Thiruvananthapuram, May 20 -- Environmental activists have alleged that a powerful tree-cutting lobby is operating extensively in the Kerala capital under the pretext of monsoon preparedness measures.
According to activists, the pattern of tree cutting in the city raises serious concerns. While some hazardous trees required pruning or removal for public safety, several healthy trees and large branches that posed no threat have also reportedly been cut down indiscriminately.
Activists claim that the large-scale felling activities became more noticeable after the counting of votes in the recent Assembly elections.
They further allege that the silent approval of officials from departments including the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB),...