T’puram: Students of M G College, Thiruvananthapuram were upset after finding several trees cut down on the campus, including along the stretch between the chemistry department and the canteen, when they returned after a three-day holiday. Students said the trees provided shade and had become a popular spot for them to relax, study and spend time with friends.A second-year BSc Physics student said students were saddened to see the trees removed without knowing the reason for the large-scale cutting.“The college was shut since last week for the valuation. When we returned, we found out that the trees had been cut down. We were really saddened by this,” she said.Students said their concern was primarily about the lack of clarity over the decision rather than opposition to development on the campus. They said they wanted to know why such a large number of trees had to be removed.The issue was subsequently raised with the college authorities, who explained that the tree cutting was linked to proposed development and safety concerns. Students said they were satisfied after receiving the explanation and were not opposed to the development works planned on the campus.“We are not against development. Now that the management has explained the reasons and promised development, we are fine with the decision,” a student said.College principal Kishore Kumar said around 46 trees had been cut, including old trees and those considered a threat to people and the college building.“We are constructing a new road inside the college campus and some trees had to be removed. Trees that posed danger to people and the college building were also removed. The corporation had also directed us to remove trees that threatened people,” he said.The college authorities have also informed the students that no more trees would be cut on the campus, students said.
