THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The axe looms large over the future of the trees in the compound of the Institution of Engineers compound near Kanakakkunnu Palace. The hapless trees will fall victim to the Disaster Management Authority’s plans to build its headquarters in the compound.
Of the several trees in the compound the Jamun, which is a slow growing tree and not common in the city, too will fall.
DMA authorities have written to the Social Forestry wing for permission to cut seven trees, including the Jamun tree. Officials at the Social Forestry wing has referred the case to the Tree Monitoring Committee chaired by the Mayor. The committee, which has noted environmentalist B Sugathakumari and architect G Shankar as its members, is yet to convene a meeting to decide on the issue.
A group of environmentalists from the city has written to the DMA to consider an eco-friendly design for the new infrastructure, keeping the trees intact, especially the Jamun. “We request you to design a building that will incorporate all the aspects of a climate-friendly, ecologically stable architecture with energy and water saving features along with protecting the trees in the campus,” said the letter from the group called Tree Walk.
In response the DMA officials had promised that 600 trees will be planted in the place of the seven being cut. Though the group has insisted that no trees be cut, it has sought DMA’s permission to be part of the replanting process, if it is unavoidable.
They will be able to help make decisions regarding the ideal site to plant the trees and species suited for the environment here, as well as in helping to conserve sapling that will be planted but they are yet receive any positive feedback. There are Copper Pods and False Asoka trees also on the compound.
