Greens protest forest dept’s inaction over illegal felling of trees

Mysuru: Members of various organisations staged a protest in front of Aranya Bhavan in the city on Monday, accusing foresters of inaction in the illegal felling of 46 trees along the banks of Kapila river near Hejjige village, Nanjangud.Activists from Parisarakkagi Naavu, Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha, Karnataka Rashtra Samithi Party, Jana Sangrama Parishat, Mysuru Grahakara Parishat (MGP), Team Mysuru, PUCL, and several other groups participated in the demonstration and demanded a high-level probe into the incident.Addressing the protesters, Parashuramegowda, general secretary of Parisarakkagi Naavu organisation, alleged that there has been no progress in the investigation even two weeks after the incident. "The main accused is still absconding, and those responsible for illegal felling have not been identified. Despite the gravity of the offence, forest department and district administration appear to be taking it lightly," he said.He stated that felling of 46 large trees on govt land reflects the inaction of the forest, revenue, and rural development and panchayat raj departments.Highlighting political significance, he pointed out that the incident occurred in the home district of chief minister and within the Varuna assembly, constituency represented by him. He called upon the CM to personally intervene and ensure action, sending a strong message that such incidents will not be tolerated.Parashuramegowda also alleged the involvement of a mafia that is obstructing the investigation. "If the forest department fails to arrest the accused, the protests will continue," he warned.Later, the protesters submitted a memorandum to the forest department, in which, they urged the department to adopt advanced monitoring systems, including surveillance, scientific methods, and satellite technology, to prevent tree felling in the future.