Heritage banyan trees face axe for tehsil office project in Samana, locals protest

While residents across Patiala were busy planting saplings to celebrate World Environment Day, a row has erupted in nearby Samana town over the proposed felling of nearly 10 trees, including decades-old banyan trees, to make way for a new tehsil office building.The project, being executed by the Public Works Department (PWD), is expected to be inaugurated by the Chief Minister in the coming days. However, the plan to clear the site has drawn flak from local residents and environmentalists alike.

The trees in question, some of which are estimated to be over 60 years old, stand on the proposed construction site and are considered a vital part of the town's ecological and cultural landscape.“These banyan trees provide more than just greenery — they are part of our heritage. They offer shelter from the scorching heat and serve as a habitat for birds, squirrels and many small creatures,” said Ramesh Bansal, a resident of the area.A formal complaint has been submitted to the Local Bodies Department, demanding to save the trees.

Another resident emphasised the environmental value of the trees, saying, “Trees are the lungs of our towns. Cutting these for development sends a wrong message. We need to make efforts to preserve these, not destroy them.”

The Executive Officer of the Municipal Council, Samana, distanced the civic body from the project, stating that the construction was being managed solely by the PWD. “We are not involved in the execution or planning of this project,” he said.

Taking note of the mounting concern, Samana Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Richa Goyal said, “The matter has come to my notice. No trees have been cut yet. I have sought a detailed project report from the PWD to check whether provisions for compensatory afforestation were included in the approved layout.”

She added that efforts would be made to explore alternatives that can help preserve the trees. “One such banyan tree stands just outside my office —it is a pleasant sight every day. We will do everything possible to protect these,” she stressed.