Change plan, save trees: Green activists

Mangaluru: Green activists have opposed the cutting down of 34 trees for road widening between Nandigudda at Koti Chennaya Circle and Marnamikatte Road by Mangaluru Smart City Limited (MSCL).
The forest department has said that it had allowed the axing of 15 trees but MSCL wants to chop down 34.
Mangaluru Range Forest Officer Prashanth Pai said that the MSCL has submitted two lists of trees to be axed.
At the meeting on Thursday, green activists objected to the development plan.“ We have requested them (the forest department) to reject the MSCL application, stating that there is an alternative road to Marnamikatte and trees need not be axed. The lungs of the city must be protected. It is time that the plan changed, “ activist Suma Nayak, who was present at the meeting, said.
Officials reportedly said that they have approved the design and are not willing to change the plan.
“Our objections have already been filed. We have clearly said no concretisation around the tree roots. The MSCL has started work without getting clearance from the forest department. We hope for a favourable decision from the forest department,” Nayak said.
The mission of a Smart City project is also to preserve and develop open spaces — parks, playgrounds, and recreational spaces to enhance the quality of life of citizens, reduce the urban heat effects in areas and generally promote eco-balance.