Concern over felling of trees in public areas in Tiruchi

Environmental activists have expressed concern over the felling of trees planted by Tiruchi Corporation, and have sought intervention from authorities to help protect the city’s green cover.

G. Ranjitha Bernice, a resident and environmental activist, said that trees planted by the Corporation near her home at Santhosh Estates on Kuzhumani Road were felled on January 20 by employees of Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited, allegedly at the behest of a neighbour.

She also claimed that the police failed to register her complaint and take cognisance of the offence.

In a statement, Ms. Bernice urged the authorities to fix accountability for the illegal destruction of public trees, and provide protection to citizens raising environmental concerns.

Civic activist K.C. Neelamegam said that trees played a key role in improving air quality in the city, and also provided an abode to birds. “The removal of trees should be monitored by the higher authorities to conserve them as public property,” he said.