Pics: Meryick D'Silva
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru(DV)
Mangaluru, Feb 13: In an instance of violation of Forest Act, Public Works Department(PWD) officials allegedly axed trees at the PWD quatres at Urwa Stores here on Friday Febraury 13.
Shashidhar Shetty of National Environment Care Fedaration, speaking to Daijiworld said "The PWD officials and labourers without the permission from the forest department axed the trees. This is in violation of the Forest Act of 1927. Cases should be registered against those officials who violated the law,"
"There was no need to axe the trees. Totally 18 trees were axed without the permission from the forest department. Forest officials should have been present while cutting the trees." Shetty added.
Upendra Kumar, resident of the area near the PWD quartres said "We locals demanded the PWD and Forest Departments to cut the branches of trees which were leaning over the roof. In some instances, the branches have collapsed on the roofs in the past."
But all are not happy with the decision of axing the trees. That too by government officials who are supposed to follow laws.