Residents oppose tree park in Turahalli forest

Residents oppose tree park in Turahalli forest

For the second consecutive day, over 100 residents protested the proposed development of a tree park in Turahalli forest. Enraged after spotting two earthmovers cleaning the area on Tuesday, they decided to intensify the stir on Wednesday.

: For the second consecutive day, over 100 residents protested the proposed development of a tree park in Turahalli forest. Enraged after spotting two earthmovers cleaning the area on Tuesday, they decided to intensify the stir on Wednesday.

Residents thought the earthmovers were clearing the forest to set up the park, which was commissioned by chief minister BS Yediyurappa's Vision 2022.

Last week, he had announced a tree park would be created on 400 acres of land by April 2021, which left locals agitated. The proposed park will have a walking track, concrete structures, toilets, canteen, play area, water dispenser and gazebo.

A protester stood outside the forest entrance, holding placards and shouting slogans- Kaadu Ulisi, Naadu Belesi (save forest; let the country grow). "The natural flora and fauna would be lost if a tree park is developed here. It will be a place for tourism and picnics," said Abdul Aleem, co-founder of Changemakers of Kanakapura Road. Another resident and member of Save Turahalli campaign, Vijetha Sanjay Mysoremutt, said no public consultation was held. "Why does the government not discuss anything with us before giving a go-ahead to these projects?" Mysoremutt said.

Another resident, Venugopal, said on Tuesday when locals questioned contractors at the spot if they had a work order, they fled. "Forest officials need to book an FIR pertaining to earth-movers entering the forest area without any permission or work order," Venugopal said. There are enough trees in the forest and a special park in not required, he added.

Range forest officer Gopal AA rushed to the spot and tried to pacify the residents. But they continued to protest until the earthmovers stopped working. Forest officers said the earthmovers were creating firebreaks. "We are working to prevent forest fires because summer is nearing. We have not begun work on the tree park yet," Gopal said. After a protester raised a question about the work order, a senior forest officer said: "By the time the department issues the order, things would have gone bad. We can't wait till then."

Range forest officer Gopal AA rushed to the spot and tried to pacify the residents. But they continued to protest until the earthmovers stopped working. Forest officers said the earthmovers were creating firebreaks. "We are working to prevent forest fires because summer is nearing. We have not begun work on the tree park yet," Gopal said. After a protester raised a question about the work order, a senior forest officer said: "By the time the department issues the order, things would have gone bad. We can't wait till then."

The officer said he was aware of the protest. "We are only trying to prevent forest fire. Work order for development of the tree park has not been issued yet. Locals and environmentalists need not worry as of now," he said. Deputy conservator of forests Ravishankar was unavailable for comment. Residents said they would resume their protest if the tree park work continues.