Mangaluru: The Society for Forest, Environment & Climate Change, Mangaluru, has strongly urged the state government to constitute tree authorities in all municipal corporations, town municipalities, town and taluk panchayats across Karnataka to promote forest growth in both urban and rural regions.
Speaking to the press on Thursday, environmental activist Benedict Fernandes criticized the government for not implementing a vital provision of the Karnataka Preservation of Trees Act, 1976, which mandates the creation of tree authorities. “It’s been 46 years, yet most towns and cities have not established these bodies,” he said.
According to Fernandes, the tree authority, once notified by the government, is responsible for setting standards on the type and number of trees each locality must maintain. Landowners, whether private or public, are required to plant trees as per these norms, under the supervision of a tree officer. In cases of non-compliance, the officer is empowered to arrange for planting and recover the cost from the owners.
“An RTI query confirmed the absence of these authorities in most places. The result is evident — Mangaluru City Corporation’s green cover is just 6.4%, according to a study by a reputed university professor,” he added, blaming this directly on the non-implementation of the Act.
Though representations were sent to the Governor, Chief Secretary, and the Additional Chief Secretary of the Forest, Ecology and Environment Department back in February 2024, no steps have been taken, Fernandes lamented.
He urged the government to issue immediate notifications and establish the much-needed tree authorities to restore ecological balance and ensure climate resilience.
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