The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has proposed the removal of 32 trees located in the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) yard in Mysuru to facilitate a highway project. The Forest Department has issued a notification under the Karnataka Tree Preservation Act 1976 (amended 2014), Section 8(3)(VII), inviting objections from the public by July 2, 2026, at 5:30 PM.
Details of the Proposal
The trees marked for removal are situated within the APMC premises, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Mysuru Forest Division. The NHAI's proposal is part of ongoing efforts to widen or improve the national highway passing through the area. According to the notification, the department has given the public 30 days to raise objections, as mandated by the amended tree preservation law.
Legal Framework and Public Participation
The Karnataka Tree Preservation Act requires that any felling of trees on public or private land must receive prior approval from the Forest Department. The amendment in 2014 strengthened provisions for public consultation, allowing citizens to file objections within a specified period. The current notice, dated June 24, 2026, was published in local newspapers and on the department's notice board, giving residents and environmental groups until the July 2 deadline to submit their concerns.
Impact and Next Steps
If no valid objections are received, the Forest Department may grant permission for the tree cutting. However, the NHAI will still need to comply with compensatory afforestation norms, which typically require planting multiple saplings for each tree removed. The APMC yard is a key commercial hub in Mysuru, and the tree removal has raised concerns among local traders and environmentalists about loss of green cover and increased heat. The Forest Department has assured that all objections will be reviewed before a final decision is made.
