40 trees felled for road widening in C'magaluru

The huge trees on both sides of the Lingadahalli road, from Mountain View School to Bhaktarahalli, are being ruthlessly felled for road widening. The trees have been here from hundred years providing shade to the people and shelter for thousands of birds and animals.

The Forest department, which is supposed to preserve the trees, has been responsible for the cutting down of the trees in this case. Deputy conservator of forests Chandranna said the work of cutting the trees has been given to outsiders through tender process, on the request of the Public Works department.

However, the road is being widened for one-and-a-half to two feet on both sides. There is no need for the trees to be cut for this purpose, according to the people. The road can be widened by retaining the trees. But, the departments seem to be appeasing the timber lobby. The local people have requested the deputy commissioner to intervene in the matter and stop cutting down trees.