Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Oct 3: Environmental activists on Tuesday October 3 protested over tree felling along NH 66 for the construction of flyovers at Nanthoor and KPT junctions.

Several environment activists hit the streets over the felling of trees. They were successful in stopping the felling of trees. The protesters staged a protest at Padua by wrapping the trees cut down with white cloth and garlanding it.

The NHAI has sought permission from the forest department to clear 602 trees on the stretch. As many as 370 small trees will be shifted. Reportedly, the officials are going to cut down 232 trees.

Speaking to daijiworld.com, environmental activist Bhuvan said, "The entire report on the number of trees to be axed for the project is bogus. We do not want this project to be another Pumpwell flyover. Without shifting the small trees, the NHAI has started to cut them. Moreover, it is not the right season to shift the small trees. The officials are trying to implement the project without taking environmental activists into confidence.”

The proposed projects are going to adversely affect the citizens of Mangaluru for years to come till a permanent solution is made, claimed the protesting environmental activists. They also added that the tree felling activity was halted by the NHAI officials after the deputy commissioner intervened.