1 lakh+ trees in Tumakuru face axe for solar project; Karnataka minister raises red flag

Bengaluru: More than one lakh trees in Tumakuru district are set to be cut for PM Kusum Solar Power Project, which seeks to expand the green-energy footprint in Karnataka. While green activists claimed close to 5 lakh trees facing the axe include precious sandalwood and teakwood, govt sources said the land comprises mostly acacia and eucalyptus shrubs and put the number at 1 lakh.
According to documents reviewed by TOI, Karnataka govt has identified 10 locations for the project as of Jan 7. The tendering process is complete for three locations — Nidasale, Chikkanayakanahalli and Midigeshi –-- in the district. Three other locations have been issued land, and the fourth awaits public hearing. Proposals for the remaining three sites are under review from the regional forest range.
Revenue minister Krishna Byregowda said, "This is highly inappropriate. We've advised the district administration not to proceed."
Under PM-Kusum, Karnataka has been sanctioned 41,360MW with 30% subsidy from the Centre. Tumakuru has 2,700 MW installed capacity from all solar power projects.
PM-Kusum – Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan -- Scheme is aimed at ensuring energy security for farmers in India, along with honouring India's commitment to increasing the share of installed capacity of electric power from non-fossil-fuel sources to 40% by 2030.
Sources said that in Gubbi taluk alone, over 1 lakh trees are to be cut across four identified sites. "These locations were originally revenue gomaala land (a natural lung space used for cattle-grazing) handed to the forest department for development. They were later returned to the revenue department under the social forestry rules and converted into plantations and forests. Now, these trees, including sandalwood and teakwood, are set to be felled," said a forest department official.
Green warrior DS Mallikarjunaiah said the total number of trees to be axed across the 10 sites in Tumakuru district alone may exceed 5 lakh. "Handing over the revenue gomaala land for power projects is robbing the state of its lung space. The government could repurpose abandoned mining areas, instead of destroying these plantations," he said.
While forest department officials argue that many of the trees are shrubs or do not qualify as trees, environmental concerns remain. "Most are acacia and eucalyptus shrubs," said an official. However, the district forest officer is expected to call for objections before proceeding with the felling.
Activists have petitioned the tahsildar to halt tenders and the tree-cutting plans. "We are confident tenders in Chikkanayakanahalli will be rolled back," Mallikarjunaiah added.