Various organisations, including the Mysore Grahakara Parishat (MGP) and Parisarakkagi Navu, besides environmental activists and civic groups, strongly opposed the move and demanded that alternative routes and engineering solutions be explored to preserve the city’s green cover. | Photo credit: File Photo
A proposal to cut down 561 trees at various locations in and around Mysuru for National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) works has drawn widespread public opposition, with the forest department receiving nearly 2,300 objections from citizens, environmental groups and activists.
Thursday was the last day for the public to submit objections and suggestions to the proposed tree felling, which involves large numbers of roadside and median trees in key stretches in the city.
Deputy Conservator of Forests Paramesh told The Hindu that the department had received around 2,300 objections till Thursday and that officials were in the process of categorization and scrutiny.
“We are studying the nature of the public’s objections, suggestions and other concerns. After examining them and considering the suggestions, a detailed report on the proposal will be submitted to the government,” he said.
According to him, 561 trees have been identified for felling, including about 350 trees at the flyover construction site near Manipal Hospital at Mysuru Junction. The proposal concerns three to four locations associated with the construction of highways and roads.
He said each tree will be individually studied and documented, including details of species, girth and other characteristics, before a final report is submitted to the government for further action.
Mr. Paramesh added that suggestions have also been received to transplant certain types of trees instead of cutting them outright.
Various organisations, including the Mysore Grahakara Parishat (MGP) and Parisarakkagi Navu, besides environmental activists and civic groups, strongly opposed the move and demanded that alternative routes and engineering solutions be explored to preserve the city’s green cover.
The felling of about 40 trees on Hyder Ali Road last year had sparked a massive public backlash, prompting the forest department to take a more cautious approach to the latest proposal to cut trees. During a major public protest held on the road against the felling of trees, citizens and environmental activists warned the authorities against further large-scale destruction of Mysuru’s green cover.
Forest department officials said an estimated 347 trees along stretches such as Bannimantap Road, Nanjangud Road, Fountain Road and Hunsur Road, including trees on medians and roadsides, are likely to be affected by the project. The trees identified include species like Indian rosewood, rain tree, honge, Akasha Mallige, mahogany, mango and neem.
Environmental activists urged the NHAI and the forest department to conduct a detailed environmental impact assessment and explore alternative layouts for the project.
The MGP is also seeking to revive the long-standing tree management in Mysuru to monitor and regulate the increasing cases of tree felling in the city.
Published – 08 May 2026 20:37 IST
