4,200 trees to be felled for NH work

Approximately 4,200 trees will be felled in the first phase of the four-laning of the NH-66 from Kazhakuttam to Mukkola.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the expert committee, chaired by Chief Secretary Jiji Thomson, on Thursday. The meeting approved the proposals arrived at during a joint inspection that was conducted by officials of the National Highways Authority of India and environmentalists a few days ago. As a result, besides the 491 trees that will be retained along the median, those present on the utility corridor and within 60 cm from the corridor on the service road will also be conserved, at least for the time being.

Speaking to media persons after the meeting, Mr. Thomson said the issue, which had been a major obstruction for the progress of the work, had to be resolved by making certain compromises.

As per the agreement, nearly 40,000 trees, fruit-bearing, timber-producing and medicinal, will be planted on various plots, including 35 acres within the premises of the Sainik School at Kazhakuttam, 10 acres of the Greenfield Stadium at Kariavattom, and five acres coming under the university campus at Kariavattom.

The estimated amount of Rs.87 lakh required for the purpose will be handed over by the NHAI to the Social Forestry wing. The Central government will also be requested to allocate 1 per cent of the total project cost of Rs.854.24 crore for planting trees.

The felling of trees within the 11-km stretch from Kazhakuttam to Chakka will commence on Friday.