After authorities cut down about 40 trees to expand the road, the view of Hyde Ali Road in Mysolu. |Photo source: Ma Sriram
Following widespread public outrage over the deforestation of 40 fully grown trees on Hyder Ali Road, Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy formed a three-member inquiry committee to investigate the incident.
Members of the Mysuru team held a protest on April 20, 2025 at the scene where 40 trees were cut down. Image source: Sriram MA
A formal order issued by Mr. Reddy on April 21 stated that the Commission of Inquiry will be chaired by a commissioner of the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA). The Huns Deputy Forest Protection Program will serve as a member, while the Executive Engineer of the Regional Urban Development and Planning Department has been appointed as secretary of the committee.
The tree cut was carried out near the Chief of Police and as part of a spacious project, it has drawn strong criticism from citizens, NGOs and environmental groups. Protests erupted every day, with participants demanding accountability and questioning the rationale for sacrificing green coverage for urban infrastructure.
Environmentalists and residents concerned specifically questioned the need for the project and whether the decision to cut down 40 trees was justified.
The Deputy Commissioner’s order directed the Committee to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. The team’s mission is to determine whether road expansion is essential, whether it is technically reasonable, whether all necessary permits and clearances have been obtained, and whether the lawsuit complies with applicable regulations.
The committee was directed to submit a detailed report within 7 days, outlining its findings and recommendations.
On April 18, 2025, a candlelight vigil was held on Hyder Ali Road in Mysolu to protest the axe of trees to expand the road. Image source: Ma Sriram
The public’s response to the incident was fierce. A huge candlelight vigil was recently held at the location where the trees once stood. Hundreds of citizens attended the meeting, paid tribute to the cut down trees and took decisive action.
In the symbolic behavior of environmental management, some local residents and farmers planted saplings at the same location.
The seriousness of the incident was further emphasized by the Minister of Forestry and Environment Eshwar Khandre, who ordered a separate investigation into the incident.
publishing – April 22, 2025 at 4:38 pm IST
