STOP THE ECOCIDE IN MYSURU: HOLD THE FOREST DEPARTMENT ACCOUNTABLE

To:

Hon'ble Chief Minister of Karnataka

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Karnataka

Hon'ble Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Govt. of India

National Green Tribunal (NGT), Southern Zone

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Concerned Citizens of India & the World

 

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WE DEMAND AN IMMEDIATE HALT TO ILLEGAL TREE FELLING IN MYSURU

On the night of April 13, 2025, in a shocking and unlawful operation, over 50 heritage trees—each more than 50 years old—were felled overnight in Mysuru under the false guise of “development.” This premeditated act was carried out without public notice, without environmental clearance, and without transparency or accountability. These trees, which were home to hundreds of birds, squirrels, insects, and microbial ecosystems, were wiped out in a matter of hours.

This gross environmental crime has rendered countless urban lives inhabitable, disrupted ecological balance, and violated the core spirit of India's constitutional and environmental jurisprudence.

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FOREST DEPARTMENT: FROM GUARDIANS TO COLLABORATORS IN ECOCIDE

What’s worse—this brazen act of eco-vandalism was aided and abetted by the very department meant to protect these trees. The Karnataka Forest Department, which exists to preserve green cover and uphold ecological integrity, has now:

Sanctioned felling permissions without oversight, allegedly for developmental projects.

Operated in collusion with private contractors and bureaucratic authorities.

Facilitated overnight destruction to avoid scrutiny from local communities and environmentalists.

Repeatedly ignored court rulings, environmental laws, and constitutional safeguards.

This is not just negligence. It is willful collusion and institutional corruption, and it must not go unpunished.

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SUPREME COURT HAS SET CLEAR PRECEDENTS

1. Supreme Court Halts Telangana Forest Clearance – Bison Polo Grounds (2024)

SC halted secretariat construction on ecologically sensitive land. It condemned the lack of environmental assessments and clandestine operations, ruling that “development” cannot override ecological concerns.

2. Supreme Court Halts Forest Destruction at Kancha Gachibowli (2025)

In April 2025, SC took suo motu cognizance of tree felling near Hyderabad University. It ruled that the State must be held accountable, and ordered a stay on all tree cutting, calling the operations illegal, hasty, and harmful to biodiversity.

3. SC Bans Forest Land Reduction Without Compensatory Measures (Feb 2025)

The Court held that no steps may be taken by any state or the Union to reduce forest land without suitable compensatory measures, affirming forest protection as non-negotiable.

4. SC Restores Godavarman Forest Definition (Feb 2024)

The Court reaffirmed the 1996 Godavarman judgment, recognizing all forest-like areas as protected—even if not officially declared. This ensures tree-rich lands in cities like Mysuru are protected by law.

5. Oran Lands Granted Forest Status (Dec 2024)

SC recognized the ecological and spiritual significance of sacred groves across India. This judgment reinforces the idea that even unnotified lands hold ecological value and must be preserved.

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INDIAN LAWS VIOLATED

1. Article 21, Constitution of India – Right to life includes the right to a healthy environment.

2. Article 48A & 51A(g) – Directs both State and Citizens to protect nature.

3. Environment Protection Act, 1986 – Requires Environmental Impact Assessments before any activity that affects ecology.

4. Forest Conservation Act, 1980 – Prohibits tree felling without prior approval from the Central Government.

5. Karnataka Preservation of Trees Act, 1976 – Mandates written permission from Tree Officer; prohibits cutting trees without due process.

 

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INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS VIOLATED

UN Convention on Biological Diversity – mandates habitat and biodiversity conservation.

Paris Climate Agreement – binding India to forest conservation and climate action.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – especially SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

 

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OUR DEMANDS

1. Immediate HALT to all tree felling in Mysuru, especially by night.

2. Disciplinary and criminal action against corrupt forest officials and contractors involved in the April 13 operation.

3. Public release of all felling orders and environmental clearances.

4. Formation of an Independent Citizen Oversight Committee for all urban tree projects.

5. Compensatory afforestation in 10x scale using native species, not saplings that die in a week.

6. Mandatory public hearings for any proposed urban “development” on green cover.

 

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ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. THIS IS NOT DEVELOPMENT. THIS IS ECOCIDE.

We—the people of Mysuru and the citizens of India—refuse to accept this betrayal.
We demand accountability, justice, and restoration.
We demand that the Forest Department be held accountable for enabling this crime.
We demand that heritage trees never again fall in the dead of night under corrupt orders.

Sign this petition. Defend the trees. Defend our future.