Kerala - Kochi   

Environmentalists protest against cutting of trees on Marine Drive

Staff Reporter

For setting up a helipad for the President's visit

NO MERCY: Branches of trees on Marine Drive in the city which were chopped off on Wednesday. - Photo: H. Vibhu

KOCHI: Cutting of trees on Marine Drive in connection with the visit of President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam triggered strong protests from the public here on Wednesday.

Branches of seven trees near the Marine Drive walkway were chopped off leaving only the trunk. Workers, who removed the branches, said it was done as part of setting up a helipad in connection with the President's visit.

According to the district administration, Dr. Kalam will arrive in a helicopter at the venue on December 19 as part of his State visit. The administration's move to remove branches of the trees evoked strong reactions from environmentalists.

Social activist Geo Jose said: "We have decided to inform the President that trees are being felled in connection with his visit. The President, who has always encouraged planting of trees, will never support such moves. The district administration owes an explanation to the public on why the greenery of the place was hacked so mercilessly," he said.

Environmentalist M.K. Prasad said: "Why should the district administration select such venues when the navy has got its own facility for landing helicopter. Tree felling was also reported during the President's visit to the State earlier," he said.

Recalling incidents of indiscriminate tree felling in the city, secretary of Association for Environment Protection S. Sitaraman said: "The Kochi Corporation and the Greater Cochin Development Authority had failed to protect the rare collection of trees here. Hacking of trees in connection with the President's visit has once again proved that they do not want to protect the few trees left in the city," he said.

Without sanction

Meanwhile, Collector A.P.M. Mohammed Hanish said the trees were cut without any sanction or direction from the district administration.

He said the administration had only given direction to prune the branches of trees adjacent to the helipad, only after consulting the Air Force authorities. But, severe damage had been done to the trees. Two or three trees were completely destroyed.

He said a show-cause notice was issued to the Executive Engineer (PWD) on Wednesday itself. The Executive Engineer gave explanation before 3 p.m., stating that the cutting took place without his direction by the orders of some lower officers.

Report sought

The Collector said the Chief Secretary had intervened in the issue and demanded a report. The report would be submitted to the Government on Thursday morning.

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