UP Govt Assures Compensatory Afforestation Precedes Prayagraj Tree Felling

The Uttar Pradesh government has committed to the Allahabad High Court that it will not proceed with the felling of trees for a proposed road widening project in Prayagraj until compensatory afforestation is completed in July 2024. This decision comes in response to concerns raised over the environmental impact of such actions, particularly during periods of extreme heat.

The court's directive was issued during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Anand Malviya and others, which accused the state of indiscriminate tree felling under the guise of road expansion. The PIL is scheduled for further hearing in the third week of July.

Chief Standing Counsel (CSC) Kunal Ravi Singh, representing the state government, assured that tree cutting activities would be halted during June and July, resuming only after the completion of compensatory afforestation in July 2024. Singh admitted that while achieving the full target without cutting existing trees might be challenging, a 60-70% achievement rate was still feasible.

Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta and Justice Kshitij Shailendra, presiding over the case, have instructed the Vice-Chairman of the Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) to submit an affidavit detailing the steps taken towards compensatory afforestation. The affidavit should also specify the species planted on Mahatma Gandhi Marg and Sadar Patel Marg in Civil Lines as part of this initiative.

The court further urged the authorities to prioritize local shade-tree species for planting during the upcoming rainy season and to outline these efforts in the forthcoming affidavit. This directive aligns with broader environmental concerns, highlighted by recent reports of rising temperatures nearing 50 degrees Celsius in the city, leading to heat strokes and increased hospital admissions.

In its order dated May 31, the court emphasized the urgent need for compensatory afforestation by July 2024, advocating for the planting of healthy, mature trees as confirmed by the PDA Vice-Chairman. This measure aims to mitigate the adverse effects of non-judicious tree felling and contribute to restoring Prayagraj's green cover.