Nod to axe 31 trees in Belagavi Cantonment sparks outcry
Belagavi: A total of 31 trees in Belagavi Cantonment area are set to be axed following official approval, sparking strong reactions from environmental groups and concerned citizens.Belagavi Cantonment Board confirmed that the tree-felling proposal was finalised and necessary permissions were secured.
The trees identified for removal include a variety of species such as Nilgiri (eucalyptus), mango, silver oak, gulmohar, and champak. These trees are spread across several prominent zones within the cantonment limits.An e-auction was held recently to award the tree-felling contract. Belagavi-based firm AK Hawaldar Wooden Packers won the bid with an offer of Rs 2.1 lakh. The auction, held on May 5, attracted interest from three firms in Pune and Goa, with the final decision announced following the Cantonment Board meeting on May 8.As per official documents, the trees to be felled include 16 Nilgiri trees from the Church Road Garden and Saint Mary Church, 4 mango trees along New Mochi Line and Thimmaiah Road, 4 gulmohar trees at the Cantonment Board office premises, and one silver oak, totalling 31.Officials of the Cantonment Board stated that the decision was taken following environmental norms and guidelines. "All required permissions were obtained, and the tender process was conducted transparently," they added.Despite this, environmental activists have expressed disappointment. "Tree cutting in urban areas like Belagavi must be approached with caution. Such a large-scale removal will affect local biodiversity and contribute to rising temperatures," said Lingaraj Jagajampi, an activist from a local environmental group.The issue of frequent tree felling in Belagavi has become a growing concern, with citizens urging authorities to prioritise sustainable development and green cover preservation. Several residents have voiced opposition to the decision, citing lack of replantation plans or compensatory afforestation, Jagajampi said. As the contractor begins work on-site, the move continues to draw criticism from environmentalists, who are demanding greater transparency and ecological accountability from the Cantonment Board.
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