Mysuru: Officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) have proposed the removal of 32 trees near the Mysuru-Nanjangud road signal on National Highway 766, close to the APMC A and B gates in Mysuru taluk, as part of a long-term measure to address a traffic blackspot.
The proposal has been submitted to the Forest Department, seeking permission to clear the trees to facilitate the implementation of the road safety project.
Proposal aims to address accident-prone stretch
According to officials, the Project Director of the NHAI’s Project Implementation Unit (PIU) in Mysuru has written to the Forest Department requesting approval for the removal of the trees.
The proposed project is intended to serve as a long-term remedial measure for the identified blackspot location on NH-766, a stretch that has witnessed traffic and safety concerns.
Following the request, Forest Department officials issued a public notification inviting objections or suggestions from citizens regarding the proposed tree felling.
The notification has been issued under Section 8(3)(VII) of the Karnataka Tree Preservation Act, 1976, as amended in 2014.
Public invited to submit objections
The Forest Department has invited members of the public to submit objections, if any, before 5.30 pm on July 2.
Citizens can send their objections via email to [email protected] or submit written representations to the Tree Officer, Range Forest Office, Mysuru Regional Division, Aranya Bhavan, Ashokapuram, Mysuru-570008.
Officials said the public consultation process is being carried out in accordance with legal requirements before any final decision is taken on the proposal.
Various species identified for removal
According to the notification, a total of 32 trees of different species have been earmarked for removal.
The list includes:
- 10 Eucalyptus trees
- Three Rain trees
- Two Teak trees
- Four Babul (Kari Jali) trees
- One Indian Beech tree (Honge)
- One Peepal tree
- Three Mahogany trees
- One Arjun tree
- One Akash Mallige tree
- One Gulmohar tree
- One Tamarind tree
- One Neem tree
- One Indian Elm tree (Tapasi Mara)
- Two jungle trees
Forest Department officials have already inspected the site and completed measurements of the identified trees.
Balancing infrastructure and environmental concerns
The proposed tree removal has once again brought attention to the challenge of balancing infrastructure development and environmental conservation.
While road safety improvements and the elimination of accident-prone stretches remain important priorities, environmentalists have often stressed the need for compensatory plantation and measures to minimise the loss of green cover.
Authorities are expected to consider public feedback and objections before taking a final decision on granting permission for the tree removal and proceeding with the proposed highway improvement project.