Crack down on illegal tree felling

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: The Forest Cell of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) put up a stern stance against illegal tree felling, sending a firm message to real estate entrepreneurs and builders by arresting three individuals and imposing a hefty fine of Rs 40 lakh recently.

The case involves the illegal felling of 303 trees to make way for multi-storied buildings constructed by Casagrand Private Limited, a real estate company that acquired 17.12 acres of land.

Despite certain tree species being exempted from permits, the corporation has taken strict action against violators.

Two individuals, Senthil and Bhaskar from a real estate company, and Puttaswamy, a logging contractor, were held in connection with the illegal tree felling and were later released on bail.

The intervention came following a complaint about the cutting down of significant trees in Mallasandra village, Hemmigepura ward, Bengaluru South taluk.