8,000 trees to pay the price for wider road for VIPs; residents and activists cry foul

The road towards the Raj Bhavan in Gandhinagar never fails to mesmerize commuters with its sheer greenery. Flanked by dense trees, the stretch from Ch-0 to Jh-7, which boasts of high-profile addresses like that of the Governor, the CM and ministers, is said to be the greenest stretch of the State capital. But that may not last for too long. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has reportedly zeroed in on a 7-km stretch between Ch-0 and Jh-7 for a road-widening project.

The choice of the road has left residents and environmental activists fuming. Not only is the entire stretch lined with dense trees, most over 70 years old, but it also does not require widening as it witnesses limited traffic, they claim. Approximately 8,000 trees face the axe, rough estimates suggest. Activists say that since the bungalows of the state head and the ministers are located in this area, it usually remains blocked for VIP movement, adding that even otherwise the traffic is limited here.
Why the road-widening? Over the years, traffic between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar has increased. To address the issue, NHAI had decided to widen the stretch between Ch-0 circle (Indroda circle) to Jh-7 (Mig circle). Besides the bungalows of political bigwigs, major landmarks like Indroda nature park, Circuit House and Akshardham temple fall on this stretch. Forest officials say there is no clarity yet on the plan.

Deputy Conservator of Forest Atul Amin said, “We are yet to receive clear communication from NHAI on the road-widening plan. Once we get it, our teams will assess the tree cover on the proposed stretch. The stretch from Ch-0 to Jh-7 is protected area. If there is any widening plan, we will have to seek permission and guidelines from the central government to cut trees.” On the other hand, NHAI authorities claim work on the project has begun.

Confirming the development, chief engineer and additional secretary of NHAI PR Patelia said, “The tender process for the road widening project is on and work should start in about a month’s time. Jh road too is part of widening plan as of now. Forest department will do a survey of the trees on the route.” He added that the current fourlane stretch will be widened to six lanes. Deputy chief minister Nitin Patel said he was not aware of the number of trees being felled.

Forests and environment minister Ganpat Vasava too gave a similar answer and said, “I will find out and let you know.” However, after that he could not be contacted as he was travelling. Translocation may not be very fruitful, say sources, explaining that the survival of trees in earlier attempts was very low. If it happens, we will protest: residents Activists and residents vehemently feel that there is no need to expand the road on the proposed stretch.

Arun Buch, an activist and president of Gandhinagar Vasahat Mandal, said, “NHAI should widen NH 8 instead of Jh road. Heavy vehicle traffic is diverted to Ch road at night which passes through residential area in the city. Jh road is a VIP stretch. It is blocked entirely during VIP movement. So for limited use, its current width is enough. They should identify a road like NH 8, instead of JH 7, for widening.

I have also written to transport Minister Mansukh Mandaviya about the same.” The fault lies with both, the residents and the government, opined BJP member and activist Jignesh Joshi. “Government makes buildings in all open spaces while residents keep mum. Tree felling in the name of development has been happening for a while. Gandhinagar which was once the greenest city in the country has been witnessing hotter summers, thanks to the reducing tree cover,” he said, adding,

“Cutting trees along Jh road is not acceptable and if government initiates any tree-felling process, we shall protest it.” Vanrajsinh Raol, resident of Kudasan in Gandhinagar, said, “Reducing tree cover is certainly a concern. I have experienced temperature going up with each passing year. The population of birds has also gone down. We rarely see parakeets and mynah, which were once very common here.”