Mangaluru: The forest department organised a public hearing to address concerns regarding the axing of trees on approximately 1.5 acres for the construction of an academy and reservoir within the Pilikula golf course area.A total of 196 trees, including species like acasia, magilam, hebbalasu, uppalige, baine, baleendra pale, cashew, spathodea, chere and cherry trees, will be cut, prompting public objections.Voicing opposition, members of National Environment Care Federation (NECF) noted that a few years ago, 375 trees were cut without permission. He questioned why submissions are being accepted now and argued that the land, part of the Pilikula Biological Park, should benefit animals rather than be used for human recreation. Participants suggested relocating trees instead of cutting them. They sought to know what measures would be taken to maintain ecological balance in place of the felled trees.Kiran Shetty, a former member of local Moodushedde gram panchayat, said that tourism is developing due to the golf course, and suggested planting more trees if some are removed.Captain Manoj Kumar Shetty of Pilikula golf course said that the course currently holds an A grade in the country and is of international standard. To upgrade it to an A+ grade, establishing an academy is essential. The plan includes coaching for 20 people, a dormitory for 40, and a reservoir, necessitating the removal of trees in that area. He noted that the course has already planted 8,500 trees, including 130 varieties of mango trees, with plans for more.ACF Mangaluru sub-division, Shashikanth S Vibhute, who presided over the meeting, said that public objections and submissions would be compiled and sent to the deputy forest conservation officer within a week for a final decision. Mangaluru range forest officer (RFO) Rajesh Baligar and golf course secretary Sudheer Shetty were present.
