In a move that has triggered a wave of protests, the Belagavi Cantonment Board has approved the felling of 31 trees within the cantonment area. These trees, including Nilgiri, mango, silver oak, gulmohar, and champak, will be axed following the finalisation of a tree-felling proposal and the securing of necessary permissions.

Details of the removal
The affected trees are located in several prominent areas, such as Church Road Garden, Saint Mary Church, New Mochi Line, and the Cantonment Board office. The Belagavi-based firm AK Hawaldar Wooden Packers won the e-auction held on May 5, offering Rs 2.1 lakh. The auction attracted interest from firms in Pune and Goa, with the decision confirmed in a Cantonment Board meeting on May 8.

Environmental concerns
Despite the official approval, environmental groups have voiced strong opposition. Lingaraj Jagajampi, an activist, expressed concern that the large-scale removal could disrupt local biodiversity and contribute to higher temperatures. “Urban areas like Belagavi must take a cautious approach to tree cutting,” he stressed.

Many citizens are also disappointed by the lack of replantation plans or compensatory afforestation, with activists calling for greater transparency in the decision-making process. As work begins on-site, the controversy continues to unfold, with increasing calls for the authorities to consider the long-term ecological impact.