A group of environment prevented felling a huge 65-year-old tree near the Ukkadam Bus Stand here on Thursday. It is learnt that a contractor had engaged some workers to cut the tree to clear obstruction to a power line. When Nature enthusiasts raised objections, workers confronted them stating that they had no authority to question them. This led to some tense moments.
By then, activists belonging to Nature Conservation Society (NCS), Environment Conservation Group (ECG), Siruthuli, and Osai gathered in large numbers. They contacted revenue officials and it was clarified that no permission was given to cut the tree. N.I. Jalaludeen of NCS and Mohammed Saleem of ECG, contacted the Chief Engineer (Distribution) of Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation A. Thangavelu to know whether the corporation had asked anyone to cut the tree. He too answered in the negative, said environment activists. The activists immediately preferred a complaint with the Ukkadam police. Investigations are on.
