Even after drought has struck our City, it's saddening to watch people still cutting down trees in the name of 'inconvenience'. Within a span of few years, the city has already lost thousands of age-old trees in the name of 'expansion' by the Government and the residents.
Reacting on a tip-off received on cutting of trees at New York avenue, Podanur, City-based NGO 'OSAI', that works towards various environmental causes precisely on safeguarding the greenery rushed to the spot to prevent felling of those trees.
It was confirmed that the residents haven't obtained the required permission from the officials to cut the trees. However, the residents claim that they were in the process of trimming the branches and not felling the tree.
Syed, Organiser from OSAI escalated the issue to the concerned officials who despite being on holidays ensured their presence to the spot, in no time. Madukkarai, Tahsildar Sivasankaran along with a few police personnel from Podanur station confiscated the equipments used for cutting the trees and also warned the residents that action will be initiated against them for not seeking legal permission.
Speaking on this syed from OSAI stated that, 'It's high time people understand the indispensable role played by trees in our environment. And, it's practically not feasible for any NGO or an environmentalist to be on the complaint spot every time and save the trees from felling. It's the utmost duty of every resident to act swiftly and save our trees'.
'Recently, an inter-faith prayer was hosted by an organisation seeking rain and farmers welfare. Just prayers aren't enough, we have to protect and plant more trees to bring more rain and greenery. Without trees, a major climate drift awaits us and there is no way on earth our human race can sustain. And, when are people going to believe this fact and act with responsibility?' syed asked.
'Trees on the road sides and streets are the sole property of the government hence those who indulge in cutting them are 'offenders'. Even for trimming down the branches, people/residents have to seek necessary permission from the concerned officials. Presently, the laws against these offenders aren't very stern. If an incident of tree felling is complained to the Police, they would just warn and leave them off, as there is no particular section to book these offenses.
Stringent punishments and fines should be levied against these offenders for their impetuous act' said Syed.