<p>Tumakuru: Following severe backlash over the district administration's decision to fell lakhs of trees to make way for PM Kusum Solar power project in Chikkanayakanahalli and Gubbi taluks, the Deputy Commissioner has withdrawn her order "in view of public interest."</p><p>It may be recalled here that the deputy commissioner had ordered to set up solar power generating unit and had reserved 242.52 acre for the energy department. In her new order, the DC has withdrawn 182 acre of the total 242.52 acre. </p><p>About 135 acre in Shivasandra village in Gubbli taluk, 12.32 acre near Borappanahalli, about 18.20 acre in Naranahalli village, 30 acre near Madalapura village, 47 acre at Somanahalli in Chikkanayakanahlli taluk was reserved. However, about 135 acre in Shivasandra and 47 acre in Somanahalli have been withdrawn by the DC. </p><p>After DC Shubha Kalyan decided to lease out Gomala and Gundu Thopu (woodlots) for the energy department on a 30-year-lease. But several green activists had vehemently opposed the deputy commissioner's decision. Netizens too had registered their protest. </p><p>Recently, Range Forest officer of Gubbi, along with Bescom officials had visited the Shivasandra village to review the situation. The team in its report to the Deputy Conservator of Forests had stated that "There are around 75,000 trees - about 600 trees in a ha and this is attached to Thirtharampura forest area. There are several rare species of trees and since they have grown naturally, it's a natural forest." </p><p>Villagers of Somanahalli along with environmentalists had strongly opposed felling of 7,250 trees. However, Deputy Commissioner Shubha Kalyan has withdrawn the order "in the interest of public". </p>
<p>Tumakuru: Following severe backlash over the district administration's decision to fell lakhs of trees to make way for PM Kusum Solar power project in Chikkanayakanahalli and Gubbi taluks, the Deputy Commissioner has withdrawn her order "in view of public interest."</p><p>It may be recalled here that the deputy commissioner had ordered to set up solar power generating unit and had reserved 242.52 acre for the energy department. In her new order, the DC has withdrawn 182 acre of the total 242.52 acre. </p><p>About 135 acre in Shivasandra village in Gubbli taluk, 12.32 acre near Borappanahalli, about 18.20 acre in Naranahalli village, 30 acre near Madalapura village, 47 acre at Somanahalli in Chikkanayakanahlli taluk was reserved. However, about 135 acre in Shivasandra and 47 acre in Somanahalli have been withdrawn by the DC. </p><p>After DC Shubha Kalyan decided to lease out Gomala and Gundu Thopu (woodlots) for the energy department on a 30-year-lease. But several green activists had vehemently opposed the deputy commissioner's decision. Netizens too had registered their protest. </p><p>Recently, Range Forest officer of Gubbi, along with Bescom officials had visited the Shivasandra village to review the situation. The team in its report to the Deputy Conservator of Forests had stated that "There are around 75,000 trees - about 600 trees in a ha and this is attached to Thirtharampura forest area. There are several rare species of trees and since they have grown naturally, it's a natural forest." </p><p>Villagers of Somanahalli along with environmentalists had strongly opposed felling of 7,250 trees. However, Deputy Commissioner Shubha Kalyan has withdrawn the order "in the interest of public". </p>
