Axing branches of trees: CMC invites wrath from public

Permission granted by local body to take up development works

The excavator machine which is being used to clear the footpath of the unwanted weeds and bushes that has grown on the sides of the roads, is also pulling out branches of some huge trees, which is justified by the elected representatives saying it is coming in the way of works. While a tree was axed in Ashok Nagar on Saturday, a huge branch of a tree was pulled out saying it is causing hurdles in laying footpath.

It may be recalled that the Department of Forests had issued notice for illegally felling three trees at Silver Jubilee Park in city recently.

Usually the small branches of the trees are pruned by Cesc employees to prevent it from coming in contact with electric wires.

But huge trees are being sacrificed in the name of the development for widening roads, laying footpath and widening pavements. The roots of the trees are also being damaged in the melee. When contacted CMC member S K Shivaprakash Babu, he clarified that permission has been sought from the Department of Forests to fell trees that pose a challenge to neccessary developmental works.