The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Southern Zone, Chennai, has intervened in a matter concerning the preservation of trees in Mangaluru, ordering Mangaluru Smart City Limited (MSCL) to revise its project plan to avoid the felling of 34 trees. These trees, situated between Nandigudda Circle and Marnamikatte Circle, were slated for removal as part of MSCL’s road widening project.
Judgment and Response from ACF
The judgment was delivered by Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana, taking into account the response from the assistant conservator of forests (ACF), Mangaluru sub-division, which denied permission for tree felling. The decision came after objections raised by the National Environment Care Federation (NECF) against MSCL’s proposal.
Community Opposition and Legal Action
H Shashidhar Shetty, general secretary of NECF, highlighted the local community’s strong opposition to the tree-cutting proposal during a meeting convened by the ACF in September 2022. He emphasized that the road in question did not warrant such drastic measures, as an existing parallel road could adequately handle traffic.
NGT Directive and Additional Criticism
The NGT directed MSCL to amend its project plan to prevent tree felling, citing non-compliance with relevant environmental and wildlife protection laws. Additionally, Shetty criticized MSCL’s Nethravati Waterfront promenade development project, calling it unscientific and costly, with an expenditure of Rs 70 crore. He stressed the importance of development projects respecting environmental considerations and avoiding encroachment on rivers.
Preservation of Local Environment
In summary, the NGT’s decision effectively halts MSCL’s plan to fell 34 trees for road widening, ensuring the preservation of the local environment and tree cover. This intervention underscores the importance of balancing development initiatives with environmental conservation efforts.
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