Mysuru: Officials of South Western Railway (SWR), Mysuru Division, on Thursday condemned the large-scale felling of trees near Kukkarahalli lake and urged railway authorities to initiate stern action against those responsible. The delegation submitted a memorandum in this regard.
Allegations of Illegal Tree Cutting
The organisation alleged that more than 30 trees of different species were cut along the railway tracks near the railway level crossing. Members who visited the site on Wednesday claimed several healthy trees, estimated to be between 15 and 40 years old, were felled indiscriminately.
Violation of Permissions
The delegation said the railways are permitted to prune branches or remove dead or dangerous trees that pose a threat to train operations or overhead electric lines after obtaining permission from the forest department. However, they alleged that several healthy trees located beyond the required safety clearance were cut without mandatory approval from the forest department, terming it an irresponsible and illegal act.
Demands for Action
The organisation demanded that the forest department initiate action against the officials concerned under provisions of tree protection laws. It also urged the Railways to conduct a departmental inquiry and take disciplinary action against those responsible for the alleged negligence. The delegation sought copies of all orders, approvals, file notings, inspection reports, risk assessments, and other documents that authorised or justified the tree felling. It also sought details of officers who inspected the site, recommended removal of the trees, the technical criteria adopted to decide that the trees required felling instead of pruning, and details of permissions obtained from the forest department or any other competent authority.
Call for Scientific Tree Management
The organisation further urged railway authorities to adopt scientific tree management practices, removing trees only when no reasonable alternative exists. It said pruning should be preferred over felling wherever feasible and limited to the minimum extent necessary for railway safety. It also demanded that all pruning and tree management work be carried out only by trained personnel under the supervision of qualified officers, while ensuring that healthy trees beyond the minimum safety clearance zone are preserved.
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