Mysuru’s Green Cover Faces Backlash as 45 Heritage Trees Felled for Road Widening
In a move that has ignited public outrage, the Mysuru City Corporation (MCC) and the Forest Department have felled 45 fully grown trees, some over 50 years old, along Hyder Ali Road. This action, aimed at widening the road from 50 to 100 feet between Nexus Mall and the SP Office Circle, has been met with strong opposition from environmentalists and local residents .
The tree-felling operation, carried out overnight, included species such as Peltophorum, rain trees, and Gum Arabic trees. Critics argue that the decision lacked transparency and public consultation. Environmentalists contend that the area did not suffer from significant traffic congestion, questioning the necessity of such drastic measures .
In response to the felling, over 110 individuals from 12 organizations, including Parisara Balaga and Mysore Grahakara Parishat, convened at Cheluvamba Park. They formed a joint Struggle Committee to coordinate future actions and announced plans for a candlelight vigil on April 18 along the affected stretch. Additionally, symbolic “11th-day death rituals” involving sapling planting are planned to honor the lost trees .
The MCC has reportedly paid a compensation of ₹2.9 lakh for both felling and afforestation efforts. However, activists deem this amount insufficient given the ecological loss. The Forest Department granted permission for the felling based on MCC’s request, but concerns remain about the adequacy of the approval process .
As Mysuru grapples with the consequences of this decision, the incident underscores the tension between urban development and environmental preservation. The community’s response highlights the importance of inclusive decision-making processes in urban planning.
About The Author
More Stories
Save Bandipur: Let the Forest Sleep
NASA Faces Potential $5 Billion Budget Cut, Threatening Climate Research and Space Missions
A Chronicle of Courage and Journalism – “She Said”