CM's office directs action on illegal tree-felling near Kochi park

Following a news report on Tuesday about alleged illegal felling of three trees near Changampuzha Park in Kochi, the Chief Minister's Office has directed the Ernakulam district collector to initiate appropriate action. The directive was issued Wednesday.

The Kochi Corporation, a local councillor, and the Public Works Department have lodged complaints with Elamakkara police, but the police have not yet registered a case, citing technical reasons related to tree numbering. According to reports, a clinic named Skin Secrets allegedly carried out the felling by falsely claiming to have corporation permission.

Ward councillor Vijayakumar K A, who first raised the issue, says he is escalating the matter with the city police commissioner and the social forestry department. Environmental experts and residents' groups, including students from St Teresa's College, have voiced concern over the lack of accountability in tree protection.