Environmentalists demand transfer of ACF for grating permission to axe trees
Environmentalists staged a demonstration outside the Aranya Bhavan in Mysuru on Tuesday, seeking the transfer of Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF), Mysuru, Ravindra.
The protestors, who had gathered under the aegis of Parisara Samrakshana Samithi in Mysuru, alleged that Mr. Ravindra, who had recently taken charge as the Assistant Conservator of Forests in Mysuru, had granted permission for felling a large number of trees in the city that had been protected for a long time, thereby causing significant environmental damage.
As a public hearing becomes mandatory for felling more than 50 trees, the official was circumventing the law by permitting the chopping of 40 trees in many areas. This was leading to felling hundreds of trees in Mysuru under the pretext of development, said the samithi's Bhanu Mohan in a memorandum addressed to Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre.
The samithi has also accused the Forest Department official of failing to plant saplings to compensate for the felled trees. When questioned, the official responded irresponsibly, claiming that no funds were available for the purpose, the samithi alleged.
Pointing out the continuing environmental degradation in view of fluctuating temperatures, the samithi has urged the Forest Minister to take steps to protect the environment by planting saplings and nurturing them.
Representatives from Mysuru Grahakara Parishat, pro-Kannada activists, pro-farmer activists, environmentalists, and progressive thinkers participated in the demonstration that demanded the immediate transfer of Mr. Ravindra from the post.
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