Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Mar 14: Environment activists under the banner of National Environment Care Federation on Monday March 14 organized a unique protest at Kadri Park against the alleged illegal chopping of several trees for the construction of the proposed musical fountain at the old deer park.

The protestors took a round of the park beating drums and sounding bells and sirens to create awareness. Some of them even climbed trees.

Addressing the protest, Shashidhar Shetty, secretary of NECF said, "Several trees have been chopped down without seeking permission of the forest department. People come here to breathe fresh air, and there are animals like peacock and birds here. Now the park is being turned into a musical fountain and all ministers and MLAs are involved in it. We will aso challenge this in the court.

"This is not development, but just a way to loot the people. There is a contract mafia and officers involved in this. If a person has to buy oxygen, he will require Rs two lac per annum, but these trees are giving free oxygen.

"We do not want this musical fountain. We do not want this kind of development. There is no sufficient drinking water either. The ministers and MLAs are involved in the Yettinahole project also which is against the nature," he added.

"This Environment Day on June 5, we will celebrate Vanamahotsava here and plant trees. Now, more than 50 trees have been chopped down using machines and setting them on fire," he said.

Activist Dinesh Holla slamming forest minister B Ramanath Rai said, "Rs 13,000 crore has been spent on harming nature with Yettinahole project, and Rs 7 crore is being spent on harming the environment with this musical fountain. Upon that you (Rai) claim that you are protectng the environment. What is it that you are protecting?

"This was the only park for the people of the city. All other parks are in a dilapidated condition," he added.

Kateel Dinesh Pai said, "More than 50 trees have been cut down. We will file criminal case against this. In one year more than 400 trees have been cut down in the city in the name of development. MLA J R Lobo should take responsibility for this."

Range forest officer Sridhar said, "The gorticuture department has handed this park over to MUDA, which has not obtained permission to cut down trees. Seventeen trees were cut down, out of which four were set afire.
We will file a case against the contractor and MUDA executive engineer who executed the work of cutting the trees without permission."