Kolkata Residents and Activists Protest After Mango Tree Felled Near Dhakuria Flyover
In a distressing environmental incident, green activists and local residents in Kolkata have launched a protest following the unauthorized felling of a mature mango tree near the Dhakuria flyover. The incident, which occurred between Tuesday and Wednesday, has ignited public outrage and demands for a thorough investigation into the matter.
Discovery of the Felled Tree
According to nearby residents, the mango tree stood robustly at Sangeet Sarani until Tuesday. However, on Wednesday morning, locals were shocked to find it completely chopped off. The sudden disappearance of the tree has raised suspicions among the community, with many pointing fingers at the owner and contractors of a building undergoing renovation in the vicinity.
A resident expressed concern, stating, "The tree was clearly felled to facilitate the ongoing renovation work. It appears that no prior permission was obtained before chopping it down, which is a blatant violation of environmental norms."
Community Response and Campaign Launch
In response to the incident, members of a green forum operating under the banner of 'Each One Plant One' have urged locals to come forward with any information regarding the incident or the perpetrators involved. The organization has initiated a robust online campaign to raise awareness and gather support for their cause.
The activists have outlined a plan of action, which includes:
- Holding a community meeting if no immediate action is taken against those responsible.
- Registering an official complaint with the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), the civic body that holds the final authority over tree felling permissions in the city.
Official Stance and Investigation
When contacted, a KMC parks department official confirmed that no complaints had been received regarding the tree felling as of Wednesday. However, the official also noted that no permission had been sought for the action, indicating a likely breach of regulations.
The official assured, "We will probe the matter thoroughly to determine the circumstances surrounding the felling of the mango tree and take appropriate action if any violations are found."
This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between urban development and environmental conservation in Kolkata, with residents and activists calling for stricter enforcement of tree protection laws to prevent such occurrences in the future.
