Joint Action Committee opposes tree felling for Kambala, seeks action

The committee says that while the government claimed that no trees would be felled for the Kambala event, the ongoing preparations led to the felling of trees. | Photo credit: File Photo

A joint action committee comprising Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha, Dalit Sangharsha Samiti, Parisarakagi Naavu, Team Mysuru and several pro-Kannada and progressive organizations strongly condemned the alleged felling of trees and environmental destruction in the name of preparations for the proposed Kambala event during Mysuru Dasara.

In a press release, the committee said that while the government had repeatedly claimed that no trees would be felled and the environment would not be damaged due to the Kambala event, the ongoing preparations had led to the felling of trees and damage to the lake’s ecosystem in Sathagalli.

The committee said that on June 26, 36 trees were illegally felled in survey nos. 85, 88, 106 and 107 in Sathagalli following which the forest department registered an FIR on June 27. He claimed that another 33 trees in the same area have now been marked for felling.

According to the committee, the land owned by the Mysuru Development Authority (MDA) has been reserved as a park and open space. A proposal to build a stadium there was dropped nearly four years ago after environmental groups and activists protested, saying it would destroy an existing lake and a large number of trees.

The committee alleged that the current government had transferred the land from MDA to the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and Sports for the proposed cycling velodrome. “However, the vegetation was cleared and trees felled even before the land was formally handed over to the MDA,” said Parashurame Gowda of Parisarakkagi Naavu.

The organization alleged that apart from cutting down trees, the authorities destroyed bushes, grass, small plants and bird habitats, which it called a serious dereliction of duty and an illegal act. The committee demanded that the government initiate action against the officials responsible and urged the forest department not to grant permission for any further felling of trees in the area.

The committee further said that despite opposition from elected representatives, farmers’ organizations, Dalit groups, Team Mysuru, pro-Kannada and progressive organizations, heritage experts, senior citizens and environmentalists against holding Kambala during the Dasara festivities, the government continued with preparations that led to environmental degradation.

Citing the prevailing drought conditions and environmental concerns, the committee appealed to the government to drop the proposal to hold the Kambala event during this year’s Dasara in Mysuru.

Published – 24 Jul 2026 20:23 IST