Udupi, April 28, 2026: The Udupi district administration has taken decisive action following the unauthorized felling of trees within the District Collectorate complex. Two outsource employees working under the district complex maintenance committee have been dismissed from service with immediate effect.

Background of the Incident: The issue began after a staff member of the DC office tragically died due to electrocution while plucking mangoes. Following this, the administration had clearly directed MESCOM to inspect the site and submit an estimate for raising the high-tension wires or installing underground (UG) cables without causing any harm to the existing trees.

However, despite these explicit instructions, it was reported via media on April 27 that the trees had been cut down. Upon investigation, it was found that the official responsible for the maintenance of the district complex had failed to bring the matter to the notice of the administration and proceeded with the felling, which was deemed a serious dereliction of duty.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Abid Gadyal stated in an official release that the district administration views this act seriously. Consequently, an departmental inquiry has been ordered against the Member Secretary of the District Office Complex Core Committee, and the two outsource personnel involved have been terminated from their duties.

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