PIL seeks directions to prevent erosion of green cover

The High Court of Karnataka directed the state to submit its response while hearing a public interest litigation challenging the government's failure to implement the provisions of the Karnataka Preservation of Trees Act, 1976.

The court was hearing a petition filed by Dattatraya T Devare and the Bangalore Environment Trust, who moved the court against the rampant felling of trees in the city, and have sought directions to the respective authorities to carry out their duties in accordance with the provisions of the Tree Act.

The petitioners have contended that the rapid erosion of the tree cover in the city has adversely affected the health of the residents and has led to a severe degradation of the environment. This is a violation of a resident's right to clean air and environment, they said.

The petitioners have submitted that the state government, BBMP, forest department and the Bangalore Urban District Tree Authority have acted in complete dereliction of the statutory duties that defeat the very purpose of the Tree act. Their inaction has contributed to the rapid erosion of the tree cover in the city, they said.

The case has been adjourned by two weeks.