Move to chop down trees thwarted

KOCHI: An unauthorised attempt to chop down five trees within the compound of the Government High School in Panampilly Nagar was thwarted because of the timely intervention of the residents in the area on Friday.The issue came to light when the locals, who were alerted by the earthmovers and other equipment working inside the school compound, made enquiries.Apparently, the workers said that they had received orders to cut down the trees and also that they had already acquired permission from the Department of Social Forestry.“These trees had been around for over five decades.Cutting them will not only be a scar on our landscape but also on the environment.Even if saplings are planted instead of these trees, it will take at least 50 years for them to grow to this size.And there is no guarantee that they will be protected,” said the residents.Meanwhile, the school authorities said that they were not informed of the process either.“We are not aware of any such work as we have not received any intimation from the authorities concerned,” said Lathika K P, principal, Govt High School, Panampilly Nagar.The plan to cut down the trees is part of the canal widening project under Kerala Sustainable Urban Development Project (KSUDP).“Once the widening is completed, the canal will run from VRM road to the Perandoor Canal.Apart from solving the waterlogging problems in Panampilly Nagar, the widening will also straighten the canal, thereby easing the drainage flow.Since the proposed path of the canal passes through the school compound, a few trees might have to be cut down.It will be done only after receiving permission from the authorities concerned,” said Soumini Jain, chairperson, Works Standing Committee, Kochi Corporation.Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) officials denied ordering the trees to be cut down.“We have currently sought permission from the authorities concerned and are awaiting their response.We have not given orders to cut the trees as of now and are unaware of such an action,” said K M Naseer, Project Manager, project manager, JNNURM, who is in-charge of the project.Meanwhile, assistant conservator of Forests Raju Francis said that the Department of Social Forestry had not given permission for the trees to be cut.“The issue will be solved with immediate effect and none of the trees will be cut down now,” he told Express.