To: Project Director, NHAI PIU-Mysuru | Range Forest Officer, Mysuru Zone | Karnataka State Forest Department | Karnataka Government

 
Mysuru — celebrated as one of India's cleanest and greenest cities — is on the verge of losing 561 trees to make way for NHAI road expansion and flyover projects. The Forest Department has issued a public notice (dated 27 April 2026) inviting objections, and we are using this window to make our voices heard.

The trees slated for removal are spread across beloved and busy parts of our city:

• 350 trees along NH-275 (Bengaluru–Mysuru), including trees in Bannimantap Park, medians on Hunsur Road and Nanjangud Road — and critically, 3 Sandalwood trees
• 15 trees on the Mysuru–Nanjangud National Highway near TVS Circle, Kadakola and Mandakalli
• 196 trees on the Kerala border–Kollegal road corridor, including at Varuna Circle, Duddagere–Puttegowdanahundi Road and M.C. Hundi Road

These are not just trees. They are decades-old carbon sinks, habitats for birds and wildlife, providers of shade for pedestrians and street vendors, and an irreplaceable part of Mysuru's identity. The loss of mature trees — including protected Sandalwood — cannot be undone by planting saplings elsewhere.

We are not against infrastructure. We are against the assumption that roads must come at the cost of our green cover. Engineers and urban planners across the world are designing highways that work around trees. We demand the same thoughtfulness for Mysuru.

We call on NHAI and the Karnataka Forest Department to:

1. Explore alternative alignments and engineering designs that preserve these trees
2. Conduct an independent environmental impact assessment before any felling
3. Ensure full transparency — publish the species list, exact locations, and proposed compensatory plantation plan
4. Protect all Sandalwood and other ecologically significant trees unconditionally
5. Extend the public objection window to allow meaningful community participation

Mysuru's green heritage belongs to all of us. Sign this petition and help us send a strong message before the May 7th deadline.

 
This petition is based on the official public notice issued by the Tree Officer and Range Forest Officer, Mysuru Zone, under Section 8(3)(VII) of the Karnataka Tree Preservation Act, 1976 (Amended 2014). Objections can also be sent directly to rfomysore123@gmail.com or by post to Aranya Bhavana, Ashokpuram, Mysuru – 570008.

 
Sources:

Flyover, Highway expansion projects: 561 trees to be axed – Star of Mysore
Clearing of trees; Objections invited – Star of Mysore
Mysuru underpass plan sparks row over tree felling – News Karnataka
Massive tree protest: Children, elders and thousands light candles – Star of Mysore
Mysuru tree felling: Protest planned over illegal chopping of 46 trees – Deccan Herald
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/tree-felling-for-nhai-works-in-mysuru-sparks-concern-activist-questions-move/article70946099.ece#google_vignette