Erode: Residents of Seraiyampalayam near Bhavani in Erode district stood in neck-deep water in Bhavani River to protect a 100-year-old banyan tree on Thursday. Villagers formed a human chain to protect the tree.Meanwhile, more than 300 villagers entered the river and stood in neck-deep water. "More than 50 people from TNEB came to this village with axes to chop the tree," said Mukilan. They raised slogans against the TNEB officials. He also said that all the villagers blocked the officials and prevented the tree from being felled.However, the officials warned the villagers that they would initiate strict action against the villagers for disrupting official work.The officials came to the spot with earthmovers to fell the tree again.

Source: Times of India July 23, 2016 04:41 UTC