A decision to fell 31 trees in Belagavi Cantonment has sparked significant opposition from environmental groups and local residents. The Belagavi Cantonment Board has confirmed that the tree-felling proposal has been finalized, with the necessary permissions obtained.
The trees scheduled for removal include various species, such as Nilgiri (eucalyptus), mango, silver oak, gulmohar, and champak. These trees are located across several key areas within the cantonment limits. An e-auction for the tree-felling contract was held on May 5, with Belagavi-based AK Hawaldar Wooden Packers winning the bid at ₹2.1 lakh. The auction attracted bids from firms in Pune and Goa, with the final decision announced after the Cantonment Board meeting on May 8.
According to official documents, the trees to be cut include 16 Nilgiri trees from Church Road Garden and Saint Mary Church, 4 mango trees along New Mochi Line and Thimmaiah Road, 4 gulmohar trees at the Cantonment Board office, and a silver oak, totaling 31.
Cantonment Board officials stated that the decision followed environmental norms and guidelines, assuring that all necessary permissions were acquired and the tender process was conducted transparently. However, environmental activists have voiced strong disapproval, expressing concern over the loss of local biodiversity and the potential rise in temperatures due to the removal.
Lingaraj Jagajampi, an environmental activist, emphasized that tree cutting in urban areas like Belagavi should be carefully considered. He also criticized the absence of plans for replantation or compensatory afforestation, which has raised doubts among citizens about the long-term environmental impact.
As the contractor begins the tree-felling process, the decision continues to attract criticism from environmentalists who are calling for more transparency and ecological accountability from the Cantonment Board.
