Sangrur residents to move NGT against axing of trees

sangrur, March 14

The city of gardens on Sunday witnessed an unprecedented congregation to mourn the “massacre” of full grown trees by the Public Works Department. People have decided to move the National Green Tribunal (NGT) for a strict action against officials who were involved in axing of trees without permission.

“Though PWD Minister Vijay Inder Singla is our local MLA, his officers have done vinash (destruction) in the name of vikas (development). The ruthless axing of hundreds of trees from all roads and lack of plantation has badly damaged the green cover. We have decided to knock the NGT’s doors,” said Jasinder Sekhon, an environmental activist.

Locals converged near local Mata Mahakali Temple from where roadside trees have been axed and observed one-minute silence.

“Development should be done with planning, but trees are being felled in Sangrur city without any rationale. Officials are not supreme, but unfortunately they are behaving as they are and not listening to anyone,” said Brig Rajsher Singh Grewal (retd).

Besides locals, members of various political parties and people from other cities joined the congregation to express their solidarity. Col Inderpal Singh Punia (retd), son of deceased Air Vice Marshal Gurdial Singh Punia, AVSM, also specially came to his native city with family members.

“In the name of development, we cannot allow the ruining of our environment. We would announce our agitation plan soo,” said Avtar Ealwal, senior AAP leader. — TNS