Tree-felling proposal sparks massive backlash; Forest Dept. gets 2,300 objections

The proposal to fell 561 trees across various locations in and around Mysuru for National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) works has triggered widespread public opposition, with the Forest Department receiving nearly 2,300 objections from citizens, environmental groups, and activists.

Thursday was the last day for the public to submit objections and suggestions regarding the proposed tree felling, which includes a large number of roadside and median trees along key stretches in the city.

Deputy Conservator of Forests Paramesh told The Hindu that the department received around 2,300 objections till Thursday and that officials were in the process of categorising and examining them.

“We are studying the nature of the objections, suggestions, and other concerns raised by the public. After examining them and taking the suggestions into consideration, a detailed report will be submitted to the government on the proposal,” he said.

According to him, 561 trees have been identified for felling, including around 350 trees at the flyover construction site near Manipal Hospital, Mysuru junction. The proposal covers three to four locations linked to the highway and road development works.

He said every tree would be individually studied and documented, including details related to species, girth, and other characteristics, before a final report is forwarded to the government for further action.

Mr. Paramesh added that suggestions had also been received seeking transplantation of certain tree species instead of felling them outright.

Various organisations, including Mysore Grahakara Parishat (MGP) and Parisarakkagi Navu, besides environmental activists and citizen groups, have strongly opposed the move and have demanded that alternative alignments and engineering solutions be explored to preserve the city’s green cover.

The felling of around 40 trees on Hyder Ali Road last year had triggered massive public backlash, prompting the Forest Department to handle the latest proposal for tree-felling with greater caution. During a large public protest held on the road against the axing of trees, citizens and environmental activists had warned the authorities against further large-scale destruction of Mysuru’s green cover.

Forest Department officials said an estimated 347 trees along stretches such as Bannimantap Road, Nanjangud Road, Fountain Road, and Hunsur Road, including trees on medians and roadsides, are likely to be affected by the project. The identified trees include species such as Indian rosewood, rain tree, honge, Akasha Mallige, mahogany, mango, and neem.

Environmental campaigners have urged the NHAI and the Forest Department to conduct a detailed Environmental Impact Assessment and examine alternative project alignments.

Also, the MGP has been seeking the revival of the long-pending Tree Authority in Mysuru to monitor and regulate increasing instances of tree felling in the city.