Though the Government has put a halt on cutting of around 29,000 trees in Shivaji Nagar and Tulsi Nagar areas to save greenery but at the same time, four-lane west bypass project connecting Indore Road from Mandideep, near Phanda, 21 kilometre away from Bhopal may cancelled.Sources said that the proposed project will be reviewed for the third time concerned over the environment safety and conservation of Upper Lake in Bhopal. The proposed bypass line will be passing through Upper Lake catchment areas including Jhagariya Khurd, Mundala, Kharpa, Narela, Tilakhedi, Jatakhedi, Kokoria, Borkhedi, Rasulia Ghat, Dobi, Pipalia Dhakad, Phanda Kala, etc.

 

With construction of the bypass, River Uljhawan and Kolans will be affected and these two are the main source river for the Upper Lake. Around 12 km of road in this project will be passing through villages. Talking to ‘The Hitavada’, Mohammed Ismail Khan, Urban Development Expert said, “Any project spoiling the greenery of city would not be suitable for the public.” He further informed that after the bypass project came into light when local villagers raised objection on various issues. Villagers said that around 100 trees will be cut down in village Sarvar, a Lord Shiva Temple situated since 11th Century is on the line, Upper Lake will be affected after disturbing the River Uljhawan and Kolans water, there is requirement of grant permission of Union Environment Minister as road is passing through Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary.

 

There is high forest in six km of area and it is not possible to destroy the jungle, the road is passing through 12 villages in catchment area which is also part of Ramsar Site where construction is not allowed. The proposed project worth three thousand crores including 15 km road, 21 km away from the urban border. The project also includes compensatory amount of Rs 427 crore and there is plan to make two flyovers, There is 12 km dense forest in this line and after construction, dense forest will be destroyed which is not acceptable by the people.