Environmental, citizen groups to stage protest over illegal felling of 46 trees

Environmental and citizen groups have called for a protest on March 23, demanding a high-level probe into the illegal felling of 46 fully grown trees along the Kapila riverbank near Hejjige village in Nanjangud taluk.

The incident, which allegedly occurred on March 7 on government land along the Kapila river, involved the reported felling of 70 to 75-year-old trees, including species such as Jamun, Banyan, and Holemathi. The felling, reportedly carried out in broad daylight, has raised serious concerns over law enforcement.

Despite the Forest Department condemning the act, there has been no visible progress in the investigation so far, drawing criticism from environmentalists and the public, according to a press release from the Parisarakkagi Naavu organisation.

Therefore, several organisations have announced a joint protest on Monday (March 23) at 11.30 a.m. The demonstrators are calling for the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) or a high-level committee to probe the case. They have also sought stringent action against those directly involved in the felling, those who enabled it, and officials accused of dereliction of duty, the release stated.

Members of Parisarrakkagi Naavu, Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha, Mysore Grahakara Parishat and Karnataka Rashtra Samiti, among others are taking part in the agitation.