GMCH wants ‘artificial shade’ at cost of natural canopy
   Date :30-May-2024

GMCH 
 
 
 
 
By Kaushik Bhattacharya
 
 
In the wake of extreme summer heat, natural shade under a tree evokes the utmost importance. Even commuters realise the need to cool themselves under a tree while many vie for tree shades to park their vehicles. Contrary to this fact, the civic authorities are generously clearing proposals of various establishments seeking nod to fell trees in the name of development. In the latest development, on Tuesday, the Garden Department of Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) asked citizens to send their objections against two different proposed projects seeking the nod from the civic authority to fell 55 trees, including 8 heritage trees, in city. Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), which is the only campus in South Nagpur that boasts of a green cover, has sent a proposal to the Garden Department for its nod to fell 51 trees, including 8 heritage trees, in its premises. The residents of areas near GMCH are aware of the fact that the temperature in and around GMCH remains a couple of degrees less than what the city witnesses during summers. Thus, the green cover plays a huge role in providing solace to the citizens from the scorch.
 
In its latest move to develop the area, the GMCH administration wants to construct three ‘artificial shade’ for parking of vehicles by doing away with the ‘natural shade’ which is itself a gift to the hospital by the nature. As per its proposal to the NMC, GMCH seeks the civic nod to fell 26 Keshia trees, 15 Jangli Karanji trees, 2 Gullar trees, one tree each of Neem, Raintree, Nilgiri, Peltrafarm, Karanji, Nevarka, Babool, and Karam for construction of the parking lots. Of the 51 trees, eight are heritage trees, too, which are 53 to 83 years old. In 2023, GMCH uprooted 294 trees in its premises for construction of a new girls’ hostel and paying ward, and to facilitate the platinum jubilee function which was attended by the President of India in December. Then, a group of citizens and environment activists had raised objections against tree felling in GMCH premises but their voice fell on deaf ears.
 
In another proposal, the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Smarak Samiti, Deekshabhoomi, which has initiated a beautification work, sought approval from the civic administration for felling four trees. It has citied ‘obstruction in the work’ as the reason. The historic place in the city is already blessed with natural beauty, the administration wants to destroy it in the name of artificial beautification. As per the rule, NMC has invited objections from citizens against these proposals for felling 55 trees within seven days of the publishing of a notice in the newspaper. “GMCH is doing rampant infrastructure development in its premises. The work to construct six complexes is underway in GMCH. Instead of felling trees for the proposed parking lot, the hospital authority should construct parking area under these buildings,” suggested green activist Anasuya Kale Chhabrani while talking to ‘The Hitavada’.