Daijiworld Media Network – Belthangady (EP)

Belthangady, Aug 30: Green Bench of Supreme Court on Monday, Aug 29 has stayed the cutting of trees in Western Ghats during implementation of Yettinahole project.

Justice Swathantra Kumar presided over Green Bench, which took up the complaint by environment activist K N Somashekar through advocate Prince Isaac for hearing, a day earlier than scheduled date questioned the Karnataka Irrigation Corporation (KNNL) on the basis of whose permission were the trees cut.

“Large numbers of trees are cut by the contractors and KNNL in the project area. This will adversely affect the environment and sensitive biodiversity in Western ghats,” argued the advocate for the complainant. Meanwhile the advocate for Karnataka government informed that the trees are cut only after obtaining necessary permission. The advocate for the complainant said that it is a series of falsehood because of which an FIR has been registered against the contractors and the corporation.

Green Bench which considered it seriously asked that no more trees be cut. “Ten times more saplings should be planted instead of trees that are cut for protection of environment. The number of trees cut should be stated in the next court hearing.” it said.

The court adjourned the hearing to the previously scheduled Sep 21.