Kochi losing green cover as felled trees remain unreplaced, enforcement weak

Three trees near Metro pillar 454 close to Changampuzha Park in Kochi were felled last week, allegedly to improve visibility for a skincare clinic. The trees had been planted by Kochi Metro Rail Ltd around 15 years ago as compensatory planting during metro construction. Mayor V K Minimol confirmed the trees were cut without required permission and directed police and the social forestry department to take action.

The enforcement process has stalled at procedural gaps. While the social forestry department holds authority to impose fines based on tree value and mandate replantation, police have not yet registered a case or issued notice to the establishment, citing absence of an official complaint from the corporation secretary. The Ernakulam District Residents' Association and St Teresa's College students have filed separate complaints and even petitioned the Chief Minister.

The incident reflects a broader pattern in Kochi where trees are felled for development, road-widening and infrastructure projects, but replacement promises often go unfulfilled, steadily eroding the city's green cover.