CMDA obtains permission to fell 18 trees for new building in Mannady

The District Green Committee directs the CMDA and the GCC to to explore the feasibility of transplanting the other 60 trees at the site

The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) has applied for permission to fell 78 trees near Mannady for the construction of a building. 

The proposal was reviewed during the District Green Committee meeting, chaired by Chennai Collector Rashmi Sidharth Zagade, held on November 26. After the review, the committee granted approval for the removal of 18 trees, citing the need for the project, for which Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will reportedly lay the foundation stone soon. However, the CMDA and the Greater Chennai Corporation authorities have been directed to explore the feasibility of transplanting the remaining trees.

The project involves the proposed construction of a stilt plus three-floor building on Linghi Chetty Street at VOC Nagar on a parcel of land belonging to the Ekambareswarar temple in Sowcarpet.

While transplanting trees is an environmentally friendly option, its feasibility depends on several factors. According to V.A. Saravanan, District Forest Officer, Chennai, transplanting trees may not be viable unless suitable land is available within a few kilometres from the site. This limitation stems from the unavailability of required machinery for long-distance tree transplantation, he added.

The decision has sparked concern among environmentalists, who stress the importance of preserving green spaces in urban areas. A representative of a non-governmental organisation, who is part of the District Green Committee, said the 60 trees needed to be inspected, and since most of the trees are young, transplantation was likely to be feasible. CMDA officials could not be reached for comment.

Published - November 29, 2024 09:47 pm IST