Monday, 13 MAY 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
A large number of concerned citizens demonstrated on the second consecutive day at Khalanga on Sunday against the plan to axe about 2,000 Sal trees for construction of a water treatment plant. The protesters said that it is common knowledge that trees help in balancing the groundwater and help to recharge groundwater. Dehradun is bursting at its seams, overloaded beyond its carrying capacity. Various areas in the city are facing water scarcity. With concretisation on the rise, heat island effect is also evident in the city. The need of the hour is preservation of our existing forests, plantation of new trees and less concretisation within the city, they stressed.
The protesters said that the water treatment plant was earlier proposed in the Kulhan Mansingh area but the site was shifted to Khalanga. Citizens are questioning the selection of the said lush forest area. Addressing the gathering, representatives of various groups questioned why a barren area was not selected for the plant. They also asked why the existing forests and natural water sources are not being conserved and why mega projects which will eventually lead to major crises down the line are being favoured. Representatives of different groups spoke on the issue spreading awareness and urging everyone to think of viable solutions.
The protesters also tied ‘Rakshasutra’ on to the trees marked for felling and vowed to protect each one of them. Members of Nature Buddies, Citizens For Green Doon, Balbhadra Vikas Samiti, SFI, Ecogroup, UBT Cares, Toy Foundation, Proud Pahadi , Save Soil, Shraddhanjali, MAD, Pahadi Peddlers and others were present on the occasion.
