Kochi: The state forest department has informed the Kerala High Court that, according to a revised plan for constructing an office complex at the Edappally campus of the social forestry division, only six trees will need to be removed.
This update comes in response to a plea by B H Mansoor, an advocate, challenging the initial decision to cut down a significant number of trees for the project. Deputy Forest Conservator A Jayamadhavan submitted an affidavit outlining the new plan, which substantially reduces the number of trees affected compared to the original proposal. Previously, the Kochi Corporation’s tree committee had sanctioned the felling of 59 trees to make way for the construction. However, following the high court’s directive in April to explore the feasibility of transplanting the trees within the same compound, the plan was revisited. The affidavit detailed that under the revised proposal, one of the two proposed buildings, specifically a residential complex, would be relocated to ‘Suvarnodyanam’ at Nedumbassery with the consent of the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). This relocation has significantly reduced the impact on the existing greenery at the Edappally site.
Furthermore, the affidavit assured that the major green space in the area could be biologically enriched by planting rare, endangered, and threatened species. This approach aligns with the state forest department’s commitment to conserving biodiversity while facilitating necessary infrastructure development. The court’s directive and the subsequent revision of the plan highlight the importance of judicial oversight in balancing development needs with environmental conservation. The proactive stance taken by the high court and the state forest department’s willingness to revise the plan underscore a growing recognition of the value of urban green spaces.
Environmentalists and local residents have welcomed the revised plan, viewing it as a positive step towards sustainable development. The decision to save a significant number of trees while proceeding with the construction project demonstrates a collaborative effort to address environmental concerns. The revised proposal now awaits final approval, and if accepted, it will set a precedent for future development projects in the state, ensuring that ecological considerations are given due importance. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for urban planning and environmental conservation in Kerala. As the state forest department continues to refine its plans, stakeholders remain hopeful that such balanced approaches will become the norm, paving the way for more environmentally conscious development practices in the region.
