Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Feb 3: Dakshina Kannada district deputy commissioner (DC), A B Ibrahim, said that the Chennai bench of National Green Tribunal (NGT) has since reversed its earlier orders on the proposal to build DC office complex at Padil. "The bench has now asked us to move ahead on the proposal after obtaining clearance from the forest department under whose jurisdiction the proposed site falls," he explained, addressing a press conference here on Tuesday February 2.

He stated that the bench had earlier ordered not to cut down trees, during the first phase of hearing of appeal filed against the above proposal by some private individuals. "This instruction was taken back on January 27, and we have been asked to obtain permission from the forest department to fell the trees as per the legal provisions, and then move ahead with the plan," he stated.

The DC explained that 477 trees are not being removed for the construction of the complex as alleged by the petitioners. "386 trees have been identified in the proposed site of the complex. Even among them, all trees are not being cut down. Most of the trees standing there are bamboo, acacia, and teak. The forest department will undertake a survey of the area and take a final call," he added.

Ibrahim said that estimated cost of the proposed complex is Rs 41 crore, and that the complex will need 5.89 acres out of 11 acres of forest department land at Padil. The building will cover 70 cents of land. Tender for works has been floated, and contractor has been finalized and submitted to revenue department for approval. Works will begin after the forest department undertakes survey and gives permission to cut down trees to build the complex, he narrated.

The DC reiterated that shifting of the district complex has been proposed in view of congestion and traffic pressure experienced at its current location. He said that the new complex will house 38 government offices. He cited that the district administration has undertaken environment protection initiative in 300 acres of land at Pilikula because of its genuine concern for protection and conservation of forest and greenery.