Felling of 46 trees in Nanjangud: Protest held in Mysuru seeking action

A protest condemning the illegal felling of 46 large trees along the banks of the Kapila river near Hejjige village in Nanjangud was held in front of the Aranya Bhavan here on Monday, with members of various organisations demanding a thorough probe.

The protest was organised in response to the incident reported on March 7. Despite two weeks having passed, there has been no significant progress in the investigation, the protestors alleged.

Addressing the gathering, Parashuramegowda, general secretary of the Parisarakkaagi Naavu organisation, criticised the authorities for their inaction. He said that those involved in the case remain absconding and that the persons responsible for the illegal tree felling are yet to be identified. Terming the incident serious, he alleged that the Forest Department and district administration were treating the matter lightly.

He said the felling of 46 large trees in broad daylight on government land reflected the negligence of multiple departments, including the Forest, Revenue, Rural Development, and Panchayat Raj departments.

The protestors demanded the constitution of a Special Investigation Team to probe the case and ensure strict punishment for all those involved, including those who facilitated the act.

He pointed out that the incident occurred in the home district of the Chief Minister and within the Varuna Assembly constituency represented by him. He urged the Chief Minister to personally intervene and take action to send a strong message that such illegal activities will not be tolerated.

Several activists and leaders from different organisations participated in the protest, including members of the Mysuru Grahakara Parishat, Parisarakkaagi Naavu, farmer leaders, representatives of the Karnataka Rashtra Samiti Party, and Team Mysuru. The protestors later submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Conservator of Forests.