Sun Jun 22 12:48:56 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Dravidian University in Kuppam, India, is facing criticism for allegedly cutting down healthy trees on its campus and selling them at low rates to private parties in Karnataka. University officials claim financial difficulties and insufficient government funding forced the decision, diverting funds meant for campus greenery to cover electricity bills. The move has sparked outrage from nature lovers and local residents, who view it as ecological damage. NGOs plan to escalate the issue to the Chief Minister and demand an inquiry.

**News Article:**

**Dravidian University Accused of Indiscriminate Tree Felling Amid Financial Strain**

**KUPPAM, India – June 22, 2025** – Dravidian University in Kuppam, Chittoor district, is embroiled in controversy following allegations of widespread tree felling on its 1,100-acre campus. The university, established to promote Dravidian languages and culture, is accused of selling mature trees to private entities in Karnataka for significantly lower prices than market value, generating approximately ₹7 lakh since April.

University officials cite severe financial constraints and inadequate financial support from the governments of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala as the reason for the drastic measure. A senior official stated that funds allocated for campus greenery maintenance, initially provided by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), are now being diverted to cover escalating electricity bills.

The university’s defense has done little to placate concerned citizens. The lush campus, once known for its panoramic views and dense woods thanks to the Srinivasavanam project, is now facing ecological damage. Locals and nature enthusiasts have expressed outrage at the destruction of healthy trees.

“It’s a brazen act of ecological rupture,” said one local resident, lamenting the loss of the university’s landscape.

Despite efforts by local revenue officials to dissuade the university management, the tree felling continues. Local NGOs in Chittoor district are now planning to bring the issue to the attention of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Kuppam’s MLA since 1989, and demand a high-level inquiry into the environmental impact and financial dealings of the university. The situation remains tense as the future of Dravidian University’s green landscape hangs in the balance.

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