The Hindu             08.11.2013

Civic body protests tree-cutting

The Chennai Corporation on Thursday filed a complaint with the police to identify and take action against those who chopped down a massive avenue tree on B.B. Road in Vyasarpadi. This is the first instance of such a complaint being lodged in the civic body’s current council.

In its complaint, the Corporation noted that the tree was chopped on Wednesday night, in what is possibly an overnight operation.

The tree, measuring around 3 feet in diameter on the footpath, was removed without obtaining orders from the Corporation Commissioner.

Residents in the area said the tree did not pose any risk to motorists or pedestrians.

“Some persons have removed it at night without our knowledge. Police are yet to identify the persons responsible,” a Corporation official said.

An MTC bus conductor from the neighbourhood said: “The tree was very old and in good shape. It was useful as it was large and offered a lot of shade. I saw some persons cutting the tree down with a mechanical saw on Wednesday around 11 p.m.”

“The tree was not in dangerous condition,” said Kannan, a resident of the area. “We want officials to take action against the persons concerned.” Rathinam, a shopkeeper in the locality, said the tree was not a hindrance to business.

Hasmuk and Co., a pawn shop, stands right behind where the tree stood until Wednesday.

Its owner, Sunil, denied allegations that he was behind the removal of the tree. “We did not remove the tree. We did not request the Chennai Corporation to remove the tree either,” he said.

When contacted on Thursday night, the councillor for ward 45, J.K. Irudhaya Rani, said she was not aware of the felling of the tree.

“Our officials will investigate. The residents did not request the removal of the tree. I did not ask anyone to remove the tree,” she said.