Environment activists in Aurangabad claimed that the roots of a large number of trees planted in the Cantonment area of Aurangabad were damaged during the digging work under Smart City Mission.
The Smart City Mission in its reply said that the work was “important” and the ground level staff had ensured “minimum damage” to the trees during the digging work.
NGO Jansahyog, which is taking care of the trees, has sought stern action in connection with the incident.
“The trees in question were planted during July 2017 by our NGO thorough own funding. After plantation, we had also put up tree guards at our own expense. While the proper care by our volunteers resulted in growth of these trees up to the height of 20 feet,” Jansahyog founder Prashant Gire said.
Aurangabad cantonment board had issued a special appreciation letter to Gire and his team for increasing green cover in its jurisdiction.
Jansahyog has planted over 40,000 trees at 26 different locations in and around Aurangabad over a period of last seven years. It has said that the Aurangabad Smart City Development Corporation Limited (ASCDCL) should be held responsible if the affected trees fail to survive.
ASCDCL deputy CEO Pushkal Shivam could not be reached for his comments as his cellphone was not reachable. Local civic body chief Astik Kumar Pandey, who has recently tested positive for Covid-19, could not be reached for his comments.
ASCDCL, in its official reply, said that the road-side lane where digging had taken place was filled again within 24- hours. “The civic work concerned was important for laying down cables for setting up CVTV network in different parts of the city. The ground level staff had ensured minimum damage to trees planted while digging,” it has said.
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Quelle/Source: The Times of India, 09.04.2021
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