It is shocking that many trees and saplings were cut for a temporary helipad to be in place for the Prime Minister’s visit in Odisha. Recently, when the Karnataka government wanted to build a steel bridge in Bengaluru — a project that would have resulted in the destruction of numerous trees — citizens protested vehemently and the plan was dropped. When people are constantly advised to ensure ecological balance and be environmentally aware (by no less than government agencies), the incident in Odisha raises eyebrows — that there is a different set of rules and laws for leaders and important people (“PM’s visit to Odisha: Over 1,000 trees felled”, January 14).
R. Sridharan,
Chennai