Bengaluru, July 19: Authorities in Kodagu district of Karnataka cut around 100 first-generation trees for chief minister HD Kumaraswamy's 'safety' in Madikeri. Kumaraswamy is scheduled to visit Kodagu district today for the religious purpose. Authorities justified the move saying 'dangerous trees' had to be axed for Kumaraswamy's smooth travel.

On Tuesday, Deputy Commissioner of Kodagu district issued orders to fell “dangerous trees”, keeping the chief minister’s visit in mind. By Wednesday evening, the administration cut nearly 100 trees, according to a report by Deccan Herald. The order said trees lurking dangerously should be chopped off. Interestingly, the District Commissioner Sreevidya denied giving orders for the chopping of the trees.

“I haven’t given those orders. I have just submitted directions to all the departments. This is because for the past few days there have been strong winds. Since the trees were dangerously positioned, we gave the suggestion for the trees to be felled," she told Times Now. The forest department also expressed anguish because it was not consulted.

“We were not consulted and no survey was done to identify dangerous trees. All those which the authorities thought were bent because of strong winds have been brought down. Madikeri is called the Scotland of India, it is the region where Cauvery river originates. Already there is a lot of damage to the green belt in Madikeri in the guise of roads and tourism, this is just adding to it," a forest department official was quoted as saying.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 19, 2018 10:17 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).