THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Tree or road? The fight has surfaced in the city again. This time it is over the construction of a road on the AG’s office premises. One G Rajesh has filed a complaint with the Additional Principal Chief Conservator (Vigilance), Forest Department, against the alleged move to cut as many as 20 trees for the construction of a road from the southern gate to Audit Bhavan. Rajesh has alleged that the authorities concerned had not taken permission from the Tree Protection Committee for the move. The Forest Department has instructed the DFO to inquire into the issue. The Central Public Works Department (CPWD) awarded the contract for the construction of the road to contractor Jose Prasad on April 30. When protests were raised against the alleged move to cut the trees, the AG’s office authorities said that the controversy was created by groups with vested interests. “The entrance gate of the AG’s office was shifted for the road-widening work. A new road was needed for direct access to the parking area. But only one tree, which is dangerously leaning, needs to be cut for the work. The controversy has been blown out of proportion by groups with vested interests,” said Aswathy, deputy accountant general. The CPWD has awarded the work to the contractor for a tender amount of ` 6.29 lakh. In his petition, Rajesh has urged the Forest Department to take necessary steps to prevent the felling of trees. Meanwhile, a senior Forest Department official told Express that the consent of the Tree Protection Committee was needed for cutting the trees. He confirmed that the Department was inquiring into the issue.
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