Latest news with #TreePreservationAct
The Hindu
28-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Mysuru: Environmentalists seek amendment to Karnataka Tree Preservation Act
Underlining lacunae in the Karnataka Tree Preservation Act in vogue in the State, an action committee to Save Environment (Parisara Ulivigagi Kriya Samithi), an umbrella organisation of various environmental groups in the city, has urged the government to make suitable amendments to strengthen it. In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, members of the group led by activist Parashurame Gowda have called for abrogation of the clause that indemnifies government officials by providing a degree of protection from legal proceedings arising from their actions under the said Act. In addition, the powers to permit tree felling should be revoked from the Deputy Conservator of Forests and vested with officials of the rank of CF or above, said the letter. The environmentalists also called for declaration of a green zone around Chamundi Hills, Kukkarahalli Lake, Lingambudhi Lake etc and sought a ban on tree felling in a radius of 2 km to 5 km from these natural ecosystems. Calling for a long-term vision for road widening and other linear infrastructure works, the Government was asked to take up afforestation three years ahead of scheduled civic works which entail tree felling. Underlining the imperatives of the involvement of local people on environmental conservation issues, the Chief Minister was urged to appoint four senior persons, who are also interested in environment conservation, to the Tree Authority by bringing in a suitable amendment to the Tree Preservation Act. Members of the Committee said that it should be made compulsory to take permission of the Tree Authority in future to fell trees more than 10 years old within a radius of 5 km of a city or town. The amendment to the Act should ensure that all land - be it private or government land including gomal land, be brought under the purview of the Authority. Pointing out that at present the Tree Authority existed only on paper and it was inactive, the Committee suggested to the Chief Minister to revamp it and constitute new tree authorities at the ward level. The government was urged to identify trees that were on the verge of collapse and ensure that new saplings are planted ahead of their felling for public safety. In a bid to address the growing population of Mysuru and the accompanying vehicular density, the government was urged to develop satellite centres to decongest the existing city. The letter to the CM is a fallout of the tree felling incident in which 40 trees, each more than 40 years, was axed on the Hyder Ali Road for widening it and which triggered outrage among the public.
New Indian Express
09-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
No encroachments will be tolerated in Nagarahole: Karnataka forest minister
BENGALURU: Karnataka Forest, Environment and Ecology Minister Eshwar B Khandre on Thursday said that if people are allowed to stay inside forests, it will effect the natural habitat of tigers, elephants and other wildlife and will lead to further conflict. Taking note of the 52 families forcefully entering Nagarahole Tiger Reserve on Monday and Tuesday and building huts and shed, Khandre said there are some group of people who are inciting them and spreading false news about retired and serving forest department officials, NGOs and experts. He said the rights of the people who are now asserting their rights on forest land in Nagrahole have been dismissed. They should approach the legal authorities, he said. Khandre directed the forest department officials to submit a report on the chronology of the incident and all other details within two days, along with the court judgments regarding the rights over forest lands. Speaking at the sidelines of the release of two books- Nagarahole- A Wild Paradise and Wildlife Forensic Evidence Collection Guide- by Kali Tiger Reserve- in Bengaluru, Khandre said, 'No sort of encroachment will be allowed and action will be taken against the encroachers. There is zero tolerance to encroachments and people instead of writing to forest department, they should file appeals in courts,' he said. Pertaining to the felling of trees, Khandre said there is a need to amend the Tree Preservation Act to take strict action against those illegally felling trees in government lands, forest land and road sides. Citing the recent Supreme Court orders where the court took objection to tree felling, Khandre said, 'there is increasing outcry among people over permissions being given to axe hundreds of trees in the name of development.' The minister directed all government authorities not to give unnecessary permissions to cut down trees.
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Teams 'working hard' to reopen glens after storm
Teams have been "working hard" to restore access to damaged Manx glens after recent storms but some remain closed, the government has said. Friday's Storm Éowyn saw storm force winds hit the island cause widespread damage to trees. That followed on from December's Storm Darragh, which left thousands of trees in unstable positions. The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (Defa) said confirmed Ballaglass Glen in Maughold and Laxey Glen were now open, but inspections were ongoign in others. The department confirmed that Bradda Glen and Headland in Port Erin had reopened but Glen Mooar on the west coast would stay closed. While Ballure Walk in Ramsey was under review, Glen Helen in the west of the island and Tholt-y-Will Glen in the north remained closed, it said. December's storm saw severe gales reaching 82mph (132km/h) cause extensive damage to the island's glens. A Defa spokesman said Storm Eowyn had "created further damage" and the teams were "working hard to reopen these popular venues and appreciate the public's patience". The department also advised tree and landowners to "check the state of their trees for signs of damage, cracks, snap-outs and movement at the root-base". Under the Tree Preservation Act, a licence to fell a tree is not required if the tree has fallen over or snapped or the the roots are showing, it added. Why not follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X? You can also send story ideas to IsleofMan@ Major incident closed as storm force winds ease People urged to avoid woodlands after storm damage Isle of Man Government - Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture
