Maharashtra State Infrastructure Development Corporation (MSIDC), Nagpur has sent a proposal to fell 42 full grown trees, including one 147-year-old ‘rain tree’, in Collectorate premises in Civil Lines recently. MSIDC sent the tree-felling proposal to the Garden Department of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) for construction of new administrative building of Collectorate in the premises. The Garden Departmernt published a notice in a local newspaper in which it asked citizens for any objection regarding the project. The notice also asked to submit objections within seven days (till December 22) of publishing of the notice. After getting information about the proposal of tree felling, citizens and environment activists came together, showing their unwillingness about the tree felling in Civil Lines area which is known for its greenery.

 

“Rampant tree felling has become a regular activity in city now. Government organisations are also encouraging tree felling in city,” Anasuya Kale Chhabrani, a green activist told ‘The Hitavada’. “Instead of felling, the administration should think sustainable and green development of the collectorate premises. It will help to maintain the greenery of the locality,” said Chhabrani. Total 42 full grown trees, including 21 heritage trees, will be felled for this project. As per the information provided in the notice, the heritage trees are between of 52 to 147 years of age. Remaining trees are of 9 to 46 years of age.

 

Tree like Ashoka (5), Mango (2), Neem (11), Karanji (1), Gulmohor (3), Chichwa (3), Eucalyptus (1), Parad (1), Peltophorum (6), Saptaparni (2), Rain tree (2), Katsawar (1), Adjat (1), Subabool (1), Pipal (1), and Jamun (1) will be felled for the project. The Garden Department also asked citizens to send the objection in writing and it should be submitted till December 22. Citizens also attack their identity details with the objection letter. The civic body will conduct a public hearing of all those who will raise objection on the project. However, green activists are taking the matter seriously and urged citizens to come forward and submit huge number of objections to save 42 trees of Collectorate premises.