‘Heavens would not have come down to earth’: Karnataka high court questions haste in cutting 300 pomegranate plants

The Karnataka government launched a horticultural program two years ago that encouraged farmers to plant pomegranate saplings on marginal lands, offering subsidies and technical support. The scheme aimed to boost farmer incomes, diversify crops, and increase the state’s contribution to the national fruit market. By the end of last season, more than 10,000 saplings had been distributed across districts such as Mysore and Chitradurga. Local agricultural officers reported that the trees were thriving and that the initiative had begun to generate modest revenue for participating households.

Earlier this month, district officials ordered the removal of about 300 pomegranate plants in a village where the saplings were found growing on land earmarked for a road widening project. The decision was taken quickly, with workers cutting down the trees within a few days of receiving the directive. Residents complained that the move ignored the financial investment made by farmers and disrupted the ecological balance of the area. The rapid action prompted several local NGOs to file a petition, arguing that proper compensation and a review of the project plan were necessary before any further removal.

The Karnataka High Court took up a petition challenging the removal and questioned whether the authorities had followed due process. The bench noted that the haste in cutting the saplings could set a precedent for ignoring environmental safeguards in future development projects. Judges asked the state to pause further removals until a detailed impact assessment is completed and to ensure that affected farmers receive fair restitution. Legal experts say the case may influence how infrastructure plans are balanced against agricultural incentives across the state.