Sir,

We have already lost 40 trees for road-widening by MCC (Urban Development Ministry). PWD seeks to fell 175 trees at Dattagalli, concerning a 66/11 KV HT power line (PWD Ministry + Electric Power Ministry (KPTCL)). Manandavadi Road widening requires 125 trees for felling (PWD Ministry + State Roads and Highways Ministry).

How can citizens deal with multiple Ministries on a case-to-case basis? The Forest Ministry remains under pressure from all sides. There is no end to widening of urban roads to accommodate private vehicles (four-wheelers + two-wheelers) being registered at 400 every day.

Tree-cutting for road widening is a short-term solution causing double loss, because it causes loss of oxygen generating capacity and at the same time growing traffic increases exhaust gases. The automotive and construction industries benefit financially, but everybody loses by suffering ill-health and eventually society loses.

The ONLY viable long-term solution is to dis-incentivise personal vehicles, along with providing public transport on more routes with more frequency. Indore (Madhya Pradesh) has done it. WHY CAN’T MYSURU DO IT?

– Maj. Gen. S.G. Vombatkere (Retd.), Mysuru, 20.4.2025

Note: Mysuru is a planned city though old city. Thanks to our Maharajas and their visionary Dewans like Sri M. Visvesvaraya and Sir Mirza Ismail. Except for the need for a few flyovers, the old city roads need not be widened by cutting trees. With a vision of future, Maharajas had left 10 to 15 ft. space on either side of the old roads. That was how JLB Road and Vinoba Road were widened without cutting trees. As for new layouts, same vision must be displayed by MCC and MUDA. —Ed