MADIKERI : Two days before Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy’s visit to Kodagu, many trees along Talacauvery-Bhagamandala stretch were felled to clear his path. He will tour Kodagu on July 19 and 20 and visit Harangi Reservoir, Bhagamandala and Talacauvery. An order passed by Deputy Commissioner Srividya P I’s office instructed the forest department to clear the way marked for CM’s visit by uprooting trees that are at a risk of falling.
Following the orders, many trees – young and old – were axed by the forest department. “Trees at a risk of falling and branches of many trees were cut on Tuesday along Bhagamandala and Talacauvery stretch. Three to four small trees were cut down and branches of over 10 big trees were pruned,” said a forest department official. Similarly, trees were felled on Boikeri-Madikeri stretch. The DC denied that she had issued any order specifically for the CM’s visit, but TNIE has a copy of the order issued by the DC’s office.
Thammu Poovaiah, member of Kodagu Ekikarana Ranga, said, “I saw the pictures of numerous trees being cut on Bhagamandala and Talacauvery stretch.”To ensure safety of the CM, apart from the felling of trees, the order has asked for placing of fire engines at places of CM’s stay and visit. A task force has been appointed to move ahead of the CM’s vehicle to avoid any untoward events from heavy rainfall.Alighting from a helicopter near Harangi Reservoir, the CM is likely to offer puja to the Cauvery at Harangi on July 19. He will visit Bhagamandala and Talacauvery on July 20 and offer a special puja.