Even as opposition to the proposed felling of trees for National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) projects in and around Mysuru gains momentum, MP for Mysuru Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar on Thursday inspected areas where trees have been marked for removal to facilitate flyover and road-widening works near Manipal Hospital here and surrounding stretches.

Officials from the Forest Department and the NHAI accompanied Mr. Yaduveer during the inspection. He gathered details regarding the trees identified for felling as part of the proposed infrastructure works.

The visit comes a day after Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre inspected the site and directed the Forest Department officials to submit a detailed assessment report on whether the trees could be preserved and whether some species could be transplanted instead of being cut down.

Environmental activists, including members of Mysore Grahakara Parishat, have urged the Forest Department to study the proposal thoroughly and explore alternatives to save the trees from being axed.

The last date for the public to file objections was May 7. While the exact number of objections received remains unclear, resistance to the move is growing, with an online signature campaign launched against the proposed felling of around 561 trees.

Campaigners seeking to save the trees have appealed to the NHAI and the Forest Department to consider alternative project alignments and conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment before proceeding with the tree-felling.