In the name of development exploitation of nature everywhere has become a new norm. Nagpur is no exception to it. The Garden Department of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) allowed the Nagpur Smart City Project to cut down 139 full grown trees in East Nagpur for widening of roads, recently. The Smart City authority had sought permission from NMC for felling of the trees in January last. On the intervention of environmentalists of the city, senior officials of the Smart City project assured to save about 40 per cent trees to reduce impact of the development on the city’s environment. After the Smart City authority got the permission from NMC’s Garden Department, the environmentalists again took up the issue and reminded the authority to fulfil its assurance.

 

 

 

“We have conducted a joint survey with a team of Nagpur Smart City last year at all places where tree felling is proposed. After proper enquiry, we allowed the authority to cut trees in East Nagpur for widening of roads,” Amol Chourpagar, Garden Superintendent, NMC told The Hitavada. Nagpur Smart and Sustainable City Development Corporation Limited (NSSCDCL) General Manager Dr Pranita Umredkar, said, “We have reduced the proposed road width at every patch to save 30-40 per cent of trees in East Nagpur. We are also following the NMC norms of compensatory plantation in the locality.” “We have planted about 600 saplings on a forest land near the project.

 

One security guard is deputed and regular watering of trees is underway,” said Dr Umredkar. Dr Umredkar also said, “We had conducted survey with NMC and also with Green Vigil Foundation to get ideas how to save trees on the project. As per their advice we are taking steps to maintain the ecosystem in the area.” Kaustav Chatterjee, Founder, Green Vigil Foundation, said, “We suggested not to cut trees coming on proposed pavements where utility work needs to be carried out. It will help to save about 30 per cent trees at all stretches.

 

The senior officials agreed and assured us to follow the same after getting the permission from Garden Department. It will be good if they save trees for their proposed project.” East Nagpur which already has very less green cover, must require attention of the authorities concerned to maintain eco-balance. Like environment activists, citizens must also come forward for conservation of city’s environment. It is time when every citizen must ask questions to authorities before a tree cut in the name of development.