MGP demands reconstitution of Tree Authority to curb tree-felling in Mysuru

Activists of Mysore Grahakara Parishat (MGP) have urged the Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), Mysuru to reinstitute the Tree Authority to check the increasing instances of tree-felling across Mysuru.

In a representation submitted to DCF Paramesha, MGP Convener Dayananda Sagar and founding working president Bhamy V. Shenoy expressed concern over ‘almost-daily’ incidents of illegal tree cutting. They cited the recent felling of around 40 trees on Hyder Ali Road, terming it ‘totally unnecessary’.

Referring to an article that outlined the monetary value of trees, the activists questioned how such valuable natural assets could be removed without expert scrutiny. “If a house worth a few lakhs is not demolished without careful consideration, how can we allow trees worth crores to be felled without due examination?” they sought to know during their interaction with the DCF.

They stressed on the need to constitute a Tree Authority in accordance with existing rules so that every proposal for tree-felling is examined and approved by an expert committee before permission is granted.

During the meeting, MGP members briefed the DCF about the progress of their ongoing tree survey project, which aims to assess tree loss on a ward-wise basis.

Maj. Gen. (retd.) Sudheer Vombatkere, a member of MGP who was present at the meeting, informed that the survey initiative has several unintended but significant benefits.

Raising public awareness about urban tree conservation is a key objection of the MGP’s ongoing initiative.

Dr. Shenoy, in a note, said the DCF assured them that once the Tree Authority is formed, not a single tree can be felled without its approval. They expressed confidence that the authority would be constituted within a week, as the DCF has the authority to set up the body.

He said the DCF has clarified that while current norms mandate permission when a project involves the felling of 50 or more trees, authorities cannot insist on approval for the felling of a single tree.

The activists voiced hope that the Tree Authority would be formed at the earliest, and that Mysuru would emerge as a model city in urban tree conservation.