Karnataka: 100 Trees Cut In Kodagu For CM Kumaraswamy’s One Day Visit

Around 100 trees were cut without consulting the forest department after the Deputy Commissioner (DC) ordered the axing of ‘dangerous’ trees before a visit by Chief Minister (CM) H D Kumaraswamy, says a report by Deccan Herald.

The orders were issued to ensure the CM’s safety who will be visiting the region on 19 July. It is also stated that the orders were issued yesterday (17 July) and around 100 trees were cut by evening.

“We were not consulted and no survey was done to identify dangerous trees. All those which the authorities thought were bent because of strong winds have been brought down. Madikeri is called the Scotland of India, it is the region where Cauvery river originates. Already there is a lot of damage to the green belt in Madikeri in the guise of roads and tourism, this is just adding to it,” a forest department official is quoted to have said.

The DC later clarified that her orders were misinterpreted. She said that she had ordered only for pruning of trees and some trees are being axed to prevent any unfortunate incident.

The action has not gone down well with citizen groups with the Coorg Wildlife Society criticising the axing of trees. The president of Coorg Wildlife Society, Col C P Muthanna said some trees are bent because of the strong winds and rain. He also said that instead of chopping the trees, the bent trees could have been tied to a support.

“We have made many requests to the DC to ensure our safety, but that has not been addressed. For a few hours of visit by the chief minister, scores of trees are being cut. The order clearly states that dangerous trees are to be identified. But trees are being axed in haste. This clearly indicates the hand of the timber lobby,” a local resident is quoted to have said.

The state BJP also condemned the move in a tweet.