Hassan: The controversial Yettinahole project received a shot in the arm after the Forest Department reportedly gave its permission to fell close to 4,995 trees in the Western Ghats. The project will provide water to Kolar, Chikkaballapur and Bengaluru Rural districts.
Apart from the trees, 1,332 bamboos will also be felled, denuding 13.95 hectares. Direction has been given to officials to transport the axed trees to the timber yard in Hassan.
According to statistics, 569 trees will be felled at Heggadde village, 3,102 at Kadumane, 449 at Doddanagara, 643 at Nadahalli, 107 at Aluvalli and 125 trees at Kadagarahalli.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has instructed the state government to plant 10 tree saplings for every tree felled. The forest department officials have said that they would adheer to the directions of the NGT.
Many environmentalists and activists have expressed concern over the felling of trees as it would include axing endangered trees and will also disturb the ecological balance.
