Felling of century-old Banyan tree angers green group
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THE FELLING of a banyan tree that was over 100 years old has outraged a Phuket conservation group, with its members vowing to find out who was responsible.
Members of the Big Tree Club – a group of local engineers and architects who fight against the felling of old trees on the island – contacted the Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation and the Phuket City Municipality seeking answers. The tree was located beside the provincial administration on Chao Fa West Road.
“Both offices told us that they had not ordered anyone to cut down the tree,” said Anawut Praphanwong, secretary of the Big Tree Club.
“We came to see this tree quite frequently to help take care of it. However, on February 3 we found out that the tree had been mostly cut down, with only the bottom part of it left. We were very disappointed.
“We heard from school security that six men had come with equipment and cut the tree down.”
Anawut said the club was committed to finding out who cut down the tree.
“We need to help each other take care of nature and our trees. Government offices, the private sector and local people should all work together and keep an eye on our environment,” he said.
