Prayagraj, August 9: The Allahabad High Court has banned the indiscriminate cutting of roadside trees in Prayagraj, linked to road-widening projects for the upcoming Kumbh Mela. The court ordered the Vice President of the Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) to attend the next hearing on August 20. The Vice President must update the court on steps taken, including plans for planting shady trees.
Vice President Fails to Submit Affidavit
The court summoned the PDA Vice President after he failed to submit an affidavit detailing the measures taken to compensate for the tree loss. The Vice President previously assured the court that they would plant ten times more trees to replace those cut down. The court emphasized the need to plant shady trees along key roads like Mahatma Gandhi Marg and Sardar Patel Marg during the monsoon season.
Petitioners Challenge Smart City Project’s Impact on Trees
Petitioners, led by Anand Malviya, argued that roadside trees are vital to the residents’ well-being. They accused the government of cutting trees under the Smart City project without proper environmental assessments or plans for replanting. The petitioners highlighted that authorities approved the cutting of 1,341 trees, including 148 on CY Chintamani Road.
The court will reconvene on August 20 to review the PDA’s actions and ensure compliance with its orders. The Vice President must attend the hearing either in person or via video conferencing.
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