Parvesh Sharma

Tribune News Service

Sangrur, April 29

After axing trees from internal roads of Sangrur, the proposal of the PWD to cut more trees from the outskirts of the city, has angered the residents again.

“Majority of Sangrur city roads have become without trees in the past three years. Now, the PWD officers have decided to axe full-grown trees from the outskirts. The officers should transplant these trees at other locations instead of axing them,” said Inderpal Singh, AAP founder member.

The PWD has decided to widen roads, including the stretch from Patiala gate to Patiala road, while another from Police Lines to Barnala road.

“Despite being well-aware of the fact that we must plant more saplings to save the environment, the PWD officers are axing trees without any mercy. The CM must look into the matter,” said Hardeep Singh, a local resident.

Earlier, on almost all roads there were numerous trees. But they were axed during construction of various roads. Harmale Singh, SDO, PWD (NH), said they had deposited Rs 66 lakh with the Forest Department to convert 2.315 hectares of forest land into into non-forest land. “We have got the first approval. We are waiting for the second approval from the Union Government. We will ensure adequate plantation to maintain the green cover after four-laning of road from Khurana to Barnala bypass,” he said.