Over 3K trees to face axe for elevated Metro corridors in Chandigarh tricity

Chandigarh, July 22

The Metro project in the tricity will lead to the felling of approximately 3,376 trees, according to a draft of the alternative analysis report (AAR) prepared by RITES. “Nearly 3,376 trees along the Metro corridors will be removed during the implementation of the project,” stated the report.

An official said trees would be axed for the construction of the elevated corridors and not the underground ones.

The extensive tree cutting has raised environmental concerns among local residents and environmentalists, who worry about the ecological impact and loss of green cover in the area. The project, aimed at improving public transportation, faces scrutiny over its environmental cost.

The report also prepared a plan for non-motorised transport (NMT) in the tricity. “Provision of footpath, pedestrian facilities, cycle tracks and public bike sharing scheme are part of the NMT plan complementing the proposed public transport system,” stated the report.

Footpath improvement, cycle docking station development and pedestrian zones in important areas of city are key features of the plan.

The report recommended several measures for pedestrian/NMT infrastructure, including footpaths to be installed on all the mobility corridors throughout the city, minimum recommended width for footpaths is 1.5 m to 2 m, exception being roads with right of way below 10 m, where footpath of 1.5 m may be provided to accommodate minimum required carriageway of 7 m. Besides, footpath should be provided on both sides of the road and to be raised by unmountable kerbs of height 150 mm and footpaths discontinued to be raised by table-top crossing.

Strict measures to restrict motorised vehicles from entering NMV lanes and footpaths and also to discourage encroachment and vandalism of the NMV infrastructure, all roads with medians to have rail guards to discourage jaywalking along with opening at every 1 km to allow pedestrians to cross with a pedestrian crossing signal and zebra crossings at all grade junctions, added the report.