ree goes ‘missing’ from MGR Nagar

Tree goes ‘missing’ from MGR Ngr
A Selvaraj | TNN
times of india, page no.3, chennai edition
Chennai: An assistant executive engineer of the Chennai Corporation on Monday went to the MGR Nagar police station and lodged a complaint about a tree going missing from VM Balakrishnan Salai. The odhyan tree (Indian ash tree), about 25ft tall, was under the care of the city corporation.
“We noticed a six-year-old tree on VM Balakrishnan Salai near Thiru Nagar missing. The tree was chopped off on Sunday. Immediately, we lodged a police complaint.” assistant executive engineer (Zone 9) A Nachan said.
“If anyone wants a tree to be removed from the road citing hindrance to traffic or pedestrians, the matter has to be first discussed with park overseers. If at all the tree has to be removed, it can be done only after getting permission from senior corporation officials. No one is allowed to chop down trees on the road on their own and it is punishable under the law. The police have promised to take severe action against those who have cut the tree,” the engineer said.
Police sources said the people who had cut the tree could have used a power hacksaw. While some of the smaller branches were found on the roadside, the main trunk was missing from the spot.
Based on the complaint of the engineer, the MGR Nagar police registered a case and are investigating. “We suspect a resident, who had been asking corporation staff to remove the tree from the road. A few days ago, when Electricity Board workers dug up the road, it became a hindrance for the resident to use the road. We have summoned some of the residents for an inquiry,” a senior police officer said.

ROOTED OUT: The corporation has filed a police complaint about the tree that was chopped without permission