Tuesday, 25 JUNE 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
Experts said that the State government should refrain from tree felling in its upcoming development initiatives for Dehradun. Notably, last year as part of the Dehradun Smart City project, the administration undertook the felling of numerous trees in Dehradun, particularly in the Sahastradhara Road area and other localities. Considering the felling of trees, local residents and various social activists participated in a walk organised by Citizens For Green Doon (CFGD) to protest against deforestation. Further, during the event, environmentalists highlighted that there are still several upcoming development projects in the city that will involve the felling of around 40,000 trees.
Environmentalist Ravi Chopra has expressed concerns regarding the ongoing development projects led by the State government in various parts of Dehradun. He added that these endeavours are significantly impacting the city’s environment through the indiscriminate cutting down of trees. Emphasising the crucial role trees play in converting carbon dioxide into oxygen for human consumption, he warned that the reduction in tree cover leads to the release of carbon dioxide by the soil, thereby negatively affecting the city’s environment. The recent increase in temperature is attributed to the loss of trees, which further exacerbates carbon dioxide emissions. Chopra emphasised the urgent need to halt tree felling in order to safeguard the city’s future. He noted that upcoming development initiatives including those slated for the Asharodi to Jhajra road, propose further tree removal, posing a threat to the environment. The government should recognise the significance of forests and prioritise sustainable development planning, Chopra said.
Further, president at the CFGD Himanshu Arora highlighted the upcoming development projects of the State government, some of which are proposed to involve the cutting down of trees. He stated that approximately 5,000 to 7,000 trees are slated to be felled in the area from Asharodi to Jhajra. Additionally, areas like Mussoorie, Ponta Sahib to Ballupur are also earmarked for development projects that will involve tree felling. The recent increase in temperatures this year has been directly linked to the impact of tree felling over the past two to three years. He highlighted that the felling of trees is not only detrimental to the city’s environment but also to the economy of the State, as tourists visit Uttarakhand for its greenery and not just for infrastructure. Emphasising the importance of preserving trees, he urged the government to reconsider its tree-felling policy in future development projects. Further, he said that the CFGD members will peacefully protest against the government if any trees in the city are to be sacrificed for these development initiatives in near future.
