Mysuru Poised to Re-establish Tree Protection Committee After Two Decades
In a significant move for urban forestry, Mysuru is on the verge of reviving its tree protection committee, which has been inactive since the early 2000s. Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF Territorial), K Paramesh, confirmed that the forest department is actively planning to set up this committee, aiming to study the structure of the previous body to inform the new formation.
Historical Context and Activist Advocacy
The initiative follows a meeting between the Mysore Grahakara Parishat (MGP) delegation and Paramesh, where concerns were raised about the lack of oversight on tree cutting. Bhamy V Shenoy, founder president of MGP, expressed optimism, stating that the committee could be established within a week, given the DCF's authority. He emphasized that such a committee would serve as a model for Karnataka, requiring permissions for even single tree removals.
Maj Gen (retd) Sudheer Vombatkere, a former member of the original committee, highlighted its past functionality and subsequent dissolution. He noted his exclusion due to objections to tree cutting activities. Vombatkere also proposed biannual tree festivals in Mysuru to educate residents about local trees and their ecological importance, receiving positive feedback from forest officials.
Parallel Protests Over Stadium Construction
In a related development, activists, laborers, farmers, and Dalit leaders have united in protest against the construction of a stadium on five acres of land belonging to the Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC) in T Narasipura. Hundreds of factory workers initiated the demonstration, with support from figures like farmers functionary Kurubur Shanthakumar and BJP functionary N Mahesh, urging the state government to reconsider the decision.
Despite the protests, the taluk administration has proceeded to hand over the land to the department of youth empowerment and sports to commence stadium construction, sparking ongoing dissent from local communities.
