3,368 trees may be cut for NH-206 widening

BENGALURU: At a time when the state is facing a health emergency, the state government has quietly invited suggestions for the felling of 3,368 trees on NH-206 between Takikere and Umblebailu in Bhadravati forest division. Activists want the government to stop taking up projects without conducting Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies or ascertaining the need.

With Shivamogga city having lost all its tree cover for the Ring Road project and Tirthahalli-Agumbe road widening, now it is the turn of Bhadravati forest division to lose 3,386 trees comprising both native and fruit species. Most of these trees are more than 100 years old and host a wide variety of birds, mammals and other species.