Kolhapur, April 22 -- Surajya Abhiyan today demanded that the administration should publish the names of contractors and responsible officials who have allegedly violated State Protection and Preservation of Trees Act, 1975 and file cases against them.
Addressing a press conference here on occasion of 'World Environment Day', Mahendra Ahire, coordinator of Surajya Abhiyan, said as per the order of the National Green Tribunal, it is mandatory for all local bodies to keep at least 1 metre of space around trees in urban areas. It is also illegal to deface trees by nailing them with advertisements or hoardings and consequently damaging them.
"Why are the rules not followed even when road or footpath work is going on," he questioned.
Ahire, c...