In the area from Makarba to the Iskcon bridge on S G Highway in Ahmedabad, civic ‘woodcutters’ have cut down 200 trees, each over 30 years old, in just 15 days. Environmentalists are outraged by this move from Amdavad Municipal Corporation.
On one hand, Prime Minister Modi and Union minister Amit Shah appeal to the public to plant trees under the ‘One Tree in the Name of Mother’ campaign, while on the other hand, the AMC just cuts down trees for infrastructure development.
Fifteen days ago, more than 250 trees were flourishing in the area. With the announcement of a new bridge connecting Makarba to Karnavati Club, markings for tree cutting were made.
The cutting was done swiftly to avoid further complications in the project. Nearly 200 trees have been cut down and removed, leaving many residents astonished. The remaining trees are also expected to be cut down soon.
Ahmedabad has a total of 719 registered green buildings, with the highest number located on SG Highway and surrounding areas. Other areas with green buildings include Ambawadi, Navrangpura, Vastrapur, and Science City.
According to recent data from the corporation, most green buildings are located in the areas where large green trees have been removed already. Locals question whether development can occur without cutting down the trees.
Residents have noted that Makarba to Iskcon bridge road, which has heavy traffic and numerous registered green buildings, includes offices that had paid a premium amount for greenery. However, the situation has now changed with decades-old trees being destroyed.
While the government promotes the concept of green buildings, it simultaneously destroys the trees along the roads leading to these green buildings.