Opposition to cut trees for flyover at Devalapura Cross on ring road in Mysuru

Environmental organizations and local residents have opposed the proposal by the National Highways Division of Public Works Department (PWD) of Karnataka to cut 48 trees near Devalapura Cross on the Outer Ring Road in Mysuru to take up the construction of a flyover.

Members of Parisakkagi Naavu, an environmental organization, and residents of Hosahundi village, who attended the public hearing on the issue held on January 13, strongly argued in favour of installing a signal system, constructing speed breakers, and putting up traffic signs instead of cutting trees and constructing a flyover to prevent road accidents at the spot.

The Devalapura junction on the ring road, which connects to a road leading various villages, including Devalapura and Hadinaru, had been declared as black spot in view of a number of accidents, both fatal and non-fatal. Hence, National Highways Division of PWD, which had taken over the ring road from Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), had taken up a project to construct an 800-metre flyover at the spot on the ring road, which is part of National Highway 275.

State General Secretary of Parisakkagi Naavu Parashuramegowda emphasized the need for the authorities to consider alternative solutions to prevent accidents first before cutting trees and building a flyover.

Shailajesh, an activist of the organization, alleged that the authorities had already called for tenders, completed all procedures for constructing the flyover, and had convened a public hearing at the final stage merely as a ‘formality’. He complained that no efforts have been made to prevent accidents.

Another participant in the hearing Ravi Bale expressed suspicion that government departments show interest in spending huge amounts on new constructions instead of trying low-cost maintenance measures, possibly due to a ‘commission’.

Parisakkagi Naavu’s Mysuru district president Leela Shivakumar stated that it is not the job of their organisation to go everywhere and stop trees from being cut for development work. She urged that development should be carried out in an environment-friendly manner while preserving trees.

Local resident Krishna said there is no need to cut trees and build a flyover, and declared that the local people will not allow even a single tree to be cut.

Deputy Conservator of Forests Ravishankar, who heard the opposition to the proposal to fell trees, has stated that protecting trees is the priority of the department, and not cutting them. He promised to convey the opinions expressed at the public hearing to senior officials.

Assistant Executive Officer of NH Division of PWD H.R. Roopa said that the alternative measures suggested in the meeting to prevent accidents would be brought to the notice of higher authorities.

Range Forest Officer (RFO) Santosh Hoogar was also present at the meeting.