Karnataka villagers protest against Forest Department over road expansion delays

MADIKERI: Residents from various villages staged a demonstration against the Forest Department on Saturday, accusing the foresters of inaction regarding tree clearance necessary for road expansion work.
According to a petition lodged at the Shanivarasanthe police station, road construction from Changadahalli main road through Dundalli and Yasalur to Kodlipet commenced in 2023.
However, progress stalled as the Forest Department did not approve tree felling in a stretch. Despite raising the issue with senior forest officials and receiving assurance from the Tahsildar during a site inspection, the work remains pending with an estimated eight-month delay.
"The delay in the road widening work is causing problems for the public and students. Forest Department officials must give permission to axe the trees," they stated.
Following the protest, the officials provided written confirmation to consult their superiors and secure tree clearance permission within a week to resume road construction.