Shivamogga citizens question cutting of trees on Science Field

The Shivamogga Nagarika Hitarakshana Vedikegala Okkoota, a federation of citizens’ welfare forums in the city, has alleged that around 30 trees were cut at Science Field in the city without following the proper procedure.

The members of the forum staged a protest at the venue, on Saturday. lt is said that the trees were cut to take up the construction of a building for a Karnataka Public School, for which Minister for School Education Madhu Bangarappa and other elected representatives laid a foundation stone recently.

The protesters expressed doubts if the trees were cut without obtaining valid permission from the Forest Department. There had been no public consultation before axing the trees in an area that falls under the Green Zone, they said.

The forum has also submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner on the issue. It said, the city’s Green Zone be protected, a suitable alternative arrangement be put in place to compensate for the environmental loss caused; and that a criminal case be registered against the individuals or officials responsible for the alleged illegal felling.

K.V. Vasanth Kumar, general secretary of the federation, A. Sathish Kumar Shetty, organising secretary and others participated in the protest.