Coimbatore: Residents along the MettupalayamRoad near Vellakinar alleged that two trees that were at least 5-year-old and 15 feet tall were razed down by unidentified people in the past week.
When TOI visited the spot next to Umadevi Hospital, only half a foot of the tree was left on the ground.
People living in the area stated that this was not the first time trees were cut down without the knowledge of the national highways authorities or the revenue officials.
In September last year more than five trees were cut. Following this, residents urged highways officials to check the illegal felling of trees and take measures to protect them.
A resident said that the highway department had earlier removed the trees to expand roads, however, saplings were planted again. “Those saplings have now grown into trees and are under threat,” he said.
Another resident G Selvavel said, “Miscreants should have cut the trees at night.”
Secretary of the Coimbatore district roads protection association M Devendran said seven trees were felled illegally last year.
“The highway officials should act immediately and lodge a police complaint. They should ensure that strict action is taken against such practices,” he said.
An official from the national highways department, when contacted, said that they had not received any complaint earlier. He assured that the spot will be inspected soon and suitable action would be taken.
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