Deputy Conservator of Forests, 17th May 2004
Bangalore Urban Division,
Aranya Bhavan,
Bangalore: 560003

Reg: Complaint to initiate proceedings with regard to illegal felling of trees on Cubbon Road, Bangalore

Dear Sir,

As you are aware, about 240 trees were axed along the median stretch of Cubbon Road in Bangalore in the first two weeks of April 2004. This action was undertaken by the Horticulture Department of Bangalore Mahanagara Palike ostensibly on grounds that the action was pursuant to an observation made by His Excellency Governor of Karnataka that the trees could obstruct traffic flow and also could be a security threat to the dignitaries. Documentation by way of various newspapers clippings confirming this is annexed at Annexure A.
In this regard we had written to the Chief Secretary Government of Karnataka in our letter dated 16th April, 2004 seeking intervention to stop the tree felling as apparently the activity was not in conformance with law. A copy of this letter was also sent to His Excellency Governor of Karnataka. This letter is annexed at Annexure B.
Subsequently the Principal Secretary to Governor of Karnataka vide his letter No. PS 108 PSG 2004, dated April 24, 2004 has confirmed “no instructionshas been sent from the Governor for cutting of the trees to any of the authorities. The reports in the media to this effect have no factual basis”. The copy of this letter is annexed at Annexure C.
Considering the above we urge you to take immediate action against the concerned agencies / authorities / individuals in conformance with the applicable law on the matter.

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely,

Leo F. Saldanha                    Deepashree

Environment Support Group
Cc:
1. Principal Secretary to the Governor of Karnataka
2. Chief Secretary to Govt. of Karnataka.
3. Principal Secretary, Dept. of Ecology, Environment and Forests, Govt of Karnataka
4. Commissioner, Bangalore Mahanagara Palike
5. Director, Dept. of Horticulture, Govt of Karnataka