BBMP’s policy on tree felling.

The environmentalists have now kicked up a row over the cutting of trees along the Palace Road charging that the work was illegal. “The BBMP has gone ahead with the cutting of trees without holding a public forum or consulting people over the feasibility of the programmes,” said Vinay, member of Hasiru Usiru, a green group.
According to this NGO, the order to cut trees on Palace Road was issued by the Palike on March 16 this year to their tree officer. It was on the same day the High Court pronounced its verdict on the tree felling for widening of roads.

BBMP officials refute the allegations made by environmentalists stating that the cutting of trees were in accordance with the court’s judgement. “We are carrying out the felling strictly according to the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act,” they said.


The Palike believes it is being unfairly targeted for widening the roads as per the need of the public and traffic in the city.

“If the environmentalists have any trouble with me or the BBMP, they should file a case of contempt in the High Court instead of approaching the media,” said an enraged Commissioner.

Subramanya said they had already allotted more than three hectares of land for green initiatives in the City. He believes that the trees being felled were being replaced along the roads, similar to the ‘Avenue Planting System’ in vogue to replace felled ones along avenues.

When asked about the arduous task involved in maintaining the new plants, he deflected them by saying that all actions required time.
“What can I do? Don’t we need wider roads? If we cut trees we are targeted; if we do not widen the roads, then again we are questioned,” laments Subramanya.