Road constructed overnight before CM’s visit, villagers await removal of two trees

Around two months ago, the once dilapidated road from National Highway 9 to Phoolkan village in Sirsa was reconstructed overnight before CM Nayab Singh Saini’s visit. However, a major issue remains unresolved — two large trees in the middle of the road have not been removed yet.

These trees have greatly inconvenienced commuters, becoming a topic of social media discussion.

Residents have shared pictures of these trees with catchy captions, criticising the department for this oversight. The road construction was completed before Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini’s visit to the village on December 24.

Earlier, there were eight trees on the road, and three dead trees were removed by the authorities concerned. Additionally, three small trees were cut. However, two large green trees remain, and the department needs permission to cut them. In the absence of necessary approval, the trees still stand in the middle of the road.

Residents have raised concerns over the rainwater drainage system and the public health chamber along the road. The original road’s location was disputed by a farmer, who claimed ownership of it, requiring court intervention for demarcation.

After approval, the location was shifted. The Marketing Board had constructed the 270-m road before the CM’s visit. Marketing Board SDO Suresh Kumar said the board had completed its work, including installing signboards, reflectors and speed breakers. However, the Forest Department was responsible for removing trees, he added.