Deforestation, deep slopes, lack of vegetation, and increasing human activities are the main reasons behind soil erosion every where. Trees help the local environment by protecting delicate soil from wind and rainfall, which in turn prevents landslides and surface runoff. This definition and solution of soil erosion is globally known. But, Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) and Maha Metro may be unaware about this fact. Maha Metro has sought permission from NMC for felling of 121 full grown trees along the periphery of Futala lake for construction of a retaining wall to avoid soil erosion. However, NMC issued a public notice informing about felling of 121 trees and asked if any objection was there on the demand raised by Maha Metro.

 

After watching the notice in a newspaper, environment activists came forward against the demand and conducted a fact check of the demand at the spot. Maha Metro wants to construct a retaining wall along the periphery of Futala lake, opposite the viewing gallery. According to NMC officials, the wall will prevent soil erosion which happens frequently as the road has a slope. Maha Metro is constructing Viewers Gallery at Futala Lake and backside of the gallery the agency want to construct the wall to avoid soil erosion. “We will take proper decision about the felling of trees and also to explore other options after discussing the matter with experts,” said Akhilesh Halve, DGM (CC), Maha Metro. “The slop is not new in the area. There were many restaurants near the slop before this project which never face erosion threat because of the trees. Trees prevent soil erosion and here they are being cut. No matter what species they are, every tree is important,” said Anasuya Kale Chhabrani, Environment Activist while talking to to ‘The Hitavada’. “Earlier, we raised the issue of water-level drop in Futala Lake due to cracks in its heritage wall.

 

The authorities were not paying heed towards collapsing heritage wall or leaking of lake and now they are asking citizens for cutting more trees in same area which is holding the soil of the lake,” said Jaideep Das, former Honorary Wildlife Warden and environment activist. He said, “The objections are sought in writing from citizens during lockdown. How can we be forced to come out of our homes? We have sent objection letters to NMC online.” Environment activist Shrikant Deshpande said, “Instead of cutting the trees we advised the Maha Metro Project Head of Futala Lake to implement pitching with stones on the slope of Futala lake to avoid soil erosion couple of years ago. He assured us that no tree will be felled and pitching will take place. But now they are going to cut all 121 trees there.” Kaustav Chatterjee, Founder, Green Vigil Foundation said, “As the entire development work is revolving around Futala Lake, hence, the focus need to be on saving the lake and aquatic ecosystem.

 

The existing wall needs to be repaired and strengthened immediately so that it can withstand the water pressure and the existing leakages and seepages get arrested.” Chatterjee further said, “The new wall being proposed is around 20 meter away from the lake water so, it will not help in arresting the existing leakages. Trees are known for their soil holding capacity, thus, cutting deep rooted big old trees in large numbers will definitely result in soil erosion, which will have adverse effect on the lake itself. Find some other option to minimise the impact.”