156 trees of Kalam Vanam axed at Anna University campus; activists condemn
Coimbatore: Environmental activists and NGOs in the city were left in shock after they learnt that 156 trees at Anna University campus on Marudhamalai Main Road were axed, today.
These trees were planted as part of the ongoing annual Kalaam Vanam initiative by Siruthuli, where over 70,000 tree saplings were planted in the past five years at the Anna University campus. Environmental activists and volunteers of Siruthuli have vehemently condemned the decision to chop them off instead of brainstorming ideas like translocating them.
"Lot of selfless efforts have been put by hundreds of people to plant and maintain them. With a motive to increase the green cover, every year native trees and fruit bearing trees is being planted at the Anna University campus. Over 70,000 trees have been planted in the last five years. Coimbatore has been at the forefront of transplanting trees throughout India and yet here in Coimbatore, It's heart wrenching that 156 trees are axed off. The issue has been taken to the District Collector who has assured to look into this issue tomorrow", told Osai Syed, an environmentalist from the city.
It is reported that in a bid to expedite the works of setting up a power sub station at the campus, a team led by Tahsildar (North) Maheshkumar carried out the work to chop the trees. This has been done despite Anna University writing to the District Administration for providing an alternative location within the campus without hurting the trees.
Enraged by the decision of axing the trees, city environmentalists and NGOs whose selfless contribution has raised a marvellous green cover in the campus have not only condemned the issue but expressed their discontent over the disregard of the officials who should be saving tree cover rather than depleting it.
