This story is from April 28, 2022

PWD shows the way, saves over 500 big neem trees in Wardha

PWD shows the way, saves over 500 big neem trees in Wardha
Nagpur: As environmental activists and nature lovers raise a great hue and cry over rampant tree felling by road development agencies, the public works department (PWD) has shown the way by saving over 500 trees in Wardha.
Of the 50km road to be constructed under the hybrid annuity model (HAM), 15km passes through Wardha city via Dattapur-Sevagram-Madni.
The road was to be expanded with variable right of way (RoWs). As per the detailed project report (DPR), tall neem trees that were planted during the British era in the 15km patch were marked to be felled for road widening from the existing 7 metres to 14 metres.
As reported earlier by TOI, there were a total of 1,500 trees. Of these, 665 trees were identified to be felled between Dattapur-Wardha-Sevagram-Madni. But figures show that 124 trees were only felled and 541 could be saved.
PWD executive engineer Prakash Boob told TOI, “We reduced the width of the road. The stretch where trees were saved was to be expanded to 14 metres along with 1.5 metre median. This would have led to the felling of trees on both sides.”
Boob said, “We gave a second thought and brought the median from 5 feet to 2 feet and carriageway was also reduced to 10 metres from 14 metres. This was done only in the city areas to save trees. At some spots, we also shifted the alignment. As road width was reduced, many trees could be saved and those coming along the edge were only felled. The trees had to be felled adhering to the safety norms of the IRC.”
However, if reduced road width was one reason to save trees, the PWD’s change of mind was due to continuous counselling by green activists and pressure from Wardha Vriksha Bachao Nagarik Samiti. The chief engineer’s office also took efforts to ensure sustainable road development in the city having lasting legacy of Mahatma Gandhi.

Tree expert Shrikant Deshpande says, “At a time large-scale tree felling is underway in the entire state, PWD officials have set an example. I suggest all road agencies should take a judicious decision while planning road expansion at the initial stage only, so that our green cover is protected.”
Deshpande added, “The Wardha example is a win-win situation for all who bat for sustainable development. There are still many patches in Vidarbha where such trees are standing tall and can be saved with the proper application of mind.”
Under the HAM mode of road development, the contractor has to build the road and maintain it for 10 years in good condition. He also has to plant 200 trees per km and maintain till the end of the contract period with proper growth.
“The saved trees have been painted with lime and earthy-red colour. This will save them from termites and fungus and it also increases the aesthetic value. Breathing space has also been created around the trees. Now, we hope the PWD takes up compensatory plantation for the felled trees,” he added.
However, ecologist Alok Bang of Wardha, who was among those to spearhead the agitation, begged to differ on the issue. “The PWD took a neutral stand and hence entire credit cannot be given to PWD of saving these trees. Most of the green cover could be saved due to public pressure, otherwise, the contractor was almost on the verge of felling trees in Dattapur. But there was no NOC from gram panchayat.”
BOX
TREES FOR FUTURE
* In 2021, amid stiff opposition from greens, PWD felled 124 trees
* 1,500 trees in 15km Dattapur-Sevagram-Madni stretch
* 665 trees were marked to be felled, but PWD cut only 124 trees, thus saving 541 big trees
* This was done by reducing width of road in city from 14 metres to 10 metres
* Other road agencies can also follow same principle to save green cover
End of Article
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