Officials said that more than 1,000 trees are located on the Panchkula side exit of the railway station, with the rest being located on the Chandigarh side.
The rail land authority had sent an environmental management plan to Indian Railway authorities seeking permission to cut down the trees, but the UT forest department has returned the plea, asking them to reapply only after the Indian Railway authorities approve the environmental management plan. The land on which the redevelopment work is to take place belongs to the Ambala Railway Division.
The rail land authority received time-bound permission to chop down the trees, most of which are eucalyptus, from the forest department in 2019, 2020, and 2021. However, despite having received the nod then, the RLDA never proceeded to chop any of the trees in question in any of the three years.
Officials have said that over 1,000 trees are located on the Panchkula side exit of the railway station, with the remaining trees located on the Chandigarh side. The trees are to be cleared to make space for the outlets of the station, expansion of the parking space, and construction of public utility centers. The officials have stated that the idea is to make Chandigarh station ‘world-class’ and offer passenger amenities comparable to those found at international airports.
The RLDA has planted at least 6,100 saplings, which is five times the proposed number of trees to be chopped, according to the officials. The deputy general manager of RLDA, Saurabh Singh, confirmed that they had submitted an application for permission to cut down the trees, along with a provisional environmental management plan. However, the UT forest department rejected the application and asked for an approved environmental management plan. The approval is currently pending from the Indian Railways’ top brass, and it is expected to be granted shortly.
In the provisional plan submitted by RLDA, they have undertaken the responsibility of planting five times the number of trees they intend to cut. They have also taken responsibility for proper waste segregation and other environmental considerations.
The decision by the Forest and Wildlife Department to deny permission to chop down the trees has been welcomed by environmental activists and concerned citizens who have been advocating for the protection of trees in the region. They have highlighted the importance of preserving the existing green cover in and around the city, which is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and mitigating the effects of climate change.
Chandigarh is known for its greenery and is often referred to as the ‘City Beautiful’ due to its well-planned layout and ample green spaces. The decision to preserve the trees and ensure their protection during the redevelopment project is a positive step towards maintaining the city's reputation as a green and sustainable urban area.
