CFGD to hold walk on Sunday despite CM’s orders to not trees for Cantt Road widening
Saturday, 22 JUNE 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has verbally ordered that 240 trees from Dilaram to Centrio Mall will not be cut down for the planned widening of Cantt Road. However, the Citizens for Green Doon (CFGD) said that it will still be organising a ‘peace walk’ on June 23 as it is against unnecessary felling of trees across Dehradun and not just along one road. Stating this, the president at CFGD Himanshu Arora expressed appreciation towards the chief minister for overturning the initial plan to cut down the trees. Arora said that this action signifies the government’s recognition of the significance of trees in the city to mitigate rising temperatures in the coming years.
Commenting about the peace walk as part of the Paryavaran Bachao Andolan on Sunday, Arora said that it will proceed as scheduled. He emphasised that the purpose of the walk is not only to protest the cutting of trees for the planned widening of one particular road but also to oppose other projects in Dehradun that involve tree felling. Arora said that despite the chief minister’s decision, local residents remain vigilant and will participate in the walk to raise awareness and prevent further tree felling for development projects in Dehradun. He stressed on the need for officials in the State administration to prioritise the preservation of trees in the city over development initiatives. He further added that the felling of trees not only impacts the city but also endangers lives, especially as temperatures rise in the future. He urged the government to understand the importance of halting other development projects that involve tree cutting.
Arora said that following the walk, they will proceed to present a letter to the chief minister urging for the cessation of tree felling for other projects. Further, he emphasised the need to permanently exclude tree felling from all future development initiatives. He also emphasised that the government should prioritise removing cemented footpaths in city areas as they contribute to water scarcity rather than development.
