4 hrs ago
Visakhapatnam Tree Felling Along Highway Sparks Resident Outrage
Residents in Visakhapatnam are upset because many old trees beside a busy highway were cut down.
They say the trees helped block dust and pollution.
The trees also gave shade to people walking nearby.
Air pollution in some parts of the city has recently been very high.
Residents worry that losing mature trees could make the air and health risks worse.
They also think it is confusing for authorities to promote tree-planting drives while removing older trees.
A civic horticulture official said some suitable trees were moved and only unhealthy trees were cut.
Residents still want proof that moved trees survived and want new native trees planted.
Residents objected to the felling of mature trees along the national highway between Isukathota and Maddilapalem.
They said the trees reduced dust and pollution, provided shade, and offered relief to pedestrians.
Criticism intensified after the city’s Air Quality Index recently exceeded 200 in several areas.
Residents demanded replacement with native species, transparency about trees removed, and details on translocated trees’ survival.
Horticulture deputy director Jaya Vasuki Chamarthi said suitable trees were shifted to Kapuluppada and Mudasarlova, while only unhealthy trees were felled.
- Who
- Residents of Visakhapatnam and the Greater Visakhapatnam civic authorities, including horticulture deputy director Jaya Vasuki Chamarthi.
- What
- Mature trees were felled or reportedly translocated along a national highway stretch, prompting public criticism and demands for transparency and replanting.
- Where
- Along the national highway between Isukathota and Maddilapalem in Visakhapatnam; some trees were reportedly shifted to Kapuluppada and Mudasarlova.
- When
- Recently; the article does not provide an exact date.
- Why
- Residents say the trees protected against dust and pollution, provided shade, and were especially important while air pollution was high; authorities said only trees in poor condition were felled.
Residents’ Concerns
Civic Authorities’ Position
Need for mature trees
Residents’ Concerns
Residents say established roadside trees provide environmental protection and cannot be adequately replaced immediately by saplings or relocated trees.
Civic Authorities’ Position
The horticulture deputy director says trees suitable for translocation were moved, while only trees in poor condition were felled.
Tree-cutting and greening efforts
Residents’ Concerns
Residents see a contradiction between removing decades-old trees and spending on initiatives such as seed-ball drives.
Civic Authorities’ Position
Authorities’ stated position is that trees are not simply destroyed and that suitable specimens are shifted.
Future of green spaces
Residents’ Concerns
Residents argue that green belts should remain available for citizens’ environmental benefit rather than being viewed primarily as potential revenue-generating land.
Civic Authorities’ Position
The article does not provide a detailed official response on the broader future of green belts.
Key facts
- Affected stretch
- National highway between Isukathota and Maddilapalem
- Resident concerns
- Increased dust, pollution, heat exposure, and health risks
- Air quality
- The Air Quality Index recently crossed 200 in several areas
- Official position
- Jaya Vasuki Chamarthi said suitable trees were shifted and only trees in poor condition were felled
- Reported relocation sites
- Kapuluppada and Mudasarlova
- Resident demands
- Plant native species, disclose the number of trees removed, and clarify the survival of translocated trees
- Broader issue
- Whether green belts should be preserved for environmental benefits rather than treated as revenue-generating land
Quotes
A Visakhapatnam resident
A local resident criticizing the removal of mature roadside trees
“Visakhapatnam is already struggling with dust and pollution. At a time when we need more greenery, chopping out of mature trees is difficult to tolerate.”
deccanchronicle.com
“Not everything has to be seen through the lens of business. Some spaces must remain green for the benefit of citizens.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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