Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jun 20: Tension has arisen in the Someshwara town municipality limits after the forest department reportedly felled trees that were not part of the original list submitted by the municipality.

The Someshwara town municipality had submitted a list of hazardous trees, including two wind-breaking trees near the coast, and trees near the Uchila Bhagavathi School and the bus stop near the municipality. These trees posed a danger, particularly to school students and daily commuters.

However, instead of addressing the listed dangerous trees, the forest department allegedly cut down five valuable wind-breaking trees along the Someshwara coastal area — including their roots — and transported them away, prompting strong local outrage and raising suspicions.

Speaking on the issue, Someshwara town municipality vice president Ravishankar Someshwara stated, "We had provided the forest department with a list of hazardous trees within our jurisdiction. None of the trees on the list have been removed so far. Instead, wind-breaking trees along the coast have been felled and taken away without informing the municipality."

He further added that a clarification would be sought from the forest department regarding the matter.