Shivamogga: A wave of public resentment has erupted against the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and forest department officials following the felling of seven trees at Beguvalli near Mandagadde for the Shivamogga–Thirthahalli National Highway (NH-169) expansion project.The trees were cut down on Saturday, allegedly before mandatory legal, forest and environmental clearances had been obtained. The 30.7-km road-widening project, stretching from Nellisara Camp to Thirthahalli, falls within the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) of the Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary. Despite repeated warnings from the deputy conservator of forests (wildlife division) that explicit clearance from the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) was required before any work could commence, the NHAI allegedly proceeded with the work in violation of environmental norms.When contacted, Shivamogga territorial forest DCF GR Ajjaiah said the trees had been felled without permission and that action had been initiated in the matter. However, local environmental activists and residents expressed outrage over the incident.Shravan, an activist with Green Lives Trust, pointed out that physical work on the project had been progressing despite the forest clearance process still being pending. He said the statutory clearance procedures had not been completed and demanded immediate action from the concerned authorities.Wildlife photographer and resident Nataraj Mandagadde said it was unfortunate that local activists were left to protect the trees while the forest department, which was entrusted with that responsibility, had failed to do so.
