The high court stay order cutting down trees at Sankey Road on Friday, residents of Malleswaram and green warriors are all set to wage a comprehensive war against the civic authorities.
Following the high court stay order cutting down trees at Sankey Road on Friday, residents of Malleswaram and green warriors are all set to wage a comprehensive war against the civic authorities.
Despite severe protests from NGOs over the chopping of trees on Sankey Tank Bund Road, the BBMP managed to cut 17 out of the 19 proposed trees.
Now the protesters — Malleswaram residents and members of Hasiru Usiru — are seeking suspension of deputy conservator of forest (DCF) Puttaswamy for the irregularities in the auction and felling process.
Hasiru Usiru member, Vinay Srinivasa, on Saturday, said they have submitted the complaint to BBMP commissioner Siddaiah and other relevant departments.
Despite widespread protest and not issuing notice to private property owners, the BBMP is widening the road and cutting down trees, which is against public sentiment and public policy, they said.
Members also stated that the BBMP is violating the Karnataka Town and Country Planning Act and Karnataka Tree Preservation Act. Such actions are also in absolute contempt of the directions of the high court.
On Wednesday, Puttaswamy attempted to auction trees on Sankey Road. But due to public protest, the auction was called off and the demand drafts deposited by bidders were returned.
But on June 30 evening, news spread that Puttaswamy was planning to fell trees at night.
Leo Saldanha, coordinator of an environment support group, contacted Puttaswamy and urged him to abandon the exercise of tree felling on Sankey Road. Saldanha then contacted BBMP commissioner Siddaiah and briefed him about the situation.
However, on Friday noon, Puttaswamy hired workers and cut the trees. When the members rushed to protest and stop the felling, the police blocked and threatened dire action. By the early hours of morning, at least four fully-grown trees had been felled.
One Samania samaan (rain tree), two Nerale and one Honge were chopped. This action was in gross violation of the Karnataka Tree Preservation Act and Karnataka State Forest Act, said Hasiru Usiru members.
In view of this, the members demanded that Puttaswamy be suspended. All his actions pertaining to ordering felling of trees in the jurisdiction are stayed. The matter is now being investigated.
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