Advertisement
When should a housing society in Mumbai start considering re...
From GST on JDAs to SEBI’s REIT reclassification and the S...
Stay ahead in the world of real estate with our daily podcas...
Stay ahead in the world of real estate with our daily podcas...
In Kolkata's Dum Dum area, ongoing road repair work has led to protests by local residents and environmental groups, who raised concerns over damage to trees and saplings. Concrete bases were reportedly placed around some trees, affecting their roots, while other saplings were uprooted. Activists argue that such actions violate National Green Tribunal and Calcutta High Court guidelines. They demanded immediate removal of concrete encasements and replantation of damaged saplings. Residents said repeated requests to protect trees during construction were ignored, highlighting tension between infrastructure development and urban greenery.
Construction and repair works along roads in Dum Dum, North Dum Dum, and Nimta Birati areas have recently drawn criticism from local residents and environmental activists. Several trees and saplings were reportedly uprooted during the works, while concrete bases were built around the roots of standing trees, restricting water and air access and impacting their growth. Advertisement
Green activists launched a campaign urging authorities to remove the concrete encasements and replant the affected saplings along the roads. Suman Adhikary, a local resident, said that workers paid little attention to preserving the trees despite repeated appeals. He added that mature trees were cut, saplings removed, and remaining trees were damaged by construction activities.
Activists highlighted that these actions contravene National Green Tribunal guidelines and a Calcutta High Court directive, which require adequate measures to protect urban greenery during infrastructure work. They stressed that urban trees provide essential environmental benefits, including shade, air quality, and improved neighbourhood liveability, which are compromised when construction is carried out without safeguards.
Residents also noted that authorities had been informed about the risks to trees during road upgrades, but their concerns were not acted upon. The protest in Dum Dum reflects wider debates in Indian cities about balancing infrastructure development with environmental protection, especially in areas with mature trees and existing greenery.
The movement has emphasized the need for better planning and coordination between road construction agencies and environmental authorities to avoid long-term damage to the city's urban landscape. Activists are calling for a systematic review of current work and measures to ensure replantation and maintenance of affected trees.
5th Jun, 2025
25th May, 2023
11th May, 2023
27th Apr, 2023
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
