The century-old banyan tree (circled in red), with its chopped off branches, stands on the premises of a Kendrapara school. Telegraph picture

Kendrapara, July 31: A century-old banyan tree that had withstood the 1999 super-cyclone fell prey to man-made vandalism triggering public resentment in the town.

The tree was felled to make way for renovation work at a government-run school. For reconstruction of the school building and construction of the kitchen, the tree was felled sparking off protest among the residents of Ayodhyanagar locality here.

“The gigantic tree was witness to times of yore. It should have been protected for posterity, as it was providing a natural ambience to the institution. It had withstood the ravages of nature. But, the insensitive school authorities did nothing to save the tree from destruction,” said Banshidhar Sethy, a local resident of Ayodhyanagar.

“I studied in the school. I still remember it. We loved to play under its cool shades. We are shocked to know that our old companion is no more,” said Sethy, a retired state government employee.

There are two classrooms in the primary school. For construction for another classroom and a kitchen, grants of Rs 4.2 lakh were allocated to the school management under the centrally-sponsored Reconstruction of School Building Project scheme. The district wing of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan had sanctioned the funds to the village education committee. The funds were to be spent under direct supervision of the school headmaster, said the schools and mass education department officials.

“The alleged cutting down of the old tree has come to our notice. The matter is being looked into. The school authorities have been asked to submit compliance report on the alleged unlawful tree-felling,” said Gobind Chandra Pati, district inspector of schools.

Kendrapara tehsildar Jyoti Shankar Mohapatra said: “It was mandatory on part of the school to have obtained permission from the tehsil and the forest department to cut down the tree. No permission was sanctioned in this regard. The forest department has been informed about it. The forest officials are competent agencies to take legal action on the issue of tree-felling. The logs of the felled tree would be put up for public auction.”

The incident sparked tension in the locality and two separate complaints have been lodged with the police.

“The state government is laying emphasis on plantation on the school premises so that it can inculcate nature and environment-friendly mindset in children.

“Therefore, the exercise of tree felling on the school campus is highly objectionable,” said Biraja Prasad Pati, a civil society activist.